Aspen trips and vacations

Aspen boasts 5,000 acres of skiable terrain across four ski resorts — Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands — all covered by the same ski lift ticket. If skiing isn’t your thing, a winter vacation in Aspen also promises snowshoeing, ice skating and dogsledding. Prefer to skip the slopes? Aspen’s lively apres-ski scene is a sport unto itself.

In the warmer months meadows of wildflowers replace the snowy slopes, and activities turn to hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. The Rio Grande Trail and the Crater Lake Trail are favorites with summer walkers. And Snowmass’ Lost Forest guarantees endless days of fun with ziplining, rope courses and an alpine coaster.

A trip to Aspen is a great chance to explore the Roaring Fork Valley. The town of Basalt is a favorite with fly fishers. And in July the annual Carbondale Mountain Fair celebrates arts, music and culture. Looking for a scenic day out? Head to the Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon for its serene waterfall and emerald waters.

Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Aspen, Snowmass Village is a popular summer activity destination and the site of the Snowmass ski resort. Along with world-class winter sports facilities and ski-in ski-out lodging, expect endless hiking and biking trails and unique works along the seasonal Snowmass Art Walk.

Good for: Ski runs, hiking trails, gondola rides

You’ll find tree-lined streets, Victorian homes and small miners’ cottages in residential West End. A short walk takes you to the bustling downtown and the Rio Grande Trail. And the annual summer Aspen Music Festival held here means it’s one of the best areas to stay in Aspen for culture seekers.

Good for: Summer festivals, historic buildings, hiking trails

This is where to stay in Aspen if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. With views of the Rockies and easy access to trailheads and Snyder Park, it offers a picturesque setting no matter the season. Downtown is just a short walk away, where you’ll find plenty of dining, shopping and nightlife options.

Good for: Mountain views, hiking trails, parks

Aspen has a restaurant scene to rival its slopes, with everything from fine-dining spots to on-mountain eateries and cozy taverns. In winter you’ll want to hunker down at one of the mountainside bistros with a pot of fondue. And in summer Aspen’s many restaurant patios are primed for alfresco dining.

There’s more to Aspen’s shopping scene than just ski gear outfitters and luxury retailers. You’ll find everything from thrift stores to Western wear shops downtown. And West End is known for its art galleries and boutiques. If you’re visiting between June and October, don’t miss the Aspen Saturday Market for local artisan goods.

Aspen is famed for its apres-ski scene, offering slopeside bars, cozy hotel lounges and live music joints with late-night dance floors. For a taste of history, don’t miss visiting the 19th-century J-Bar at Hotel Jerome. The Aspen Crud cocktail has been a favorite with locals and visitors alike since Prohibition.

While you won’t find traditional beaches here, Aspen’s rivers and nearby swimming holes are perfect for cooling down in the summer. The Devil’s Punchbowl along the Roaring Fork River is a local hot spot. And an hour’s drive from Aspen lies the Ruedi Reservoir, popular for its swimming, fishing and paddle boarding.

The Dancing Fountain — the world’s first computerized fountain — is always a hit with families. Less than a 20-minute drive away, Maroon Bells offers hiking trails for all abilities. Children of different ages go wild at the Aspen Recreation Center, which has an ice rink, aquatic center and climbing tower.

The architecturally ornate Aspen Art Museum draws visitors with its international artist exhibitions. And the Aspen Art Gallery showcases a colorful collection of local artworks. History buffs will want to check out the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, housed in an 1887 Queen Anne–style home, which offers rotating exhibitions exploring Aspen’s past.