When you think of Aspen, Colorado, chances are you think “ski” or “athletic travelers”. Perhaps visions of the Maroon Bells, or a trendy holiday come to mind. We’re here to tell you the Aspen experience is all of that—and that the experiences stretch far beyond the expected.
This story was created in partnership with the Aspen, Colorado.
Aspen has a certain image today, but it has been many types of destination over the generations, and now it’s become an amalgamation of all of that. It’s truly a destination that is more than the sum of its parts.
Outfit of the Day And Deep Roots
Of course, you’ll find no shortage of delightful places to shop in downtown Aspen. As you shop and play, remember that in its earliest days of human presence, this land was more essential for finding fur and meat for survival than the outfit of the day. Where the city now sits was once a summer hunting camp for the Uncompahgre Tribe of the Ute Nation or Nuche, whom you can learn about in local museums.
Later, it was silver that first drew settlers in the 1870s, and as a result the town of Aspen exploded to a population of more than 12,000 before a bust hit and it shrank to less than 1,000 occupants.
How did Aspen become the destination it is now? Learn all about the various Aspen eras on a tour or by spending a day in museums. You can even explore what might have been in the ghost towns of Ashcroft and Independence before heading back into Aspen to celebrate all that this thriving city has to offer today!
Skiing. And Not Skiing
Skiing played a defining role in the revival of Aspen after the silver bust, and it continues to be a key experience today. Since the 1940s, the various resorts and mountains that call to skiers in the winter create a stunning setting for adventure year-round.
Whether you’re going to ski down or not, savor the Silver Queen gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain. The views are spectacular in all seasons, and they pair perfectly with skiing … and with food, weekend music events, hiking and biking trails, and more.
Pro tip: Visit mid-week to level up the solitude of your mountain town vacation.
For Rest Days. And for the Not-So-Outdoorsy
We’ve mentioned more than a few ways to enjoy and respect the mountains, trails, and outdoors. That’s because Aspen is rightly renowned for all it has to offer the outdoors person. When you’re ready to rest your legs, or if your travel group includes some less active members, Aspen will overdeliver. For a day of not burning calories, start with a scenic drive and sprinkle in some cultural experiences and culinary delights.
The mountain passes and scenic overlooks that surround Aspen make for unmatched day trips. Take your time and take in the views as you travel along one of these routes. If you’d rather stroll through galleries for your views, follow this itinerary to delve into all the artistic inspiration Aspen can deliver or plan to attend the Aspen Music Festival.
“World Class” is how dining in Aspen is defined, so make the most of the wide variety of cuisine by planning your meals with as much attention as you do your adventures!
