Aspen is home to three ski areas: Aspen Mountain – catch the Gondola from downtown, Aspen Highlands – hike the famous Highlands Bowl and Buttermilk – host of the ESPN X-Games. There is suitable terrain for all levels of skiers. Nearby Snowmass Ski Area makes it a perfect foursome. There are miles of groomed cross country ski trails – see Aspen in a whole new way. Snowshoeing is a great way to commune with our quiet natural environment. Snowmobile enthusiasts will find endless trails on public and private lands. After a day of playing hard, the Aspen Recreation Center offers family fun with its pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, climbing wall, fitness center and ice rink. A perfect end to a perfect day!

On The Water in Aspen

The Roaring Fork River invites water enthusiasts of all types. Its Gold Medal fishing is enjoyed all year round. Whether you fish solo or with a local guide you will find your own sweet spot on the river. Stillwater is perfect for learning to kayak and gain the needed skills to enjoy all aspects of the river. Once you develop your skills and confidence you'll soon be ready to move to more challenging waters. And then the fun begins! When winter turns to spring the snow melts and creates rapid waters for rafting trips of all levels and provides a stunning perspective on the Roaring Fork valley.

The John Denver Sanctuary, nestled on the shores of the Roaring Fork River, offers benches, picnic tables and open grass areas that are ideal for peacefully enjoying the river – take a picnic, a blanket and great book and enjoy this hidden treasure.

Join locals in their favorite spot to cool off! On a hot summer's day go to the "beach" at the North Star Preserve or head up Independence Pass to the "Devil's Punchbowl" at the Grotto's. Granite ledges above the Punchbowl are a platform for jumping into its cool and refreshing waters. Sunbathe on the ledges for a great summer afternoon with friends.

On Land in Aspen

Biking is popular spring through fall – whether you prefer to mountain bike or road bike, you will never be at a loss for places to ride. Roads and trails offer terrain for every level of expertise. The Rio Grande Trail runs 41 miles to Glenwood Springs. It meanders through Aspen along the Roaring Fork River making it perfect for families with smaller children. For adrenaline junkies try Smuggler Mountain Road, Hunter Creek Loop, Iowa Shaft, Tootsie Roll and Lollipop. Those with endurance can ride up Independence Pass to the top of the Continental Divide. Or ride up Maroon Creek or Castle Creek Roads for a steady vertical climb and then enjoy the ride down.

Hiking is probably the easiest way for visitors to commune with nature. There are trails for every age and ability with many trailheads starting right in town. You can hop on the Rio Grande Trail, throughout downtown, and follow the Roaring Fork River. Smuggler Trail and Ute Trail take you up above the valley floor with some of the most stunning views and sunsets.

Aspen has incredible climbing just 15 minutes east of town up Independence Pass. You will find beginning bouldering and simple top-rope climbing to expert multi-pitch routes on granite crags. "In town" climbing on Gold Butte where Cemetery Lane and McLain Flats meet. Experts will love it too. If you don't like the weather, check out the indoor climbing tower at the Aspen Recreation Center or classes at the Red Brick Recreation Center.

Did you know your golf ball will travel farther in high altitude? When it comes to golf, our local courses have much to offer — boasting championship designs, breathtaking views and pristine grounds. The Aspen Golf Club and the Snowmass Club are ready to book your tee time!

Aspen has long been known for its love of culture and the arts. The Aspen Art Museum presents the most important evolutions in contemporary art. AAM exhibitions, education and public programs, and activities engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences.

The Aspen Music Festival and School offer incredible summer music and exceptional concerts throughout the year with world-renowned performers. The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen's premier state-of-the-art venue, hosts nationally recognized artists and a diverse calendar including pop, rock, country and bluegrass concerts, lectures, theatre, dance, films and community events.

Theatre Aspen features top-flight professional and Broadway artists in a summer repertory season of musicals, plays and comedies. Theatre Aspen School offers camps for kids 5 – 18  from June through August. The Hurst Theatre is located in a spectacular setting in Rio Grande Park.

Elevating the cultural landscape in Aspen is the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, a contemporary ballet company now nearly two decades old. A deep commitment to curating new ballets while cultivating choreographic talent has resulted in a catalog of adventurous repertoire. The company performs at the Aspen District Theater in the summer and winter and also operates 4 ballet schools year-round throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado's most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and Film Educates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. 

For more heady interests, The Aspen Institute is an international non-profit organization dedicated to informed dialogue and inquiry on issues of global concern. The Aspen Ideas Fest, alone, draws some of the greatest minds of our generation for lively and thought-provoking discussions. Aspen Words encourages writers, inspires readers, and connects people through the power of stories. Founded in Aspen in 1976 as a cutting edge poetry conference and literary magazine, Aspen Words is one of the nation’s leading literary centers and a stage for the world’s most prominent contemporary writers. Its programs employ literature as a tool for provoking thought, broadening perspectives, fostering connections, inspiring creativity, and giving voice.