Overview
When’s the best time to go to Aspen?
Aspen is a world-class ski resort in an area with an arid climate. That means fluffy powder in the winter, warm days and cool nights in the summer, and 300 days of sunshine. Ski season begins on Thanksgiving and runs through mid-April. For the best deal on a ski vacation package, book your trip for early December or April. The epic powder days come in late February and March. Summer season kicks off in mid-June, when the town is bustling with activities and festivals, and starts winding down in September. Late July is a beautiful time to see the wildflowers in full bloom, and in September the mesmerizing foliage on brilliant yellow groves of aspen trees covers the hillsides. May, October, and November are considered the mud months, when many stores and restaurants close down and locals go on vacation. Even though not as vivacious as in summer or winter, Aspen is still a wonderful experience in these months—and they are definitely the cheapest times of year to visit.
How to get around Aspen
Aspen Airport is three miles from downtown Aspen. Most hotels offer airport pickup service, and there is always a line of taxis waiting in the arrival area, ready to whisk you into town for around $24.
Most things in Aspen are within walking distance. RFTA, the public transportation system, is another great resource. It has free routes throughout the different neighborhoods of Aspen and to Snowmass Village.
In summer, another way to get around town is to rent a bike from We-Cycle. The bikes are available at stations throughout Aspen and, with credit card authorization, can be used for free for rides of 30 minutes. Anything longer and you’ll be charged an extra fifty cents per minute.
Car rentals are available for day trips to remote hiking trails, a ride over Independence Pass, or a quick trip to Vail or the surrounding areas. Stay Aspen Snowmass offers a wealth of information about accommodations and can help you book your entire vacation package.
Can’t miss things to do in Aspen
A ride up the Silver Queen Gondola can’t be beat. Get a bird’s-eye view of Aspen as you travel 3,267 vertical feet to the top of Aspen Mountain. Once on top, lounge at the sundeck as you take in the views of the Elk Mountain Range and its majestic snowcapped mountains.
Food and drink to try in Aspen
A restaurant has to be good to survive in Aspen, given all the top-notch competition. Using fresh ingredients and supporting local producers are every chef’s mantras here. Classic standbys that have been in town for years and new innovative restaurateurs all vie to stake their claim in the Aspen food scene.
Culture in Aspen
Visitors to Aspen enjoy a wonderfully diverse range of cultural activities. The Aspen Institute brings to town the best and brightest minds from around the world for seminars, workshops, and lectures. Take in a remarkable performance by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet or see Theater in the Park. Music lovers can enjoy the sounds of classical music in the summer and jazz throughout the year. Art aficionados may choose to explore exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum, a phenomenal repository of contemporary art, or tour the numerous galleries around Aspen⎯or both!
Aspen knows how to entertain, with a surplus of events and festivals throughout the year. One signature winter festival is Winterskol, Aspen’s “toast to winter.” A weeklong celebration of Aspen living with everything from ice-sculpture contests to dog shows, it finishes with fireworks cascading over Aspen Mountain. Summer is packed with festivals, some nights even proffering a double bill of entertainment. The fun begins with the Food & Wine Festival in June and doesn’t end till the JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival.
If you’re here during the summer, don’t miss the annual fourth of July parade.
Local travel tips for Aspen
- The weather can change on a dime. What seems to be a glorious day can very quickly turn into a thunderous downpour of rain. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
- Aspen has four ski mountains to choose from, all accessed through one lift ticket. You could spend the morning skiing the bumps of Aspen and the afternoon cruising on Snowmass Mountain.
- RFTA, the public transportation system, offers skier shuttles that frequently leave Aspen for the other mountains.
