Aspen Travel Guide – Plan the Perfect Trip Any Time of Year

Aspen, Colorado is a beautiful year-round travel destination that attracts everyone from famous celebrities and billionaires to families and couples celebrating milestones. But what makes Aspen so special? Maybe it’s the world-renowned ski and snowboard slopes. Or the abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities. Maybe visitors fall in love with the wide range of gourmet dining options that represent culinary traditions from all across the globe.

Here’s a list of topics featured in the article:

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Aspen?
2. What Activities Can Visitors Do Year-Round in Aspen?
3. Where are the Best Places to Eat and Drink in Aspen?
4. Where to Stay When You Visit
5. Getting Here: What You Need to Know
6. Getting Around: How to Navigate Aspen with Ease
7. Essential Aspen, Colorado Travel Guide Tips for First-Time Visitors
8. FAQs
9. Your Next Adventure Awaits!

You’ll just have to visit to experience the luxury of Aspen for yourself! This Aspen travel guide will cover everything you need to know before you visit. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Aspen?

While Aspen is captivating in every season, winter is when the town truly comes into its own. The best time to visit Aspen for a classic ski getaway is between December and February, when the snow is deepest, the ski areas are in peak condition, and the town’s festive energy is at its highest.

Some say the best time to visit Aspen is any time of year, and they’re not wrong. From golden fall foliage to long summer evenings on the patio, each season has its own kind of magic.

Aspen in Winter 

Winter is the most popular time to visit because that is when ski season is in full swing. Visitors can ski, ride, snowshoe, or snow mobile across the seemingly endless expanse of runs. There are 4 ski resorts in town that can all be accessed with a single ticket. 

This time of year, it snows frequently and temperatures rarely get above 30 degrees, so visitors should plan on packing snowboots, hats, gloves, warm layers, and a good coat. 

During the winter season, the main activities are: 

• Skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing
• Guided outdoor tours (by snowshoe, snow mobile, or on cross country skis)
• Sleigh or snowcat rides
• Enjoying live music at après ski parties

The biggest events of the winter are: 

• Opening weekend parties – Late-November to mid-December
• Wintersköl – Mid-December
• Christmas tree lightings, parades, and markets – Throughout December
• New Year fireworks and festivities – December 31st
• Aspen Gay Ski Week – Mid-January
• X Games Concerts & Competitions – End of January
• Palm tree Music Festival – End of February

Aspen in Spring 

During the spring, the temperatures rise and some of the ski crowds ease. The ski season continues into early April, but spring skiing comes with shorter lift lines, slushier conditions, and fewer layers. 

The main things to do during the spring are: 

• Skiing or snowboarding (Aspen travel guide note: the resorts close in late March or April. Check closing dates before you arrive)
• Fly fishing
• Biking and hiking
• Attending spring break concerts

The main events that happen in the spring are: 

• Spring Jam – End of March
• Easter services, egg hunts, and brunch specials – Easter weekend
• Aspen Film Shortfest – Second week of April
• Ski resort closing days – These range from late March to mid-April

Aspen in Summer

When temperatures rise again, Aspen once again becomes a hub of activity for visitors and locals alike. The summer is the best time of year to visit if you want to get outside and see the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley.

The most popular summer activities: 

• Hiking or biking
• Fly fishing
• White water rafting
• Golfing
• Gondola Rides
• Nature tours (by foot, on horseback, or in a hot air balloon)
• Attending festivals
• Visiting farmer’s markets 
• White water rafting and river tubing
• Yoga at the Sundeck

This Aspen travel guide recommends attending these summer events: 

• Farmer’s Market – Saturdays starting in mid-June
• JAS jazz festival – End of June
• Aspen Music Festival (AMFS) – Throughout July and August
• Food and Wine Classic – Mid-June
• Independence Day fireworks and parades – July 4th
• Up in the Sky music festival – Early August

Aspen in Fall

Like the spring, Aspen gets a little less busy in the fall. This doesn’t mean that there’s ever a shortage of things to do. Fall weather brings more comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. The fall is the best time of year to go leaf peeping and enjoy seasonal menus at the local restaurants. 

