Aspen Guide

Why you should visit Aspen

Aspen is perhaps the USA’s most recognized ski town – and for good reason. This former mining town is now home to four towering ski mountains and plays host to the X Games every winter. Plus, Aspen has one of the swankiest après-ski scenes in the country. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable ski trip, you can’t go wrong with Aspen.

A small mountain in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen’s landscape will leave you in awe all year round. The town prides itself on being a destination spot for any season with hiking, biking and fly-fishing in the summer; and snowshoeing, snowmobiling and, of course, skiing in the winter. Plus, Aspen is a first class destination occupying high-end shops, fine dining and luxury spas.

Ski Resorts Near Aspen

• # Vail
• # Beaver Creek
• # Aspen-Snowmass

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What to do in Aspen

Aspen is a destination for outdoorsy travelers, with nature being its best attraction. No matter the season, you’ll want to spend your time outside. Enjoy the views from the Silver Green Gondola as you ride to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, where you can join a guided nature walk and learn about the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. If you have an extra day to spare, hike up the Maroon Bell twin peaks or head to Glenwood Springs for a soak in in the town’s natural hot springs. You can also take a 20-mile drive through the Independence Pass, a breathtaking scenic route winding along the Continental Divide, reaching one of the highest points in North America.

The town of Aspen also has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. On a sunny day, grab a seat on the patio at Aspen Brewing Company and taste a wide range of beers from Pilsners to stouts. Or experience Aspen the local way by exploring the local artisan products and Colorado-grown produce at the Aspen Saturday Market. Though Aspen is quite small, there are a lot of shops for one to wander through with over 200 stores between the malls and stand alone shops in Downtown Aspen.

Outside the après-ski, Aspen has a lot to offer in the way of entertainment. Spend the night appreciating the arts enjoy a play or concert at the 18th-century Wheeler Opera House.

Where to stay in Aspen

When it comes time to booking your visit to Aspen, one can expect to pay a decent amount for lodging. It is helpful to know that while there are higher priced options for your stay, there are also some great choices that won’t break the bank.

For the big spender, the St. Regis Aspen Resort is a luxurious getaway a quarter mile from the city center and with an added bonus of a free shuttle ride to and from the Aspen airport. Stay in Aspen’s historic Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resor t in the heart of downtown Aspen. Meanwhile, the five-star Little Nell offers ski-in/ski-out access.

The Inn at Aspen has it all providing affordable rates, family-friendly amenities, and perfectly located for ski-in/ski-out accommodation.

In close proximity to Aspen’s downtown and the base of Aspen Mountain lies North of Nell Condominiums . North of Neil has condos that have multiple bedrooms, perfect if you are traveling with a group or a large family.

For the budget-conscious visitor, Mountain Chalet Aspen is a beautiful 1950s lodge half a mile from the Silver Queen Gondola.

Where to eat in Aspen

From country style home cooking to French cuisine, Aspen has a colorful palate of choices to choose from when you get hungry on your visit.

Rise and shine to the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries at Annette’s Mountain Bake Shop. For lunch, try HOPS Culture, a gastropub serving up wild boar nachos and Nashville-style hot chicken on brioche, or White House Tavernfor a good burger.

Aspen offers plenty of fine dining options for dinner. For classic European fare, try French Alpine Bistro for some escargot and foie gras paired with a fine wine. Fusing influences of Argentinian and Japanese cuisine, Nobu’s well-renowned chef delights guests at his restaurant in Aspen, Matsuisha, with signature dishes like black cod miso and white fish tiradito.

Get a taste of the camping experience while making your very own s’more at Limelight Hotel’s Lounge, or join other chocolate lovers and indulge in Cache Cache’s chocolate mousse parfait.

Family friendly activities in Aspen

When on vacation with the family, you might find yourself in a real pickle when choosing an activity that everyone can enjoy. It is a good thing that Aspen has a variety of things to do you to choose from.

In the winter, get to know the area on a snowmobile tour, then warm up at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center and enjoy the indoor ice skating rink and basketball courts. Or take a ride up to the top of the Elk Camp Gondola for evening snow biking, tubing and s’mores.

In the warmer months, take golfing to the next level with Disc Golf at Base Village as you zoom frisbees through an 18-hole course in the alpines. At the Wapiti Wildlife Center, learn about the different animals that live in and around Aspen.