Aspen, Colorado
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com
Consistently rated as one of the world’s top ski areas in ski and travel publications, Aspen is picture postcard perfect. Luxury Aspen lodging will pamper even the most sophisticated and the local Aspen attractions will make sure you’re never bored in this northwest Colorado town.
A shopper in Aspen walks past a jumping fountain. (Colorado Tourism Office)
Boasting 3,267 feet of vertical drop, Aspen Mountain is known for its steep terrain and huge bump runs. The mountain, also known as Ajax, looms over the town of Aspen, making the hotel-to-slopes time minuscule. Get a bird’s eye view of town from the summit or the surrounding White River National Forest.
There are no beginner runs on the mountain, which varies between intermediate and expert. It has seven lifts and a uniquely designed gondola, which has skiers and boarders sitting back-to-back and exiting on three sides. Since 2001, Aspen has also welcomed snowboarders, but is still home to some skier-only terrain.
If you’re not in Aspen for the alpine skiing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other winter activities to entertain you; cross-country ski, snowmobile or ice hike.
At night, entertainment is also plentiful, offering five-star dining and celebrity spotting. The town itself is filled with beautiful boutiques, cafes and art galleries.
In summer, go wine tasting, take in a night at the opera and enjoy the outdoors minus the freezing temperatures! Go hiking, mountain climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking or rafting to get your fill of summer adventure activities.
Maroon Bells is one of the excellent places nearby to hike, with breathtaking views, wildflowers and alpine meadow calm. Autumn brings the golden wave of changing Aspen trees.
The local airport, the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, is the third busiest in Colorado and is often full of private jets. Reaching Aspen in winter by car is only possible by Route 82 West. In summer, Independence pass is open for about three months. Take this high pass for the views of a lifetime!
The historic character of the town has been changed in recent decades by the sky-high property values and the proliferation of second homes, which forces most low and middle-income workers out to the nearby bedroom communities of Basalt and Carbondale, Colorado. For better or for worse, without the locals, the town has emerged as a glitzy playground for the rich and famous. Downtown shops include Ralph Lauren, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Bvlgari.
Despite its atmosphere of excess, Aspen also has a reputation for liberal policies. The resort famously banned fur coats and currently the Aspen Skiing Company is a leading campaigner against climate change.
ResortQuest Aspen: This is the place to go for condos, townhomes, private vacation rental homes and the best of ski-in/ski-out lodging at Aspen. Stay in one of these premium accommodations for an unforgettable stay. And don’t forget, when you ski at Aspen you get “The Power of Four”- lift access at Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass!
Aspen Square Hotel: Stay in this upscale Aspen lodging and forget all the other hotels you’ve stayed in! You’ll have an exceptional time, with a full-service concierge at your fingertips and on-site amenities like a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Get ready for an escape from the ordinary!
Mountain House Lodge: This inviting mountain lodge is centrally located in Aspen, Colorado. The amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor hot tub, cozy lobby, free wireless Internet, business center with computer and printer, ski storage and on-site parking.
[...] you are looking for ‘the best of the best’ or more economic accommodation, Aspen has a place for you. Mostly tending toward the high end, Aspen attractions include shopping at [...]
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