Industry News
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, has officially wrapped up the 2025-26 season at Buttermilk, with the resort announcing the mountain’s closure on March 25 following a winter marked by “unique challenges.”
- Related: Aspen Snowmass, CO, Honors Olympic Halfpipe Champion Alex Ferreira With Named Run at Buttermilk
Described by the resort as “our smallest mountain in size, but biggest in heart,” Buttermilk’s season came to an end after months of welcoming beginners, park riders, and world-class athletes alike. The decision to close was “not made lightly,” but resorts across Colorado have been struggling with a winter marked by below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures.
Buttermilk plays a distinct role within Aspen Snowmass’ four-mountain lineup. Known as the most accessible and progression-focused terrain in the valley, it serves as the entry point for many first-time skiers and riders, particularly at Panda Peak. At the same time, it is home to incredible terrain parks, drawing freestyle skiers from across the globe eah year when Buttermilk hosts the X Games Aspen and The Snow League.
Despite Buttermilk’s closure, the season is far from over in Aspen. Operations will continue across Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass “as long as possible,” according to the resort, extending spring skiing opportunities in the Elk Mountains.
While Buttermilk may be the most approachable of the four mountains, each resort under the Aspen Snowmass umbrella offers a distinctly different experience:
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) is the steep, no-beginner-terrain local favorite rising directly above downtown Aspen, known for its consistent fall-line skiing and expert terrain.
- Aspen Highlands is revered for its rugged, high-alpine character, highlighted by the iconic Highland Bowl—one of North America’s most celebrated in-bounds hikes.
- Snowmass is the largest of the four, offering expansive terrain, long cruisers, and a mix of family-friendly and advanced skiing spread across a massive footprint.
- And Buttermilk, though the smallest, remains the heart of progression skiing and freestyle culture in Aspen.
Resort officials also took time to acknowledge the people behind the season, thanking all employees whose work kept lifts spinning through a challenging winter. “Most of all, we are thankful for our mountain operations teams, snowmaking crews, and all employees whose hard work and dedication made the season possible.” Hear, hear! Thanks from everyone we think are in order— it has been a tough season and their dedicated work made safe skiing possible for guests across the four mountains.
