Aspen is nestled in the Rocky Mountains to the southwest of Denver. It is located at the southern end of the serene Roaming Fork Valley along with neighboring cities of Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt and EI Jebel.
Aspen is a famous ski resort town and a year-round tourist destination for hikers, skiers, and outdoor lovers. It boasts of high-end restaurants and landmarks such as the wheeler opera house. Colorado accounts for up to 25% of snowboard and ski vacations in the U.S every year. Aspen grabs a big chunk of this crowd.
What are the best things to do in Aspen?
Whether you are a fan of hiking, skiing or outdoor experiences, Aspen has countless attractions to offer.
- Aspen Mountains
Skiers and hikers flock to aspen mountains (also known as Ajax) all year round for the mountain’s famous steeps, slopes and glades for a challenging experience even for elite skiers. The slopes of the Ajax Mountain are challenging enough even for world cup contestants.
During summer you can join a yoga team at the mountain top, take in the view from a gondola, hit off through the trails or enjoy a naturalist tour and learn more about the wildlife and exotic plants. After a long adventure-packed day on the mountains, relax on the sundeck. Or at the Ajax Tavern and soak in the jaw-dropping views of the Elk.
- Snowmass
Snowmass is an expansive 3,362 acres of skiable terrain including impressively skilled terrains perched in Burnt Mountain Glades, Hanging Valley, and the Cirque. Don’t fret if your skiing skills cannot match that of experts. There are terrains for skiers of all levels.
You are guaranteed a memorable experience at Snowmass Park & Superpipe. The kids will have fun at the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center which provides childcare and ski lessons.
Snowmass features endless fun activities including hiking and biking trails plus diverting gondola rides for an exciting experience. Sample Aspen’s delicacies at the famous Elk Camp Restaurant or the Lynn Brit Cabin.
- Wheeler Opera House
The wheeler opera house has survived decades of enormous riches to bankruptcies including great booms and busts. Even with the fall of the silver and gold mining world, like a phoenix, the wheeler opera house continues to rise from the ashes showing how culture is a resilient part of the aspen heritage.
The opera features a stellar proscenium stage, Moroccan leather seats and blue ceiling dotted with silver stars. The wheeler opera house serves as the community’s foremost performance venue for movies, festivals, concerts, Oprah Winfrey, movies, school theatre productions, the eagles, lectures and much more.
- Aspen art museum
Nestled on the impressive former hunter creek power plant built during 1888, aspen art museum plays a significant role in the community. It houses the most advanced developments worldwide in contemporary art.
The museum is not an art collection sanctuary but it acts as a link between modern artists and the community. It challenges the viewer’s perceptions and provokes deeper thought.
It hosts tons of free exhibitions each year with a focus on unrecognized artists and artistic outputs. Community activities and public programs invite locals to view modern art realistically with open minds and eyes.
- The John Denver Sanctuary
Your aspen tour is not complete without a visit to the John Denver Sanctuary. It is believed to be a spot of good treasures. Locals believe that many people have found fortune upon stumbling on the John Denver Sanctuary when hiking through the Rio Grande trail.
This scenic serene park at the banks of Roaring Fork River serves as one of the numerous memorials to John Denver who once lived in Aspen. He wrote numerous songs about the area and was an inspiration to many.
One of the perk’s amazing features is a collection of expansive boulders engraved with Denver’s lyrics. The park hosts some of the most compelling live performances in Aspen during summer.
- Maroon Bells
Snap a pix at the maroon bells mountains. The iconic two peaks of the Elk Mountains, the Maroon Bells are the most picturesque mountains in the world with its breathtaking views reflected across the still blue waters of the maroon lake creating stunning beautiful vista.
A trip to maroon bells offers an incredible hiking adventure through the trails if you are a fan of high adrenaline thrills.
When is the best time to go skiing in Aspen?
Colorado is one of the best holiday destinations for skiers with countless skiing resorts from Aspen to Snowmass, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Vail. The ski season in aspen runs from November to April every year.
- November
November isn’t the most popular month to go skiing for most people. So a skiing trip to Colorado during this month will have the whole slope to yourself.
Also, prices for the best hotels in Aspen, Colorado are at their cheapest but skiing is a hit or miss during this month due to limited snow. Aspen, Snowmass, Vail and Beaver creek are open during the first week of November.
- January & February
The best time to go skiing in Aspen is during January and February. During these months snowfall is at its best and the mountain peak is at its deepest. Also, the resorts aren’t crowded. Ensure you pack extra warm gear as January is the coldest month in Colorado.
- March
March is popular with snowboarders and skiers alike especially during spring break attracting huge crowds across ski resorts in Colorado. The temperatures are warmer and it’s the best time to hit the slopes. To avoid large crowds while visiting ski resorts in March go to larger ski resorts such as Vali or Keystone
- April
Mid-April brings less snowy and wetter conditions. Most resorts close for the season during this time and unless you go skiing in Colorado at the start of the month, you’re in for a huge disappointment. But during April most crowds have vanished so you’re in for great bargain rates.
Summary
Aspen the lap of luxury town with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking mountains is a must-visit holiday destination worth topping your bucket list.