It’s that time of year again, and you know what that means: time for another list. We’ve been covering the most in-demand vacation destinations for 2019, so it should come as no surprise that Aspen, Colorado tops our list. If you’ve been considering a ski trip this season, then Aspen might be the place for you. It’s the second-largest city in the state, and every winter, thousands of people flock there to enjoy some fresh powder. If you’re curious about how much a ski trip to Aspen will cost you, then check out our list of travel essentials below.
Table of Contents
Flight
Even if you’re traveling by car, there’s no harm in hopping on a flight to Aspen from the East Coast or Midwest. You’ll be landing in the right place, and from there you can easily find a Delta or American Airlines flight. Booking a flight on a Monday or Tuesday can also help you find the cheapest tickets.
Arrival
Arrival at the airport in Aspen will be as pleasant as the city itself. You might spot a person or group of people there to greet you, and the further you walk toward your baggage, the more people you’ll see. The airport is in the foothills of the majestic Rockies, and there’s an abundance of shops and eateries on site. If you’ve been traveling for a while and need a breather, you can relax at the airport for a few hours before your next flight.
Parking
The streets parking in Aspen are expensive, and it’s a pain to find a spot close to the hotels and restaurants. Luckily, there are some parking lots adjacent to the airport, and they’re very affordable. You won’t need a hotel in Aspen for very long, so unless you plan to visit numerous attractions, you might find that parking is not an issue. If you’re staying overnight, it’s advisable to find a nearby lot. Many hotel security guards patrol the parking lots to ensure visitors are not parking in the wrong spaces.
Layout Of The City
Aspen is a walkable city, and you can cover all its main attractions in a day. Begin your exploration in the morning and head to the University of Colorado at Aspen. There you’ll be able to get a good glimpse of how the city evolved and became famous. You’ll also be able to stroll down Aspen’s famous Broadway, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want some peace and less people, you can head to either end of the street and watch the world go by. There are also museums and galleries there that you might want to explore.
Attractions
There are dozens of attractions in Aspen. If you’ve never been there and are wondering what all the excitement is about, then this is the place to start. You’re going to have your eyes opened wide, and you’re going to want to visit this city more than once. You’ll find art galleries, museums, and even a science center. There are also outdoor concerts and festivals where you can hear some of the finest musicians in the country, and even world-class opera singers. If you want to spend some quiet time at the end of the day, you can retire to one of the many bars or restaurants in town. Be sure to make some reservations in advance if you want to dine at one of the city’s fine eateries.
Neighborhoods
There are numerous neighborhoods in Aspen. You’ll find the most famous ones, like Aspen Highlands, surrounded by some of the most prestigious resorts in the country. The main street in Aspen is called the Street, and it’s lined with galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. There are also cobbled streets that lead up to the majestic Aspen Mountain. Above it all you’ll find the glorious Mariotti Clocktower, a wedding cake of a building that was once the headquarters of the Aspen Ski Club. On the north side of the Street, you’ll find the Aspen Art Museum, the Wheeler Opera House, and the Tattered Cover Bookstore. You’ll find more information at the Aspen website (below).
Hotels And Resorts
If you prefer to stay at a hotel, there are numerous luxurious properties in Aspen. The most convenient one for tourists, and the place where you’ll find most of the city’s famous restaurants and bars, is the Snowmass Lodge. You’ll also find another famous hotel, the Aspen Hotel, nearby. The Grand Hotel Aspen, another luxury hotel, is on the southern outskirts of the city. You can’t go wrong with a stay at any of these places. Even more luxurious is the Snowbird Snow Resort, which is connected to the Eagle Hotel by a free shuttle service.
There are also thousands of smaller hotels and bed and breakfasts throughout Aspen. The majority of these places are close to the bus stop or the train station, so you can easily get to the city center in under an hour. You can’t put a price on spending the night in such a comfortable bed, and the world-class food will be delivered to your door by the hotel staff.
Transportation
There is good transportation between the airports and the hotels in Aspen. You’ll have no trouble getting to the airport from the downtown area, and likewise with the other way around. There is also a direct bus line between the Aspen Art Museum and the Snowmass Lodge, which you can take to reach other parts of the city. The best way to get around Aspen is by rental car. There are plenty of car rental agencies at the airport, and you’ll find them at the other end as well. The downside is that there’s no shuttles available for rent, so you’ll have to find your own transport to the various attractions. If you’re driving to other parts of Colorado, you’ll have to follow the rules and regulations of carpooling and leave plenty of time for the trip.
Mountain Weather
Since you’re traveling in the middle of winter, you’ll want to make sure you bring proper gear. You’ll be climbing a lot of steps to get to the upper part of the snow-covered streets, and it would be best for your health and safety if you prepare for the cold weather. Be sure to bring layers and watch how you’re dressing. When you reach the top of the stairs, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also spot a few people skiing down the slopes, looking as natural as can be.
Aspen is a walkable city, and you can cover all its main attractions in a day. Begin your exploration in the morning and head to the University of Colorado at Aspen. There you’ll be able to get a good glimpse of how the city evolved and became famous. You’ll also be able to stroll down Aspen’s famous Broadway, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want some peace and less people, you can head to either end of the street and watch the world go by. There are also museums and galleries there that you might want to explore.
You’ll find dozens of attractions in Aspen. If you’ve never been there and are wondering what all the excitement is about, then this is the place to start. You’re going to have your eyes opened wide, and you’re going to want to visit this city more than once. You’ll find art galleries, museums, and even a science center. There are also outdoor concerts and festivals where you can hear some of the finest musicians in the country, and even world-class opera singers. If you want to spend some quiet time at the end of the day, you can retire to one of the many bars or restaurants in town. Be sure to make some reservations in advance if you want to dine at one of the city’s fine eateries.