Aspen Colorado

Aspen Colorado sits along the upper end of the Roaring Fork Valley, along the Roaring Fork River and is surrounded by mountain and wilderness areas on three sides. It’s known around the world for its four ski areas- Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, anytime is the perfect time to be outdoors in Aspen! The epic powder days in winter turn into amazing river rafting days in spring and summer. No matter how you choose to spend a day in Aspen – downhill or cross-country skiing, dogsledding, horseback riding, mine exploring or fly fishing – your time in Aspen will be remembered as extraordinary.

More Aspen Town Facts

Region: Northwest	County: Pitkin
Latitude: 39.192222	Longitude: -106.824444	Elevation: 7,890 ft (2,405 m)

If you want to make your Aspen experience unforgettable, make sure to discover the rich and varied history that has shaped the town and its character. Both opened in 1889 by early Aspen supporter and visionary Jerome B. Wheeler, two notable historic locations that you won’t want to miss are Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House. The Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen landmark and local gathering place since its opening in 1889. An elegant hotel for most of its existence, the Jerome is also home to a number of restaurants, most notably the “J Bar” where patrons can order the infamous “Aspen Crud”, a milkshake infused with numerous liquors that was the preferred (and off-limits) drink of Tenth Mountain Division soldiers training here during WWII. Another one of Jerome Wheeler’s legacies is the Wheeler Opera House. Also opened in 1889, the Wheeler underwent a renovation in the late 1940′s after being destroyed by a fire in the early part of the 20th century, and an additional overhaul in the 1980′s. Currently it’s Aspen’s premier performing venue.

Aspen Colorado is known as a travel destination frequented by the rich and famous and is also the home to many celebrities. But don’t worry, Aspen has a variety of restaurants, shopping, lodging and nightlife that caters to a range of budgets and experiences. Many of Aspen’s visitors know this beautiful Colorado mountain town for its extensive mix of arts programs, cultural events, and cosmopolitan nightlife. Aspen places an emphasis on preserving the environment, its silver mining heritage, and the promotion of arts, culture, and non-profits in the area. Any way you look at it, in any season, Aspen is a great vacation spot for the whole family. Start planning your trip today!

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Local Aspen Attractions

Maroon Bells- “If you have to choose one outdoor related activity while in Aspen, put a visit to Maroon Bells at the top of your list. Its three prominent and sharply defined peaks are some of the most photographed mountains in North America. Hike the trail around Maroon Lake, which is easy and offers spectacular views of the mountains reflecting off the shimmering water. Due to heavy traffic, this area is accessible only by bus during the summer, unless you prefer to hike or bike in. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, buses run daily from 8:30am to 5pm. After Labor Day, car traffic is allowed on weekdays up until the road closes for the winter due to snow. Pack water and food for there are no refreshment stands.”
Independence Pass- “At 12,095 feet, this pass ranks as one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views from up top are stunning and border on the kind normally only reserved for National Geographic photographers. The drive from Aspen is equally stunning as the highway zigzags past thick stands of pine, towering cliffs, streams and Independence Ghost Town . Hairpin turns with precarious drop-offs add to the driving drama. Take Highway 82 east out of Aspen and follow it for approximately 20 miles. Parking, a handicapped paved hiking trail with viewing stand and a Continental Divide sign mark the summit. The road is closed during winter.”
Aspen Mountain- “The jewel of Aspen’s four ski mountains, Aspen Mountain spills right into the streets, making it very convenient for in-town lodgers. Eight lifts, including the Silver Queen Gondola , service 76 trails, most of which cater to experts and intermediates;this is not a mountain for beginners. If you ski down Little Nell, the main finishing run, make sure to bring your A-game for the whole town will be watching. Three on-mountain restaurants can handle hunger needs, or opt for the Tavern at the base for a prime people watching seat. Lessons are available.”
Aspen Highlands Ski Area- Just ask the locals and they’ll tell you, Aspen Highlands is their favorite! Why? Big mountain skiing! With over 1000 acres of terrain, there’s something for everyone, but if your interested in a challenge, Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is just what you’ve been looking for. With over 50% of the mountain dedicated to Diamond and Double Black Diamond runs, prepare to be aroused! Experience Steeplechase, Olympic bowl, Temerity and the Highland bowl to get a taste of what Colorado Skiing is all about!
Buttermilk Ski Area- Buttermilk is one of four ski resorts just north of Aspen Highlands in Aspen, Colorado. Buttermilk Ski Area is the easiest skiing mountain in the group and is considered a low altitude family-oriented area. It’s also the location of one of the best ski schools and children’s ski programs in the USA. The current Managing Director for the combined four Ski/Snowboard Schools of Aspen is Katie Fry. “Skiing since she was three, Katie grew up ski racing with the Aspen Valley Ski Club until she was 18, at which time she began sharing her love of the sport by teaching others how to do it. She continues to teach in Aspen Snowmass during the US winters.”
Snowmass Ski Area- Get ready, Snowmass ski seasons opening day is November 26, 2009! Within this 25-square-mile village you will find the second largest ski mountain in Colorado and nearly 150 miles of trails, which connect to the largest network of free groomed Nordic trails in the U.S. It’s worth noting that “Snowmass has the longest lift-served vertical rise in the U.S. and was the first in the country to have a lift operated solely by clean, renewable wind power. Chris Davenport, World Extreme Skiing Champion, says,”The fact is, Snowmass has some of the best steeps, cliffs, couloir, backcountry, terrain parks, and powder anywhere in North America.” This lovely example of Colorado village hospitality shines as both a wonderful ski resort and a summertime mecca. Come to play, and stay – in Snowmass.
Silver Queen Gondola- “If you want to summit a mountain, but do not want to huff-and-puff up a hiking trail to do so, this gondola ride provides a muscle-happy alternative. It silently glides above tall stands of pine and affords spectacular mountain views as it ascends to the summit of Ajax Mountain at 11,212 feet. The views from up top are stunning, especially during late July when the optic-amazing wildflowers bloom. Pack accordingly because the summit temperature will be cool. For more information call 970.925.1220″
Mill Street Fountain- “Despite all of Aspen’s boundless natural attractions of mountains and streams, nothing captures a kid’s attention more than this simple fountain. Streams of water geyser out of a street-level grate at alternating intervals making it a huge public sprinkler for kids to run through. On hot days, the fountain is full of kids, many who bring balloons and balls to balance on the geysers of water. Parents can keep an eye on the kids from an adjacent table at the Popcorn Wagon.”
Wheeler/Stallard House Museum- “During the height of Aspen’s silver boom in 1888, Jerome Wheeler built this stunning Queen Anne home for his wife. But after his wife refused to live in it, Wheeler was stuck with an empty mansion until 1905, when Edgar and Mary Stallard moved in and occupied the place for 40 years.The Aspen Historical Society bought the estate in 1969 and it has been a house museum every since. Displays include an 1892 Knabe piano, which Albert Schweitzer played at the 1949 Goethe convocation, Renaissance Revival furniture, 10th Mountain Division uniforms and ski equipment, and dolls dating back to the 1880s. Admission is free. For more information call 970.925.3721″
Independence Ghost Town- “Located just four miles below the Independence Pass Summit, this ghost town not only offers a hands-on look at history, but also spectacular mountain scenery. Formed in the summer of 1879, this former mining town hauled out almost 200-hundred thousand dollars worth of gold in a two-year span. By 1890, however, the rush was over and so was the town’s future. Today five structures in standing and collapsed conditions serve as weathered reminders to the area’s mining past. Admission is free and the surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Follow Highway 82 out of Aspen for 13.5 miles. The ghost town, which is visible from the road, will be on your right. The highway closes during winter. For more information call 970.925.3721″
Aspen Ice Garden- “Even when the weather outside is frightful, the inside of this rink is always delightful. It is open year-round, so even during July you can still glide around the ice and satisfy your winter fix. Without the ruts and bumps of a frozen pond, the marble-like ice is perfect for beginners, especially with the hockey boards to cling on to. For more information call 970.920.5141″