Cheap flights to Aspen

Quick summary

Identity

From a silver boomtown to America's most storied ski address

Aspen takes its name from the aspen trees that cover the surrounding slopes, but its story begins in 1879 with the discovery of silver, which within a few years made it one of the richest mining towns of the American West. The collapse of the silver market in the early 1890s emptied the town, which had only 705 residents in 1930, before it was relaunched from the 1940s as a ski resort, a bet that has made it one of the most sought-after mountain destinations in the world.

The town sits at about 2,400 m (roughly 7,900 ft) above sea level, along the Roaring Fork River, in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Not to be missed

The Maroon Bells, among North America's most photographed peaks

A short drive south-west of downtown, the twin summits of Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, both above 4,200 m (about 14,000 ft), are reflected in Maroon Lake. In summer, private-car access is restricted during the day and visitors go by shuttle: check before you go, and arrive early to avoid the crowds. In winter the valley becomes a quiet place for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

Skiing

Four mountains, one town

Aspen is served by four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, rising directly above downtown, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, the largest of the four, about 16 km away. Free shuttles link the town to the mountains. Buttermilk has hosted the Winter X Games, an extreme-sports competition, every winter since 2002; the ski season runs roughly from December to March, depending on snow (to be checked).

Ski touring, snowshoeing, sledding and sleigh rides round out the winter offer; beginners find their place at Buttermilk.

Summer and festivals

Hiking, biking and classical music

In summer the town becomes a cultural hub with the Aspen Music Festival, an internationally known classical music event running from June to August, and other festivals including an independent film festival. The cool, dry air invites hiking above 2,400 m, mountain biking, golf and a gondola ride up Aspen Mountain.

The Independence Pass road to the east is open only in summer.

Downtown

Victorian storefronts, the Hotel Jerome and an art museum

Downtown is compact and pleasant on foot, and still has many buildings from the silver era, including the Hotel Jerome, opened in 1889 and still in operation. The Aspen Art Museum, rebuilt in 2014 in a building by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, runs a contemporary-art programme that contrasts with the town's mountain image; admission is usually free (check before visiting).

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Food and drink

Mountain tables and fine dining

Aspen has a great many places to eat, from breakfast cafés to fine-dining restaurants, with contemporary American cooking inspired by Colorado produce. Almost everything is expensive: lunch or bar menus are often a more affordable way to try the big-name kitchens. In winter, après-ski is an institution.

Getting there

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): limited flights and weather

Flights can be delayed or cancelled by bad weather (snow, visibility, wind): allow some margin, especially in high season. There is no direct flight from Europe: expect a connection, most often in Denver, about an hour's flight away. Other options: Eagle County regional airport, roughly one to two hours by road, or Denver, about four hours by road (Independence Pass is closed in winter). A bus links Glenwood Springs, served by Amtrak, to Aspen in a little over an hour. Distances and times are indicative, based on Wikivoyage (EN, DE); fares are not given because they change.

Getting around

Free shuttles, walking and a car

Downtown can be explored on foot, and a network of free buses (RFTA) runs within Aspen and Snowmass; paid buses reach the towns down the valley. A rental car is useful to go further: Highway 82 is the only major access road, and some mountain roads are impassable in winter.

Budget

A very high cost, worth planning for

Aspen is among the most expensive destinations in the United States: accommodation, dining and ski passes are at a very high level, with price peaks around Christmas and major events. Travelling outside high season, such as in spring or autumn, or staying down the valley, helps limit costs. The currency is the US dollar. We give no amounts because we could not cross-check them.

When to go

When to visit Aspen?

Aspen has a continental mountain climate: very cold winters and mild summers with big swings between day and night. Bring layers, even in summer.

Practical information

Entering the US, altitude, staying careful and tipping

Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality (an electronic travel authorisation or a visa): check with the official authorities well before departure, and consult your government's travel advice on safety and health.

At about 2,400 m, take it easy for the first days, drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. In the mountains, stay on marked runs and check conditions before any off-piste skiing. In restaurants and bars, tipping is customary and is added on top of the bill.

By length of stay

What to do in Aspen depending on how long you stay

In pictures

Aspen's golden aspens in autumn

Aspen is named after the aspen trees on its slopes; every autumn their leaves turn gold before the ski season, a sight that draws photographers.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Aspen