Aspen guides
Researched from primary sources and dated, so you know what is current. When you'd rather not handle it yourself, see what we can arrange.
Arrival
The Aspen airport closure in 2027
No flights of any kind will land at ASE from April 4 to November 19, 2027. How to get to Aspen instead, and what that changes for a summer or autumn trip.
Aspen altitude and your first 48 hours
You sleep near 8,000 feet and ski up to 12,500. How to plan the first two days so the altitude doesn't take the first ski day with it.
When your Aspen flight is cancelled or diverted
Aspen is one of the most weather-sensitive airports in the country. What actually happens when a flight can't land, and how to plan so it doesn't take the first day of the trip.
Denver to Aspen in winter
The shortest summer route is closed all winter. What the drive actually looks like from November to May, how long it takes, and what can change it on the day.
Independence Pass
The summer shortcut from Denver to Aspen over the Continental Divide. When it's open, who can't drive it, and how the drive feels.
Getting around
Aspen without a car
Most visitors don't need a car in Aspen. The valley's buses are frequent and many are free. What they cover, and where they don't.
Vail to Aspen
Two resorts, two routes depending on the season. How to get between them, what it costs, and when a private car makes sense.
Ski
Aspen's four mountains: which one?
One lift ticket, four very different mountains. How they compare, and which one to ski on which day.
Highland Bowl
A hike to 12,392 feet and some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in Colorado. What it takes, and how to plan the day so the altitude doesn't win.
Skiing in Aspen with kids
Four mountains, but only two of them take the youngest skiers. Which mountain fits which child, how ski school works, and what to sort before the first morning.
Spring skiing in Aspen
Longer days, softer snow, lower prices and the occasional huge storm. Why late season is many regulars' favourite time in Aspen.
Holidays
Christmas in Aspen
The most booked week of the Aspen winter. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, what stays open, and the order to book things in.
New Year's Eve in Aspen
Fireworks over Aspen Mountain, two dinner seatings at most restaurants, and the busiest night of the year for cars and tables. How to plan it.
Thanksgiving in Aspen
The 2026–27 ski season opens on Thanksgiving Day. What that means for dinner, the slopes and getting here the day before.
Events
Experiences
Aspen for non-skiers
Half of many Aspen groups don't ski. The mountain is still theirs: gondolas, naturalist-led snowshoe tours, a coaster, skating and a free art museum.
Hot springs near Aspen
The best-known soaks are down the valley in Glenwood Springs. What each one is like, what it costs, and how to make a day of it.
Maroon Bells reservations
The most photographed mountains in North America run on a reservation system. How it works, what it costs and how to time the visit.
Planning
Aspen in summer 2027
Aspen is open all summer. Getting here is the part that changes. What's different in 2027, and how to plan around it.
Aspen weather by month
Official averages for every month, and what they actually mean for skiing, packing and planning.
The best time to visit Aspen
It depends what you're coming for. The dates, the crowds and the weather, month by month, for the season ahead.
