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Aspen Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Aspen Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Not long ago, a "ski vacation" in the Rockies meant downhill skiing and nothing else. A vast array of exciting activities now share the spirit of winter fun at Aspen: dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ballooning, paragliding, ice climbing, and even fishing. Snowboarding continues to grow in popularity, especially on the 42 trails at nearby Buttermilk Mountain, two miles west of Aspen.

Aspen is a culturally rich, freewheeling, tolerant town that welcomes diversity of personal expression. Local annual events include Winterskol, Aspen's Winter Carnival, the Aspen Music festival, with concerts and recitals by world-class artists, also the International Design Conference and a Food and Wine Festival. Wheeler Opera House, carefully restored in every detail to its 1889 grandeur, is the site of operas, dramas, concerts and films throughout the year.

Aspen's location on the eastern part of White River National Forest in the midst of the beautiful Elk Mountains, in the Rocky Mountain Range, makes it the perfect choice for year-round outdoor activities.

Originally known as Ute City, Aspen's original claim to fame was a 1, 840 pound silver nugget taken from the Smuggler Mine and displayed at the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893. Within 15 years, the silver market crashed, and the city was gone.

Its rebirth came in the 1930s as the result of other natural resources: the incredibly beautiful scenery and the perfect contours of the slopes for the new sport of skiing. Swiss mountaineer and ski consultant Andre Roche determined that Aspen Mountain would make a prime ski area, and by1941 it was the site of the U.S. Nationals.

Snowmass Village (originally called Snowmass- at -Aspen), 10 miles northwest of Aspen, was built in 1967. Snowmass began as just a series of condos, but in recent years, Snowmass Village has become a different place. Excellent restaurants and a livelier after-hours scene have brought skiers into the village, where they remain long after the lifts close. This "suburb" of Aspen contains 3000 acres of ski terrain and the same rugged, spectacularly beautiful scenery that predominates throughout the Aspen area.

Snowmass Village is often the preferred alternative for families with young children, while the town of Aspen seems to attract a more sophisticated, partying crowd. Snowmass Village has an abundance of on-slope, ski-in/ski-out lodging, a slow pace, and as much peace and quiet as one chooses.

Summer in the Aspen area is as breathtakingly beautiful as winter. There is a short Spring shut-down while snow is melting and summer is moving in, but by mid-June, lifts are running and a whole new schedule of family oriented activities begins.

Summer visitors have a wide range of choices such as golf, hiking, biking, and summer ski lift rides. A summer ride up the lifts gives a panoramic view of the town and the valley. The weather is pleasant and mild, and the ride back down on the lift (or on the bicycle you took to the top with you), is indescribable.

Be sure to stay long enough in the summer to enjoy Theater in the Park, the Aspen Dance Festival and one or more of the summer Janus Jazz Aspen at Snowmass concerts. Top name performers appear through Labor Day. Once the Labor Day Festival is over, there are the Fall and Winter Festivals. Perhaps you will decide to stay on just a little longer, and then another week, and before you know it you will have become an Aspen resident.

Once you visit Aspen, and experience its beauty and warmth; its cultural richness and ability to restore and rejuvenate, you may find yourself searching for a way to stay permanently, and surely for an opportunity to return as soon as possible for another visit.

Aspen Attractions: Aspen Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Downtown Aspen is easily explored on foot. The Aspen Historical Society puts out a walking-tour brochure. You can spend an afternoon admiring the window displays of the shops in the outdoor pedestrian malls, as well as the graceful Victorian mansions, many of which now house fine boutiques and restaurants.

Ashcroft

12 miles south on Castle Creek Road. A good example of the basic structure and layout of the old mining towns. The town was bypassed by the railroad and ceased to exist in 1890.

Aspen Art Museum

590 N. Mill St., 970/925-8050

Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10-6, Thurs. noon-8, Sun. noon-6.

Admission charged

Top local and national artists exhibit their work here. A complimentary gallery tour with wine and cheese is held every Thursday at 5.

