Why travel to Aspen? R&R? Ski Vacation? Celebrity Stalking? Take it from a local, you can do all of that and more. Even though Aspen has become a playground for the rich and sometimes famous, it’s natural beauty and cosmopolitan edge insure that everyone can have a great vacation here. Keep reading for a locals perspective and how to conquer this little mountain town with a big reputation.  

An Ultimate Local’s Guide to Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado: the idyllic mountain town nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, known as Ajax to the locals. It is a small town with four square blocks of weathered and rustic 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, private 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. This is a town surrounded by nature, a mountain town, that has amenities that you would find in many vibrant cities. Here in Aspen, one’s lifestyle choices can and do 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 Local’s Guide to Aspen will answer your questions, whether it’s your first time or whether you are a repeat offender, whether you roll budget or bougie – we gotcha!!  Let’s get into it…

When to Visit? There is a Reason for that Season

We have a saying here in Aspen: people come for the winter’s but stay for the summers. Many locals started out as ski bums just trying out the snow and the town for a season.  Aspen is an idyllic old mining town that sits at 8,000 ft elevation, a mountain town, a ski town that fills up in the Winter with avid snow sports enthusiasts from around the world. The Winter visitors ski hard and play harder. 

Then the snow melts and Aspen turns into a different type of wonderland. The town transforms, the ice and snow melt and rivers and streams start flowing. 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 hike and bike able. The rivers are raft able and the golf courses become golf able. 

The many summer events scheduled to lure and keep visitors entertained, begin 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 June and Labor Day Concerts, Snowmass Thursday Concerts on the hill, Snowmass Rodeo etc- there is always so much to do during the summer that Summer tourism has eclipsed Winter. 

If you are like me and want to explore a new destination without the crowds, consider the off season or shoulder seasons, Spring and Fall. Early Spring is  ‘mud season’ with less crowds, cooler temps and hiking trails beginning to thaw.  Fall season has steadily become more popular as visitors have discovered the beauty of the fall colors. 

Here is a humorous look at the four seasons with a guide for what each season offers – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.  Followed by my Aspen Hit List, 21 ideas for the best vacation ever.  With a Budget vs Bougie practical guide on choices of hotels, restaurants and clubs/bars. There is so much going on all year round in Aspen, Colorado so get your white board out and peruse both the local papers and the Aspen Chamber for up to date event information.