Aspen, Colorado spring break is the perfect time and place to take a much-needed break from the rigors of classes. If you’re a college student, the Roaring Fork Valley perfectly blends a party scene with an endless number of adventurous activities; you can get the full experience of dancing all night, then heading out the next morning to see the mountains.
What Are the Best Aspen, Colorado Spring Break Activities?
- Nightlife: Experience Aspen’s nightlife with craft cocktails, live DJs, and VIP tables arranged by your concierge
- Après-Ski: Enjoy après-ski scenes and mountain lounges
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Hit the slopes for spring skiing and snowboarding
- Shopping: Browse luxury boutiques, designer labels, and curated local shops in downtown Aspen
- Luxury Wellness: Relax in world-class spas and wellness retreats
- Dining: Dine at Aspen’s top-rated restaurants and après patios
- Scenic Experiences: Take a scenic ride on the Silver Queen Gondola
- Music Events: Attend unique spring events and festivals
- Winter Activities: Try fat tire biking, snowmobiling, or ice skating
- Museum Experiences: Explore Aspen Art Museum and local galleries
Is Aspen in your future? Read on to learn all about annual events, spring weather conditions, where to ski/ride, and pro tips for making your trip the best it can be!
The Biggest Spring Break Events & Parties
There’s almost always a concert or a party happening around here – especially during Aspen, Colorado spring break. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch one of these music festivals.
Spring Jam
This event takes place over the last weekend in March. The festivities begin with the NEPSA Awards, which showcase local filmmakers and photographers, being presented at the Wheeler Opera House. Both nights of Spring Jam are filled with color, sound, and opportunities to hit the slopes! You can either enjoy the free Hi-Fi concert in Gondola Plaza or take to Ajax for night skiing from 7 to 10 pm. All the proceeds from night skiing tickets are donated to the Environment Foundation and Caring for Community Fund.
If nightlife isn’t your thing or you prefer to go to bed early, you can still participate in the Spring Jam events. During the day, snowboarders of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the annual Banked Slalom event. For skiers, the Spring Jam competition is Battle in the Bowl. Participants compete to see who can get the most laps of hiking and skiing at the Highland Bowl.
Closing Day Celebrations
A hallmark of the spring is Aspen and Snowmass gradually transitioning from winter activities to spring activities. Depending on when your spring break falls, you’ll be able to take part in the annual closing day celebrations. These festivities celebrate the last day that the ski resorts are open and each features different activities and a different vibe.
Mid-April: Buttermilk, Highlands, and Snowmass Closing
The other closing days take place in April, which makes them a popular place to party for college students enjoying an Aspen, Colorado spring break. Buttermilk closes in early April; all the festivities center around bacon, so guests can sample different bacon-themed finger foods while enjoying live music. Highlands and Snowmass close mid-April. The vibe of Highlands is all about mismatched outfits and thrifted accessories. Snowmass combines ski with surf on its closing day; both skiers and riders are invited to try their hand at pond skimming and then warm up with a soak in the hot tubs.
End of April: Ajax Closing
The last closing party of the season is Aspen Mountain, which takes place in mid to late April. The theme of this event is also mismatched clothes and wild costumes, so anyone who attended Highlands can potentially recycle parts of that get up. The party on Ajax starts at the Sundeck at the top of the mountain with toast of bubbly, then continues down at Gondola Plaza with Ajax Tavern specials, more drinks, and music.
Where to Ski and Snowboard During Spring Break in Aspen, Colorado
Although there are an abundance of year-round activities to partake in for non-skiers, it’s no secret that skiing and snowboarding are the main Aspen, Colorado spring break activities. Aspen-Snowmass has a 4 mountain system that visitors can access using a single lift ticket. Each of the 4 mountains has terrain that caters to a specific type and skill-level.
Here’s a quick overview of what each mountain is known for:
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) – There is no beginner terrain; this mountain is best for intermediates and experts, especially those who enjoy chutes and moguls.
- Snowmass – The largest mountain with the most runs. Snowmass has a few beginner runs and a bunny hill but most of the terrain is intermediate and expert. Riders will enjoy the 3 terrain parks.
- Highlands – This mountain is home to the famous Highland Bowl. There are no beginner runs, but advanced skiers and riders will like the expansive glades and steep runs. Highlands is home to Cloud 9, the world-famous après ski party destination.
- Buttermilk – This mountain is where all the beginner runs live, even the blues and blacks have less difficulty than similar runs on other mountains. Buttermilk also has an extensive terrain park for riders and skiers alike. Fun fact: Buttermilk is where the X Games concerts and athletic events are hosted every year, so you’ll get to shred the same terrain as the greats!
Weather & Snow Conditions in Aspen During Spring Break
During March, the average temperature ranges from a high of 43 degrees to a low of 13 degrees. It’s normal in Colorado for one of the snowiest months of the year to be March; in Aspen, the average snowfall drops a little from the 10.2 inches per week in February to a still-skiable 8.3 inches a week average for March.
