Welcome to Aspen
The height of luxe resort living in an iconic ski town
Once a Victorian mining town, Aspen has ascended to new heights, becoming a coveted destination for winter skiing and stylish secondary living. The shine of the Colorado Silver Boom has stayed with Aspen, transmuting over the years into radiant platinum, as world-renowned chefs and brilliant vintners have cultivated a sensational culinary scene. Founded on the principle of mind, body, and spirit for a lifestyle worth living, Aspen pampers its residents with ultra-luxe amenities and fresh mountain air. While apres-ski culture and fine dining define Aspen, the surrounding areas are highly coveted for their own brand of Colorado luxury.
Ten minutes away from glamorous Aspen is the idyllic Woody Creek. With the dramatic Roaring Fork River running through its pastoral land, Woody Creek is known for fishing and the infamous Woody Creek Tavern, a colorful homage to days past. Once a quiet ranching community, Snowmass Village is now a close-knit neighborhood poised to become one of the world’s top resort towns. Snowmass Mountain boasts a diverse terrain and is one of the best ski schools in North America. Musical and creative, Snowmass Village caters to its well-heeled residents with upscale hotels and elegant bistros, as well as dazzling festivals, like Jazz Aspen, the Snowmass Balloon Festival, and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Across the valley, the bucolic hamlet of Old Snowmass is a bastion of equestrian trails and expansive alpine vistas. With stately ranches set on sprawling acreage, Old Snowmass has retained its historic Old West charm, while also indulging in the glamour of Sunday polo matches. Those with an adventurous spirit will be thrilled to hike the trails around the picturesque Snowmass Lake or explore the snowcapped, towering peaks of the Elk Mountains.
Less than half an hour outside of downtown Aspen lies the charming town of Basalt. A haven of tranquil views and dazzling mountain scenery, Basalt is home to the heavenly Ruedi Reservoir. Enjoy the refreshing air and stunning surroundings as you bike along with the famous Frying Pan River or don your chicest equestrian gear and see the sights on horseback. Basalt shines in the cultural and culinary spheres, as well, boasting the innovative Rocky Mountain Institute, Ann Korologos Gallery, the Art Base Center, and Free Range Kitchen. The cozy, sophisticated town of Carbondale is nestled at the base of Sopris Mountain. Known as the Banana Belt of the Roaring Fork Valley, Carbondale boasts superior golf amenities and world-famous downhill skiing. The charming downtown area harkens back to the Colorado of old, with saloons and bucolic beauty.
What to Love
- A coveted ski destination
- Grand estates with expansive views
- A rich artistic and cultural tradition
- Soaring views of the Rocky Mountains
People & Lifestyle
Aspen’s charisma is apparent the moment you step into this vibrant town and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Residents flock to Aspen for its resort feel and distinct character, and they share in the town’s adventurous spirit. From practicing yoga in the charming downtown district to sailing down a slope of fresh snow, the healthy, vibrant residents of Aspen live life to the fullest.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Catering to its well-traveled community, Aspen provides a stunning culinary scene full of global tastes and first-class cuisine. Helmed by renowned chef Lorena Garcia, Chica serves a signature menu of Latin American flavors, perfect for an apres-ski bite. Matsuhisa is a stylish spot for Haute Japanese fare, sushi, and cocktails, while sleek Cache Cache is a chic bistro serving an upscale menu of French-American cuisine. Betula offers an exciting gastronomic experience with its French Pan-American dishes and The Wild Fig evokes the feel of a European brasserie. This intimate spot showcases Mediterranean classics in an elegant candle-lit setting.
The cozy-chic French Alpine Bistro delights the palate with French alpine favorites, like fondue, raclette, and savory and sweet crêpes. Element 47 offers a warm, elegant dining room and a menu of refined American fare with a twist of Colorado creativity. Sophisticated and a little bit raucous, 7908 Aspen is Aspen’s social center. Known as Aspen’s first supper club, 7908 pampers guests with elevated comfort food and upscale bottle service. The caviar at Clark's Aspen is unparalleled and the raw bar is an Aspen favorite.
Shopping in Aspen is as delicious as the cuisine. Performance Ski is a must for skiers with sartorial flair. This chic brand creates luxurious European performance wear stylish enough to wear off the mountain. The boutique lineup in Aspen is equally as coveted, with designers like Gucci, Dior, Kemo Sabe, Nuages, Ralph Lauren, and Prada gracing the mountain.
Things to Do
While skiing is the obvious choice for an Aspen pastime, this creative, cultured town provides endless opportunities for celebration. The Aspen Music Festival And School offer classical music festivals year-round, with over 400 events and the best classical musicians in the world, while Jazz Aspen livens things up with global sounds. Aspen pampers its residents with the most luxurious experiences, but this progressive city is also committed to social action through the Aspen Institute, which offers lectures and books series to keep residents informed and culturally educated.
Summer in Aspen brings the spectacular Food and Wine Classic, a weekend-long celebration with celebrity chefs, renowned vintners, and epicurean insiders. As the top winter sports event of the year, X Games dazzles with three days of world-class sports and renowned athletes competing in ski and snowboarding events.
Saturday mornings belong to the Aspen Market, a gourmet farmers’ market showcasing the lush area’s freshest organic ingredients and artisan products. One of Aspen’s most dramatic events is the Snowmass Balloon Festival. Held at the peak of Colorado’s glorious autumnal foliage, this colorful celebration features a dazzling display of hot air balloons, pilot competitions, and the beautiful Balloon Glow, which lights up the evening sky.
Schools
Served by the superior Aspen School District, Aspen is home to several excellent academic institutions, including: