Let’s break it down, why travel to Aspen? Ski Vacation? Celebrity Stalking? R&R? Take it from a local, you can do all that and more. Keep reading for a locals perspective and why you may want to skip it. An Ultimate Travel Guide for your Visit to Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen, Colorado: that idyllic mountain town nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, known as Ajax to the locals. It is a town of only about four square blocks of old brick walkways and historic buildings from the 1800’s many modernized and updated for the mountain bougie touch.  As you stroll along you will pass fountains and streams, parks and flowers as well as high end retail like Gucci, Prada and Ralph Lauren.  There are also five star hotels, crafty breweries, high end eateries, coffee shops, clubs and music venues. However for locals, the town is not defined by upscale retail or the wealthy tourists who flock here. What the Aspen locals know and why most of them are here is that this area is one of the most stunning mountain regions in the world. Nature at it’s finest. Majestic mountain ranges made up of several 14ers (14,000 foot peaks), glimmering Aspen trees, rushing streams and lakes, world class skiing, bluebird skies and an average of 246 days of sunshine per year make it an idillic setting for people who want to get outside for hiking, biking, skiing, walking, rafting, golfing, climbing and SUP…you get the idea!

Tourists have quickly discovered what the locals would like to keep secret. A mountain town that has amenities that you could find in a city. Here in Aspen there are lifestyle choices that may change by the day. One can live a life filled with outdoor pursuits one minute, like skiing and hiking, and then trade in your ski boots for heels and a night maneuvering across the cobblestones searching for the perfect Espresso Martini.  Or maybe that’s just me?! From Bull Run to the Belly Up, Lost Man to Las Montanas, the choices and variety is what makes this town so desirable.  This Ultimate Guide to Aspen will answer your questions whether it’s your first time or whether you are a repeat offender.

When to Visit? There is a Reason for that Season

We have a saying that people come for the skiing but stay for the summer. So many locals started out as ski bums just trying out the snow and town for a season. Then the snow melts and Aspen turns into a different type of wonderland. Aspen is an old mining town that sits at 8,000 ft, a mountain town, a ski town that fills up (it’s packed!) in the Winter with avid snow sports enthusiasts from around the world. The Winter customer skis hard and plays harder.  We have seen a change thought and now Aspen’s Summer has become just as crowded. The town transforms, the snow melts and the Aspen trees and grass turn green, the weather is perfect with warm temps during the day and temps a bit cooler at night, the mountains suddenly become hikeable, the ice and snow melt and rivers and streams start flowing. There are many events scheduled to lure and keep visitors entertained, starting with the official kick off to summer Aspen’s Food and Wine Festival. F&W is followed closely by: the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Music Festival, July 4th parade, AAM Art Crush, JAS Aspen, Snowmass Thursday concerts on the hill etc- there is always so much to do during the summer and Summer tourism has eclipsed Winter. 

If you are like me and want to explore a new destination without the crowds, there are the shoulder seasons to consider – Spring and Fall. 

Let’s break down the seasons with a guide for what each season offers – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

Then we will go over where to sleep, where to eat, what to wear, and how to have fun!! 

Winter

Come to Aspen in the Winter if…

• Skiing or snowboarding is high on your list
• You do not mind the cold and cannot wait to try that winter jacket you purchased
• Apres all day
• Not much of a skier but definitely know how to party
• Snowmobiling, ice skating, dog sledding and skiing will keep the hubby busy with the kids
• You’ve always wanted a private ski lesson
• Sitting in front of a fire is just what you need
• Cross country skiing is something you would try
• You bought all the gear for skinning and now you need a mountain and snow
• Have deep pockets

• You like nature, people not so much and tourists? forget about it
• You do not mind the cold or the ‘mud season’ of a place
• Independent and never gets ‘bored’
• Likes to bike, hike or walk in variable conditions
• Do not need many choices of restaurants, bars etc.
• Do not need any restaurants, bars etc. You can cook
• Social drinking not high on the list
• The quieter the better
• If you are an only child you’ll love it
• You desperately need to get away from people
• Cheaper prices finally

Come to Aspen in the Summer if…

• You are completely organized and like to stay busy – OCD much?
• You prefer Golden Goose to Converse and On Cloud to Salomon’s
• Smuggler trail is perfect because you like to hike but don’t want to get dirty
• Summer camp for the kids and the adults sounds A ok
• You buy tickets to every festival, concert and event even if you end up not going
• You love the crowds because you may run into your peeps
• Cannot wait to wear your new cowboy hat from Kemo Sabe
• Have deep pockets

Come to Aspen in the Fall if…

• Seeing the fall colors is on your bucket list
• Like to hike and bike and play tennis when its a bit cooler
• Photography is your thang
• Bear sightings are exciting
• You do not need a lot of people in your life
• You appreciate a good read now and again
• You need some R&R from a busy summer

Labor day is the last hurrah for the town and most of the tourists will pack up and head out but they will be missing the gorgeous fall color and perfect conditions of cooler day and evening temps.  Grab some hiking shoes and get ready to be flabbergasted by the yellow, red and orange that is all around.

 

What to do in Aspen 

• Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake – view the 14,000 foot summit, the most photographed mountains in the Western U.S.  Take a shuttle and then take a hike up to the Crater lake
• Rent an electric bike 
• Drive up Independence Pass and to the top of the Continental Divide for stunning views
• Drive up Castle Creek and visit the Old Mining Town of Ashcroft
• Take a Hike – over 100 miles of trails in the surrounding areas.  Hikes for every fitness level and ability
• Get a hiking guide from Explore Books and plan some hikes
• Ski on one or all of the mountains
• Walk the Rio Grande Trail
• Take family to Aces for nature talks and walks
• Explore Snowmass for mountain biking, the Lost Forest, Zip lines and Thursday night concerts
• Take a rafting trip
• Go to the Belly Up for a show
• Go to the music tent for some classical fare

Where to Stay in Aspen / Top 5

• Hotel Jerome
• Limelight
• Aspen Meadows
• Air bnb
• Camp

Food and Nightlife

• Spring Cafe (healthy option)
•  Elina$$$
• Clarks Oyster House$$$
• Public House$$
• Big Wrap e?