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Getting There

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (aka Sardy Airport) is conveniently located just six miles from Snowmass. You can tell how hopping the weekend is by the number of private jets waiting on the tarmac like supermodels on a shoot; Sentient Jet (888/649-5982) is now the official, exclusive private-jet provider of Aspen/Snowmass and flights can be booked at just less-than-stratospheric prices. Regular folk tend to arrive by United which runs nonstop flights from LA and regular connecting service from 200 other cities via Denver; Northwest flies non-stop from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis; while America West flies in from its Phoenix hub on Mesa Airlines.

You can also arrive by train: Amtrak (800/USA-RAIL) provides service between Chicago and Oakland on the California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs, 40 miles (64km) from Aspen.

Once on the ground, Stay Aspen/Snowmass Central Reservations (888/649-5982) is not only a fine source for hotel/land packages, but can also customize your trip (arranging rental car, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons at significant savings). Its in-house SAS Resort Travel Agency has access to last-seat availability on United at discounted rates and negotiates special fares with other airlines. United Airlines offers its own excellent air/hotel deals, as do such discounters as Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity.

Getting Into & Around Aspen
Most Snowmass hotels and several in Aspen offer complimentary shuttle service to and from Sardy airport, but if you're staying at one that doesn't, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (970/925-8484) is exemplary. Its buses stop on Highway 82, next to the airport's terminal building, at roughly quarter to and after the hour between 6am and 11.30pm; it provides extensive bus service from Snowmass to Aspen ($3 one way) and various points downvalley (limited luggage space is available).

Colorado Mountain Express (970/926-9730 or 800/525-6363) provides daily shuttle service and VIP private limousines to and from Glenwood Springs (Amtrak), Eagle County Airport (67 miles away in the Vail Valley) and Denver International Airport (a 4-hour drive). High Mountain Taxi (970/925-TAXI) also provides frequent ground transportation to/from the Vail Valley, as well as taxi service around the Roaring Fork Valley.

Once at your hotel, free resort shuttle buses run 8am–4.30pm (continuously during peak morning and afternoon hours) between the four ski areas – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain and Snowmass. The Snowmass Village Shuttle also provides free regular service around the village. Buses are free within Aspen itself until 2am.

Lift Tickets and Rentals
Lift tickets – good at all four areas – cost $78/day ($71 youth 13-17 and seniors 65-69; $49 children 7-12; free for under 7 and over 69). The longer your stay, the deeper the discount for multi-day passes (for instance, you can save up to $60 on a six-day ticket with a one-week advance purchase). While that may sound expensive, freebies do abound; check the Aspen Skiing Company, an invaluable information-packed resource (800/525-6200; 970/923-0560 locally, for Snowmass events/info/reservations; 970/925-1220 for Aspen's).

Equipment rentals range from $27.50-$41/day for ski gear, $31-$40.25 for snowboard gear (children's gear is $15.50 and $19.75, respectively), but can cost as little as $18/day when purchased with a lesson – reserving ahead saves up to 20%. The SkiCo's Skier Services also arranges free ski/snowboard overnight transfer and storage at any of the four areas via its official rental shops. Group and private lessons are discounted up to 20% for multi-day packages and advance purchase; private lessons start at $365 for a half day (full day $525) for up to four, while full-day group lessons generally start at $82, though small group lessons are available for intermediate to expert skiers/snowboarders for $74/half day ($119/full day). The best bargain for first-time and novice skiers/boarders is the Beginner's Magic package ($227 for three days of lifts, lessons and equipment).

See Aspen Travel Guide