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13 Jan 2025
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Aspen Snowmass Vacation Blog
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There’s no better vacation to take than a trip to Aspen Snowmass! Whether you’re heading out on a family vacation or seeking a romantic getaway with your partner, this incredible destination has much to offer. Aspen Snowmass is famous for a reason; its gorgeous mountain peaks are perfect for winter sports, and the city’s cultural and music scene keeps visitors returning year after year.

If you’re planning on taking a vacation to Aspen Snowmass, you’ll want to know all the top spots and hidden gems to check out. Allow us to show you our favorite things to do in our First Timer’s Guide to Aspen Snowmass!

What’s the Weather Like in Aspen Snowmass?

Wondering when the best time to visit Aspen Snowmass is? It really depends on your preferences. Skiers and snowboarders will love the excitement of ski season, but if you’re not looking to hit the slopes, there are plenty of activities to explore in the summer in Aspen Snowmass, too!

Of course, it’s important to know what the weather is like so you can pack appropriately for the trip. Here are the average temperatures in Aspen Snowmass by month:

Winter (November-February)

Nov – High 38°F / Low 17°F Average: 26°F

Dec – High 29°F / Low 9°F Average: 17°F

Jan – High 28°F / Low 7°F Average: 17°F

Feb – High 32°F / Low 10°F Average: 19°F

Spring (March-May)

March – High 39°F / Low 17°F Average: 27°F

April – High 48°F / Low 24°F Average: 35°F

May – High 58°F / Low 32°F Average: 44°F

Summer (June-August)

June – High 69°F / Low 39°F Average: 54°F

July – High 73°F / Low 44°F Average: 59°F

August – High 71°F / Low 43°F Average: 57°F

Fall (September-October)

September – High 64°F / Low 36°F Average: 49°F

October – High 52°F / Low 27°F Average: 38°F

Get to Know the Mountains of Aspen Snowmass



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Several impressive peaks surround Aspen Snowmass, and there’s much to learn about them! If you’re looking to ski here, you’ll be most interested in these four peaks:

Aspen Mountain

Also known as Ajax, Aspen Mountain has mostly advanced and intermediate trails. There are plenty of double black trails for the daredevils out there, but plenty of well-groomed intermediate runs, as well!

There’s a gorgeous lodge to relax in and even a restaurant at the peak of the Silver Queen Gondola. Check out the panoramic views while you enjoy a meal at the Sundeck!

Snowmass

Snowmass is the largest of the Aspen Snowmass Ski areas. There’s a little bit of something for everybody here, from beginner trails to advanced-level terrain parks.

There are so many trails here that you could ski all day and never run a repeat! There are also many activities to enjoy down at the village once your runs are over.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk hosts ESPN’s Winter X-Games every January and has a massive terrain park. Check it out to see some talented skiers and snowboarders doing their thing.

Buttermilk is not only for the pros, though! There are many beginner-friendly trails here, and skiers of all ages can have a great time.

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands is a local favorite for a reason. With 3,635 vertical feet of terrain, it’s home to some of the most demanding and exciting skiing in North America. Take on the legendary Highlands Bowl alongside seasoned locals, perfect your skills, and discover fresh runs that keep every trip exciting.

Check out one of our ski-in/ski-out rentals to have easy access to the mountains!

Our Favorite Things to Do in Aspen Snowmass

While Aspen Snowmass is known for its world-class skiing, there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore.

Outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of the hiking in Aspen Snowmass. The mountains aren’t just for skiing, after all! Check out a famous hiking trail like Maroon Bells or the beginner-friendly Ajax Trail while you’re here. Many of these sites are popular for camping as well!

Aspen Snowmass also has a thriving arts scene. For a look at local culture and creativity, visit the Aspen Art Museum. The building itself is an impressive piece of architecture, and the artwork inside is sure to leave you inspired!

Founded by artists, the museum is dedicated to supporting bold and innovative ideas. The focus is on rotating exhibitions rather than permanent collections, giving you something new to discover with every visit. It’s a great stop for any Aspen Snowmass vacation!

Visit The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) to catch a show while you’re in town, too! From local bands to renowned national acts, you never know who you could see—but you’re in for a treat no matter who’s on stage.

The Best Restaurants in Aspen Snowmass

Knowing the best places to eat in Aspen Snowmass is an absolute necessity. After all, you want to eat well while you’re here! Whether you’re looking for the best margarita in Aspen Snowmass or want to know where you can grab a classic ice cream cone, we’ve got you covered.

Pine Creek Cookhouse is one of our top recommendations for authentic, locally sourced food in Aspen Snowmass. Another favorite is Woody Creek Tavern, a true locals’ joint located just a bit outside of the city, with the best margaritas around!

Other local favorites include Butcher's Block and Il Poggio (in Snowmass). If you’re searching for mountaintop dining, check out Sam’s or Alpin Room. You can stop in for a meal in between your ski runs!

Hidden Gems in Aspen Snowmass

We’ve talked about the most popular things to do in Aspen Snowmass, but what about more off-the-beaten-path activities? Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten to touch on Aspen Snowmass' hidden gems.

If you’re looking for scenic views, you’ll love Independence Pass, a 32-mile-long stretch of road that’s part of Colorado State Highway 82.  It takes about 45 minutes to drive through Independence Pass, and the views are unbeatable. You can bike along the road as well (be sure to look out for traffic), and there are also several hiking trails right off the pass!

Just up the road from Independence Pass sits another hidden gem: Independence Ghost Town. Once upon a time, Independence was the first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley! It became a ghost town in 1899, and the Aspen Historical Society officially got a permit to preserve and maintain it as a historical site in 1975.

Ashcroft is another ghost town in the area. Like Independence, it boomed quickly as a silver mining town—and then declined just as rapidly. Visiting these ghost towns is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Aspen's past and uncover the history of silver mining in the West. It's a great day trip to take with kids, too!

For a rainy-day activity (or if you’re just in the mood for some retail therapy!), check out local consignment shops! Aspen Snowmass has plenty to choose from; some of our favorites are The Little Bird and Susie’s Aspen. You’ll find fashionable and elevated clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more at these stops!

Book Your Vacation to Aspen Snowmass Directly with Frias Properties!



ski in/ski out rental frias aspen vacation rentals

Pictured: 3 Bed, 3 Bath Ski-In/Ski-Out Rental: Ritz-Carlton Club 3 Bedroom Penthouse 4301

Okay, now you know all the best activities in Aspen Snowmass to explore. From skiing to the many hidden gems here, we know you’ll be busy during your time here!

One of the most important parts of your Aspen Snowmass vacation is deciding where you’ll stay. Lucky for you, we already have your bases covered—Frias Properties is the top choice for vacation rentals in Aspen Snowmass.

From private homes and condos to luxury resorts, our Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals are designed to fit your vacation needs. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your trip to Aspen Snowmass directly with Frias Properties!

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