Spring or Fall Shoulder Seasons
These are the perfect times to visit, when the crowds thin out and the atmosphere feels more laid-back.
Things to Know
- Elevation: 7,908 feet
- Ski Areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass
- Distance from Denver: Less than four hours by car
- Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
How to Get Around
- Buses: Free shuttle buses run through town and stop at all four ski areas.
- Taxis: High Mountain Taxi or Downtowner (Aspen’s Uber-style taxi service).
- Car service: Aspen Star Limo or Aspen Transportation Co.
Best Hotels
1. The St. Regis Aspen Resort
You can’t miss this five-star hotel—it’s a grand redbrick building right at the base of Aspen Mountain. Inside, you’ll find apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, fireplaces, and multiple bedrooms. Plus, all the luxury perks: a full-service spa, heated outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.
2. The Little Nell
For a high-end, ski-in/ski-out stay, this is the spot. It’s the only luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel in town, and it lives up to the hype. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, balconies, and suites with steam showers and fireplaces. And the best part? The lifts at Aspen Mountain and the Silver Queen Gondola are just steps away.
3. Limelight Hotel
If you remember the old Limelight Lodge (or the bar it used to be), you’ll love its modern upgrade. Now a trendy, youthful hotel with sister locations in Ketchum, Idaho, and Snowmass, it offers loaner bikes, ski lockers, and a shuttle to make the short walk to the lifts even easier.
4. W Aspen
Just a two-minute walk to Aspen Mountain, this stylish hotel gives you 360-degree mountain views even if you never hit the slopes. Enjoy the WET Deck—an outdoor patio with a pool, hot tub, fire pits, and killer views. Feeling fancy? Borrow the hotel’s BMW for a day of shopping in style.
5. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
This historic redbrick hotel has been an Aspen staple since 1889. It’s seen everything from the silver boom to Hunter S. Thompson’s sheriff campaign. Today, it’s still a favorite thanks to its luxe rooms (with floor-to-ceiling windows) and prime location right in the heart of town.
Best Restaurants
6. Ajax Tavern (French/American)
The ultimate après-ski spot, Ajax Tavern sits at the base of Aspen Mountain with a sunny patio perfect for cocktails. The menu is casual but top-notch—think truffle fries and wagyu double cheeseburgers. Reservations are recommended.
7. Jing (Asian Fusion)
Who says you can’t get great sushi in the mountains? This cozy spot offers a full raw bar, dim sum, small plates, and even steaks. (Try the French onion soup dumplings!) Reservations recommended.
8. Ellina (Italian)
A must for pasta lovers, Ellina has been an Aspen favorite since 2009. The housemade pasta pairs perfectly with meat and fish entrees—don’t miss the artichoke heart bruschetta. Reservations are a good idea during peak seasons.
9. The Wild Fig (French)
Cozy, charming, and full of European flair, this French brasserie serves up Spanish, Italian, Greek, and French-inspired dishes. Reservations recommended.
10. White House Tavern (American)
Simple but elevated—think French dip, kale salad, and burgers—all served in a tiny 19th-century miner’s cottage. No reservations, so get there early.
11. Catch Steak (Steakhouse)
As buzzy as its NYC counterpart but with Colorado flair, Catch Steak is where you show off your new Kemo Sabe boots. Go for oysters or sushi first, then dive into Japanese wagyu or a massive tomahawk steak. Reservations recommended.
12. Duemani (Mediterranean/Seafood)
From the team behind Acquolina (Aspen’s top pizza spot), Duemani serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors. For a unique experience, book the private yurt dining setup. Reservations recommended.
Things to Do
13. Belly Up Aspen
An intimate live music venue where you can catch big names (like Norah Jones or John Legend) up close. Open seating and two full bars keep the vibe lively.
14. Silver Queen Gondola
No skiing required—this gondola takes you to the top of Aspen Mountain for epic views. Grab a bite at the Sundeck Restaurant while you’re up there.
15. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
One lift ticket gets you access to all four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
16. Aspen Art Museum
A small-town gem with big-city art, featuring works from international stars (Andy Warhol, anyone?) and local talent.
17. Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
A must for foodies—top chefs (like Marcus Samuelsson and Guy Fieri) host tastings, demos, and seminars every year.
Best Shopping
18. Gorsuch
The go-to for high-end ski fashion, luxury apparel, and chic home goods.
19. Kemo Sabe
Your one-stop for cowboy boots, handmade hats, and Western wear.
20. Pitkin County Dry Goods
Aspen’s original clothing store (since 1969!), offering contemporary fashion for men and women.
21. Explore Booksellers
A charming Victorian house packed with books that’ll transport you far beyond Aspen.
22. The Little Bird
A luxury consignment shop with designer finds (Chanel, Hermès, Valentino) at a fraction of the price.
23. Souchi
The best spot for cozy cashmere sweaters (hand-loomed locally!) plus designer clothing and accessories.
Neighborhoods to Know
Aspen may be small (just four square miles), but it has distinct areas:
- Central Core: The heart of Aspen—where the gondola, restaurants, and ski lifts are all within walking distance.
- East Aspen: More residential, with stunning mountain views.
- Smuggler: Far east, at the base of Smuggler Mountain, with great views of Aspen Mountain.
- West End: Quiet but still close to downtown, with historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Weather
- Spring: Lows in the 20s, highs in the 60s—late snow gives way to blooms by April.
- Summer: Days in the 70s, but mornings can still dip into the 30s.
- Fall: Cooling into the 30s, with Aspen trees turning gold.
- Winter: Below-zero mornings, but midday can hit the 30s or 40s—perfect for skiing.
Apps to Download
- Aspen Snowmass: For lift tickets, lessons, and ski updates. (iOS | Android)
- Downtowner: Uber-style rides around town. (iOS | Android)
- OrderFood Aspen: Like Uber Eats, but for Aspen. (iOS | Android)