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies

Hallam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Puppy Smith St., Aspen

970/925-5756.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this wildlife sanctuary and research center. The facility sponsors snowshoe walks with naturalist guides in winter, and backyard-wildlife workshops that teach children to create a mini sanctuary in their own yard. In summer there are bird-watching hikes and special Little Naturalist programs for four- to seven-year-olds, which include nature walks and arts and crafts.

Independence Ghost Town

15 miles east on SR82

970-925-3721

Guided tours June, July, August 11am and 1pm.

Small admission fee for tour

this is the remains of the Roaring Fork Valley's mining community. It boomed during the gold discoveries of the 1870's and closed up in the decline of the mines in the late 1890s.

Jerome Hotel

330 E. Main St.

970/920-1000.

Named after the town's most prominent early citizen, Jerome Wheeler, this enduring landmark was opened in 1889, at the height of Aspen's prosperity. The ornate lobby, bar, and restaurant of the elegant redbrick hotel re-create fashionable turn-of-the-20th-century living.

White River National Forest and

Maroon Bells

970-925-5756

10 miles south, off State Route 82

Road closed to all but vehicles with camping permits: 8-5

Otherwise, Open for tour buses only

Tour leaves downtown Aspen every 20 minutes daily 9-4 mid-June-Labor Day

Combination ticket for round trip tour and Silver Queen Gondola available.

Maroon Mountain

is 14,126 feet high, and is one of the country's most photographed mountains. Maroon Lake has hiking trails, Forest Service tours, picnicking and fishing. A telescope is available at West Maroon Lake. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers 45 minute guided tours there daily from 10-2.

Wheeler-Stallard House Museum

620 W. Bleeker St., 970/925-3721

Small admission fee.

Jan.-Mar. and mid-June-mid-Sept., Tues.-Fri. 1-4.

Built in 1888.
Victorian life is the focus of this museum, which displays period memorabilia collected by the Aspen Historical Society.

Two hour walking tours of Aspen's west end leave from this museum.

There is an additional charge for the walking tour.

Skiing

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Aspen and Snowmass are really four ski areas combined into one resort. Aspen or Ajax Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands can all be skied with the same ticket.

Aspen Highlands

970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200.

Early Dec.-early Apr., 9-4.

This ski area is reached off Maroon Creek Road. Until 1993, it was the only area not owned by the Aspen Skiing Company. Though it can no longer play on its independence as the "maverick ski area," locals ski here for other reasons as well, including the best views among the four mountains, comparatively short lift lines, and some thrilling runs. Though not quite as challenging as Aspen Mountain, the Highlands offers steep descents at Steeplechase and Olympic Bowl, as well as the wide-open Thunder Bowl.

While you're here, enjoy Aspen Highlands' special events such as the freestyle contests every Friday, and the Ski Patrol Jump, over the deck -- and the heads of startled skiers -- at the Cloud Nine Picnic Hut, every day at noon, weather permitting. Six lifts access 619 acres of terrain with a 3,635-ft vertical drop.

Aspen Mountain.

970/925-1220

Late Nov.-mid-Apr., 9-4.

Aspen Mountain hosts galleries, museums, international conferences, and events. Offers year round cultural activities that attract visitors from around the world: skiers and non-skiers alike.

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is the standard by which many good skiers test themselves. Aspen is not for beginners. A black diamond here might rank as a double diamond elsewhere. The narrow mountain is laid out as a series of steep ridges with little room for error. Eight lifts, including a high-speed gondola, service the 631 acres of challenging terrain, spanning a vertical drop of 3,267 ft.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains more than 410 acres with 43 trails and a vertical drop of 2,030 ft

Off Rte. 82

970/925-1220

Late Nov.-early Apr., 9-4.

Accessed by West Buttermilk Road, Buttermilk is known as Aspen's "learning" mountain. With plenty of gentle slopes and an excellent ski school, this is the place for skiing and snowboarding novices. At the same time, the Tiehack section on the east has several advanced cruising runs, as well as sweeping views of Maroon Creek Valley. It also has superb powder.

