When To Go

Long, snowy winters punctuated by short, bright summers mean that Aspen is the quintessential alpine destination. Winter runs from November to March, when the snow begins to turn to sludge. Temperatures reach the mid-20s from June to September, at which point the slopes become covered in flowers.

Top 5 Places To Stay

• Sky Hotel

  Located one block from the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain, the hotel primarily attracts leisure travellers. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel, as well as a heated sundeck, outdoor fireplace and outdoor pool.

• Aspen Silverglo by Frias

  These comfortable condominiums are located three blocks from the slopes and Aspen's shopping and nightlife. Each condominium has a separate bedroom and living room, full kitchen, cable TV, DVD player, and high-speed internet access. Guests park at no charge at the condominium complex, which also offers a heated outdoor pool.

• Hotel Lenado

  The two-story Hotel Lenado is located in a leafy enclave in downtown Aspen, two blocks from the pedestrian malls and five blocks from the nearest ski lift.

• St. Regis Resort

  This five-story, red-brick hotel is nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, one block from the Cooper Avenue and Mill Street pedestrian malls, and two blocks from the Silver Queen Gondola. Guests can dine on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Olives Aspen, and Remède Spa provides an extensive menu of massage therapy, facials, and body treatments.

• Stonebridge Inn

  This seven-story mountain lodge is in the heart of Snowmass Village. Its pedestrian mall is 50 yards from the Village Express chair lift and 12 miles from downtown Aspen.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

• Wheeler Opera House

  Located in Aspen’s centre, this Victorian opera house has been restored to full glory with the latest sound and lighting technology. Past performers include Jerry Seinfeld, Burt Bacharach and The Eagles, and there is almost always something happening. Wheeler is also a really cool place to watch a movie (both blockbusters and art house flicks are shown).

• Skiing

  In Aspen you have four main skiing areas to choose from, all within close proximity to the town centre. Take your pick from the majestic Aspen Mountain, local favourite Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain (home of the ESPN Winter X Games) or Snowmass – which is bigger than all three of the others combined!

• Cross-country tour

  Aspen has more than 65km of cross-country trails, a number of which are free. The trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing, and take in forestry, woodland areas and valley spills, so you get a great variety in terms of snow and scenery.

• Maroon Bells Mountains

  Reputedly the most photographed mountains in the world, the Maroon Bells are just a few miles outside of Aspen. It’s worth getting up early and taking a cable car ride to see them as they do tend to attract huge crowds all year round.

• Boogie's Diner

  Owner ‘Boogie’ Weinglass was portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the film Diner, and this novelty restaurant is full of atmosphere straight out of the 1950s. Serving up a typical menu of burgers, steaks and salads, it’s the ideal place to bring the family after a hard day on the piste.