Home of ESPN Winter X Games, Buttermilk Mountain is the perfect mountain for beginners, with wide, groomed trails such as Tom’s Thumb, Larkspur, Westward Ho, Homestead Road and Blue Grouse, all located off the West Buttermilk Chair.

Skiers and boarders who want to perfect their skills mid-mountain before braving the summit can unload at West Buttermilk’s midway station, a new addition last year. Wannabe jibbers should head to the new S3 Terrain Park on Red’s Rover, designed for beginners, with plenty of boxes and mini-rails.

Snowmass’ new six-passenger Village Express lift offers easy access to groomed trails as well as an option to unload midway for beginners’ favorites, including Lunchline, Scooper, Dawdler and Fanny Hill. Ready to tackle more intermediate terrain? Head to the Elk Camp chair for trails such as Grey Wolf and Bear Bottom or to the Big Burn Chair for Sneaky’s and Dallas Freeway.

Although Aspen Highlands boasts some of the best hike-to terrain in North America, novice boarders and skiers can still find plenty of great wide-open groomers on this locals’ friendly mountain.

And while you may not be ready for the intermediate and expert terrain that dominates Aspen Mountain (known to locals simply as “Ajax”), you can still enjoy the views by grabbing lunch or après at the Tavern, located directly at the base of the mountain.

But whether you’re tearing up Highland Bowl or simply trying to link turns, make sure to wear a helmet and review the responsibility code, because nothing’s more important than safety on the slopes.