Buttermilk Mountain, renowned for its beginner-friendly terrain and family atmosphere, offers a variety of trails accessible via a network of lifts. Understanding the mountain’s layout is key to maximizing your enjoyment, whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned rider looking for a relaxing day on the slopes.
Key Areas and Lifts:
The mountain’s primary access point is the Buttermilk Mountain Lodge at the base. Here, you’ll find ticket offices, ski school, rentals, and dining options.
- Tiehack Express Lift: A high-speed quad serving primarily intermediate and advanced terrain on the Tiehack side of the mountain. This area offers steeper pitches and gladed runs, providing a contrast to the gentler slopes elsewhere.
- Main Buttermilk Lift: A slower, fixed-grip lift that provides access to the heart of Buttermilk’s beginner and intermediate terrain. It’s perfect for families and those still learning.
- Summit Express Lift: The main artery of the mountain, a high-speed quad that whisks skiers and snowboarders to the summit. From the summit, you can access runs of varying difficulty, including the famous Panda Peak beginner area.
- Panda Peak Lift: A dedicated beginner lift in the Panda Peak area. It’s designed specifically for novice skiers and snowboarders, with very gentle slopes and a slow pace.
Notable Trails:
Buttermilk boasts a wide array of trails catering to different skill levels. Colors on the trail map indicate difficulty:
- Green Trails (Beginner): Ideal for beginners, these gentle slopes include areas like Panda Peak, Lower Larkspur, and West Buttermilk. They offer wide, forgiving runs perfect for practicing your turns.
- Blue Trails (Intermediate): Steeper than the green runs, these trails provide a good challenge for those looking to improve their skills. Popular blue trails include Government Trail, Midway Avenue, and runs off the Tiehack Express Lift, though some may be steeper.
- Black Diamond Trails (Advanced): Found primarily on the Tiehack side, these runs offer steeper pitches, bumps (moguls), and challenging terrain. Tiehack Glades and sections of Sterner Gulch cater to expert skiers and riders.
Beyond Skiing and Snowboarding:
The map also highlights other amenities, such as:
- Terrain Parks: Buttermilk is known for its world-class terrain parks, especially during the X Games. The layout of these parks varies throughout the season, so consult the current trail map for the most up-to-date information.
- Uphill Access: Designated uphill routes are typically marked on the map for those who prefer skinning or snowshoeing.
- Dining and Restrooms: Locations of on-mountain restaurants, restrooms, and warming huts are clearly indicated on the map.
Always consult the latest trail map, available at the base lodge and online, for current conditions, lift statuses, and any trail closures. Enjoy your time on Buttermilk Mountain!
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