Aspen in 5 days

The Rockies' glamorous mountain town: world-class skiing, golden aspens, art and alpine luxury. Best time to visit: December-March (ski) & June-September (hiking). Average daily budget: $250 to $600 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Downtown Aspen, The walkable historic core of Victorian buildings, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and the gondola base.

Morning: See the Maroon Bells. The twin maroon-hued peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, North America's most photographed mountains, reached by reserved shuttle.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Aspen, The walkable historic core of Victorian buildings, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and the gondola base.

Evening: Ski or ride the four mountains. Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk offer terrain for every level in winter.

Eat: Elevated Rocky Mountain and New American cuisine

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), The classic ski mountain rising straight from town, reached by the Silver Queen Gondola.

Morning: Ride the Silver Queen Gondola. Climb Aspen Mountain for panoramic views, dining and summer hiking trails at the top.

Afternoon: Explore Aspen Mountain (Ajax), The classic ski mountain rising straight from town, reached by the Silver Queen Gondola.

Evening: Hike the alpine trails. From the Maroon Bells to the Cathedral Lake and Crater Lake trails, summer brings wildflowers and high-country lakes.

Eat: Après-ski fondue and mountain comfort food

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Snowmass, The largest of the four mountains, family-friendly with the most terrain and a self-contained village.

Morning: Explore the galleries and music scene. World-class art galleries downtown and the renowned summer Aspen Music Festival.

Afternoon: Explore Snowmass, The largest of the four mountains, family-friendly with the most terrain and a self-contained village.

Evening: The Ute Trail, a steep but quick climb for big views right from town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Farmers' market produce in summer

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Maroon Creek Valley, The scenic road and valley leading to the Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in North America.

Morning: Soaking in the Conundrum Hot Springs after a backcountry hike.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Maroon Creek Valley, The scenic road and valley leading to the Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in North America.

Evening: The free Aspen Art Museum with its striking woven facade and rooftop café.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Classic Colorado craft beer

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: West End, A quiet, leafy residential area of historic homes, home to the Aspen Music Festival tent.

Morning: Riding the gondola up for sunset and dinner without skis.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore West End, A quiet, leafy residential area of historic homes, home to the Aspen Music Festival tent.

Evening: Dinner at Elevated Rocky Mountain and New American cuisine, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in West End.

Eat: Elevated Rocky Mountain and New American cuisine

Hidden gems

The Ute Trail, a steep but quick climb for big views right from town.
Soaking in the Conundrum Hot Springs after a backcountry hike.
The free Aspen Art Museum with its striking woven facade and rooftop café.
Riding the gondola up for sunset and dinner without skis.

Getting around

Downtown Aspen is compact and very walkable, and a free, efficient shuttle and bus system (RFTA) connects town with the four ski mountains and Snowmass. The Maroon Bells are reached by a reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands in season, as private cars are restricted. A car is useful for arriving and for day trips, but in town you rarely need one; many visitors fly into the small Aspen airport or drive from Denver.

Safety

Aspen is very safe, with crime rare and the main risks coming from the mountains themselves. At nearly 8,000 feet, altitude can cause sickness, so acclimatise, hydrate and ease into activity. In winter, dress for cold and check avalanche and weather conditions for the backcountry; in summer, carry layers, water and sun protection, watch for afternoon thunderstorms at altitude, and never underestimate fast-changing alpine weather.

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