The 5 Best Chairlifts Around Aspen

For many skiers and riders, the lift ride is as much a part of the mountain experience as the descent. It’s the quiet glide above treelines, the chance to scout lines, the suspended conversations between friends, or simply a moment to take in the high alpine. In the Best of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt contest, lift favorites weren’t just chosen for efficiency or vertical gain—they were recognized for how they shape a day on the mountain. Each lift has its own rhythm, its own audience, and its own view of the valley.

Silver Queen Gondola | Aspen Mountain

The Silver Queen Gondola is a gateway to Aspen Mountain’s summit and a ride that encourages a shift in perspective. Rising from the heart of town, it offers a smooth ascent where riders can watch the valley spread out below. Some treat it as a direct route to laps and powder stashes, while others take the gondola to the top simply for the winter light and wide-open views. It’s a lift that connects the mountain and the town in a way few others do.

Deep Temerity | Aspen Highlands

Deep Temerity is known for serving some of the most challenging terrain on Aspen Highlands. The lift rises steadily toward steep, technical lines that draw dedicated skiers ready for sustained vertical and leg-burning runs. Riding it has a certain energy—anticipatory, slightly hushed, maybe even a bit adrenal. This is where the mountain asks a little more of its skiers, and the lift sets the tone accordingly.

High Alpine | Snowmass

High Alpine at Snowmass delivers wide-open bowls, rolling ridgelines, and snow that seems to hold quality even late in the afternoon. The lift accesses terrain that feels expansive and free-flowing, making it a favorite for skiers who like to wander across variable pitches. On spring days, it offers a blend of soft snow and long, easy cruising—terrain that feels rewarding without needing to prove anything.

Ajax Express | Aspen Skiing Company

Ajax Express sits in that sweet spot: fast access to laps that feel both manageable and rewarding. The runs it serves are perfect for skiers who want to keep a steady rhythm—down, up, down again. It’s the kind of lift where locals can squeeze in a handful of runs before work or after lunch, letting the day bend around the mountain rather than the other way around.

Exhibition Lift | Aspen Highlands

The Exhibition Lift at Aspen Highlands is often the beginning of something bigger. It brings riders into the village-side terrain and serves as a starting point for exploring deeper into the mountain. Whether someone is heading up for groomers, bumps, or planning to make their way toward Highlands Bowl, the lift carries a sense of transition. It’s a reliable starting stride in a day that might grow more ambitious.

Thanks, ChatGPT.