# Uphill skiing in Aspen

> Uphilling at Aspen Snowmass: the $74 uphill pass for 2026–27, hours, the time limits on Aspen Mountain and Highlands.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-uphill-skiing/  
Updated: 2026-09-28 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

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.

## Uphill pass 2026–27

- **Price**: $74 for the season, however many days you use it; $10 goes to Mountain Rescue Aspen.
- **Season**: November 1, 2026 to April 18, 2027.
- **Carrying it**: Wear the Aspen Snowmass strap on your body or pack with the pass visible in its sleeve.

## Gear and a guide (what Aspen Privé arranges)

We arrange touring gear delivered, an uphill guide for the first time, and breakfast at the top. [Ask us](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=uphill).

## Each mountain's rules

- **Aspen Mountain**: One route, America's Uphill: up Little Nell to Bingo Slot and Spar Gulch, 3,317 feet of climbing. You must reach the top by 9 a.m.; no uphilling from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- **Aspen Highlands**: Jerome Bowl to Park Avenue to Memory Lane and the Merry-Go-Round restaurant; about 3,635 feet to the top. Reach the Merry-Go-Round by 8:30 a.m.
- **Snowmass**: Designated routes include Two Creeks (1,655 feet) and Sam's Knob (2,173 feet), plus High Alpine, Elk Camp and Campground.
- **Buttermilk**: The gentlest: Main Buttermilk (1,842 feet) and Tiehack (1,683 feet), plus the West route.
- **Always**: Designated routes only, 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Routes can close for grooming, avalanche mitigation or construction; use lights and reflective clothing in the dark.

## Gear, rentals and guidance

- **Gear**: Skins on touring skis, alpine touring bindings and compatible boots.
- **Rentals**: Uphill gear rents from Ute Mountaineer in Aspen and Cripple Creek Backcountry at the Aspen Highlands base.
- **Learning**: Aspen Snowmass runs private lessons and one-day clinics that introduce uphilling. [Private instructor](https://aspenprive.com/private-ski-instructor-aspen/)
- **Altitude**: Climbing 3,000 feet from nearly 8,000 is hard work on your first days. Start at Buttermilk. [Altitude: the first 48 hours](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-altitude-first-48-hours/)
- **Breakfast at the top**: 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.

## Questions

**Do you need a pass to skin up Aspen Mountain?**  
Yes. Aspen Snowmass requires an uphill pass on all four mountains: $74 for the 2026–27 season, included with a Premier Pass.

**What time can you uphill Aspen Mountain?**  
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.

**Which Aspen mountain is best for a first uphill?**  
Buttermilk: Main Buttermilk is 1,842 feet of climbing and Tiehack 1,683.

**Can I bring my dog uphilling in Aspen?**  
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.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

A car at first light, a lesson if it's new to you, and recovery after.

- [A driver for the evening](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=evening-driver) (From $210 per hour): A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
- [Private ski instructor](https://aspenprive.com/private-ski-instructor-aspen/): A private lesson matched to the skier and the mountain.
- [In-home massage](https://aspenprive.com/in-home-massage-aspen/) (From $425 per 60 minutes): A therapist at the residence after travel or skiing.
- [Private yoga at the house](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=private-yoga) (From $485 per session): A one-hour private yoga or meditation class at the residence, shaped to the group, with mats and props brought in and cleared away.

## Sources (checked September 28, 2026)

- [Aspen Snowmass: uphill policy](https://www.aspensnowmass.com/policies/uphill-policy)
- [Aspen Snowmass: uphill passes](https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/tickets-and-passes/uphill-passes)
- [Aspen Snowmass: uphilling guide](https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/guides/uphilling-guide)

## Related

- [Highland Bowl](https://aspenprive.com/highland-bowl-aspen/): Aspen's hike-to expert terrain.
- [The four mountains](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-four-mountains-which-one/): Which one suits whom.
- [Season dates 2026–27](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-ski-season-dates/): November 26 to April 18.

To plan or request any of this: https://aspenprive.com/plan-your-trip/ · https://aspenprive.com/contact.html