Aspen Snowmass vs Vail
Aspen Snowmass has more vertical (4,406 ft vs 3,450 ft); Vail has more skiable terrain (5,317 acres vs 3,342 acres); Vail has more snow in an average season (354 in. vs 300 in.). Aspen Snowmass is on the Ikon Pass and Vail on the Epic Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
The mountains
| Aspen Snowmass | Vail | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Colorado Rockies | Colorado Rockies |
| Vertical drop | 4,406 ft | 3,450 ft |
| Summit | 12,510 ft | 11,570 ft |
| Base | 8,104 ft | 8,120 ft |
| Skiable acres | 3,342 | 5,317 |
| Trails | 336 | 195 |
| Lifts | 40 | 31 |
| Average snowfall | 300 in. | 354 in. |
| Pass | Ikon | Epic |
| Usual season | Nov 26 – Apr 19 | Nov 14 – Apr 19 |
| Fly into | ASE, EGE, DEN | EGE, DEN |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 36 / 42 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -17% / -17% |
| December | 51 / 60 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +19% / +19% |
| January | 51 / 60 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +19% / +18% |
| February | 48 / 57 in. | Packed / Packed | +22% / +22% |
| March | 51 / 60 in. | Packed / Packed | +33% / +33% |
| April | 36 / 42 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -6% / -6% |
Pairs read Aspen Snowmass / Vail.
This week
- Aspen SnowmassOpens ~Nov 22
- VailOpens ~Nov 22
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Aspen Snowmass: Four mountains on one ticket; free buses link them.
- Aspen Snowmass: Aspen (ASE) flights are often cancelled in storms; Eagle is the backup.
- Vail: I-70 weekend traffic from Denver can add hours; fly into Eagle (EGE) when possible.
- Vail: Back Bowls usually open mid-December or later.
Questions
- Is Aspen Snowmass or Vail better?
- Aspen Snowmass has more vertical (4,406 ft vs 3,450 ft); Vail has more skiable terrain (5,317 acres vs 3,342 acres); Vail has more snow in an average season (354 in. vs 300 in.). Aspen Snowmass is on the Ikon Pass and Vail on the Epic Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
- Which is less crowded, Aspen Snowmass or Vail?
- They are about equally busy over the season (very busy on average).