Ski Report for Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Daily Ski Conditions for Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Here's what's happening on the mountain right now at Aspen Snowmass, and trust me, you're going to want to pay attention. We're sitting in a sweet spot where things are about to get very interesting for anyone with skis or a board strapped to their feet.
Let's start with the immediate conditions. At Snowmass, you're looking at upper mountain snow depths around 76 centimeters (about 30 inches) and lower elevations sitting at 53 centimeters (21 inches). Over at Aspen proper, conditions are a bit more variable with bases ranging from 50 to 80 inches depending on which peak you're eyeing. The piste conditions are currently packed powder, which means you've got a solid foundation to work with, though off-piste terrain is more of a wildcard with wind and sun exposure creating variable conditions.
Temperature-wise, it's crisp but not brutal right now. We're hovering around the mid-30s Fahrenheit at base elevation with summit temps dipping into the low 20s. That freeze-thaw cycle that's been happening is actually working in your favor because it's creating that firm base everyone wants under their skis.
Now here's where it gets good. Fresh powder is arriving today with about an inch of new snow expected at resort level, and honestly, this is just the appetizer. Over the next 48 hours, you're looking at roughly 5 inches of accumulation across both mountains. But wait, there's more. Looking at the extended forecast through next week, the really meaty snow is expected to hit between Friday night and Saturday, with some models showing potential for significant accumulation. Sunday looks cold and mostly clear, which means any fresh snow will stay nice and preserved.
The lift situation has some X Games energy happening right now since we're in the middle of the 2026 X Games celebration at the resort through January 25th. Be aware that at Buttermilk, the Panda Peak lift will be closing at noon on Friday and Saturday for event operations, so time your runs accordingly if you're planning to session there. Elsewhere across the four mountains, most lifts are running normally, though exact numbers vary by the day and mountain conditions.
Current weather is predominantly clear with increasing clouds as we move through the day, and those snow showers are expected to develop mainly after 11 AM. Winds are light, hovering around 5 miles per hour from the southeast, which is ideal for preserving whatever powder falls.
One thing that's worth noting for the season is that Aspen Snowmass continues its reputation for reliability with an average of 300 inches annually. This season's tracking well with solid base development. Grooming operations are mostly limited right now due to thin natural snow conditions in some areas, but all manmade snow terrain is being groomed nightly, so your groomers are dialed in.
If you're thinking about heading up, the next five days are looking like a classic Colorado setup: some snow today and tomorrow, cold temperatures to lock it in, and that powder preservation window you dream about during warm spells. The two new lifts that debuted this season at Snowmass (the Elk Camp Six-Pack and Cirque T-Bar) mean fewer lift lines and more time actually skiing, which is always the goal. Just remember that January is Safety Awareness Month on the mountain, so if you're venturing into backcountry or off-piste terrain, make sure you're prepared and checking local avalanche forecasts.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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