Aspen, Colorado is more than a ski resort — it's a lifestyle. Perched at 7,908 feet in the Rocky Mountains, this storied mountain town has long been the playground of celebrities, world leaders, and luxury travelers who know that the best adventures come with impeccable service. Whether you're carving powder on world-class slopes, hiking wildflower-studded trails in summer, or browsing galleries along Galena Street, Aspen delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in America.
What to Do in Aspen
Winter is Aspen's crown jewel. Four mountains — Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass — offer over 5,500 acres of skiing and snowboarding for every level. Advanced skiers flock to the Highland Bowl, while families love Buttermilk's gentle groomers. Off the slopes, the Aspen Art Museum is a striking architectural landmark worth visiting year-round, and the Wheeler Opera House hosts everything from ballet to jazz.
Come summer, the Maroon Bells — two impossibly picturesque peaks reflected in a glacial lake — draw hikers and photographers from around the world. The Aspen Music Festival, held each summer since 1949, draws world-class musicians to outdoor and indoor venues across town, making the warm months a genuinely distinct and culturally rich alternative to peak ski season.
Where to Eat in Aspen
Aspen's dining scene punches well above its small-town size. Cache Cache has been a local institution for decades, serving classic French-inspired bistro fare in a cozy, candlelit setting. Element 47 at The Little Nell offers one of the most celebrated wine programs in the country. For a more casual après-ski bite, The Merry-Go-Round mid-mountain on Aspen Mountain is a legendary stop for burgers and warm drinks with panoramic views.
Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels in Aspen
When it comes to accommodation, Aspen delivers serious five-star options — and booking through WhataHotel! unlocks exclusive complimentary perks at the finest properties in town.
The St. Regis Resort, Aspen
The pinnacle of mountain luxury in Aspen — a landmark property located steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, with stunning ski-in/ski-out proximity, plush rooms and suites with fireplaces, and the legendary St. Regis Butler Service applied to every request at every hour. The Remède Spa is considered one of Colorado's finest, and the hotel's position at the base of Aspen Mountain gives guests the shortest possible distance between their bed and the mountain. Preferred partner perks through WhataHotel! include daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade, and a property credit.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection
For something more intimate and rooted in Aspen's storied history, the Hotel Jerome is a must — a Victorian landmark built in 1889 that sits at the heart of Aspen's downtown and has hosted presidents, celebrities, and adventurers for over a century. The Auberge Collection's thoughtful renovation preserved all the historic charm while adding every modern luxury: the J-Bar remains Aspen's most beloved après-ski institution, and the hotel's position on Main Street places guests within walking distance of the gondola, galleries, restaurants, and the Wheeler Opera House. Preferred partner perks through WhataHotel! include daily breakfast, a $100 property credit, priority room upgrade, and early check-in/late check-out.
Pro Tip: Book with WhataHotel!
Book through WhataHotel! for guaranteed preferred partner perks at both properties — daily breakfast, hotel credits, and room upgrades at no extra cost, at the same published rate as booking directly with the hotel.
Getting to Aspen
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) serves direct flights from major hubs including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago during peak seasons — the most convenient option, located about 3 miles from downtown. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a 3.5-hour scenic drive via I-70 and offers significantly more year-round flight options. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), serving Vail, is also a reasonable alternative for flexible itineraries.
Whether you're chasing powder or wildflowers, Aspen rewards travelers who appreciate the finer things. And with WhataHotel!, your mountain escape comes with the perks to match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aspen, Colorado
What is the best time of year to visit Aspen, Colorado?
Aspen is a true four-season destination, but the two peak periods are winter (December through March) for skiing and summer (June through August) for hiking, music festivals, and outdoor activities. If you're looking to avoid peak-season crowds and prices, the shoulder months of September–November and April–May offer excellent value, mild weather, and fewer tourists. September and October are particularly beloved for the golden aspen leaf displays.
How many ski mountains does Aspen have?
Aspen has four ski mountains: Aspen Mountain (also called Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Together they cover more than 5,500 acres of terrain across over 300 trails, making it one of the most extensive ski destinations in North America. A single lift ticket gives you access to all four mountains, connected by a free shuttle system.
Is Aspen worth visiting in the summer?
Absolutely. Summer is Aspen's best-kept secret. The town transforms into a world-class outdoor recreation hub with world-renowned hiking (the Maroon Bells are iconic), mountain biking, white-water rafting on the Roaring Fork River, fly fishing, and hot air ballooning. The Aspen Music Festival, Food & Wine Classic, and Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival all take place in summer, making it a culturally rich season. Hotel rates are also generally lower than in peak ski season.
Do I need a car to get around Aspen?
Not necessarily. Aspen has an excellent free shuttle system (RFTA buses) that connects the town, the mountains, and neighboring Snowmass Village. Most hotels offer complimentary airport transfers from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. If your hotel is centrally located in downtown Aspen, most restaurants, galleries, and the gondola base are walkable. A car is helpful if you plan to explore the broader Roaring Fork Valley.
What is there to do in Aspen besides skiing?
Beyond skiing, Aspen offers a remarkable range of activities: the Aspen Art Museum, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Institute intellectual programming, over 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, hot springs day trips to Glenwood Springs (45 minutes away), world-class shopping and spa experiences, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding in winter. The culinary scene rivals that of major cities.
Is Aspen expensive to visit?
Aspen is one of the most expensive destinations in the United States, particularly during peak ski season (mid-December through March). Lift tickets, accommodation, and dining reflect the resort's elite status. Booking through WhataHotel! helps offset costs by including complimentary perks like daily breakfast and hotel credits at the St. Regis and Hotel Jerome that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars per day. The most affordable months are May–June and late September–November.
What airport do you fly into for Aspen, Colorado?
The most convenient airport is Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), located about 3 miles from downtown, with direct seasonal flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and New York. Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately 3.5–4 hours by car via I-70 and offers far more year-round flight options. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), serving Vail, is also a reasonable option for flexible itineraries.
What is ski-in/ski-out access and which Aspen hotels offer it?
Ski-in/ski-out means accessing the ski slopes directly from the hotel without transportation. In Aspen, true ski-in/ski-out properties include The Little Nell at the base of Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola. The St. Regis Resort, bookable through WhataHotel!, is steps from the gondola — the most convenient proximity of any major luxury hotel. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, is located in downtown Aspen and a short walk from the mountain base.
What are the most famous things to see near Aspen?
The Maroon Bells are Aspen's most iconic landmark — two soaring peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. Reservations for shuttle access or parking are required during peak season. Other nearby highlights include Independence Pass (open summers only), the Ashcroft ghost town, Crystal Mill, and the hot springs and waterpark in Glenwood Springs (45 minutes away).
How do I get the best hotel deals in Aspen?
The best strategy is booking through a luxury travel platform like WhataHotel!, which provides exclusive complimentary perks — including daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, and property credits — at top properties like the St. Regis and Hotel Jerome at no additional cost. For the lowest nightly rates, target the shoulder seasons (May, late September, early November). Avoid booking during the Food & Wine Classic (June), holidays, and peak ski weeks when rates are at their highest.