Buttermilk vs Howelsen Hill Ski Area

Buttermilk (Colorado) and Howelsen Hill Ski Area (Colorado) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatButtermilkHowelsen Hill Ski Area
Vertical drop2,001 ft (610 m)449 ft (137 m)
Summit elevation9,882 ft7,172 ft
Base elevation7,881 ft6,719 ft
Lifts84
Runs5019
Beginner terrain24%47%
Intermediate terrain46%32%
Expert terrain30%21%
Night skiingNo-

Buttermilk has the bigger vertical (2,001 ft vs 449 ft); Buttermilk has more runs (50 vs 19); Buttermilk skews more expert (30% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
ButtermilkIkon Pass: 7 daysMountain Collective: 2 days
Howelsen Hill Ski AreaIndy Pass: 2 days

No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Buttermilk

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Buttermilk

Related comparisons

Buttermilk vs Winter Park ResortButtermilk vs VailBeaver Creek Resort vs ButtermilkBreckenridge Ski Resort vs ButtermilkButtermilk vs Steamboat Ski ResortButtermilk vs Telluride Ski ResortHowelsen Hill Ski Area vs Winter Park ResortHowelsen Hill Ski Area vs Vail

More detail: Buttermilk stats · Howelsen Hill Ski Area stats