Aspen Mountain / Ajax
Aspen Mountain / Ajax
4.5
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Known as "the athlete's mountain," expert skiers flock to its challenging slopes.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
571 reviews
Excellent
410
Very good
121
Average
29
Poor
9
Terrible
2
DebbieBG
Sunny Isles Beach, FL242 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Great ski mountain, not easy way down. Experts only, I don’t recommend for newbies or small kids.
Not many stops for eating or bathroom. Excellent long runs
Not many stops for eating or bathroom. Excellent long runs
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobbie S
Decatur, AL144 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The truffle fries are the BEST!!!! Sitting outside watching the skiers fly down Aspen Mtn with a crisp glass of wine it perfect!!!!
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob E
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
Mar 2023
Aspen Mountain or “Ajax” as it used to be known is the closest ski area to the city of Aspen, quite literally at the town’s southern edge. It was the first developed area of the resort’s four ski hills and offers a unique winter sports experience.
At a mere 675 acres, this is not a big-mountain ski area, nor an easy one. It is long and narrow in shape, essentially two canyons side by side flanked by two parallel ridges. A series of very difficult black and double black runs descend from the ridges into the canyons. At the bottom, narrow, steep runs snake their way down to the bottom of the resort.
The area’s top third, roughly, above Bell Mountain is comprised of blue and black tree glade runs which vary in difficulty. However, even the blue runs tend to have technical features (ungroomed, hairpin turns, sudden steep drops, etc.) that make this overall a more challenging area than the norm. For this reason, Ajax is recommended for high intermediate to advanced skiers.
I noticed two types of riders in evidence: 1) very good skiers who took on the slopes with aplomb, and 2) ski-fashion models who didn’t seem to ski at all but enjoyed riding the gondola up and hanging at the sundeck bar (or private Aspen-X ‘beach’ club) dressed in gold lamé and Chewbacca fur. Both seemed to be having a great time.
I enjoyed it too, but as a high-intermediate skier myself, I definitely felt challenged: some of the blues here would be blacks anywhere else. I stink at reading trail maps, so the fear of a wrong turn and a double-black death plunge loomed. Also, due to the layout, if you don’t want to ride all the way to the bottom, you end up lapping the same one or two chairs (Ajax Express of the old Gent’s Ridge two-seater).
For lovers of this sort of technical canyon and glade skiing this is a great area. However, most locals tend to treat it as a place to catch a few turns when they don’t have time to head for Highlands or Snowmass. I gave it a morning and then headed for Snowmass myself.
All that aside, the scenery from the gondola is absolutely extraordinary and well worth a download ride to watch the city come into view. Would definitely do it again, but preferably with a local or someone who knew the trails.
At a mere 675 acres, this is not a big-mountain ski area, nor an easy one. It is long and narrow in shape, essentially two canyons side by side flanked by two parallel ridges. A series of very difficult black and double black runs descend from the ridges into the canyons. At the bottom, narrow, steep runs snake their way down to the bottom of the resort.
The area’s top third, roughly, above Bell Mountain is comprised of blue and black tree glade runs which vary in difficulty. However, even the blue runs tend to have technical features (ungroomed, hairpin turns, sudden steep drops, etc.) that make this overall a more challenging area than the norm. For this reason, Ajax is recommended for high intermediate to advanced skiers.
I noticed two types of riders in evidence: 1) very good skiers who took on the slopes with aplomb, and 2) ski-fashion models who didn’t seem to ski at all but enjoyed riding the gondola up and hanging at the sundeck bar (or private Aspen-X ‘beach’ club) dressed in gold lamé and Chewbacca fur. Both seemed to be having a great time.
I enjoyed it too, but as a high-intermediate skier myself, I definitely felt challenged: some of the blues here would be blacks anywhere else. I stink at reading trail maps, so the fear of a wrong turn and a double-black death plunge loomed. Also, due to the layout, if you don’t want to ride all the way to the bottom, you end up lapping the same one or two chairs (Ajax Express of the old Gent’s Ridge two-seater).
For lovers of this sort of technical canyon and glade skiing this is a great area. However, most locals tend to treat it as a place to catch a few turns when they don’t have time to head for Highlands or Snowmass. I gave it a morning and then headed for Snowmass myself.
All that aside, the scenery from the gondola is absolutely extraordinary and well worth a download ride to watch the city come into view. Would definitely do it again, but preferably with a local or someone who knew the trails.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle
Connecticut1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
We had a great day skiing Ajax. We parked at the rio grande garage and had a very quick shuttle ride to the gondi. The shuttle states that it only runs every 10 minutes and the garage only takes credit cards. There were limited spots in the garage and at 9 am we grabbed the last, very narrow spot. There were lockers right at the base and we even used free cubbies for our boot bags.
There is absolutely no beginner terrain and most of the blues were steep but well groomed. We banked a lot of vert, but the runs were a little repetitive since most of the lifts are more for laps. The ride all the way to the bottom is long and fun, but then the gondi ride back up is also rather long.
My kids did the dumps, which they claimed were a little hard to follow and very aggressive. They were rewarded with some hidden shrines that were pretty cool.
We had lunch at the top (sky deck i believe). The food was good and there’s a nice fireplace.
We grabbed a snack later at Bonnie’s. It was ok, the cookies were very good and the deck was nice and sunny.
There is absolutely no beginner terrain and most of the blues were steep but well groomed. We banked a lot of vert, but the runs were a little repetitive since most of the lifts are more for laps. The ride all the way to the bottom is long and fun, but then the gondi ride back up is also rather long.
My kids did the dumps, which they claimed were a little hard to follow and very aggressive. They were rewarded with some hidden shrines that were pretty cool.
We had lunch at the top (sky deck i believe). The food was good and there’s a nice fireplace.
