Aspen is one of Colorado’s favorite year-round resort areas. World renowned for its downhill skiing, whatever the season an Aspen vacation is ideal. The town offers an interesting history, challenging outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing and golf, abundant cultural activities, pleasant climate, great shopping and dining, and beautiful natural scenery.

Aspen is located in west-central Colorado, 40 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs on Colorado Highway 82. During the winter months this is the only highway access into Aspen. During the summer months, Aspen can be accessed from the east, over scenic Independence Pass, on Highway 82. Independence Pass is normally closed from about early November through May.

Summer high temperatures range in the 70s to mid-80s, with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally dip to minus 30 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. Much of the area and its recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. Always check the local forecast before venturing out.

How to Get There

By Plane – Flying into town is a great way to get your vacation started quickly. Aspen is a half-hour flight from Denver International Airport via United Express, which offers more than 10 daily flights during the winter and summer months. United Express also offers daily nonstop jet service from Los Angeles and now San Francisco during the winter.

Northwest Airlines flies nonstop twice daily between Aspen and Minneapolis/St. Paul and once daily from Memphis in addition to extra weekend sections during the winter months. America West Express (US Airways) offers year-round nonstop service between Phoenix and Aspen. For more information, contact the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport or call 970-920-5380.

If you fly private, make sure your pilots are familiar with mountain landings. Consider aexjet – a company that specializes in Aspen and Telluride and mountain airports. Another firm that is very familiar with Aspen is Sentient Jet, the official private air partner for Aspen/Snowmass Resort.

By Automobile – From Denver, Aspen is 220 miles or approximately 3 1/2 hours via I-70 West to Glenwood Springs. Aspen is due east on Highway 82. If you do bring a car, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Aspen’s pay-and-display parking system and current road conditions.

By Limo – These are a few of the companies will transport you between DIA and Aspen:

• DIA Luxury Transportation – 720-934-9470
• Colorado Mountain Express – 888-649-5982
• Black Diamonds Limousine -970-948-2685
• A Advantage Limousine Service – 303-421-4300

Where to Stay

Destination Clubs in Aspen
(To see a map of all the destination club home locations, check out our map widget.)

There are several destination club locations in Aspen. Here is a list of clubs that have homes in Aspen:

• High Country Club (1 home)
• Portofino Club (Signature) (1 home)
• Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (2 homes)
• Solstice (2 homes)

Other Fractional Luxury Accommodations

In addition to the Apsen’s destination clubs, there are also fractional real estate communities such as:

• Hyatt Grand Aspen Lodge: 33 different floor plans available with 1 to 4 bedrooms, limited to 50 residences, access to 1,800 resorts in 80 countries through the Hyatt Vacation Club.
• The Residences at The Little Nell: 26 three- and four-bedroom ski-out, ski-in residences nestled on the edge of Aspen Mountain. The Residences are managed and operated by The Little Nell. Three-bedroom residences are $1,525,000 with an annual assessment of $16,000. Four-bedroom residences are $3 million with an annual assessment of $20,000.
• The Ritz-Carlton Club – Aspen Highlands: Two- and three-bedroom residences. Membership prices range from $180,000 to $530,000 per interest based on location and club residence type.
• St. Regis Residence Club – Aspen: Nine residences on floors 5 and 6 that are Fixed Club interests and 15 Residences on floors 2, 3 and 4 are Premier Club interests. Two- and three-bedroom Residences range from 1,600 to 2,200 square feet. Each club interest entitles the Member to occupy a Club Residence for 28 days. The time and length of occupancy depends on the type of Club interest purchased and each Member’s requested reservation period.

Luxury Resort & Hotel Picks

• The Little Nell: Aspen’s only ski-in/ski-out property, The Little Nell is regarded as Colorado’s premier luxury resort with only 92 rooms. Blending the virtues of a small country inn with the personalized services and amenities of a grand hotel, luxury abounds from the gas-burning fireplaces to oversized beds with down duvets and pillows. The Little Nell is affiliated with the Relais & Chateaux group and has been awarded the Mobil 5 Star resort for eight years and has received the AAA 5 Diamond award for 10 years.

I thought this was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at. Meals in the dining room were excellent. Staff were uniformly helpful and pleasant. It just couldn’t have been a better experience. – TripAdvisor.com member

• The St Regis Resort Aspen: 179 Total guest rooms including 17 one-bedroom suites, 2 loft suites with fireplaces, 5 junior suites, 2 presidential suites, 16 guestrooms with fireplaces. The resort features skiing, heated outdoor pool, the Remède Spa, The Aspen Back Institute, and 20,000 square feet of function space. Cooking classes are also offered at the Olives restaurant. Something for everyone, from singles, to non-skiiers, to families.

Our stay at the St Regis was heavenly. Beautiful room, great amenities and helpful staff. We’ll definitely return! – TripAdvisor.com member

• The Residence Hotel: Built in 1886, this small boutique hotel contains seven suites and apartments, each one individually decorated in European flavor. Bedrooms are furnished with Ralph Lauren linens, down-filled duvets, antique furnishings, museum quality artwork, and designer fabrics. Most suites have wood-burning fireplaces, oversized sunken tubs or private Jacuzzis, steam showers and separate marble vanities, while others delight with hand painted Sherle Wagner sinks and gold fixtures. Five of the suites have full kitchens as well. Rates depend on season and suite booked. A romantic hideaway.

I had a tremendously wonderful experience! The rooms are lavishly decorated and each one has its own uniqe decor and charm. I highly recommend anyone traveling to Aspen to stay at this hotel! – TripAdvisor.com member

• Hotel Jerome: Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Hotel Jerome defines luxury with 92 distinctly appointed guestrooms and suites, inviting amenities, 24 hour in-room dining, twice-daily maid service and masterfully American cuisine. All of this, located in the heart of downtown Aspen.

We have stayed at the Hotel Jerome on at least half-a-dozen occasions and have had such a wonderful time that we will keep going back. Nothing is too much trouble for their incredibly friendly staff. – TripAdvisor.com member

Where to Eat

• Pine Creek Cookhouse- 11399 Castle Creek Road, Aspen. Featuring American, seafood, and contemporary cuisines in a romantic setting. Diners can only access the restaurant via horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoes, or cross-country skiing. A one-of-a kind experience! 970-925-1044
• Matsuhisa – 303 E Main St, Aspen. Featuring Asian, Japanese and contemporary cuisines by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu in NYC. 970-544-6628
• Renaissance – 304 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen – French and contemporary cuisines. 970-925-2402
• Mezzaluna – 624 E Cooper Ave, Aspen. American and Italian cuisines featuring pizza and seafood, in a romantic but family-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor seating available in the summer. 970-925-5882
• Cache Cache - 205 S Mill St, Mill Street Plaza, Aspen. French and Mediterranean cuisines in a romantic atmospher. 970-925-3835 Fax: 970 544 8248

What to Do

Aspen is popular for its year-round array of outdoor adventure activities. Mountains attract winter skiers from around the world. In the summer, golf, fishing, and scenic hiking and biking trails abound. Indoor types can shop the fashionable boutiques or head to any of the town’s fine museums, like the Aspen Art Museum or the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. Or head over to the Aspen Club & Spa for a day of pampering.

Best Ski Areas

• Aspen-Snowmass – $50 million in on-mountain improvements over the next five years means quicker lift rides and easier access. Ride the eight-person Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, or check out the new cabins on Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola. Combined with the new high-speed Village Express six-pack, Sky Cab Gondola and Aspen Highlands’ Deep Temerity triple chair, five new lifts have been added in the last two years and more than 200 acres of in-bounds backcountry terrain have opened up. Ski and snowboarding classes available. 970-925-1220 or 800-308-6935
• Aspen Mountain – 970-920-0720 or 800-525-6200 for Powder Tour reservations
• Aspen Highlands
• Buttermilk
• Snowmass

Best Golf Courses

• Aspen Golf Club, Aspen Course – 18 holes over 7,165 yards with a par of 71 (Municipal) – 39551 Highway 82, Aspen. 970-925-2145. $90 on weekends and weekdays (includes golf cart).
• Maroon Creek Club, Maroon Creek Course- 18 holes, over 7,100 yards with a par of 70 (Private Non-Equity). 10 Club Circle, Aspen. 970-920-4080. $325 on weekends and weekdays (includes golf cart). One of Golf Digest Magazine’s Top Rated Golf Courses for Colorado 2005-2006.
• The Roaring Fork Club, Roaring Fork 1 Course – Award-winning golf course 18 holes over 7,130 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity)- 100 Arbany Ranch Rd., Basalt. 970-927-9100. $200 on weekends and weekdays (includes golf cart). One of Golf Digest Magazine’s Top Rated Golf Courses for Colorado 2005-2006.
• The Snowmass Club, Snowmass Course – 18 holes over 7,008 yards with a par of 72 (Public) 0446 Clubhouse Dr., Snowmass Village. 970-923-5600. $175 on weekends and weekdays (includes golf cart).

Best Shopping

• Toklat Gallery, 11247 Castle Creek Road, Aspen. Their new gallery along the banks of the Frying Pan River in Basalt features collections of the finest handcrafted art and Zapotec Indian rugs. 970-925-7345.
• Christian Dior – 201 S Galena St., Aspen, 970-544-5222
• Gucci America – 209 S Galena St., Aspen, 970-920-9150
• Prada USA Corp – 312 S Galena St., Aspen, 970-925-7001

Other Insider Tips

1. For nightlife try the Lava Room, Aspen’s premier nightclub/lounge at 426 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen. Live DJs nightly. 970- 925-5282. But the place to be seen is The Bar at The Little Nell Hotel at 675 E. Durant Ave. Aspen. 970- 920-4200. For premium liquors, fine wines and cigars in a warmly lit, comfortable setting try The Library at the Hotel Jerome. Open nightly from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. and serving food until 11 p.m. Located at 330 E. Main St., Aspen – 970-920-1000 or 800-331-7213.
2. Krabloonik Dogsled Rides – 4250 Divide Road, in Snowmass Village in Aspen, offers dog sled rides and lunch for families. 970-923-4342.
3. Crater Lake Trail – Maroon Creek Road, Aspen. This easy, one-day hike from Maroon Lake is a great outing for the entire family. 970-925-3445 (Forest Service).
4. Wheeler Opera House – 320 East Hyman Ave, Aspen. From The Eagles, Jerry Seinfeld, and Sheryl Crow to locally-created performance experiences, the Wheeler Opera House is Aspen’s premiere site for concerts, lectures, community events, films, and opera. 970-920-5770

Images courtesy of aspen.ski.com, littlenell.com and travelocity.com