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Does your idea of the perfect vacation include snow-capped mountains, heart-stopping vertical drops and challenging moguls? If so, an Aspen ski vacation just might be your perfect wintertime getaway.

Aspen, Colorado is one of the world's premier ski resort towns. When snow falls on the more 4,500 acres of sprawling terrain spread over four main mountains, Aspen explodes in a white-capped wonderland of skiing and outdoor fun for all ages and abilities.

Aspen was originally a small mining town, until a small group of visionaries and entrepreneurs realized the potential and value of the town's other inexhaustible resort--the snow. Since then, the sleepy hamlet of Aspen has grown to become one of the best destinations for ski vacations worldwide. The first step to creating this now bustling recreational nook came in 1947. It was then that an Austrian entrepreneur named Friedl Pfeifer partnered with Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth. The trio established would be the first of a number of Aspen ski vacation resorts, and opened what was known then as the world's longest chairlift. Following the success of this inaugural venture, more Aspen ski vacation resorts and hotels were opened, and the town grew to the Aspen so many skiers love today.

The main attraction of Aspen, and its undisputed claim to fame, has got to be the four majestic mountains. Located in Colorado approximately 215 miles southwest of Denver, 75 miles southeast of Eagle, and only minutes from Aspen's Sardy Field (ASE), the four mountains distinctly highlight a terrain particularly suited to various levels of skiers.

The Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is best suited to seasoned skiers. As Aspen's main attraction, the Ajax boasts more than 3,200 vertical feet on 700 skiable acres.

The Aspen Highlands are another huge bonus for those taking an Aspen ski vacation. Situated adjacent to the Aspen Mountain, the Highlands provide a respectable level of skill for novices, plus terrain for intermediate skiers. A number of Olympic medallists spend their time at the Aspen Highlands.

Another gem of the Aspen ski vacation scene is the Buttermilk. Known for being a smaller, novice-oriented mountain, the Buttermilk has a lot to offer skiers of all skill levels. It features the Aspen's longest terrain park and is home to the ESPN Winter X Games of the World. Held at the end of January, the ESPN Winter X Games are a huge tourist draw.

The largest of the four Aspen ski vacation mountains is Snowmass. Novice, intermediate and advanced skiers flock to Snowmass for the thrill of taking on the more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain. Challenging slopes and spectacular views make Snowmass a great choice for your Aspen ski vacation.

Regardless of your skill level, you will find your winter wonderland among the four majestic mountains of Aspen.