First Time Visiting Aspen – Things to Know to Plan Your Trip

Aspen, Colorado is a small mountain town with a lot to experience, and planning your first visit can feel a little overwhelming. Between choosing where to stay, navigating four ski mountains, adjusting to the altitude, making reservations, and deciding what to do each season, there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive.

As a local and owner of Aspen Luxury Concierge, I help visitors navigate these details and plan their time in Aspen. This guide covers what I recommend knowing before your first trip, from getting around and choosing the right time to visit to what you should book in advance.

What Do I Need to Know When Visiting Aspen for the First Time?

The most important thing to know is that Aspen is easy to enjoy, but some advance planning goes a long way. Aspen and Snowmass Village are separate destinations, the four local ski mountains offer very different experiences, and the altitude can take some getting used to. Depending on when you visit, you may also need to plan ahead for popular restaurants, activities, transportation, and destinations like the Maroon Bells.

10 Things To Consider on Your Trip To Aspen

Here are 10 things to do on your first visit to Aspen.

1. Aspen Is Smaller and More Walkable Than You May Expect – The downtown area is conveniently compact with many activities within walking distance of the local hotels.
2. Aspen and Snowmass Village Are Not the Same Place – Snowmass is a 15 minute drive from Aspen.
3. Aspen Snowmass Includes Four Different Ski Mountains – The four mountains are Ajax (Aspen Mountain), Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands.
4. Not Every Mountain Is Right for Every Skier – Buttermilk is best for beginners, Highlands is best for advanced skiers, Snowmass is popular among snowboarders, and Ajax is best for intermediates.
5. You Don’t Necessarily Need a Car in Aspen – The extensive public transit and ski shuttles make it easy to get around without driving.
6. Aspen Sits at Nearly 8,000 Feet Above Sea Level – It’s normal to feel like there’s no air for the first few days. 
7. Take It Easy When You First Arrive – Altitude sickness and fatigue are very common. It’s best to take it easy to give the body time to adapt.
8. Aspen Changes Dramatically With the Seasons – Winter Aspen is very different from summer Aspen with a new range of activities and menu items.
9. Maroon Bells Requires Advance Planning – To visit the Maroon Bells you need to either get a shuttle reservation or secure a parking pass in advance.
10. Popular Restaurants and Experiences Require Reservations – Experiences fill up fast, so you’ll want to book everything in advance of your trip. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Aspen?

Aspen is a year-round destination; each season drastically changes the atmosphere and activity offerings, so you can visit over and over again and still see something new!

Winter

The winter is one of the best times of year for your first time visiting Aspen because it is peak ski and snowboard season. The Aspen-Snowmass area is home to 4 different mountains with extensive terrain options for all skill levels. During ski season, Aspen comes alive with après-ski parties, on-mountain celebrations (like Gay Ski Week), and holiday parties. 

Even if you do not ski or snowboard, you will find plenty to do during the winter. Non-skiers may enjoy going snowshoeing, winter tubing, fat tire biking, going on a sleigh ride, and ice skating. 

Summer

Summer is another busy and enjoyable time of year to visit. Without snow covering the mountains, there are fields of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. The comfortably warm weather is ideal for outdoor adventures like cycling, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, tubing in the creek, horseback riding, doing mountaintop yoga, and riding the gondola. 

Many of Aspen’s annual festivals take place during the summer months. The Food and Wine Classic – a global culinary celebration – takes place in late June. Once the sommeliers and chefs pack out of town, it’s time for the JAS (Jazz Aspen-Snowmass) June Experience to take over with concerts and VIP cocktail nights. 

Fall

While the fall is less busy than the summer and winter, Aspen is still very much popping as the trees change color and the weather cools. The most popular fall activity in Aspen is leaf peeping; visitors love to hike or drive through the mountains to witness the stunning view of the forests turning gold. The fall brings with it comfortably cool weather that is ideal for hiking, biking, and fly fishing. With smaller crowds, visitors may have trails and rivers all to themselves. 

One highlight of having your first time visiting Aspen be in the fall is the seasonal menus. You can expect to see pumpkin flavored coffees, apple cocktails, rosemary brussel sprout appetizers, and entrees with squash and sweet potatoes. If you’re looking for a truly unique local restaurant, I recommend Bosq, where the ingredients are locally sourced, so the seasonal menus reflect Aspen’s changing outdoors. 

Spring and Shoulder Season

The spring is when Aspen gets quiet, although it never really hibernates the way that other mountain towns do. While some restaurants close at different points during the season, there is still plenty to do around town! The big events of the spring are the various closing day celebrations that mark the end of the ski season, the Spring Jams concert series, and spring break festivities.

