Ski · Uphilling
Uphill skiing in Aspen
Skinning up the ski runs before the lifts open is an Aspen morning ritual. The pass, the hours, the routes on each mountain and the rules that matter.
Photo: Wolfgang Moroder, CC BY-SA 3.0 · All credits
Skinning up the ski runs before the lifts open is an Aspen morning ritual. The pass, the hours, the routes on each mountain and the rules that matter.
Photo: Wolfgang Moroder, CC BY-SA 3.0 · All credits
Uphilling on Aspen Snowmass's four mountains needs an uphill pass: $74 for the whole 2026–27 season (November 1, 2026 to April 18, 2027), included with a Premier Pass. Uphill travel is allowed 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on designated routes, with earlier cut-offs on Aspen Mountain (top by 9 a.m.) and Aspen Highlands (Merry-Go-Round by 8:30 a.m.).
Rules and routes are Aspen Snowmass's published uphill policy and guide, checked September 28, 2026. Conditions and closures change daily; check the resort's uphill status before you go.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
We arrange touring gear delivered, an uphill guide for the first time, and breakfast at the top. Ask us.
Skins on touring skis, alpine touring bindings and compatible boots.
Uphill gear rents from Ute Mountaineer in Aspen and Cripple Creek Backcountry at the Aspen Highlands base.
Aspen Snowmass runs private lessons and one-day clinics that introduce uphilling. Private instructor
Climbing 3,000 feet from nearly 8,000 is hard work on your first days. Start at Buttermilk. Altitude: the first 48 hours
Last season the Cliffhouse at the top of Buttermilk ran a Friday uphill breakfast club, 8:45–10 a.m., $8, from January to March.
Yes. Aspen Snowmass requires an uphill pass on all four mountains: $74 for the 2026–27 season, included with a Premier Pass.
From 5 a.m., and you must reach the top by 9 a.m.; uphilling is not allowed from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Evenings until 10:30 p.m. are allowed.
Buttermilk: Main Buttermilk is 1,842 feet of climbing and Tiehack 1,683.
Not on Aspen Mountain at any time, and not on any uphill route from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. during the ski season.
A car at first light, a lesson if it's new to you, and recovery after.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
A private lesson matched to the skier and the mountain.
A therapist at the residence after travel or skiing.
A one-hour private yoga or meditation class at the residence, shaped to the group, with mats and props brought in and cleared away.
Pass and policy changes and the first uphill access of the season.
Written from Aspen by Paul Montiel. A few letters a season, only when something matters. Leave any time; we never share your address.Aspen Snowmass: uphill policy · Aspen Snowmass: uphill passes · Aspen Snowmass: uphilling guide — checked September 28, 2026.
Tell us your level. We'll book a clinic or guide, rent the gear and have a car at the base before first light.
Plan an uphill morning
