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Aspen: Insider Ski & Snowboard Tips
Aspen has a reputation for attracting celebrities and the rich and famous, and no doubt it does. However, that is a superficial perspective on the place and Aspen is much, much more. It has everything, whether you are a core skier or snowboarder looking for great terrain and snow or a family on a long-awaited for holiday.
With over 335 trails spanning more than 5,300 acres of the Rocky Mountains, the four ski areas have terrain to suit all abilities and you would be hard-pressed to get bored skiing the same runs. Ski mountaineer Christy Mahon, who was the first woman to climb and ski the 100 highest peaks in Colorado, favours Aspen for this reason. “After skiing the mountain for 17 years, I am still finding new secret stashes and treasures,” says Mahon. “At Aspen, challenging yourself is always an option no matter what level you ski.”
For advanced skiers looking for a challenge, Aspen has some of the meanest mogul fields in the world (think a football field of moguls, each one the size of a small car). Backcountry skiers will also delight in hiking up the 3813 metre-high Highlands Bowl, to ski its legendary steeps in untracked powder.
Aspen: Access
You can fly into Aspen with connections from LA, San Francisco or Denver. Or fly to Denver and rent a car or catch a bus to Aspen. It’s an easy drive down the I70 highway.
Aspen: Accommodation
Aspen has it all, from mountainside hotels to condos conveniently located downtown near dining, shopping, and nightlife. Whatever you’re looking for in a vacation rental and home base for your Aspen Snowmass getaway, there is something to suit.
You can five-star it with the best, but from a family or budget traveller perspective, there is an affordable array of comfortable accommodation all within an easy walk to the middle of town, transport and the Aspen Gondola.
For Aspen Snowmass accommodation you can often get the best deals by packaging your holiday with lift tickets, transportation and flights and pre-purchasing from our travel partner Liquid Snow Tours who has access to lower pricing and early bird deals not available directly with the properties or elsewhere.
Some Accommodation recommendations include:
The Gant –
Regarded as one of Aspen’s finest condominium resorts featuring one to four bedroom standard, deluxe or premium rated apartments. Enjoy the comforts of home with spacious bedrooms and living areas, full kitchen, dining area, fireplace and a balcony or patio. A great location near the base of Aspen Mountain- the Aspen Skiing Company is just a 5 minute walk away.
Molly Gibson Lodge –
Rated highly for it’s excellent location in downtown Aspen, friendly environment and value for money, Molly Gibson Lodge is a great choice for the more budget conscious traveler and suitable for single travelers or couples. Maximum quests per room is 4 if booking a double room with 2 double beds.
Walking distance to Aspen’s shopping, dining and nightlife. The Little Nell ski lift is a 15 minute walk and Buttermilk ski area is a 5 minute away.
Aspen Mountain Lodge –
Aspen Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of Aspen, offering simple, modern ski accommodation that is comfortable and budget friendly compared to many higher priced properties in town. Guest rate the friendly staff and deck areas off select rooms and the location is highly rated. Rooms all have en suites, desk and a small fridge.
Aspen: Restaurants & Apres
Aspen is a town known for its lively nightlife and dining scene. Forget overpriced American ski cafeterias – this is where Nobu opened his first restaurant outside Beverly Hills. His sushi restaurant, Matsuhisa, is a top pick for cashed-up visitors, while the White House Tavern and J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome offer excellent pub-style food for those on a tighter holiday budget. For more casual dining try Venga Venga Cantina food truck in Snowmass village (for some of the world’s best burritos) and the Big Wrap in Aspen town (fresh and filling lunch for less than $8). For après antics in a swanky setting, grab a cocktail by the pool at the 39 Degrees bar at the Sky Hotel. The ski parties here are legendary.
Aspen: Non-Skiing Activities
While Aspen in winter is all about the snow and the mountains, the town was founded in 1879 and has different layers you don’t find in a purpose-built ski resort. It has a year-round population who live and work in the area and there is a palpable sense of community. Aspen has a well-deserved reputation as a happening, vibrant place and it offers plenty of entertainment with live music, cool bars and diverse food options.