Aspen Mountain (Ajax) & Silver Queen Gondola
A legendary mountain right above town. The Silver Queen Gondola climbs from downtown to the 3,417 m summit, offering skiing in winter and scenic hiking in summer.
Aspen Mountain, known locally as Ajax, sits just south of town. It opened in 1946 and is where Aspen's skiing legend began. The mountain has only intermediate and expert runs and no beginner trails. It is known for steep tree-lined runs and mogul fields, and it often hosts World Cup alpine ski races. The Silver Queen Gondola departs from Gondola Plaza in downtown and climbs about 15 minutes to a summit of roughly 3,417 m. The Sundeck restaurant at the top overlooks the Elk Mountains. In summer, roughly June through September, the gondola is open to sightseers. You can stroll around the summit, join free guided talks, or hike back down on trails such as the Ute Trail. Gondola and lift tickets are expensive, so buy online in advance during peak season.
Opening hours
Ski season approx. 09:00–15:30; summer cable car approx. 09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Wheeler Opera House
- Downtown Aspen
- John Denver Sanctuary
- Aspen Art Museum
- Smuggler Mountain Trail
- Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Hallam Lake)
- Aspen Music Festival (Music Tent)
- Aspen Highlands