Snowmass

Travel southeast on Route 82 to the turnoffs for Brush Creek or Owl Creek roads to Snowmass.

970/925-1220

Late-Nov.-mid-Apr., 9-4.

This is the largest of the four ski areas owned by the Aspen Skiing Company. Snowmass Village predominantly caters to families. These differences apply equally to the development and to the mountain itself. Aspen Mountain is a rigorous ski experience, while Snowmass is Aspen Skiing Company's family resort, with 52% of its 2,655 skiable acres designated intermediate

Snowmass is four times the size of Aspen Mountain, and has triple the black and double black diamond terrain, including several precipitous gullies. Hanging Valley is accessible by a short hike. With 20 lifts covering the five clearly defined skiing areas with 2,655 acres and a 4,206-ft vertical drop, it can be a good idea to plan your route carefully. The novice and lower-intermediate terrain on the lower part of the mountain makes Snowmass a terrific place for young children.

Cross-Country Skiing

Ashcroft Ski Touring.

Forty km 25 mi of groomed trails in the White River National Forest are available at this nordic ski area. Aspen, 970/925-1971.

Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System.

This trail system contains 80 km 48 mi of trails through the Roaring Fork Valley. 970/544-9246.

Ski Touring

Aspen Alpine Guides.

These guides will customize multi-day tours along the 10th Mountain Hut and Trail System connecting Aspen and Vail, and through the Alfred A. Braun Hut System connecting Aspen and Crested Butte. 970/925-6618.

Hut and Trail Systems

Alfred A. Braun Hut System.

This system, run by the U.S. Ski Association, explores the backcountry between Aspen and Crested Butte. An exhilarating trek, this is a perfect test of skiing expertise. Box 7937, Aspen 81612, 970/925-6618.

10th Mountain Hut And Trail System.

During World War II, hardy soldiers camouflaged in white parkas practiced maneuvers in the stinging cold at Camp Hale, in the Elk Mountain Range between Aspen, Vail, and Leadville. That's where the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division prepared for alpine fighting on hickory skis. Today, strong intermediates and experts can follow in their tracks on the 300 miles of trails crisscrossing the area. The surprisingly comfortable huts accommodating up to 16 people in bunks; bring a sleeping bag are solar-powered and have wood-burning stoves. The huts can be used by mountain bikers and hikers from July to September.

Lessons and Programs

The
Aspen Skiing Company 970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200 gives lessons at all four mountains.

Lift Tickets

: You'll get some savings on multi-day tickets.

Rentals

Numerous ski shops in Aspen and Snowmass rent equipment.
Christy Sports 970/920-1170 at the Aspen Mountain gondola base is conveniently located.
Aspen Sports 970/923-3566 in Snowmass Village is also convenient. Rentals are also available at the
Buttermilk base lodge.

Backcountry Nordic Skiing

The
Alfred A. Braun Hut System is one of Aspen's major backcountry networks. The trailhead leads from the Ashcroft Touring Center into the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness, and it generally covers terrain more prone to avalanche possibilities than the 10th Mountain Division Trail. Huts sleep six-nine people. Reservations are required at least a day in advance, considerably earlier for weekends and peak-season periods 970/925-6618 or 800/643-8621.

The
10th Mountain Hut and Trail System, named in honor of the U.S. Army's skiing 10th Mountain Division, includes 10 huts along the trail connecting Aspen and Vail. The main trail follows a generally avalanche-safe route in altitudes that vary between 8,000 ft and 12,000 ft.. Reservations are taken beginning in June; weekends in peak ski season fill up very quickly. 1280 Ute Ave., Aspen 81611, 970/925-5775.

Nordic Skiing

The
Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council charges no fee for the 80 km 48 mi of maintained trails not all interconnected in the Roaring Fork Valley. Probably the most varied, in terms of scenery and terrain, is the 30-km 18-mi Snowmass Club trail network. For a longer ski, try the Owl Creek Trail, connecting the Snowmass Club trail system and the Aspen Cross-Country Center trails. More than 16 km 10 mi long, the trail provides both a good workout and a scenic meadows and aspen-gladed hillsides.

