Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen’s snowy slopes attract skiers from all over the world. While avid skiers and snowboarders rarely leave the slopes, other Aspen visitors may need a break. That’s not a problem here—this picturesque little mountain town offers much more than great skiing.
Beyond the Slopes
Art galleries showcase a variety of styles including Aspen-inspired landscape photographs at B. Casillas Gallery, contemporary works by renowned international artists at the Baldwin Gallery and eclectic contemporary fine art at the Vickers Collection. The RavenHeart Gallery takes a different approach specializing in wearable and functional pieces including furniture, jewelry, paper sculpture and more.
Active pursuits extend beyond the slopes with fat tire biking in the snow or winter hikes on one of Aspen’s many trails. Take it indoors with a visit to the Aspen Recreation Center. This full-service fitness and recreation facility has activities for all ages. There are more than 40 fitness classes and an indoor kid’s pool with a lazy river and two-story waterslide.
A Celebrated Tradition
As the day’s activities come to an end, join in a favorite Aspen tradition, the Après Ski—that delicious cocktail that comes at the end of a day on the slopes. And no, you don’t have to ski to après! Time your visit to coincide with the Après Ski Cocktail Classic in March (14 – 17, 2019) and you’ll get an extensive view of this 4-day libation celebration. The event takes place at multiple venues around Aspen and features celebrity mixologists, the Après Tasting Experience, craft cocktails, seminars, snow parties, pop-up bars, fireside chats, spirit-paired dinners, and the Great Après Ski Pub Crawl & Cocktail Competition.
Where to Go After Dark:
No matter how you choose to spend your days in Aspen, how and where you spend your nights can make or break the trip. But how do you choose the best lodging for your Aspen vacation? There are several things to consider. Do you need an expansive residence with multiple bedrooms? Are you looking for something alongside the slopes or is being downtown and close to restaurants and bars a priority?
If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a multi-bedroom condo with a full kitchen may be the ticket to bliss. Looking for romance? A cozy one-bedroom hotel suite could keep those love fires burning. Whatever your needs or desires, Aspen has plenty of lodging options to choose from. Here’s a sampling.
Alpenblick
At Alpenblick, 18 units with varied décor provide three- and four-bedroom options. Ideal for families or groups of friends, these Alpine-styled condos are situated just two blocks from the Silver Queen Gondola giving you an easy start to your daily ski experience. For your downtime, the complex has a hot tub and most units have fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and ski lockers. There’s a choice in price range too with units rated from Economy to Standard to Deluxe.
Chateau Roaring Fork
Situated on the riverfront of the Roaring Fork River, Chateau Roaring Fork is an ideal home base for travel to Aspen in any season. Close to downtown Aspen and only four blocks to the lifts, walking to where you want to go is a cinch. Choose from well-appointed two, three or four-bedroom condos … many with fireplaces to keep you warm after a day in the snow. Complex amenities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, fitness center and on-site free parking.
Dumont Condos
A skier’s paradise, Dumont Condominiums offer ski-in access from Aspen Mountain. And to get up the mountain, you’re just two blocks from the gondola. Soak in mountain and town views through the floor-to-ceiling windows in most of the condos. Upgraded kitchens, fireplaces, and in-unit laundry facilities complete your home away from home. Guests booking luxury rated condos are also provided with complimentary on-demand in town transportation.
The Fasching Haus
With its ideal location just two blocks from Aspen Mountain and Gondola Plaza as well as two blocks from downtown Aspen, the Fasching Haus is a popular choice for many visitors. Spacious units ranging from two to six bedrooms—many with hardwood floors, upgraded kitchens, and fireplaces—provide ample choices for you and your travel companions.
Fifth Avenue Condos
At Fifth Avenue Condos, Aspen Mountain is literally in your backyard while tall, north-east facing windows yield views of downtown Aspen. With urban style and vaulted ceilings in some units, these two- and three-bedroom condos work for small families and groups of friends. A recently renovated outdoor heated pool and hot tub add to the list of amenities. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s easy access to historic Lift 1A where skiing began in Aspen more than 60 years ago.
Independence Square
If a charming historic hotel is more your style, the Independence Square deserves a look. Located in the heart of downtown Aspen on the Cooper Avenue walking mall, each of the 25 guest rooms features unique décor with modern amenities behind a historic façade—the best of the past and the present. Choose from premier and deluxe rooms and one-bedroom condos that accommodate up to four guests. The hotel is just steps from Rubey Park, the main hub for the Aspen Snowmass skier shuttles. When your day is done, soak those aching muscles in the rooftop hot tub complete with mountain views—score one for the romantics.
Editor’s Note: All the vacation rentals in this post are managed by Frias Properties. Offering Aspen’s largest selection of vacation rentals, Frias Properties not only provides you with a variety of choices, they also provide a number of complimentary amenities not offered through rent-by-owner properties. Guests of Frias Properties receive Aspen airport pick-up, passes to a local health club, front desk check-in, concierge services, daily housekeeping, and 24/7 support.
Visit www.friasproperties.com for more information.