Everything in Aspen, Colorado, is luxurious and over-the-top; Aspen vacation homes are no different. Visitors in Aspen have their choice of sprawling villas, ski in/ski out chalets on the mountain, city-style condos, and beautiful estates for accommodations. 

WHY IS ASPEN A POPULAR VACATION DESTINATION FOR THE 1%?

Aspen attracts the top 1% of global travelers because the town has the unique combination of world-class skiing, Michelin star restaurants, exclusive nightlife, New York-caliber designer shopping, and luxurious vacation rentals. Elite visitors also enjoy the privacy of Aspen, where they can go about their business without encountering the paparazzi. As a luxury vacation destination, Aspen is unparalleled in the quality of service and discretion provided by the local concierge services.

The luxe world of celebrities in Aspen is not only for the top 1%. When you work with Aspen Luxury Concierge to plan your trip, you too can experience the finest things this town has to offer. The first step in planning an unforgettable luxury trip is choosing the perfect accommodations from the selection of Aspen vacation homes. 

3 OPTIONS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

There is no shortage of vacation rentals in Aspen. When you plan your trip with ALC, the first step is to choose what type of vacation home you would like to stay in. In general, you have 3 options for possible rentals including: 

1. A CHALET ON THE MOUNTAIN 

Ski enthusiasts usually want to be as close to the slopes as possible. Nearly every ski resort in Aspen has a few exclusive ski in/ski out chalets that are available to rent. These homes range from cozy and intimate to sprawling 5+ bedroom manors. 

The amenities will vary depending on the property, but most chalets for rent will have: 

• Large fireplaces in multiple rooms
• Modern, fully functional kitchens with brand new appliances
• Storage specially designed for skis, snowboards, and snowshoes
• An indoor hot tub or sauna
• Ski in/ski out access
• Winter sports gear that guests can use (such as snowmobiles, snowshoes, or sleds)

PROS AND CONS OF STAYING IN A CHALET

The main benefit of renting a chalet for your vacation is the atmosphere. Nothing says winter wonderland quite like cozying up by the fire with a mug of gourmet hot chocolate. When the snow begins to flutter down and the lights of Aspen glitter in the distance, you’ll know that you picked the right rental. 

The only downside of choosing to stay in a chalet is transportation and accessibility. Some chalets in Aspen are not easily accessible by roads. This can be a challenge if you are not used to driving in snow or if some members of your party are beginner skiers. However, if necessary, your ALC concierge can hire private transportation, stock your rental’s kitchen, run errands for you, and schedule skiing lessons. 

If you are interested in experiencing a winter wonderland this holiday season, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today!

2. A LUXURY CONDO DOWNTOWN

A chalet is the best option for visitors who want to spend most of their time skiing. A condo is ideal for people who want to do some shopping, check out Aspen nightlife, and enjoy all that downtown Aspen has to offer. Condo-sized Aspen vacation homes are best for intimate vacations, consisting of you and your beloved or your closest friends. 

Although the amenities in Aspen condos will vary by location, most condos have:

• Electric fireplaces
• Private parking with plug ins for electric vehicles 
• Easy access to the gondolas and ski shuttle (usually a 5-8 minute walk depending on location)
• Storage area for skis, snowboards, bikes, and other athletic gear
• In-unit laundry
• Chef’s kitchen
• Jacuzzis
• Queen or king-sized ergonomic beds

Visitors can enjoy staying in a rented condo during their trip to Aspen in both the winter and summer months. The proximity of most condos to both the downtown area and the ski resorts provides you with the opportunity to do everything. 

3. MODERN & HISTORIC VILLAS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

If you really want to travel like a celebrity, Aspen vacation homes are the way to do it. Villas are the year-round most popular accommodation for visitors who want privacy and quality service. Many villas come with unique amenities like full-time professional housekeeping rivaling that of the local luxury hotels and built-in activities.

One of the most famous Aspen home rentals for vacations is known as Dunbar Ranch and is owned by Kevin Costner. The 160-acre private property costs over $30k a night to rent out, but the price tag is absolutely worth it. In the winter, guests can enjoy the tubing track, take a dog sled ride, ice skate at the private rink, or go skiing at Aspen Mountain, which is about 10 minutes away from the property. During the summer, guests can fish, paddleboard, and kayak on the private lake. On dry land, you can ride horses, hike around the property, take an archery lesson, or hit balls on the private baseball diamond. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RENTING A VILLA?

There are also many options for house rentals on Red Mountain, which is locally known as “Billionaire’s Mountain.” Most of these properties were built with nature in mind. Properties often feature floor-to-ceiling windows to let in the alpine sun and panoramic views. As much as possible, these rentals were constructed with local, reclaimed wood to maintain the feeling of being in the forest. 

There are a few benefits to staying in a villa over renting a condo or chalet: 

• Villas have on-location activities, so you don’t have to travel too far to find something to do
• Whereas chalets are best for winter travel, villas are the ideal accommodation for both summer and winter trips
• Some villas come with private chefs, transportation services, or cars that you can utilize
• A villa is the best accommodation option for large groups. Unlike in a luxury hotel, everyone stays together and can enjoy private communal areas
• When you stay in a villa, it feels more like home. This is why ALC recommends renting a villa for longer vacations
• Most villas sit on a large property, which gives you plenty of privacy
• The villas on Red Mountain have unbeatable mountain views 

Please note that the specific properties mentioned above may or may not be available to rent during your trip. Please contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for available accommodations and villa options. 