Lessons and rentals are available at the
Aspen Cross-Country Center 39551 Rte. 82 at the Aspen Golf Course, 970/925-2145. Diagonal, skating, racing, and light-touring setups are available. Lessons and rentals are also available at the
Snowmass Lodge Cross-Country Touring Center Drawer G-2, Snowmass Village, 970/923-3148 and the
Hub.

Twelve miles from Aspen, the
Ashcroft Touring Center Ashcroft Touring Unlimited, Castle Creek Rd., 970/925-1971 is sequestered in a high alpine basin up Castle Creek, which runs between Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. The 40 km 25 mi of groomed trails are surrounded by the high peaks of the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. It is truly one of the most dramatic cross-country sites in the Rockies.

Dogsledding

Krabloonik

4250 Divide Rd., Snowmass, 970/923-4342, with about 200 dogs at its disposal, offers a half-day ride beginning at 8:30 AM or 12:30 PM. The ride is preceded or followed by lunch at the Krabloonik restaurant.

Sno-Cat Skiing

Aspen Mountain Powder Tours

. 970/925-1220 ext. 3549 provides access to 1,500 acres on the back side of Aspen Mountain via Sno-Cat tours with about 10,000 vertical feet constituting a typical day's skiing. Reservations are required at least a day in advance, but you should book as far in advance as possible during the season.

Aspen Events: Aspen Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Arts and Entertainment

From late-June to September, the
Aspen Music Festival features everything from chamber music to jazz. 970/925-3254.

Aspen hosts a highly regarded
Film Festival in late September. 970/925-6882.

The HBO-sponsored
U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, in late February and early March, attracts comedians from twenty-something stand-ups to Steve Martin. 800/778-4633.

Wheeler Opera House

is the venue for big-name classical concerts, jazz, and opera, especially in the summer. 970/925-2750.

Events

Winter

December

:
Christmas Celebrations. Many ski areas mount torchlight parades, with large groups of torch-bearing ski instructors tracing patterns down the mountainside

January

: Ski competitions such as the Aspen Winterskol 970/925-1940 keep ski areas lively with races, torchlight skiing, and other events.

Also, International Snowboard Federation's
World Pro Tour at Buttermilk

Late January

: The
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Late February: The US Comedy Arts Festival

Summer

June, July, August

: The
Aspen Music Festival presents opera, chamber music and orchestral concerts. Performers come from all over the world for this renowned event.. Some of the concerts are especially for children. Schedule: 970/925-3254.

July

: Arts events run throughout the month, including the
Aspen International Design Conference 970/925-2257.

Wednesday and Saturday nights

from late June to late August.:
Snowmass Village Rodeo,

June � August:

Independence Day

is celebrated with a parade, fireworks, a bicycle rodeo for children and an air force sky show.

July and August

Dance Aspen

moves through with performances ranging from ballet to modern

Autumn

September:

A major
Film Festival takes place annually toward the end of the month 970/925-6882, 970/453-6200

Aspen Facts: Aspen Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Aspen Colorado, Facts

Population

: 5,000 (Aspen Village)

Elevation

: 7,937 ft.

Location:

31/2 - 4 hours west and slightly south of Denver in northwestern Colorado. Entry into Aspen involves crossing mountain passes from any direction. In winter, if driving into the area, have 4 wheel drive and snow tires available on your vehicle. Alternative: Take the airport shuttle from Denver.

Time Zone:

Mountain Standard Time zone: (When it is 11:00am in New York City; it is 9:00am in Aspen. Daylight savings time is observed from April-October.)