At the beginning of the month, it typically snows 3 to 5 days a week with that number dropping slightly near the end of March. This means that skiers and riders can expect fluffy, fresh powder on the slopes. If your spring break is in early April instead of March, the slopes get a little slushy as the temperatures rise; this is perfect for pond skimming but less ideal for beginners who are refining their technique.
Another factor that makes Aspen, Colorado spring break the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding is the longer days. In March, Aspen gets 11.9 hours of sun, so ski resorts will often extend their lift hours.
ALC’s Pro-Tips for a Better Spring Break in Aspen, Colorado
The key to an enjoyable Aspen, Colorado spring break is planning ahead and knowing what to expect. The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge has a few tips for visitors that will make your trip that much better:
Visiting in March
The busiest time of year in Aspen is December through February; this is when the conditions are best for skiing and snowboarding, thus the lift lines are the longest and it’s the hardest to get restaurant reservations.
When you visit during March, you can still catch great snow with shorter lines and less competition for activity and accommodation bookings.
Don’t rely on Uber of Lyft when you visit
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate on a very limited basis in the Roaring Fork Valley, and wait times can be unpredictable—especially during peak times or late at night. For seamless, on-time transfers, we recommend pre-arranged private car service or chauffeured SUVs coordinated through Aspen Luxury Concierge.
You have a few options for reliable transportation:
- Get a rental car. This is ideal for people who want to cruise the mountain passes and see the sights. However, this isn’t the best option if you don’t feel comfortable driving in winter conditions.
- Stay in central Aspen and utilize the free bus system to get around. The valley shuttles can take you almost anywhere you want to go! Please note that the buses don’t run all night; some lines run until midnight while others go until 2 am.
- Have your ALC concierge arrange private transportation. This is the best option for visitors because you’ll have access to a car whenever you need and the drivers are very experienced at driving safely in winter conditions.
Where to Stay in Aspen for Spring Break
If you know anything about Aspen, you know that this town does not mess around when it comes to luxury accommodations. Premier hotels like The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and Limelight offer exceptional service and easy access to local events. However, when you visit for spring break, you might want to consider a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Vacation rentals allow you to be close to your friends for optimal hangouts and greater privacy.
How to Access VIP Experiences for Your Spring Break
Aspen Luxury Concierge is the premier concierge in the Roaring Fork Valley. Our team of locals specialize in making you call in love with Aspen through impeccable service. As your single-point-of-contact, your ALC concierge will handle all your restaurant reservations, transportation coordination, ski/snowboard rentals and lift tickets, activity itinerary, and getting you access to VIP treatment at venues across town.
Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today to start planning your epic spring break trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your spring break trip to Aspen? Here are some quick answers to help you get the most out of your visit.
March is one of the best times to experience Aspen in all its glory. You’ll catch the tail end of peak ski season with fresh powder still falling, but without the massive holiday crowds of December and January. Expect longer, sunnier days, vibrant après-ski patios, and a stacked calendar of spring events and live music. Whether you’re skiing, partying, or soaking in a rooftop hot tub, March in Aspen hits the sweet spot.
Absolutely. Spring break in Colorado, especially in Aspen, is a skier’s dream. The snow is still deep (March is often one of the snowiest months), and the warmer temps make for more comfortable days on the mountain. Bonus? Fewer layers needed and plenty of sunshine. It’s also when resorts host some of their most iconic parties and closing events, so you can hit the slopes by day and dance all night.
Absolutely. Aspen’s top restaurants, lounges, and après venues book quickly during spring break. Aspen Luxury Concierge can secure priority reservations, coordinate bottle-service tables, and design full evening itineraries so your group is never waiting in line or scrambling for last-minute options.
Yes, spring break is an excellent time to visit Aspen, especially for luxury travelers.
During March and early April, you typically get:
– Longer, sunnier ski days with a mix of soft spring snow and occasional fresh storms
– Lively après-ski and events, from closing-day parties to outdoor concerts and patio scenes
– A sophisticated crowd, with families, professionals, and international guests, rather than a traditional “college spring break” atmosphere
– More time on the mountain + more time in town, thanks to warmer temps and later sunsets
Come Experience Spring Break in Aspen, Colorado!
Aspen is an exceptional spring break destination for discerning travelers who want world-class skiing by day and elevated dining, wellness, and nightlife by night. From sun-soaked laps on the mountain to chef-driven restaurants, curated music events, and sophisticated après scenes, spring in Aspen is designed for those who appreciate access, discretion, and comfort.
Aspen Luxury Concierge curates every detail of your stay, from securing premier accommodations to arranging private instructors, car services, reservations, and in-residence experiences, so your time in Aspen feels seamless and bespoke. This year is your year for an unforgettable spring break. Aspen Luxury Concierge will be your single point of contact for all your activity, accommodation, and restaurant bookings. Give ALC a call today to start planning your visit!
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