Although the spring is warm and welcoming for outdoor activities, there is a high risk that afternoon showers will rain out your planned activities. If it’s your first time visiting Aspen in the spring, be sure to have a backup activity, like going to the art museum or having a spa day.

When is the Best Season to Visit Aspen?

The best time to visit depends on what you want to do while you’re in town. If you are interested in skiing or snowboarding (be it as a seasoned pro or a beginner who is excited to learn), the best time to visit is in the winter. Although the ski season extends into the spring, the snow conditions are best in January, February, and March. By April, the slopes get a little watery and there is less fresh powder to enjoy. 

If you want to partake in outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, fishing, or golfing, the best time to visit is in the summer or fall. Since so many festivals happen during the summer months, visitors who want to skip the crowds and competition for reservations may consider pushing their visit into September or October. 

Visiting Aspen for the First Time: Getting Around

If you’re an experienced traveler, you know that an unsung aspect of travel is figuring out how to get around the place that you’re in. When you visit Aspen, you have 3 options for getting around:

Walking Around Downtown & Free Public Transportation

The downtown area is very walkable if you stay in a centrally located luxury hotel. Aspen also has extensive public transit that is free to ride. In the winter, there are shuttles that go around to all the ski resorts to drop off and pick up skiers. Depending on what you want to do, you may be just fine walking and taking buses. 

When Renting a Car Makes Sense & Parking in Aspen

Renting a car while on a trip can be both very convenient and very inconvenient for your first time visiting Aspen. Having a rental allows you to spontaneously go anywhere you want, store your items, and venture over to Aspen’s neighboring towns. However, renting a car also means that you may have to drive in snow for the first time and worry about parking. Aspen has very limited parking and most parking is metered hourly, which can get expensive over time. 

Renting a car only makes sense in certain scenarios, such as if:

• You are flying into the Denver airport then driving into Aspen
• You are doing a mini road trip where you spend a day in Aspen before heading to Glenwood Springs or Vail

Private Transportation

Although the public transit is extensive, it may not be enough to get you where you want to go in a timely manner. When guests visit Aspen, I always recommend booking private transportation for the duration of your visit. This way, you get all the benefits of renting a car but you don’t have to worry about parking, driving in winter conditions, or getting gas. Your driver will simply drop you off and pick you up for all of your activities. 

The Best Things to Do on Your First Visit

Aspen is the kind of place where you can’t just visit once; you’ll always be drawn back to see more of the natural beauty here. But, for your first time visiting Aspen, here’s what I recommend doing: 

• Explore Downtown Aspen – You’ll love the luxury shopping scene and the unique flavors at the coffee shops.
• Visit Maroon Bells – They’re the most photographed mountains in Colorado for a reason! This requires advanced planning that I often help clients with.
• Ride the Silver Queen Gondola – A great summer activity! You’ll see fields of wildflowers and wildlife stretching out below you.
• Experience the Four Mountains – The four mountains have extensive hiking trails for all skill levels; there’s also a bike park on Snowmass that will thrill and exert you.
• Walk Through the John Denver Sanctuary – This space combines lyrics and poetry with curated, natural wonder. 
• Enjoy Aspen’s Dining and Après-Ski Scene – Après-ski means “after ski;” it’s a special type of Aspen party that can range from spraying champagne to EDM or sipping cocktails while networking.

What to Book in Advance

The importance of advanced bookings cannot be overstated, especially when visiting Aspen for the first time. Booking in advance is most vital when you visit in the winter or summer when there is maximum competition for equipment rentals, restaurant reservations, and hotel rooms. 

Before you visit Aspen, be sure to book these 7 things:

1. Accommodations (hotel room or vacation rental)
2. Restaurant reservations
3. Maroon Bells Access
4. Lift Tickets and Ski Lessons
5. Equipment Rentals
6. Event and Performance tickets
7. Airport Transportation

Aspen Altitude and Weather: What to Know Before You Visit

The town of Aspen, Colorado has an elevation of 7,908 feet; when skiing or hiking on the local mountains, you can reach altitudes of over 12,000 feet above sea level. If you are unaccustomed to high altitude, here are a few things that you need to know about Aspen altitude:

• Adjusting to the elevation takes time.
• Staying hydrated is essential to fending off altitude sickness.
• Alcohol and high altitude don’t always mix. Limit how much you’re drinking until you’ve acclimated to the new elevation.
• The sun’s rays are more intense at altitude. Sun protection is very important, even in the winter and when the weather seems cloudy.
• Mountain weather changes very quickly. Dress in layers to adapt to the weather and be sure to always have a waterproof layer in case of sudden rain or wet snow.