The main fall activities are: 

• Hiking and biking
• Fly fishing
• Golfing
• Riding the gondola
• Leaf peeping in a hot air balloon
• Historical and nature tours
• Shopping
• Attending concerts and art shows

When you visit Aspen in the fall, be sure to check out these annual events: 

• Aspen Film Festival – Mid-September
• Snowmass Hot Air Balloon Festival – Second week of September (depending on weather conditions)
• The trees changing colors – Begins in late September and continues through October
• Ruggerfest – 3rd week in September
• Aspen Words – End of September
• Golden Leaf Half Marathon – End of September
• Oktoberfest – Early October
• Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday throughout September and into early October
• Halloween parties and trick-or-treating – October 31st

What Activities Can Visitors Do Year-Round in Aspen?

There are many activities like skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and riding in a hot air balloon that are dependent on the season and local weather. However, there are 12 activities that you can enjoy no matter what time of year you visit: 

1. Hiking the local trails (you will need proper footwear to hike in the winter)
2. Enjoying the mountain views
3. Fly fishing in the Roaring Fork River
4. Visiting the Aspen Art Museum
5. Attending concerts at Belly Up or performances at Wheeler Opera House
6. Going shopping
7. Having a spa day
8. Attending yoga and pilates
9. Doing gallery walks to experience the local art scene
10. Wine tasting and private chef dinners

Where are the Best Places to Eat and Drink in Aspen?

The Roaring Fork Valley is so full of unique dining experiences that it can be hard for visitors to decide where to go. This Aspen travel guide has a few recommendations for places that you simply can’t miss:

If you are in the mood for fine dining, locals and food critics recommend

• Prospect – American fare that leans Mediterranean
• Bosq – intimate interior; locally sourced ingredients
• Element 47 – wide range of both meats and wines

The main places to go for a more casual bite to eat are:

• Ajax Tavern – Known for its wagyu burger and truffle fries
• White House Tavern – Known for the Parigi-style pizza
• Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop – Offers hearty to-go meals
• Clark’s Oyster Bar – A haven of draft beers, raw seafood, and daily specials 

If you’re in the mood for drinks, Aspen, Colorado is the place to be. The local bars range from soulful venues to sip and savor to nightlife hot spots where visitors down their drinks to get back to dancing. Depending on what vibe you’re looking for, there are the most highly recommended places by locals: 

• Western-style bars that keep it simple with whiskey, bourbon, and beer: Silver City, Bad Harriet, Stranahan’s, and J-Bar.
• Establishments known for creative cocktails: Hooch, Hidalgo, and Cache Cache 
• The main après ski spots: Cloud 9, The Snow Lodge, and The Wine Bar at The Little Nell
• Where to dance until dawn: Escobar, Belly Up, and The Sterling

For an extended overview of local restaurants, check out this restaurant guide and this breakdown of the nightlife options. If you would like personal recommendations and easy reservation bookings, plan your trip with Aspen Luxury Concierge. Our team acts as your single-point-of-contact, so you can enjoy your trip without having to chase down reservations. Contact ALC to get started.

Aspen Travel Guide: Where to Stay When You Visit

Visitors have 2 options for accommodations when they come to Aspen: you can either get a vacation rental or stay at one of the luxury hotels in town. Vacation rentals are a popular option for people who are hosting a bach party, having a family vacation, or staying for the holidays. People who are here with their beloved often opt for the service and intimacy of a luxury hotel room. 

The three main hotels in town are the St. Regis, the W Aspen, and The Little Nell.

The Little Nell

If you visit during the winter for ski season, it is a must that you stay at The Little Nell, which has ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain on top of being an après ski hotspot. The Little Nell is known for its cozy alpine vibes and exceptional service. 

The St. Regis

The St. Regis is known for its spa, complimentary transportation to select destinations, in-room fireplaces, and multiple on-location bars and restaurants. If you are a gourmet food connoisseur, you simply must stay at the St. Regis. The Food and Wine Classic Chef’s Club is based out of the St. Regis and collaborate on unique menus that visitors can savor through room service or at The Velvet Buck. 

The W

The W combines the best of The Little Nell and The St. Regis by offering ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain and impeccable service that even extends to having drinks delivered to you while you’re relaxing poolside.

