Aspen Snowmass: 46 facts and highlights

The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.

In resorts which allow off piste-skiing, you can ski anywhere which is great for adventurous types. However, there are hazards such cliff edges, avalanches or simply getting lost and suffering exhaustion.

The height of the mountain is the difference in height between the lowest and highest point. Tall mountains can offer longer pistes, better views, and often better snowfall.

The size of area available for skiers to enjoy on the mountain as measured in kilometres.

Ski schools offer lessons to beginners.

More restaurants and bars can indicate a lively nightlife, as well as offering visitors more choice.

The resort will be more easily accessible when serviced by public transport. It is also usually cheaper than other modes of transport.

The average price of a one day "all access" ski pass at the resort.

Toboggan runs are dedicated slopes or slides that you can slide down on a toboggan.

Cross country skiing is an Olympic sport which provides great exercise for both the upper and lower body.

Rather than having to trek back to the base of the mountain, it is a lot more convenient to have restaurants and bars on the slopes.

Certain trails are illuminated so that you can carry on skiing even after the sun goes down.

A nearby airport is ideal, as journeying by car or bus through mountainous areas can take longer than on flat terrain.

With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.

Ice climbing is a great sport for adrenalin seekers. It entails climbing frozen cliff edges/waterfalls using tools such as ice axes in order to grip the surface.

The longest ski run at the resort. A longer run can be more challenging and will test your endurance.

The resort has played host to the winter olympics. This means it is likely to have a range of professional slopes, other winter sports, and finally, good facilities and well developed transport links.

This is the amount of people that can be transported by ski lifts etc. per hour. A bigger uphill capacity can indicate less waiting time, although it will be affected by how busy the resort is.

The average snowfall each season as measured in inches. The more snowfall there is, the more powdery and fluffy the ski slopes will be.

The resort offers facilities so that companies and organisations can hold conferences or other corporate events.

The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.

The resort is pet-friendly, so if you like you can bring your dog along if you need to.

Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. Medium difficulty trails (marked with a blue square) have a slope gradient between 25% and 40%. These trails are ideal for regular skiers.

The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.

Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. High-difficulty trails (marked with a black diamond) have a slope gradient of more than 40%; such trails are designed for experienced skiers who enjoy a good challenge.