Holidays to Aspen
Aspen highlights
Winter wonderland
Aspen boasts 2,000 hectares of skiable terrain across four ski resorts — Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands — all covered by the same ski lift ticket. If skiing isn’t your thing, a winter holiday in Aspen also promises snowshoeing, ice skating and dog sledding. Prefer to skip the slopes? Aspen’s lively apres-ski scene is a sport unto itself.
Summer playground
In the warmer months meadows of wildflowers replace the snowy slopes, and activities turn to hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. The Rio Grande Trail and the Crater Lake Trail are favourites with summer walkers. And Snowmass’ Lost Forest guarantees endless days of fun with ziplining, rope courses and an alpine coaster.
A scenic drive
Soak up mountain views at every twist and turn on Independence Pass, a 51-kilometre highway between Aspen and Leadville. Popular with drivers and cyclists, this narrow cliffside road is all about taking it slow and enjoying the ride. Don’t miss the eerie remains of Independence Ghost Town, a former mining settlement from the late 1800s. Note that the pass closes annually between late October and mid-to-late May.
Aspen: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT) |
| High season | December – February |
| Low season | April – May and October |
Find the best time to go to Aspen
Weather in Aspen
March – May: Spring stays chilly, with temperatures usually maxing out around 10°C. Ski runs generally stay open through April, while May is high time for taking on biking trails like Maroon Bells.
June – August: Summer is Aspen’s second high season, drawing hikers to the Roaring Fork Valley. Daytime highs reach around 20°C, but nights are much cooler.
September – November: Autumn can feel like the tale of two Aspens. Mid-to-late Septemberis primeleaf-peeping season, with mild, sunny days. But the snow comes by November, when ski season officially starts.
December – February: Winter brings plenty of fresh, soft snow and cold temperatures. For less crowded slopes, visit in early January.
Events in Aspen
Aspen Gay Ski Week (January): The nation’s longest-running gay ski week offers a jam-packed calendar of events. Hit the slopes by day, then enjoy drag bingo, comedy shows and apres-ski parties by night.
X Games Aspen (January): This action sports competition draws the world’s finest freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Expect a high-energy showdown of flips, spins and jumps alongside live music.
Aspen Music Festival & School (July and August): This is one of the country’s premier classical music festivals, with more than 400 shows across an eight-week programme.
Wintersköl (December): Aspen’s four-day celebration of winter features fireworks displays, a soup-making competition and a craft beer festival.
The best neighbourhoods in Aspen
Snowmass Village
Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Aspen, Snowmass Village is a popular summer activity destination and the site of the Snowmass ski resort. Along with world-class winter sports facilities and ski-in ski-out lodging, expect endless hiking and biking trails and unique works along the seasonal Snowmass Art Walk.
Good for: Ski runs, hiking trails, gondola rides
West End
You’ll find tree-lined streets, Victorian homes and small miners’ cottages in residential West End. A short walk takes you to the bustling downtown and the Rio Grande Trail. And the annual summer Aspen Music Festival held here means it’s one of the best areas to stay in Aspen for culture seekers.
Good for: Summer festivals, historic buildings, hiking trails
East Aspen
This is where to stay in Aspen if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. With views of the Rockies and easy access to trailheads and Snyder Park, it offers a picturesque setting no matter the season. Downtown is just a short walk away, where you’ll find plenty of dining, shopping and nightlife options.
Good for: Mountain views, hiking trails, parks
Things to do in Aspen
Places to eat
Aspen has a restaurant scene to rival its slopes, with everything from fine-dining spots to on-mountain eateries and cosy taverns. In winter you’ll want to hunker down at one of the mountainside bistros with a pot of fondue. And in summer Aspen’s many restaurant patios are primed for alfresco dining.
Shopping
There’s more to Aspen’s shopping scene than just ski gear outfitters and luxury retailers. You’ll find everything from thrift stores to Western wear shops downtown. And West End is known for its art galleries and boutiques. If you’re visiting between June and October, don’t miss the Aspen Saturday Market for local artisan goods.
Nightlife
Aspen is famed for its apres-ski scene, offering slopeside bars, cosy hotel lounges and live music joints with late-night dance floors. For a taste of history, don’t miss visiting the 19th-century J-Bar at Hotel Jerome. The Aspen Crud cocktail has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike since Prohibition.
Beaches
While you won’t find traditional beaches here, Aspen’s rivers and nearby swimming holes are perfect for cooling down in the summer. The Devil’s Punchbowl along the Roaring Fork River is a local hotspot. And an hour’s drive from Aspen lies the Ruedi Reservoir, popular for its swimming, fishing and paddle boarding.
Family-friendly things to do
The Dancing Fountain — the world’s first computerised fountain — is always a hit with families. Less than a 20-minute drive away, Maroon Bells offers hiking trails for all abilities. Children of different ages go wild at the Aspen Recreation Center, which has an ice rink, aquatic centre and climbing tower.
Take in the culture
The architecturally ornate Aspen Art Museum draws visitors with its international artist exhibitions. And the Aspen Art Gallery showcases a colourful collection of local artworks. History buffs will want to check out the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, housed in an 1887 Queen Anne–style home, which offers rotating exhibitions exploring Aspen’s past.
Get ready for Aspen
Budget
Although it has a reputation for being pricey, a cheap holiday to Aspen is possible. Travel outside of peak season and book your accommodation well in advance. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around 20 US dollars ($), and a local beer is usually about $7. Short taxi rides around town start at about $7.
Day Trips from Aspen
A holiday to Aspen is a great chance to explore the Roaring Fork Valley. Around 30 minutes north of downtown, the town of Basalt is a favourite with fly fishers. For an action-packed day out, try cycling some or all of the 67-kilometre Rio Grande Trail to Glenwood Springs. Near the trail’s end, Hanging Lake dazzles with serene waterfalls and emerald pools.
Getting Around Aspen
With wide footpaths and high-tech pedestrian crossings, Aspen is made for exploring on foot. If you prefer not to walk, the expansive Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) bus system is also available. All bus routes within Aspen are free, including those to and from Snowmass Village, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and Woody Creek.