What to Pack for Each Season

Colorado locals have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes!” The weather can change very quickly in the mountains, so it’s best to dress in layers. 

Year-Round Essentials

• Sunscreen 
• Sunglasses
• A formal outfit for fine dining
• Gym clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Swim suit for hotel pools and hot tubs

Winter Packing

• Snow boots
• Hats and scarves 
• Snow pants and coat
• Gloves or mittens
• Wool socks
• Thermal base layers
• Neck gaiter or ski mask

Summer Packing

• Light weight jacket
• Rain coat
• Sun hat
• Water shoes or sandals
• Hiking boots
• A mix of shorts and long pants
• Water bottle or camel back

Fall Packing

• Multiple jacket layers
• Windbreaker
• Sun hat
• Hiking boots
• Thermal base layers

First-Time Mistakes to Avoid

Aspen is easy to enjoy, but a little planning can make your first visit much smoother. These are some of the most common mistakes I see first-time visitors make:

• Doing Too Much on Your Arrival Day – Give yourself time to adjust to Aspen’s altitude before planning a full day of skiing, hiking, or other strenuous activities.
• Confusing Aspen With Snowmass – Aspen and Snowmass Village are separate destinations about 15 minutes apart, so always double-check where your hotel, restaurant, or activity is located.
• Choosing the Wrong Ski Mountain – Aspen Snowmass has four mountains, and each offers a different experience. Choose the mountain that best fits your ability level and what you want from your ski day.
• Making Reservations Too Late – Popular restaurants, activities, ski lessons, transportation, and seasonal experiences can fill up quickly, particularly during winter and summer.
• Renting a Car Unnecessarily – Downtown Aspen is walkable and public transportation is extensive, so many visitors can enjoy their entire trip without needing a rental car.
• Underestimating the Altitude – Aspen sits nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol when you first arrive, and give your body time to acclimate.
• Packing Only for the Forecast – Mountain weather can change quickly. Bring layers and weather-resistant clothing even when the forecast looks clear.
• Overplanning Your Schedule – Leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Aspen is best enjoyed when you have time to explore downtown, linger over a meal, or make room for something unexpected.

First-Time Aspen FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the first time visiting Aspen.

Is Aspen Worth Visiting If You Don’t Ski?

Yes. Aspen offers much more than skiing, with excellent dining, luxury shopping, spas, scenic gondola rides, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, hiking, biking, and seasonal events. The experience changes throughout the year, so non-skiers can still build a full itinerary around the town, scenery, and outdoor activities.

Is Aspen Walkable?

Yes. Downtown Aspen is compact, and many restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions are within walking distance of one another. Free public transportation also makes it easy to reach areas outside the downtown core without relying on a car.

Do You Need a Car?

Most first-time visitors do not need one, especially if they are staying in or near downtown Aspen. Walking, free public transportation, ski shuttles, and private transportation can cover most trips, while a rental car makes more sense if you plan to explore neighboring towns or drive in from Denver.

Is Aspen or Snowmass Better for First-Time Visitors?

It depends on the type of trip you want. Aspen offers a compact downtown with restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and easy access to Aspen Mountain, while Snowmass feels more like a self-contained mountain resort with extensive ski terrain and a different village atmosphere.

Is Aspen Good for Beginner Skiers?

Yes, especially if you choose the right mountain. Buttermilk is the most beginner-friendly of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains, while the others are better suited to different skill levels and skiing styles. First-time skiers should also consider booking lessons in advance during busy periods.

How Far Is Maroon Bells From Aspen?

Maroon Bells is located just outside Aspen and is one of the area’s most popular scenic destinations. Visiting often requires advance planning because access can be controlled by shuttle reservations or parking permits during busy seasons, so it is best to confirm the current requirements before your trip.

Your Aspen Adventure Awaits!

Aspen, Colorado is a town that is very easy to fall in love with, whether it’s your first time visiting Aspen or you’re an honorary local. Aspen Luxury Concierge in 2019 to help visitors fall in love with this beautiful town through service and attention to detail. When you plan your trip with ALC, my team serves as a single point of contact for all your bookings and plans your itinerary to get you exclusive VIP experiences. 

If you’re ready to find out why everyone loves Aspen, get in touch with ALC to start planning your next adventure!