USA · Colorado
Aspen
World-class skiing, mountain hiking, and a celebrity sighting
Aspen is one of the world's great mountain towns and yes, it's expensive — but it's also surprisingly accessible if you know where to look. The skiing across four mountains (Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk) is genuinely world-class, and summer hiking among the wildflowers and ghost towns rivals anything in the Rockies. Budget accommodation fills early, but hostels and local vacation rentals exist.
Budget/day
$200–$400
Best time
December, January, February, March +3 more
Currency
USD
US Visa
Visa required
Top things to do in Aspen
- Ski the entire Aspen Mountain in a day — the view from the summit at 11,212 feet is worth it
- Hike the Maroon Bells trail in late September when aspen leaves turn gold
- Eat breakfast at the Aspen Saturday Market for local food without the restaurant markup
- Tour the Music Festival tents in summer (late June–August) for free rehearsal concerts
- Drive to Maroon Bells before 8am for the most photographed mountain landscape in Colorado
What a Aspen trip actually costs
Estimates for a 7-night trip for 2 people from a major US hub, all-in.
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Aspen travel tips for US visitors
Visa: Domestic — no travel documents required.
- 1The RFTA bus from Glenwood Springs (45 min) cuts accommodation costs significantly.
- 2Book ski rentals at in-town shops, not at the base lodge — saves 30–40%.
- 3Shoulder season (November before snow, April after) has the cheapest rates but limited activities.
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