|
|
|
|
Aspen is an authentic mountain town that combines world-class outdoor activities with breathtaking surroundings. The incredible skiing, hiking, mountain and road biking, fine dining, culture and charming downtown atmosphere make Aspen a year-round destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will not find much more variety in a mountain setting for adventurous pursuits with Aspen's four mountains, and Aspen has become a bona fide cultural mecca with The Aspen Institute, Food & Wine Classic, ballet, theater, free concerts and art galleries.
Outdoor Pursuits
We’re not saying Mother Nature’s playing favorites, but Aspen must be on the top of her list. Aspen is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making every season peak season for outdoor lovers and adventurers. Whatever your passion, our scenic beauty, winding rivers, majestic mountains, wilderness areas, hiking and biking trails welcome enthusiasts of all levels to experience outdoor pursuits that Defy Ordinary.
Hiking
Beginners will be comfortable on the Rio Grande Trail, which starts behind the post office on Puppy Smith Road and follows a paved path most of the way along the Roaring Fork River. An intermediate option is a 1.5-mile trek up Smuggler Mountain Trail, leading to a lookout point with stunning views of Aspen below. Those ready for a challenge can take on the rigorous 8.5-mile excursion up to secluded Conundrum Hot Springs, while the trailheads in and around nearby Maroon Bells are a quintessential bucket-list item and encompass various difficulty levels. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to view abundant swathes of wildflowers in the summer: The Cathedral Lake and American Lake trails are just two prime spots for amazing color
Arts and Culture
That idea of nurturing the mind, body and spirit has led to the genesis of a remarkable Arts & Culture community that features internationally acclaimed gatherings like the Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, JAS Aspen Snowmass and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, innovators like the Aspen Institute and Aspen Art Museum, and home to a robust performing arts scene, arts openings and lectures by talented individuals both local and international. Don't forget our Aspen Film Festival and Theater Aspen.
Thrill-seeking Activities
Aspen already sits at about 8,000 feet in elevation, but daredevils who want to achieve even higher altitudes can do so with gutsy ventures. Aspen Paragliding’s certified pilots will take you on a tandem flight up to 18,000 feet for the ultimate bird’s eye view. Or, book an hour-long sunrise hot air balloon ride above the Elk Mountains via Above It All Balloon Co. Rock climbers can take to the routes around Independence Pass just east of Aspen and scale massive walls of granite, or stick closer to town at Gold Butte Climbing Area, accessible from the Sunnyside Trail parking area.
Health and Wellness Classes and Instructors
If you are here to re-experience you body in new ways, don't miss all that you can do for health and wellness.
Yoga, Cross Training, Fitness Trainers, Hot Yoga, Meditation, Nutrition, Healing Horses, Autism Specialists, Life Coaches, Hiking, Fishing, Specialize Skin Treatments, Oxygen Bars, Vitamin Enhancements through IV drips, Anti aging treatments, Foot Foundation, Lead With Love, Cryotherapy Chambers, Massage and Body Re-structuring, Nature Healing Arts, Stem Cell Replacement, Astrology to the Psychic Experiments.
Spa Activities
Don't forget to add into your schedule all those special spa activities that make you look and fee your best: hair cuts, blow outs, manicure, pedicures, waxing, skin treatments, laser facials, hydrating facials, botox, fillers, massage from Swedish, Thai, stone, cupping and more.
Children Activities
You’ve got kids with boundless energy, and we've got recreation! There are so many ways to enjoy Aspen, both indoors and out. Start outside with skiing, sledding, skateboarding, biking, rafting, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding and more. There are even camps for kids in all different disciplines such as art, sport, environment and even physics. We have Mom's Day Off for those who need that break in a day.
Dining
Restaurants and Nightlife
With more restaurants than in recent years - well over 80 - old favorites’ mesh with fresh menus and new talent to provide enough culinary options to please any palate. Look for trends in Farm to Table, Mac ‘n Cheese, and Kale Salads, but don't forget the good old-fashioned staples too! Travel by dog sled, sleigh, Sno-Cat or gondola in the winter or simply dine al fresco any time of year on one of our many outdoor patios. For any meal of the day, there is a restaurant, coffee shop, lounge or deli that can fill your cravings -- you'll be at a favorite spot before you know it.
Aspen is known as a premier ski town, but we know how to keep your social calendar full too. We take après to new heights all winter long and into the summer months too. Enjoy poolside cocktails into the early evening then browse through a few galleries before heading out for an extraordinary meal. Top your anything-but-ordinary-night off with billiards, dancing or wine tasting at one of our lively clubs and bars. And when you're looking for the ultimate experience, visit Aspen during the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen to meet top chefs and wine experts from around the globe.
Shopping
Shopping
Shopping in Aspen isn't only for the designer-inclined diva. Choices for shopping here in Aspen run the gamut from consignment to art inspired clothing and jewelry, over 20 art galleries, and the high end from Prada to Fendi. Tried and true outerwear is also on hand for your next mountain adventure, golfing day, tennis, skiing equipment, camping or for that true equipment junkie. Shopping is a 7 day a week activity in Aspen so if your desire is to pursue all the options of shopping, you will have a very entertaining day.
Aspen's pedestrian malls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping excursion where one can find fine art, clothing and gear. Aspen's Saturday Market (every Saturday from June 13th through October 10th, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. After Labor Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Is another great draw and showcases locally grown produce and artisans while being a great place for socializing too. Live music is on hand to keep your spirits up as you shop around for a little bit of everything.
|
|
|