Shoulder Season Travel

The Secret to Inexpensive Travel? Shoulder Season

Shoulder season: The time between peak and off-peak season; otherwise known as the time of peaceful, blooming serenity in most touristy towns. For most of us in the US, this is roughly the time between spring break/summer vacation and fall/dawn of winter. And while it can occasionally be a little harder to travel during this […]

Perfect Ski Day

How to Have a Perfect Day on the Slopes

The perfect ski day often includes fresh powder, blue skies, short lift lines, and a day (or three) off work. But even if conditions aren’t perfect, you can have a wonderful day; you’ve just got to prepare. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned skier, you can always step up your game. Here’s our list for […]

Things to Pack for Day hikes

Things to Pack for a Perfect Day Hike

You scour the hiking trails apps, book your hotel for the weekend, and even invest in hiking shoes. You are ready! Almost. Here are things to pack for a day hike– to make it perfect and enjoyable. Proper Clothes This isn’t so much what to pack, but what to wear. Let’s start from the bottom […]

Prep for Adult Ski Lessons

How to Choose & Prep For Adult Ski Lessons

Aspen Snowmass has something for everyone. Experts can get as extreme as they want by hiking the Highlands Bowl, heading to the Cirque Headwall on Snowmass, or skiing any of the expert terrains on Ajax (local speak for Aspen Mountain). But what about beginners? The name of our area evokes images of steep peaks and […]

Aspen Photography

Your Guide to Photographing Aspen [Q&A with Jeremy Swanson]

Aspen is one of the best places in Colorado to test your photography skills. With its famous peaks, world-class skiing, and charming town, there are countless opportunities. So where do we start? We recently sat down with Jeremy Swanson, a professional photographer in Aspen, to get some pointers about capturing photos, whether you’re an amateur […]

Pop up Bar

The Best Spring Break Bars in Aspen

Spring break. Two words that mean different things to different demographics (if I’m generalizing, which I am). Right now, in Aspen, visiting spring breakers run the gamut from college kids hell-bent on experiencing the “perfect week” to families, couples, and solo travelers looking for late-season snow and deals on food, activities, and lodging. With that in […]

spring breaking in aspen

Spring Breaking in Aspen? Tips for Making the Most of It

Spring break is a rite of passage in ski towns. Happily, it’s usually not the alpine version of Panama City, and is mercifully free of cruising, wet t-shirt contests (usually), and redux-MTV Beach House mentality. There are lots of families, high school kids on school-sanctioned getaways, and, admittedly, drunk college students behaving…like drunk college students. […]

brews

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Aspen

Aspen defies ordinary. You will too. Here are 5 unique things to do in Aspen. Rent a dog. Canine + mountain trail, creek, peak, powder stash, etc. = contagious joy. If you’re in need of an adventure companion, pick up a pooch for a day at the Aspen Animal Shelter. Yep, you can even ski […]

Aspen Trail Hike

Backpacking Essentials for Aspen Day Hikes

Hiking is a must-do in Aspen during spring, summer and fall. But don’t pull a Gilligan—make sure your hike stays catastrophe-free by following some simple wilderness wisdom. Follow these backpacking essentials for your Aspen day hikes. Know Where You’re Going Some trails are easier to follow than others, but smart hikers bring a map, GPS […]

48 hours in aspen

48 Hours in Aspen: Must Sees & Dos

You’ve got a weekend free, and you’re spending 48 hours in Aspen. Lucky you. The question is, how do you maximize a short trip in a place that keeps locals occupied year-round? The hardest part of this equation is narrowing your focus. Why are you coming to Aspen, and what’s your main goal? Are you alone, […]

guide to seeing maroon bells

Insider’s Guide to Seeing Maroon Bells

There’s good reason the Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in North America: They’re stunning and easy to get to. When you’re in Aspen, you’ve got to go see these geologic celebrities. Here’s your insider’s guide to seeing Maroon Bells. Catch the shuttle Private vehicles are restricted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, […]

scenic aspen

Driving to Aspen: The Most Scenic Routes

The journey of getting to Aspen is almost as good as being here. Roll down the windows. Rock your favorite playlist. And get your mountain vibe on before you arrive. Here are the most scenic routes for driving to Aspen. The Stairway to Heaven From the East: Hwy 285 west from Denver, Hwy 24 north, […]