Weather: 303-398-3964

for hourly updates

Average Temperatures:

High Low

January 33F 6F

February 37F 8F

March 42F 15F

April 53F 24F

May 64F 32F

June 73F 37F

July 80F 44F

August 78F 42F

September 71F 35F

October 60F 28F

November 44F 15F

December 37F 8F

Summer begins in late June or early July. Days are warm, but nighttime temperatures fall to the 40s and 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common over the higher peaks. Fall begins in September, often with a week of unsettled weather around mid-month, followed by four-six weeks of cooler nights and warm days. Winter arrives in during November, with deep snows by December. Temperatures are close to freezing by day, under a surprisingly warm mountain sun, and drop way down at night, occasionally as low as

-60� F. Winter is less intense by in March, but there is often a considerable accumulation of snow into April on valley bottoms and into July on mountain passes

Northwest Colorado is a place of sudden weather changes. One minute it may be sunny and the next, snowing, and later raining. Summer attractions may even be closed due to snow. Most mountain towns shut down after the ski season until mid-June and again from Labor Day until the new ski season starts. Always call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Sunscreen is essential at high altitudes, even in the winter months.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve Dec. 31

By Air

Aspen Airport

ASE 0233 E. Airport Rd., 970/920-5385 is served daily by United Express, America West Express/Mesa, and Northwest Express/Mesaba from Denver, and has nonstop United service from Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago in ski season.

Denver International Airport

8500 Pena Blvd., 800/247-2336, is served by most major domestic carriers and many international ones. International flights arrive in Denver, where passengers can board connecting flights to Aspen. The airport code is DEN.

Some sample flying times to Denver are: 4 hours from New York, 21⁄2 hours from Chicago, and 21⁄4 hours from Los Angeles.

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

By Bus

Roaring Fork Transit Agency

970/925-8484 provides bus service from Aspen Airport to the Ruby Park bus station in Aspen.
High Mountain Taxi 970/925-8294 or 800/528-8294 runs trips to Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Vail.
Colorado Mountain Express 970/949-4227 or 800/525-6353 runs trips to Vail and Aspen.

By Car

Aspen's airport is about a 10-minute drive from the city center on Route 82.

By Bus

Greyhound Lines

800/231-2222 offers regular service from Denver to several towns along I-70, including Aspen.

By Car

If you're entering Colorado from the north or south, take I-25, which intersects with I-70 in Denver. If you're entering from the east or west, take I-70, which bisects the state, to Route 82 and then turn south to Aspen/Snowmass. Generally speaking, driving to Aspen from Denver in the winter is more trouble than it's worth, unless you are on an extended vacation and plan to stop at other resorts such as Vail or Copper Mountain. With Independence Pass closed in the winter, the drive takes more than three hours at best, depending on road and weather conditions.

Getting Around

By Bus

The
Roaring Fork Transit Agency 970/925-8484 provides free shuttle service within Aspen and between Aspen and Snowmass. Within Snowmass there is free shuttle service; five colored flags denote the various routes.

By Car

Modern highways make mountain driving safe and generally trouble free even in cold weather. Although winter driving can occasionally present some real challenges, road maintenance is good and plowing is prompt. However, in mountain areas, tire chains, studs, or snow tires are essential. If you're planning to drive into high elevations, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand. Even the mountain passes on main highways can be forced to close because of snow conditions. Be prepared for stormy weather: Carry an emergency kit containing warm clothes, a flashlight, some food, and perhaps a sleeping bag. It's also good to carry a cellular phone. Be aware, however, that because of the mountains cell phones don't work everywhere. If you should become stranded never leave your vehicle. Instead wait until someone comes looking for you. Most roads are routinely patrolled and plowed.

Car Rentals

Rates in Denver begin at about $35 a day and $180 a week for an economy car with air-conditioning, an automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 11.3%. Aspen car rental rates can be double what you'll find in Denver.

Requirements

In Colorado you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25. You'll pay extra for child seats about $3 per day, which are compulsory for children under five, and for additional drivers about $2 per day. Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license, and a travel policy that covers each driver, in order to pick up a car.

Road Conditions

The Rockies offer some of the most spectacular vistas and challenging driving in the world. Roads range from multilane blacktop to barely graveled backcountry trails; from twisting switchbacks considerately marked with guardrails to primitive campgrounds with a lane so narrow that you must back up to the edge of a steep cliff to make a turn. Scenic routes and lookout points are clearly marked, enabling you to slow down and pull over to take in the views.

