Aspen, located in the western Colorado Rocky Mountains in the USA, is one of the famous ski resorts in the world. Aspen in olden days was a silver mining camp. Tourists can stay at Snowmass resort, located about 20 km or at Aspen Highlands besides Aspen itself.

Aspen is a Home Rule Municipality and the most populous city of Pitkin County in Colorado in the United States.

Aspen is known for its excesses that include opulent properties as well as a local airport that is often full of private properties. The resort has also earned reputation for leading eco-friendly campaigns.

Skiing at Aspen:

Aspen has four ski areas, namely Aspen Mountains, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, each having distinct characteristics. Aspen Mountain (Ajax) rises above the resort town Aspen and gives an impression often witnessed in the Alpine Europe. The Silver Queen gondola gives access to some of the most exciting terrain suited to both intermediate and advanced-level skiers.

Beginners can try out Buttermilk, the smallest of the four ski areas, located about 5 km by bus. Buttermilk, which has been host to the Winter X Games, is a huge giant terrain park.

Snowmass resort, which has the Cirque lift, attracts the majority of the ski-loving tourists. The lift serves the Cirque powder bowl, a resort that offers more than 90 runs for skiers of all levels and features piste measuring almost 240 km.

Aspen Highlands is another ski area located very close to Aspen or Snowmass. It has some of the most on and off-piste terrain in the world.

The skiing season at Aspen extends from late November until early April. Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands remain open in mid-pen Mountain.

Other activities:

• Visiting art galleries and art museum. There are music and dance schools and theatres as well. Several music and film festivals are organized at the resort.

• Paragliding
• Ballooning
• Swimming
• Curling
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Dog sledding
• Biathlon
• Spas and beauty parlours
• Aspen and Snowmass are popular family spots. Snowmass is particularly popular for its gentle terrain. ‘Family Zone’ on Snowmass mountain has kids’ trails, a children’s race arena, picnic area, terrain park and halfpipe.
• Child care:
  The ski school at Aspen caters to children from three years and above. There are also babysitting services for younger children.
• Shopping:
  Aspen has a large number of retail shops. Many of world famous designer brands like Chanel are available here.
• Powder Tour in luxury snowcat on the back trails of the Aspen Mountain. The tour also includes gourmet lunch.
• Après ski:
  Eric’s (non-smoking bar), Jimmy’s are some of the popular nightlife destinations. Swing music, tango/salsa and other Latin dancing are held here regularly.
• Eating out:
  Cuisines from all corners of the earth, including Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and Polish are available here. Boogie’s Diner at Aspen centre, for instance, offers traditional American food at affordable prices.

Accommodation:

• The Little Nell
• Chateau Blanc
• Mountain Chalet

Reaching Aspen:

• Aspen (6 km) and Denver (354 km) are the nearest airports to Aspen.

Getting around:

Free shuttle buses are available to move around the resort and the mountain areas between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. There is also free transportation service connecting all condominium complexes and many residential areas in Aspen and Snowmass.