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS 

Different Aspen vacation homes offer different things for visitors. An otherwise great trip can be ruined with the wrong accommodations. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing between different house rentals: 

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 

Real estate agents are right: location is key. There are a lot of things that can be adjusted and arranged during your trip, like your airport transportation or your itinerary. However, once your concierge books your rental, that can be much harder to change. When you choose your rental, think about where you want to be in Aspen or Snowmass. Do you want a view of the mountains? Do you want easy ski access? Would you rather be in the center of the action in downtown Aspen? These are all preferences to discuss with your ALC concierge when you start planning your trip. 

2. INTENDED ACTIVITIES 

The location and style of your rental should be harmonious with your itinerary. For example, if you are having an Aspen bachelorette party, you may prefer to rent one of the private homes near downtown Aspen. If you are here to hike and ski the Highland Bowl, then ski in/ski out access to Highlands ski resort is vital. Anyone traveling with children will likely want family-friendly accommodations with children’s amenities. Families often opt to rent a villa for their vacation because of the ample activities on the properties. While most villas in Aspen are not quite as big as Dunbar Ranch, there is still plenty to do in your home-away-from-home.

3. LIFESTYLE

Visitors come to Aspen to experience that luxurious alpine lifestyle. Accommodations are a huge part of that experience. When A-listers visit Aspen, they don’t stay just anywhere, they stay at the biggest, most beautiful Aspen vacation homes with the best amenities. Just look at the 20,000 square foot house with a pool and bowling alley where the Jenners once spent Christmas. If you want to travel like the 1%, it starts with the rental. 

However, most people are not able to curate that lifestyle by themselves. Wealthy travelers utilize concierge services for their trips and daily lives, which is why you should too. 

Aspen Luxury Concierge is a local service that connects our clients to the luxury lifestyle of their dreams. Our team has the experience and access to get you the best of the best. See how the other half travels by scheduling a trip consultation with ALC. 

4. NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR PARTY

Aspen home rentals for vacations range in size from 2 bedroom properties to 20+ bedroom properties. The number of guests in your party should determine the size of your rental. If you and your beloved are traveling alone, you may opt for a smaller, more intimate rental. If you are arranging a trip for your entire extended family or for a wedding party, you’ll need more rooms. Of course, certain types of rentals work well for different group sizes. Condos are generally a little smaller, so they are best for intimate gatherings. Rental chalets are available in a few different sizes, and villas are generally best for large groups who want privacy. 

5. THE AMENITIES YOU DESIRE

The appeal of Aspen vacation homes is that they have unique amenities that can go above and beyond that of a hotel. A big selling point for chalets is that they can have ski in/ski out slope access. On the other hand, villas frequently come with their own activities in the form of on-property swimming pools, bowling alleys, theaters, and hiking areas on the property. It all comes down to what you want out of your rental. Our team can arrange any additional experiences or amenities you’d like for your stay. Your concierge can attend to all your needs during your stay and can even hire additional staff to make your stay more comfortable. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VACATIONING IN ASPEN, COLORADO 

If you have never visited Aspen before, you may have some questions about our beautiful, little mountain town. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to help you plan your trip. 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT ASPEN?

Aspen doesn’t really have an offseason. While Aspen is generally known as a winter destination for skiing, any time of the year is a great time to visit. In the summer, Aspen’s moderate temperatures make for great hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and more. The fall is the most beautiful time of year because that’s when the trees change color. The spring offers a little bit of everything: everyone enjoys spring skiing, but the moderate temperatures also lend themselves to all kinds of other outdoor activities. 

WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO GET TO ASPEN FROM OUT OF STATE?

You have 3 options for getting to the Roaring Fork Valley: 

1. Fly commercial into the Pitkin County airport (also known as ASE and Sardy Field). Aspen is about 10 minutes away from the airport. For airport transportation, you can take a shuttle, rent a car, or have your concierge arrange for a private driver. 
2. Charter a private jet to Aspen. Jets can either land at ASE or one of the private airfields near Aspen. 
3. Fly into DIA, then travel the 4 hours to Aspen. This option is generally not preferred, but some visitors want to see Denver or visit family before heading to Aspen. 

WHAT MAKES ASPEN VACATION HOMES UNIQUE?

In Aspen, the views and architectural beauty are heads above the architecture in other towns. Since Aspenites value the local natural resources, those materials are incorporated into newly built homes. The result is properties that enhance the surrounding natural beauty and fit the alpine aesthetic. In addition to the beauty of the vacation rentals, Aspen residents and visitors value service, so unparalleled services are at the center of the rental experience. This means that many vacation rentals come with a concierge service or private chef. However, if these amenities are not included in your rental, Aspen Luxury Concierge can hire staff for your stay and tend to all your additional needs. 

VACATION LIKE AN A-LISTER WITH ALC!

Many of the vacation homes in Aspen are not available to the average traveler. If you want the best accommodations, you have to work with the best. Aspen Luxury Concierge has connections to the most sought after vacation rentals in the area. Our team is able to get you access to the life of the 1% through quality service. Schedule a consultation with an ALC concierge to find out how we can elevate your travels.