BLOG NOTE: This blog post is from a previous season. To view our most recent blog posts, click here.
Planning a winter vacation to Aspen Snowmass can be a daunting task. There are plenty of options, but which ones can you trust? Frias Properties features more than 200 condominiums in the core of downtown Aspen, within walking distance to all of the town's amazing shops, dining, arts and nightlife. So how do you go about planning that perfect Aspen winter getaway? This week, we asked Frias Properties vacation specialist Julie Adams to help our blog team answer that question. Julie helps plan vacations year-round for our guests, so she's the perfect source for all the insider tips.
Q: When should I start looking for winter lodging?
A: "I would start looking for lodging as soon as you know your dates for unit specific condos and air fares."
Q: How early should I book?
A: "For winter, October 1st."
Q: If I ski, what do you recommend?
A: "Indy Square, Durant Condos, Fasching Haus, Fifth Avenue. Actually, all of Frias Properties are all waking distance to either Aspen Mountain or Rubey Park bus station, with free access to all area ski mountains."
Q: I want to cook and entertain guests, what do you recommend (specific complex/unit)?
A: "The 101 Park Avenue private home has a big open kitchen and dining area. The decor makes you feel like you are in a mountain luxury cabin. There's a nice deck off living area as well."
Q: I want to visit Aspen Snowmass from Dec. 1 thru Feb. 1. Do I get a discount if I book a longer stay?
A: "Yes, sometimes you may negotiate with owners on longer stays. Thirty days-plus, you don't have to pay the city tax of 11.3 percent and you may get up to a 30 percent discount on a longer stay. It depends on what the owner made previous years. It never hurts to ask."
Q: Do I drive or fly? Which is best?
A: "Either is fine."
Q: If I don’t drive, how do I get around town?
A: "Walking is a great source of catching the great mountain air."
Q: Can I get help with my luggage?
A: "Yes. Either transportation with Smiddy Limousine or the staff. All Frias guests receive complimentary Aspen airport transfers. Guests who book a luxury property through Frias receive complimentary on-demand, in-town transportation."
Q: Can you help with dinner reservations?
A: "Yes, but we have a fantastic concierge that is happy to assist with any of your reservation needs."
Q: Anything else?
A: "Let it snow, let it snow, LET IT SNOW!"