A haven for outdoor pursuits: our Aspen travel guide

If a vacation isn’t complete without at least one adrenalin-pumping activity, then Aspen should be the next destination on your list. Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains with its snowy peaks, enchanting forests, and thriving mountain town, you’ll fall in love with your new surroundings from the moment you touch down.

Sitting around 8,000 feet above sea level, snowfall is usually seen at least six months of the year. From November to April, the many slopes of Aspen are bustling with skiers; their sheer number ensures both beginners and experts alike can enjoy the thrill of Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Aspen isn’t just reserved for skiers, though. Wander through the twinkling lights of downtown and you’ll discover a wealth of luxury boutiques and fine dining restaurants along its streets - often frequented by well-known stars during the annual festivals. Curious to learn more about this bustling mountain town? Read on for our exclusive Aspen vacation guide…

Our Aspen visitor’s guide to the town

Just as you will find plenty of choices when it comes to ski slopes, you’ll also find a fantastic selection of stores among the pretty streets of Aspen. In fact, it’s actually regarded as a shopping hub for haute couture. From Prada to Gucci, all the biggest names are dotted along the streets. The Western-inspired Kemo Sabe is an incredibly popular store among visitors; offering custom cowboy hats, boots, buckles, and everything in between. Be sure to stop by Daniels Antiques, a time machine of a store where you can browse through luxury rarities and vintage Louis Vuitton pieces.

There’s a lot more than just high-fashion boutiques, though. As you stroll through the town you’ll discover an abundance of art galleries, displaying a blend of fine art and contemporary pieces. The Aspen Art Museum is a contemporary art venue, showcasing the work of talented local artists, and is well worth a visit while you’re in the area. There is a selection of smaller galleries in the vicinity, including the Forre Fine Art Contemporary Gallery and Cha Cha Gallery.

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Aspen

The varied landscape of Aspen is a delight to see in every season. During the cooler months, the town becomes a winter wonderland; stores and bars are lit up by glowing fairy lights, while the satisfying crunch of soft snow is always underfoot. As the summer months draw to a close and fall rolls in, the leaves of the trees transform into a vibrant display of ochre, amber and gold - the perfect backdrop for a whole host of outdoor activities.

Like many of Colorado’s ski resorts, hikers will enjoy an abundance of picturesque trails throughout Aspen. From the inspiring Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to the historic route along Smuggler Mountain, it’s so easy to forget about the bustle of everyday life as you explore and soak up the incredible sights of this region - it’s no mystery as to why so many talented artists are captivated by the natural beauty of Aspen.

The Aspen guide to food and wine

There’s certainly no shortage of restaurants and bars in Aspen - and our Aspen travel guide wouldn’t be complete without us mentioning a few of our favourites.

Aspen Hickory House

A classic in Aspen. For a friendly atmosphere and unfussy BBQ dishes, head down to the rustic Aspen Hickory House. Serving up a selection of slow-cooked meats and tender ribs, this is the perfect place for family dinners together.

There’s always a happy hour somewhere in Aspen

After tucking into a delicious meal, make an evening of it by hitting the town and enjoying the incredible atmosphere of Aspen’s many cocktail bars and taverns. Renowned to be the 'champagne capital' of the US, once the sun goes down, this small but mighty mountain town comes alive with laughter, set to the steady popping of bottles and clinking of glasses as visitors hop from one bar to another.