By Taxi

High Mountain Taxi

970/925-8294.

Business Hours

Most retail stores are open from 9 AM or 9:30 AM until 6 PM or 7 PM daily in downtown locations and until 9 or 10 in suburban shopping malls. Downtown stores sometimes stay open later Thursday night. Normal banking hours are weekdays 9-5; some branches are also open on Saturday morning.

Arriving in the United States

contact the
U.S. Customs Service inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-6724

Electricity

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Emergencies

Ambulance

911.
Fire 911.
Police 911.

Hospital Emergency Rooms

Aspen Valley Hospital

0401 Castle Creek Rd., 970/925-1120.

Taxes

The state sales tax in Colorado is 3%. In addition, Aspen levies a local 5.2% sales tax.

Safety

Regardless of the outdoor activity or your level of skill, safety must come first. Remember: know your limits!

Many trails are at high altitudes, where oxygen is scarce. They're also frequently desolate. Hikers and bikers should carry emergency supplies in their backpacks. Proper equipment includes a flashlight, a compass, waterproof matches, a first-aid kit, a knife, and a light plastic tarp for shelter. Backcountry skiers should add a repair kit, a blanket, an avalanche beacon, and a lightweight shovel to their lists. Always bring extra food and a canteen of water as dehydration is a common occurrence at high altitudes. Never drink from streams or lakes, unless you boil the water first or purify it with tablets -- giardia, an intestinal parasite, may be present.

Always check the condition of roads and trails, and get the latest weather reports before setting out. In summer, take precautions against heat stroke or exhaustion by resting frequently in shaded areas; in winter, take precautions against hypothermia by layering clothing. Ultimately, proper planning, common sense, and good physical conditioning are the strongest guards against the elements.

Altitude

You may feel dizzy and weak and find yourself breathing heavily -- signs that the thin mountain air isn't giving you your accustomed dose of oxygen. Take it easy and rest often for a few days until you're acclimatized. Throughout your stay drink plenty of water and watch your alcohol consumption. If you experience severe headaches and nausea, see a doctor. It is easy, especially in Colorado, where highways climb to 12,000 ft and higher, to go too high too fast. The remedy for altitude-related discomfort is to go down quickly, into heavier air. Other altitude-related problems include dehydration and overexposure to the sun due to the thin air.

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Aspen is 970.

All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits -- the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and beauticians. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay.

Summary of Features of Aspen Ski Areas

Aspen Highlands:

3,635-ft vertical drop; 675 skiable acres; 20% beginner, 33% intermediate, 47% advanced; 2 high-speed quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 3 double chairs.
Aspen Mountain: 3,267-ft vertical drop; 675 skiable acres; 35% intermediate, 35% advanced, 30% expert; 1 4-passenger gondola, 1 high-speed quad chair, 2 quad chairs, 4 double chairs.

Buttermilk:

2,030-ft vertical drop; 420 skiable acres; 35% beginner, 39% intermediate, 26% advanced; 1 high-speed quad chair, 5 double chairs, 1 surface lift.

Snowmass:

4,206-ft vertical drop; 2,655 skiable acres; 10% beginner, 52% intermediate, 18% advanced, 20% expert; 17 lifts.

When to Go

Ski resorts are busiest from December to early April, especially during Christmas and President's holiday weeks.

Spring is a good time for fishing, rafting on rivers swollen with snowmelt, and bird and wildlife-viewing. In fall, aspen trees splash the mountainsides with gold, and wildlife come down to lower elevations. The fish are spawning, and the angling is excellent.

Aspen Kids Activities: Aspen Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Aspen Travel & Tourism, Free Aspen Travel Guide Online

Attractions of Interest to Children

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Ten miles south of Aspen Exit Highway 82 to Castle Creek Road

970 925-3721

Guided tours June, July, August Tues-Sun at 11am and 1pm

Admission charged.