We grabbed a snack later at Bonnie’s. It was ok, the cookies were very good and the deck was nice and sunny.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bikingmom
Cleveland, OH755 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed are day here, but it was not our favorite of the 4 mountains. We enjoyed skiing off the gondola, but after a few runs it felt like we had done everything we could do. The lodge at the gondola was very pretty with beautiful views and great service. Our main complaints was the skiing to the base at the end of the day, even on a weekday it was extremely busy and icy, not a fun way to end my day.
Written 12 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony O
Stafford, TX57 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
We went to Aspen with our 5 yr old daughter. She want to see snow and play in the snow. Luckily it was snowing in Aspen eventhough the near by places are not snowing. Our daughter spent quality time in the snow at Aspen.
Written 28 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison1013
New Orleans, LA169 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We came in for lunch once we got off the plane & had champagne, truffle fries and burgers! It was the perfect toast to an amazing stay! The menu was very accommodating to all diets!
We also had the French onion soup and burrata salad! Yum!!
The staff was quick and accommodating to any request.
We sat outside where the skiers came off the mountain so it was great people watching. It was also dog friendly which was so nice to see also!
We where hoping our flight was going to be canceled so we could attend the dinner and movie night- truffled popcorn was served!!!
Can’t wait to return and enjoy more great food & people watching!
We also had the French onion soup and burrata salad! Yum!!
The staff was quick and accommodating to any request.
We sat outside where the skiers came off the mountain so it was great people watching. It was also dog friendly which was so nice to see also!
We where hoping our flight was going to be canceled so we could attend the dinner and movie night- truffled popcorn was served!!!
Can’t wait to return and enjoy more great food & people watching!
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard E
Portsmouth, NH205 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
8:45 am at the gondola and the 10 minute ride to the top is where you will meet ski bums and titans of industry. Ajax is a spectacular place to ski and has every amenity you can want. Its steep and deep and can challenge even the pro skiers that are scattered about or the groomers for the rest. No better spot to be at 3-5pm than the base and chair 9
Written 25 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan H
San Diego, CA142 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
I went here with my 23 year old son and 22 year old daughter.
We are good skiers, but not experts. The runs here were nice and steep and long! This mountain is definitely geared towards more advanced skiers. The mountain isn't as big as Snowmass, but it was definitely big enough to spend a whole day here while covering most of the trails.
It was really cold the day that we skied, 10 degrees at the bottom and -5 degrees at the summit.
We were well layered and it was a fun day.
We are good skiers, but not experts. The runs here were nice and steep and long! This mountain is definitely geared towards more advanced skiers. The mountain isn't as big as Snowmass, but it was definitely big enough to spend a whole day here while covering most of the trails.
It was really cold the day that we skied, 10 degrees at the bottom and -5 degrees at the summit.
We were well layered and it was a fun day.
Written 25 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NonnieR29
Arkansas192 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
We went up in a gondola and also up in a rented jeep. Either way or both was beautiful! God at work everywhere you looked! Late summer trip and Colorado received their 1st early snow fall a couple of days before we arrived. Leaves were not changing but the weather was perfect. The Sundeck restaurant was perfect for a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. For the jeep ride we packed a small picnic and bottles of water. So much fun!
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you can only go to one, which would you go to? Snowmass or Aspen Gondola?
Travel Ameniti
Chicago, IL618 contributions
Snowmass for sure. You have both gondolas and chair lifts and a ton of activities!
Heather M
Seminole, OK40 contributions
We are visiting in September and I see that the gondola is only open on weekends then. Are there any activities available on Ajax in September during the weekdays? Can you get up the mountain by car?
Lauren M
1 contribution
In September the gondola is open on weekends (Friday-Sun). Mid-week the only way to enjoy Ajax is by hiking it - I would suggest the Ute Trail or Little Cloud. Otherwise all the action and activities are in town. Enjoy your upcoming visit!
Jennifer B
4 contributions
How much is the ride if you are not going to ski?
anne p
Brisbane, Australia59 contributions
Unless you are seriously fit and have an hour or more to spare, I wouldn't hike up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top while riding the lift so walking it is not achievable for most, I think.
I can't remember the cost but once you're at the top, there's a casual but fun restaurant with amazing rides and the best snow-shoeing experience (but you need to buy your tickets for this before you get to the top).
Is there a trail that you follow? Do you need snow shoes?
Verity G
Pacific Coast Australia, Australia101 contributions
Was there in summer (and from Australia 🇦🇺), so cant answer local knowledge questions.
Sorry Mate !🇦🇺🇦🇺
Karen G
1 contribution
How hard are the blue runs on Ajax? I am working on being totally confortable on blues and skiing parallel with good form. I am worried the blues might be too hard for me at Ajax? Super narrow and steep would be intimidating for me. Any Input? Thanks.
Verity G
Pacific Coast Australia, Australia101 contributions
Hi Karen, I don’t ski - my other half is the skier.
Your best bet is to Phone a local ski shop, ask for a local who skis and have a discussion with them.
Just about everyone, in most shops are Aussies who live and work there just so they can ski there too.
Good luck - from another Aussie 🇦🇺🇦🇺😉
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Frequently Asked Questions about Aspen Mountain / Ajax
- Hotels near Aspen Mountain / Ajax:
- (4.35 km) Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
- (3.85 km) The Little Nell
- (4.13 km) Limelight Hotel
- (3.85 km) The Aspen Mountain Residences
- (3.67 km) The Gant
- Restaurants near Aspen Mountain / Ajax:
- (0.01 km) Sundeck Restaurant
- (4.26 km) The White House Tavern
- (4.03 km) Paradise Bakery & Cafe
- (4.23 km) French Alpine Bistro - Creperie du Village
- (4.24 km) Meat & Cheese