Discover Aspen
Surrounded by high mountain wilderness areas and sparkling rivers, Aspen provides a beautiful outdoor playground of versatility, enlivened with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Removed from the hustle and bustle of big city life and surrounded by inspiring scenery, Aspen first rose to fame as a centre for counter-culture in the 1960s-1970s. Burnt out intellectuals like Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, high-profile bankers and prominent lawyers flocked to Aspen to escape the daily grind and reinvent themselves as carefree dropouts.
In the late 20th century the town’s reputation as a stress-free retreat attracted swarms of A-list celebrities, turning the hidden haven into a glitzy playground for the wealthy and famous. Today Aspen is replete with high-end restaurants, salons and boutiques, and transforms into one of the United States’ most popular ski resorts at winter.
During the winter months four mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – can be easily accessed from the town, offering visitors and locals more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Buttermilk caters to beginners and families, fostering unintimidating piste trails. In contrast, the mountain is also popular with experienced snow sport fans, boasting the legendary Buttermilk terrain park and its Olympic-sized superpipe. Aspen Highlands features terrain for all abilities, but is most well-known for its steep expert runs.
Aspen Mountain’s famous black-diamond terrain has kept Aspen on the international snow sports map since 1947. Snowmass is the largest of area’s resorts and is widely regarded as one of the country’s best ski resorts, featuring diverse terrain and extensive ski-in ski-out lodging.
While the region is best known as a winter wonderland, it also fosters a number of exciting things to see and do during the warmer months. When the snow melts and the starlets return to Hollywood, the Colorado mountain town return to its roots, and embraces its stunning natural physicality.
Surrounded by high mountain wilderness areas and sparkling rivers, Aspen provides a beautiful outdoor playground of versatility, enlivened with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Hikers explore the imposing reddish peaks of Maroon Bells. Water lovers navigate the Roaring Fork River, flanked by carpets of wildflowers. Fly-fishing enthusiasts cast lines in the spectacular Frying Pan in attempt to snag rainbow and brown trout. Thrill seekers mountain bike down Ajax Mountain, performing death-defying stunts.
There is also a decidedly cultural character to the town in the off season. Summer mainstays include the Summer Words literary festival, The Aspen Dance Festival, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival.
