Be Safe In Aspen

Safety

Aspen is incredibly safe. Years pass without a single murder and the annual number of violent crimes average fewer than 20. The people who call Aspen home take pride in the fact that they can leave their houses unlocked and their skis parked on their porch.

However, this idyllic town sits right in the middle of the largest mountain range in the country, and as such is subject to all the dramatic weather that comes with high alpine environments. In the summertime, violent afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. Hikers venturing into the highlands or trying to climb the surrounding peaks should take care when the sky darkens.  Deaths by lightning do occasionally happen, so it’s best to start early and plan to be down by mid-afternoon. Mountain weather is very fickle. What can start out as a clear warm morning can turn into a terrible snowstorm by late afternoon any time of the year. When hiking in the back-country, always bring proper clothing and prepare for the worst. As they say, it's better to be safe than sorry. The sun is also extremely potent at high elevations, so always wear sunscreen on your face when you’re out on a sunny day. Newcomers to the high altitude of Aspen often experience mild altitude sickness. The best remedy is to take it easy the first couple of days as you acclimatise and drink lots of water.

Police: 911

Health

If an accident happens during your extreme adventure holiday or a simple medical emergency does arise, Aspen has a fully-equipped modern hospital with a 24-hour emergency room. The Aspen Valley Hospital is located on Castle Creek Road.

Aspen Valley Hospital: +1 970 925 1120