Private Luxury Rentals with Aspen Luxury Concierge

For guests who prefer the privacy and comfort of a home with the polish of a five-star stay, Aspen Luxury Concierge provides access to a curated selection of luxury vacation rentals throughout Aspen, from ski-in/ski-out chalets to designer penthouses and spacious estates ideal for families, holidays, and milestone celebrations. Properties feature high-end finishes, beautiful views, and layouts designed for entertaining and relaxation. ALC can arrange private chefs, daily housekeeping, transportation, and on-mountain experiences as separately billed concierge services, so your stay feels fully customized without being limited to a traditional hotel experience.

Getting Here: What You Need to Know

No Aspen travel guide is complete without a few logistics. The most convenient way to get to Aspen is to fly into Pitkin County Airport and be picked up by a shuttle from your hotel. Since this is a smaller airport, it isn’t easy to get a direct flight unless you’re flying private. Most guests will catch a connecting flight at DIA. 

Some guests do opt to fly into DIA and then drive or hire a car to take them into Aspen. Driving from DIA to Aspen is a journey of over 200 miles that takes about 4 hours on a clear day. Many visitors who choose this route may do a stopover in Denver to see the mile high city before continuing to Aspen. 

Getting Around: How to Navigate Aspen with Ease

Once you arrive in Aspen, getting around is effortless when you have a private driver. We always recommend chauffeured transportation for comfort, safety on mountain roads, and a truly luxurious experience, especially in winter or during busy event weeks. Aspen Luxury Concierge can coordinate all of your driving needs, from airport transfers to in town and late night pickups, so you never have to think about parking, directions, or weather and can simply enjoy your stay.

Essential Aspen, Colorado Travel Guide Tips for First-Time Visitors

Here are some Aspen travel guide pro-tips that will make a huge difference in the success and enjoyment of your trip. 

Tip #1: Book early during peak seasons

If you are visiting in the winter or mid-summer when the bulk of the annual events take place, it is important to book everything as soon as possible. Accommodation, restaurant reservations, and event tickets fill up and sell out very fast during peak season. If you are considering a trip to Aspen in the future, get in touch with ALC so our team can lock down your bookings and draft your itinerary. 

Tip #2: Pack accordingly but leave room in your suitcases for some new items 

When you visit the mountains, just know that it will be colder than the city. The key to packing for Aspen is layers. When you visit in the winter, pack long underwear or fleece-lined leggings to layer under jeans or a ski suit. 

If you visit in the spring, you’ll still need many of those winter layers, but plan on bringing a rain coat or umbrella in case of spring showers. 

In the summer, it never gets as sweltering hot as other places in Colorado. When you visit in the summer, you still need a light jacket. 

The weather in the fall is a little like the weather in the spring. There’s less rain, but it will start to get a little chillier heading into October. This time of year, it’s in to sport a Kemo Sabe cowboy hat and lean a little more into Aspen’s cowboy origin story. 

In the fashion department, Aspen style is a distinctive aesthetic that combines luxury with functionality. Think unique combinations of wardrobe staples, understated designer pieces, and fashionably eclectic outfit pairings. 

Tip #3: Be prepared for the altitude adjustment

The altitude of Aspen, Colorado is 7,891 feet above sea level. No matter where you are coming from, you’ll probably feel it your first day here. Altitude sickness doesn’t have to ruin your amazing trip. Here are some tips for handling the adjustment: 

• Stay hydrated and drink electrolytes
• Eat multiple, smaller meals that are low in fat your first day here
• Get lots of sleep
• Don’t plan anything too strenuous on your first day
• Utilize supplemental oxygen if you feel like you need it
• Spend a night in Denver before heading to Aspen to help acclimate to the altitude 

FAQs

Planning your Aspen stay with Aspen Luxury Concierge? These answers cover the essentials, with flexibility for a fully customized experience.

Your Next Adventure Awaits!

That concludes this Aspen travel guide. If you have any other questions about our beautiful, little mountain down, don’t hesitate to contact Aspen Luxury Concierge. Our team of locals love helping visitors from around the world fall in love with Aspen through service and incredible experiences. When you plan your trip with ALC, our team handles all the details while you get to relax and unwind.