Things To Do In Aspen

Few towns in America have Aspen’s blend of staggeringly natural beauty, historical charm and cosmopolitan chic. The town is ideal for pedestrians. From your lodging you can walk to every shop in town, the hiking trailheads and even the skiing chairlifts of Ajax. It’s a pleasure just to wander the broad streets and admire the immaculately restored Victorian architecture against its mountain backdrop. Aspen is a town in which to relax, indulge and get active, in whichever order you prefer.

Aspen Historical Society

This organisation offers a good selection of guided tours around Aspen and the neighbouring mining camps during the summer. The standard walking tour of Aspen takes about 2 hours and covers one mile. It starts at the Wheeler/Stallard House Museum, explores the residential west end and ends at the historic Hotel Jerome. They also offer guided tours of Ashcroft ghost town several times each day. Various self-guided tours are also available. Call for reservations and times (tel: +1 970 925 3721).

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

This centre is actually a 22-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Roaring Fork River. Its mission is to promote the idea that the earth must be respected and nurtured. During the summer, the centre’s naturalists give guided walks, eagle demonstrations and special programmes for children. In the winter, they offer guided snowshoe and ski tours.

Wheeler Opera House

Aspen’s main performing arts venue was built in 1889 by the ubiquitous Aspen silver-baron Jerome Wheeler. This meticulously restored building features brass wall sconces, crystal chandeliers, stencilled walls, rich woodwork and lush red carpeting. The box office is open daily from 10:00 until 18:00.

Maroon Bells

These are two sheer, pyramid-shaped mountain peaks and are one of most photographed mountains in the world. During the summer and early autumn, the town offers a 30 minute narrated bus tour from Aspen Highlands up the Maroon Creek valley.

Downtown Aspen

It’s best to wander the downtown streets without a planned itinerary. You can easily spend an afternoon shopping along the outdoor pedestrian malls, or admiring the grand Victorian mansions while sitting on a bench surrounded by the peaks. Shopping is one of the highlights of this little ski town - if you’ve got the funds to match. Many of the world’s top retailers have shops here and prices are often sky-high, but don’t let that stop you from window shopping.

Skiing Aspen

This is the name for the four Aspen resort areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Within these four resorts you will find some of the greatest ski terrain in the world, ranging from hardcore vertical runs to easy cruisers. All are managed by Aspen Skiing Company and a single lift ticket gives you access to all of them.

Museums

The Aspen Art Museum is reached by crossing a 1911 trestle bridge over the Roaring Fork River, and offers a rotating schedule of art exhibits which highlight the works of many nationally known contemporary artists. They also host a yearly event which showcases local artistic talent. Lectures and art education programs are scheduled throughout the year for adults and children, including a free wine and cheese reception on most Thursday evenings. The Wheeler/Stallard House Museum was built in 1888 by silver-baron Jerome B. Wheeler; this three-story Queen Anne-style brick home with pitched roof, dormers and gables is a landmark in Aspen’s residential West End neighbourhood. In 1969, the house was turned into a museum highlighting Aspen’s history from the time of Ute Indians, right up until the beginning of the local ski industry.