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Ski Vacations and Winter Activities

Aspen is truly a winter paradise, famous for its "champagne powder," cobalt blue skies and crystalline air. Visitors can't wait to get outside and challenge the four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass—that make up the Aspen/Snowmass resort. Skiers and boarders thrill in the never-ending terrain to fit all skill levels in this world-class destination.

Guests at the Sky Hotel found the perfect hotel for their Aspen ski vacation. Just a snowball's throw from the slopes of Aspen Mountain and the Silver Queen Gondola. Aspen's free skier shuttles ferry enthusiasts out to the other mountains, leaving every 15 minutes throughout the day from Ruby Park in the center of Aspen.

Is cross-country skiing your thing? You're in luck—Aspen boasts miles of Nordic cross-country ski trails that crisscross the landscape from Snowmass to Aspen.

Spring, Summer, Fall Activities

Locals have a saying that says it all: "come for the winter and stay for the summer."

Summer in Aspen is defined by its wealth of cultural offerings:
  • Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents workshops, residencies and lectures for artists of all skill levels
  • Aspen Art Museum offers classes and exhibits throughout the year
  • Aspen Filmfest presents summer films each summer and Filmfest in September each year
  • Aspen Music Festival and School presents a nine-week season packed with more than 200 musical events, featuring world-renowned soloists, conductors, and ensembles
  • Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents the annual Aspen Dance Festival
  • Aspen Theater in the Park offers plays in repertory from June through August
  • Aspen Writer's Foundation presents Summer Words, a literary festival and writing retreat in late June
  • Jazz Aspen Snowmass presents two weekends of high energy popular performers in June and at Labor Day
  • Aspen is also home to more than 20 art galleries that feature everything from painting, sculpture, handmade art glass, jewelry, furniture, posters, pottery and more
And of course, Aspen offers non-stop outdoor activities:
  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking/road biking
  • Rafting
  • Swimming at the new Aspen Recreation Center
  • Rock climbing/indoor climbing walls
  • Horseback riding
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Golfing
  • Tennis
  • Fly fishing
  • Camping
  • Paragliding
  • Jeep rides
Not a skier? Not a problem—there are plenty of winter activities that don't require skis, poles or boards:
  • Snowshoe tours and hikes
  • Ice skating at the Aspen Recreation Center or the Silver Circle Ice Rink across from Ruby Park
  • Uphill hiking on Buttermilk Mountain
  • Nature tours atop Aspen and Snowmass mountains
  • Snowcat rides
  • Swimming, climbing wall, hot tub, sauna, Aquasize classes and more at the Aspen Recreation Center
Annual Events
  • ESPN X Games,   January
  • Gay and Lesbian Ski Week,   January
  • Aspen Filmfest presents Shortsfest,   April
  • Food & Wine Magazine Classic,   June
  • Elk Mountain Adventure Race,   June
  • Aspen Music Festival,   June–August
  • Komen Aspen Race for the Cure,   July
  • Aspen Institute Summer Speaker Series,   July and August
  • International Design Conference in Aspen,   August
  • Aspen High Country Triathlon/Duathalon,   August
  • Janus Jazz Aspen,   Labor Day Weekend
  • Mother Lode Volleyball Tournament,   Labor Day Weekend
  • Aspen Filmfest,   October
  • Ruggerfest,   September
  • Golden Leaf Half-Marathon,   September
  • Annual Aspen Cocktail Classic,   October