Trail Description
This popular and scenic trail connects Aspen and Snowmass Village, hugging the south side of the Roaring Fork and Owl Creek valleys. Most skiers use this trail as a casual tour with a lunch break and light touring gear. The easiest and most popular stretch of trail runs from the West Buttermilk Road to the Snowmass Cross-Country Center. Another popular option from West Buttermilk Rd. is to ski to Sinclair Divide and back. The new Tiehack Nordic Bridge will allow skiers easy access to the Owl Creek Trail from the Aspen Cross-Country Center. Follow the green disks to stay on course when crossing the Buttermilk Ski Area. Be aware and yield to downhill skiers.
Difficulty: Intermediate; most of the trail is good for beginners, but the occasional hills add some difficulty. East of Tiehack, the trail is for advanced skiers only.
Length: 9 miles from the Aspen Golf Course to the Snowmass Cross-Country Center.
Access:
Snowmass Village: Village Way Trail or Snowmass Cross-Country Center. Follow signs.
West Buttermilk Road: Drive through the Main Buttermilk parking lot from Highway 82 to West Buttermilk Road at the far right corner of the lot. The Owl Creek Trail crosses 1.4 miles up the road, by a small parking area on the right.
Tiehack: Experienced skiers can ski from the base of Tiehack up along the right side of the alpine trail to the Oregon Trail towards and across Main Buttermilk. Follow the green disks.
Aspen Golf Course: Access Tiehack via the James E. Moore Trail and the new Tiehack Nordic Bridge.
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