Aspen 2026–27: the winter season opens on 26 November

Published 4 November 2026 · ATLAS MAISON editorial team

Opening

Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on 26 November 2026; Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk on 12 December

Closing

Aspen Mountain on 18 April 2027, conditions allowing

Peak weeks

Christmas and New Year, then the February holidays

Arriving

Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE), or Eagle County about 70 miles away

Book early

Chalets, instructors and ski school for the holiday weeks

Aspen’s 2026–27 winter season begins on Thanksgiving Day. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open on 26 November 2026, with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk following on 12 December, according to Aspen Snowmass. For families who want Christmas in the mountains, the planning starts now.

The dates

The season runs into April, with Aspen Mountain scheduled to close on 18 April 2027, conditions allowing. Christmas and New Year are the most sought-after weeks of the year, followed by the February holidays and the spring sunshine of March.

The chalet

The best chalets in the West End, on Red Mountain and with ski-in access at Snowmass are committed long before December. What matters is the brief: bedrooms on the entrance level for grandparents, a boot room close to the door, a chef or not, and how far the family is willing to drive to the lifts each morning. We research the options against the brief; you contract directly with the owner or agency.

Children and grandparents

Children’s ski school and private instructors for the holiday weeks book out early, so we reserve them with the chalet. Equipment is fitted in the house before the first morning. Aspen sits at around 8,000 feet, so we plan the first day gently, with time to adjust, especially for grandparents. Sleigh dinners, the town’s galleries and long lunches on the mountain mean nobody is left out.

Arriving

Private flights land at Aspen/Pitkin County, a few minutes from town, subject to weather and aircraft limits. Eagle County, about 70 miles away, is the usual alternative and the airport for larger aircraft. We always keep a road plan ready in case a flight diverts.