This town offers a glimpse into "the good old days" through the remains of a once flourishing town. The boarded up log cabins don't look as cozy as they do in western

films. It's clear that they were drafty and far from energy efficient. Ashcroft is the remains of a once booming silver mining town which once was home to 2500 people and supported two sawmills, two newspapers, a school, and 20 saloons. It was, at that time, larger than Aspen. It is an interesting area to explore. There are also picnic facilities. Be sure to bring a camera.

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

100 Puppy Smith Street

970 925-5756

Mon-Sat 9-5

Admission charged

Members free.

Inside the ACES building, children are invited to use binoculars and watch the birds through the large picture windows. There is also a "touch table" with interesting objects and a room with microscopes set up for the study by visitors of insects.

Outdoors, there is a self-guided tour to lead the participant on a step by step hike past a golden eagle, great horned owls, beavers and interesting vegetation. There is also a scavenger hunt checklist designed to encourage children to interact with the environment through which they pass.

Aspen Ice Garden

233 West Hyman Avenue

970 920-5141

Daily; hours vary seasonally. Closed mid-April through early June.

Admission charged. Skate rental extra.

Year round skating call for schedule with daily public sessions on its rink.

Aspen Mountain Silver Queen Gondola

At the base of Aspen Mountain

970-925-1220

Open part-time from late May - mid-June and September - early October.

Call for days and hours.

Fee charged.

The Aspen Mountain Gondola can carry as many as 6 people for the smooth, scenic ride to the 11,212 foot peak of the mountain in 18 minutes.

Naturalists from the Aspen Mountain Nature Center await visitors at the top for a 45 minute guided tour along marked trails. The hike is easy, but it is necessary to adjust to the altitude. The naturalist explains the plants, trees and wildlife found there. The remains of a miner's cabin built more than a century ago are also part of the tour. The guide pays particular attention to children and has activities for them which engage their interest. Water and sunscreen are provided.

Aspen Center For Environmental Studies

Hallam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Puppy Smith St., Aspen

970/925-5756.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this wildlife sanctuary and research center. The facility sponsors snowshoe walks with naturalist guides in winter, and backyard-wildlife workshops that teach children to create a mini-sanctuary in their own yard. In summer there are bird-watching hikes and Special Little Naturalist programs for four- to seven-year-olds, which include nature walks and arts and crafts.

Independence Ghost Town

15 miles east on SR82

970-925-3721

Guided tours June, July, August 11am and 1pm.

Small admission fee for tour

Remains of the Roaring Fork Valley's mining community. It boomed during the gold discoveries of the 1870's and closed up in the decline of the mines in the late 1890s.

White River National Forest

970-925-5756

10 miles south, off State Route 82

Road closed to all but vehicles with camping permits: 8-5

Otherwise, Open for tour buses only

Tour leaves downtown Aspen every 20 minutes daily 9-4 mid-June-Labor Day

Combination ticket for round trip tour and Silver Queen Gondola available.

Silver Circle Skating

433 East Durant Avenue

970-925-6360

late October - mid April daily 10 - 10. 90 minute sessions

Admission charged. Skate rental additional

Located in the heart of Aspen, this rink is popular with residents and visitors alike. Skating under the lights at night.

Wagner Park Playground

West end of Hyman Avenue Mall in central Aspen.

Swings, slides and a jungle gym provide a great break from shopping for the whole family!

Wheeler-Stallard House Museum

620 W. Bleeker St., 970/925-3721

Small admission fee.

Jan.-Mar. and mid-June-mid-Sept., Tues.-Fri. 1-4.

Built in 1888.
Victorian life is the focus of this museum, which displays period memorabilia collected by the Aspen Historical Society. Of particular interest to elementary school age children is the children's playroom which is furnished with games and toys of the period including an indoor croquet set.

The museum offers tours for children: call ahead for specific times. Very small children should probably be taken to alternative attractions during the Wheeler-Stallard House tour by the older children in the family, as there is no touching, no running, etc.

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