How to Vacation in Aspen Year-Round

Aspen is by far one of the most popular and beloved places in Inspirato’s collection of 175+ destinations around the globe. Arguably Colorado’s crown jewel of mountain towns, Aspen has been one of the world’s top luxury vacation destinations for generations. Winter is certainly the busiest season in Aspen – skiers from all corners of the planet descend upon town to experience its slopes — but there’s plenty of things to do that don’t involve snow. Keep reading to discover how to have the perfect Aspen vacation any time of the year.

Spring

Our trip to Aspen was great. The team was very helpful the entire time. Went horseback riding, fishing, white water rafting, paragliding, and hiking. All were spectacular and all set up by concierge.
Michael Byers

Often called the “secret season,” spring is a wonderful time to visit Aspen. Late-season snow is common in Colorado, so much of the Aspen/Snowmass area usually remains open for skiing well into April. The warmer springtime temperatures make for spectacular outdoor après-ski activities, as well as excellent white-water rafting due to snowmelt. Should a spring rainstorm roll into town, it’s a great time to head inside and try Aspen’s award-winning restaurants, designer boutiques, or the stunning Aspen Art Museum. Be aware of seasonal closures, as some stores and restaurants close down for a period of time after ski season ends.

Summer

Summer in Aspen is heavenly: the sky is blue, windflowers are in bloom, and temperatures reliably hover the mid-70s. It’s a perfect time to immerse yourself in Aspen’s famously stunning scenery, whether that’s on its extensive network of hiking and biking trails or at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, a non-profit ecological facility with a half-mile nature loop trail. The lovely summer weather also sees a bevy of local events set up throughout town all summer long; among the dozens of options are perennially popular events like the JAS Aspen Snowmass music festival, the Downtown Aspen Art Festival, and the world-renowned Food & Wine Classic.

Fall

According to many Inspirato Members, fall is the best time to visit Aspen. Similar to spring, there may be some seasonal business closures, but crowds are far less intense, and the weather is usually summerlike through September. Aspen’s namesake trees transform into a breathtaking, vibrant hue of yellow blanketing the mountains all over town (leaf colors depend on weather conditions, but most years they reach their peak by the third week of September). Take a scenic drive or bike ride to best enjoy the colors — especially at Maroon Bells, widely considered the most photographed peaks in North America. If you missed your chance to visit the fantastic Aspen Saturday Market downtown over the summer, don’t worry: It runs through mid-October.

Aspen is nice in September. The restaurants are still open, hiking is perfect and the town is quiet.
Jeff Gould

Winter

It’s no secret that travelers flock to Aspen in the winter for one thing: some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding. With four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area — including Aspen Mountain in the heart of downtown — there’s terrain for every skill level, and special events like Aspen Gay Ski Week, the X Games, and Wintersköl festival add to the fun. There’s plenty to do off the slopes, as well: snowmobiling, ice skating, and cross-country skiing are other popular wintertime activities.

An Inspirato vacation is unlike any other way to experience Aspen or more than 175 other destinations around the world. Wherever Inspirato Members travel, they have peace of mind knowing that their accommodations will be spectacular and their dedicated care teams will handle all the details. Learn more about joining Inspirato and traveling with the club.