WINTER

Winter Adventures

Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Horse Drawn Sleigh

Winter Paradise

Ski, Snowshoe or Sleigh

Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe

  • Explore miles of beautifully groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the heart of the Castle Creek Valley.
  • Perfect for a ski to lunch, all-day adventure, guided tour, lesson, or ACES naturalist experience.
  • Warm up in our trail-side huts, pack a lunch, or make reservations at the Pine Creek Cookhouse for a memorable dining experience.
  • Day trail access available daily from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Dinner tours depart at 6:00 PM by reservation.
  • For trail information and day tickets, call 970-925-1971.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

  • Ride behind majestic Percheron draft horses in a classic wooden sleigh through snow-covered aspen groves.
  • Enjoy stunning mountain views by day or stargazing on an evening ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse.
  • Guided by experienced Colorado cowboys for a truly authentic Aspen experience.
  • Approximately 20 minutes each way, covering 1.5 miles.
  • Sleighs accommodate 15–18 guests.
  • Departures daily at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00–6:15 PM for dinner.
  • Reservations required. Call 970-925-1044.

 

ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIROMENTAL STUDIES

SNOWSHOE TOURS

A must-do Aspen experience! Explore winter in Aspen on this half-day snowshoe tour in the beautiful and pristine Castle Creek Valley. Your Naturalist guide will share expertise on animal tracking, valley geology, avalanches, birdlife, winter habitats, and sub-alpine ecology. You will explore the historic Ashcroft ghost town and walk through serene spruce and fir forests and open meadows on your way to a gourmet lunch at the spectacular Pine Creek Cookhouse. Following lunch, you’ll meander through peaceful aspen groves on your return to the King Cabin.

About the Tour

  • Offered every day at 10:00AM. Meet at the King Cabin at Ashcroft Ski Touring Center, located 11 miles up Castle Creek Road from the roundabout.
  • 3.5 miles round trip, tours take place on gentle terrain and are held at a leisurely pace.
  • Warm boots, winter clothing, sunscreen, and water are strongly recommended.

Booking

  • Reservations are required.
  • Call ACES at 970.925.5756 during open hours (Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM) to book. Alternatively, email guide@aspennature.org
  • After hours, please dial 0 and leave a detailed message; we will confirm your reservation the next business day.
  • 48-hours notice is recommended for tour reservations.

Tours made possible through a partnership between ACES, Ashcroft Ski Touring/Pine Creek Cookhouse, and the White River National Forest (USFS).

ASHCROFT ADVENTURES : WINTER RATES

Ashcroft Adventures

SKI TOURING & SNOWSHOEING

Ashcroft Ski Touring

Rates and Programs

Download the Ashcroft Trail Map

Sleigh and Dinner Tour Pricing

Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe to Lunch!

Trail Passes: Skiers & Snowshoers

  • Full Day Pass: $25
  • Half Day Pass (After 1:30 p.m.): $15
  • Seniors Over 70: $15
  • Children 12 and Under: $15
  • Child/Senior Half Day: $10
  • Five-Day Punch Pass : $100.00
  • Season Pass: $300.00 (Preseason Purchase by dec. 10th) $250.00)
  • Corporate Pass (Up to 8 people) : $675.00
  • Unlimited Family Pass: $450.00

Equipment Rental

All packages include boots, poles and either skis or snowshoes.

  • Adult Nordic Ski Rental Package : $40 ($30 1/2 Day)
  • Child Nordic SKi Rental Package: $25
  • Snowshoe Rental Package : $35
  • Childs Pull Sleigh (pulke) : $35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4-Hour Guided Ski Tour or Snowshoe Tour

Guided 4-hour experience through our 35km of trails, catered to your experience. Includes experienced guide, trail pass, ski or snowshoe rental, and ends at Pine Creek Cookhouse for an A-La-Carte lunch. Learn about the local history, wildlife, and improve your cross-country skills.

  • $300 for the first person, $125 additional people.
  • 2 person minimum.

Private Ski Lessons

Want to try cross-country skiing for the first time, or just improve your skills? Book a private lesson with one of our instructors to get the most out of your experience. Lessons include rental and trail pass.

  • Private 90-Minute Ski Lesson : $175, Each Additional Person : $100 – (Trail passes and equipment rentals included)
  • Private 4-Hour Ski Lesson : $380, Each Additional Person : $175 — (Trail passes and equipment rentals are included)

Four-Hour A.C.E.S. Guided Snowshoe Tour

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (A.C.E.S.)

A.C.E.S. tour (www.AspenNature.org) includes equipment rental, trail pass, guide and lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. 2 person minimum for all skill levels. 970-925-5756 Call for pricing and availability. 

ASHCROFT ADVENTURES : WINTER PROGRAMS

Ashcroft Adventures

35 Kilometers of Trails

Pine Creek Cookhouse and the Ashcroft Valley


Aspen’s legendary restaurant, the Pine Creek Cookhouse, is nestled at the base of the Elk Mountains. Alpine gourmet food featuring wild game and fresh fish is brought to life with organic, locally-sourced ingredients. From field to stream our chefs prepare cuisine made from scratch every day. Join us for lunch or dinner.