Known for having 300 days of sunshine a year, Aspen has become an A-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers year-round. Don't be surprised if you recognize a famous face during your stay, as the city is a hot hangout for the Hollywood crowd. Aside from skiing, there is ice skating, rafting and hiking during the summer months and exhibits to explore at the Aspen Art Museum.
Aspen things to do
Skiing and All Related Snow Sports on Mountains
Home to Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, Aspen offers 5,000 acres of terrain for skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiasts to tackle. Challenging runs include Trainor's, Rayborn's, Bingo Glades and S1 on Aspen Mountain; The Cirque and The Hanging Valley Wall on Snowmass and the X Games Sugar Pipe on Buttermilk. Visit www.aspensnowmass.com.
Ice Skating
Lacing up the skates and taking a twirl is a popular pastime, and the Aspen Ice Garden, NHL-sized Lewis Ice Arena and the outdoor Silver Circle Rink are just where to go glide around the rink. Visit www.aspenrecreation.com.
T-Lazy 7 Snowmobiling
The Klondike Lunch Tour offered available through T-Lazy 7 Snowmobiling travels to White River National Park before making a stop at a rustic Klondike cabin where visitors can take in stunning views of the 14,000 foot Pyramid Peak. Afterwards, a hot lunch is served for all to enjoy. The tour takes place twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Visit www.tlazy7.com.
Aspen Art Museum
The scope of work at the Aspen Art Museum represents the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Recent works on view include Stephen Shore: Abu Dhabi and Hague Yang: The Art and Technique of Folding the Land. The Questrom and Architecture Lecture Series are known to engage audiences with their thought-provoking topics. Visit www.aspenartmuseum.org.
Naturalist Guided Snowshoe Tours
Outdoor enthusiasts have an incredible opportunity to discover the serene spruce-fir forest surrounding the Rocky Mountains. By their side are naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies who offer twice-daily tours. Price includes lift, a snack and warm drink, snowshoes, knowledgeable guide and basic instruction.Visit www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/moremountainfun/snowshoeing.cfm.
Aspen Festivals
Back by popular demand, the Bud Light Hi-Fi Free Concert Series returns from late November through March with a series of five outdoor shows. Past performers of the event include Everclear, Ozomatli, The Offspring, Gin Blossoms and more. The Snowmass Village Free Summer Concert Series also draws a crowd with complimentary concerts showcasing a variety of musical styles from jazz to reggae and rock.
