Sometimes planning a mountain getaway can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from that even once you decide on Aspen, Colorado, as your vacation destination, it’s difficult to narrow down all the variety that the town has to offer. Many choose Aspen for their mountain vacation based on its world-class skiing, shopping, restaurants, culture and other numerous outdoor activities - summer or winter. This week, our blog team offers up an Aspen vacation planning checklist to assist you in planning your next getaway.
PLAN YOUR TRIP Aspen is known for its amazing winters, and deservedly so. Aspen has four big mountains to ski or shred; Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each mountain has its own unique traits and personality. You can enjoy the variety, all at your fingertips. The local buses provide free transport to and from the mountains to downtown Aspen.
Aspen is also a popular summer destination. Cultural events like the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Food & Wine Classic, bring intellectuals and trend-setters from all over the world during the summer. You can visit stunning Maroon Bells or take a hike or bike along one of Aspen’s beautiful trails. Many also enjoy taking the short trip up Highway 82 to Independence Pass along the Continental Divide. Tip: Summer or winter, the best practice is to make reservations early. Once you have finalized your dates, start looking into booking your lodging.
BOOK YOUR LODGING Book your lodging as soon as possible when planning an Aspen vacation, especially if you are planning to visit during one of the town’s “peak†times. Peak times include New Year’s, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many of these dates have minimum night stays required, so be sure to check with a vacation specialist when booking lodging. Frias Properties offers more than 200 condominiums, townhouses and private homes near downtown Aspen and close to everything. Frias vacation specialists are available to answer your questions or book your lodging right now by calling (800) 542-7736. If you know what you want you can also make reservations right online. Tip: Plan and book early to get the most lodging choices! Click here to begin your lodging search
WHAT TO PLAN TO DO
Aspen offers a plethora of outdoor activities for both summer and winter. In the summer months, the most popular activities are:
- Hiking and biking
- Golf
- Whitewater rafting
- Summer theater
- Shopping
- Outdoor dining
In the winter months, guests love to play in the snow, partaking in activities such as:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Performance arts
- Fine dining
Tip: Make a list of your top activities that your want to do!
WHAT TO PACK Pack for your appropriate season. It can get chilly in the nighttime in the summer, so a light jacket or something warm is always recommended. If you come for the winter, be sure to bring all of your hear to play in the snow. Tip: Leave a little extra room in your bag when packing. There’s a lot of great shopping in Aspen, so you might want to take something home with you!
GETTING TO ASPEN Aspen is a 3-5 hour drive from Denver, depending on the weather. You can fly into Denver and rent a car, or take the Colorado Mountain Express bus all the way to Aspen. You can also fly directly into Aspen. The local airport is only 5 miles outside of town. The Aspen airport provides daily service from Denver, and other major cities. Tip: Fly into Aspen! Frias provides free airport transfers for all guests who book (excludes the Independence Square). Learn more about Aspen air travel
NEED MORE HELP? Tip: Contact the Frias concierge desk at Concierge@FriasProperties.com for assistance with everything from dinner reservations to whitewater rafting excursions! They are always here to help you make the most out of your Aspen vacation.