Anyplace else, this would be considered four separate vacations, but not in Aspen, where skiers will find more than 5,300 acres of terrain between Snowmass, Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Beyond the skiing there is endless dining, nightlife and shopping that the town of Aspen is known for, providing more than enough reasons to visit one of the world's most famous and exciting ski resorts. There's no better time to experience "The Power of Four."
Aspen is definitely a bit harder to get to than other Colorado resorts, but it is well worth it. The ski area is located about four hours from Denver and one and a half hours from Eagle County Regional Airport. You can also fly directly into the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), which is three miles from downtown Aspen. There are several shuttle carriers, or you can catch the bus that goes between Aspen and Snowmass if you want to ski multiple areas.
Bar Menu Secret
Visitors on a budget can enjoy Aspen's culinary offerings by sitting in the bar at nearly every restaurant in town. Patrons can sample some of the food served from the regular menu at a fraction of the price, in a more relaxed setting.
Woody Creek Tavern
Frequented by the late Hunter S. Thompson and a lively local crew, this home-cooked hideaway in Woody Creek Canyon is an eclectic museum of underground Aspen history. The restaurant in a rustic cabin serves up burgers, tacos, soups, salads and more - all of which go well with the house-specialty drink - fresh-squeezed lime juice margaritas made with 100% blue agave tequila. 2858 Upper River Road, Woody Creek, CO 81656
Airports
Aspen/Snowmass is one of the most accessible Rocky Mountain resorts, with hundreds of nonstop and connecting flights weekly into Aspen, Eagle and Denver airports. Serviced by United and Frontier, the Aspen airport is just three miles from Aspen and six miles from Snowmass Village. Located 70 miles from Aspen and Snowmass Village, flights into Eagle are offered on major airlines, permitting one-stop connections from across the globe. Visitors can also choose to fly into Grand Junction (125 miles from Aspen/Snowmass) and then take ground transportation to reach Aspen/Snowmass. Make sure the fare difference is worth the 220-mile drive (or shuttle ride) from Denver to Aspen, if you choose to fly into Denver International Airport.
www.aspenairport.com
Transfers
Colorado Mountain Express (CME) offers door-to-door airport ground transportation service in the form of shared ride shuttles, charter vans and CME Premier privately-chauffeured vehicles. Aspen/Pitkin County and Eagle County Regional airport shuttles offer schedules that are flight specific while multiple daily shuttles are provided to and from Denver International Airport.
www.ridecme.com
970-949-4227
Rental Cars
Available at the Aspen Airport, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Go Rentals all offer 4x4 and SUV rentals for Aspen’s winter weather. http://www.aspenairport.com/grndtrxprtn_rental_cars.asp
Many lodging properties offer complimentary airport transfers.
Getting Around
Aspen boasts an incredible public transportation system that is efficient and convenient. While most of the lodges and hotels are within walking distance to downtown, you may want to venture beyond the city's borders on a RFTA bus or via local taxi. Transportation to and from the airport is also effortless and affordable via ground shuttles, taxis, limousines and local buses.
Buses
The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) represents an unparalleled community commitment to public transportation in the Roaring Fork Valley. Today, RFTA provides a wide range of transit services to more than three million annual riders throughout the entire Roaring Fork Valley. RFTA operates free skier shuttles to all of the area ski mountains during the winter.
www.rfta.com
970-925-8484
Local Shuttles
Local Aspen shuttles operate year-round serving shopping, dining and recreation destinations. Buses to/from Aspen to the Pitkin County Airport are free, as are The Village Shuttles in Snowmass Village.
Private Shuttles/Taxis
Ultimate Taxi
Jon Barnes' yellow cab features a rainbow of luminescent fiber optics on the ceiling, laser projectors, a webcam, a recording studio complete with keyboards and drum machines, a mirror ball, a roller-coaster simulator, and more.
www.ultimatetaxi.com
970-927-9239