Aspen is regarded by many as America's prime winter holiday resort, with downhill skiing providing its lifeblood since 1936. The Silver Queen Gondola transports skiers to the top of Aspen Mountain, above the town, to take on the expert and intermediate slopes. Two miles (3km) west of town the Buttermilk area provides novice and intermediate runs, while farther out, at Snowmass and Aspen Highlands, families can enjoy a variety of types and levels of snow fun. Cross-country trails snake through the national forest.
