Mind-blowing Aspen : Aspen, Colorado is a top mountain resort where people can experience world-class skiing, breathtaking views of Maroon Bells, luxury resorts, quality cuisine, hiking and a lively arts and culture. Find outdoor adventure all year long and luxury living in the Alps.
Overview
Aspen is a tiny yet global popular resort community located in the rocky mountain, Colorado. It is also home to the ski resorts, luxurious lifestyle, outdoor recreation, arts, and cultural life which bring visitors all year round. It is located at approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 m) and enclosed with gorgeous mountains, trees and glaciers.
Location
- State: Colorado, USA
- County: Pitkin County
- Geography Central Rockies, the Roaring Fork Valley.
- There are also other major cities close by: Glenwood Springs (currently approximately 40 miles), Denver (currently approximately 200 miles).
- Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – only a couple of miles out of downtown.
Natural Landscape
- Mountains: The Aspen is surrounded by the Elk Mountains of which the Maroon Bells are part of the most photographed range of mountains in North America.
- Rivers: Roaring Fork River flows through the city of Aspen excellent in fishing and rafting.
- Climate:
o Winter (Dec -Mar): cold and snowy, the best time to ski.
o Summer (Jun -Sep): Mild, sunny days (~70s F / 20s C) cool nights.
o Fall (Sep10): The mountains are covered with gorgeous golden aspen trees.
Outdoor Activities
Winter (Aspen boasts of skiing and snowboarding of world-class):
- Ski Resorts (Aspen Snowmass):
o Aspen Mountain (Ajax): Just above Aspen town, extreme expert slopes.
o Aspen Highlands: It is the place of Highland Bowl, extreme skiing, and less people.
o Buttermilk: Easy to ride, X Games headquarters.
o Snowmass: Biggest of the four, family friendly, wide variety of terrain.
- Other Winter Fun:
o Snowshoeing, cross country skiing.
o Ice skating
o Snowmobiling
o Fine dining, bars, luxury lounges culture- Après-ski.
Summer/Fall:
- Hiking (Maroon Bells, Smuggler Mountain, Hunter Creek Trail)
- Mountain biking (Fig. 6 Snowmass Bike Park)
Things to do
- Rafting and kayaking on Roaring fork and Colorado River.
- Horseback riding
- Hot-air ballooning
- Backpacking and camping in White River National Forest.
Culture & Lifestyle
Aspen is not only a skiing resort, but it is a place of art, music, and thought also.
- Aspen Music Festival and School: Classical summer music festival.
- Aspen Institute: Seminars and leadership programs Think-tank.
- Aspen Ideas Festival: Festival of world leaders, innovators, and creators every year.
- Wheeler Opera House: Ancient concert, film, and theater house.
- Art Galleries & Museums: Trying to reach local galleries, also Aspen Art Museum (contemporary).
Shopping & Dining
Aspen boasts of a high end shopping and eatery atmosphere.
- Shopping: Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Ralph Lauren and local shops.
- Dining:
o Fine dining (Element 47, Matsuhisa Aspen by Nobu)
o Warm up after skiing (Ajax Tavern, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro)
o Local favorites (Meat & Cheese, Hickory House BBQ)
Accommodation
Aspen boasts of the ultra luxuries hotels to the rustic lodges.
- Luxury Resorts: Hotel Jerome (historic) The Little Nell (ski-in/ski-out, 5-star).
- Five Star: St. Regis Aspen Resort, W Aspen.
- The mountain chalet aspen, independent square, is within the bracket of budget and mid-range.
History
- The company was established: in 1879 and, throughout the Colorado Silver Boom.
- Mining Town: This town was named Ute City, but it was later renamed Aspen because it had a lot of aspen trees.
- Bust & Revival: Silvers bust swept the country in 1893, recovered in the mid 20 th century as a ski resort.
- Ski History: Aspen Mountain Ski Resort was opened in 1946 and it has become a worldwide ski resort.
Getting There
- By Air: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is flown to Denver, LA, Chicago, Dallas, etc.
- By Car: Approximately 4 hours or so long Denver via the I-70 and the pass of Independence (during summer only).
- By Shuttle/Bus: The regular service of Denver and Glenwood Springs.
Fun Facts
- Aspen is officially known as the Billionaire Mountain due to the homeowners of celebrities (Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey and many other celebrities have houses around).
- Housing costs are high; the average home price is usually above 10 million dollars, or one of the costly real estate markets in America.
- The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is among the most captured scenic landscape in America.
- Aspen had previously attempted to proclaim that it was a nuclear-free zone in the 1970s.
Overview: Aspen is a combination of wilderness mountain, affluence living and a dynamic culture. Aspen is one of the best mountain destinations in the U.S. whether you wish to ski the legendary slopes, hike through the golden aspens, fine dine or have world-class festivals.
Conclusion
Aspen, Colorado is a global mountain resort which has harmoniously integrated natural beauty, adventure, luxury and culture. Whether it is winter in the snow-white mountains of Aspen Snowmass or fall in the golden aspen trees, the town provides visitors with year-long activities all the year round, as well as to the nature lovers and the adventurers.
It is not just a ski resort but a great city of arts, festivals, and intellectual meetings due to the rich history it has as a mining town. Aspen reflects the best of the high life in the Alps with luxury lodging, gourmet cuisine, shopping in a boutique and breathtaking nature.
Aspen offers a special blend of untamed wilderness and luxury living whether it is skiing, hiking, cultural event, or a chance to relax and appreciate the calm mountain scenery, and as such make it attractive to both the adventurous and the leisure traveler.
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