12 Days of Aspen

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Celebrate the last 12 days of December during 12 Days of Aspen. Each day, enjoy fun, free, and family-friendly activities. 12 Days of Aspen activities include performances by carolers, photo ops with Santa, holiday crafts, film screenings, live music, cookie decorating, storytime for kids, and more. On New Year’s Eve, check out the torchlight parade and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the base of Aspen Mountain.

Aspen Art Gallery

Cultural Aspen Central Core

The Aspen Art Gallery is located in downtown Aspen, CO, and showcases the work of artists who use varied media to create their art. On display at the Aspen Art Gallery are landscapes, abstract artworks, and mixed media pieces. Visit the Aspen Art Gallery in the heart of downtown Aspen for a unique cultural experience in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Aspen Art Museum

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) has been a fixture in the Aspen arts community since 1979, and since then, they have provided visitors with insightful and inspiring exhibitions featuring the work of international contemporary artists working in a wide variety of media. In addition to their riveting exhibition program, the AAM strives to educate the community on the topic of contemporary art through workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students, family workshops, teacher workshops, and public programs featuring discussions by curators, artists, and other prominent figures in the contemporary art world. Since 2005, the AAM has partnered with the Aspen Skiing Company to provide an art experience to a wider audience by placing "art in unexpected places", such as on the ski lift tickets and on the ski mountains.  

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Family Friendly Outdoor Aspen

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) has four locations situated in the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Valleys dedicated to promoting an awareness of our relationship to the environment. They offer community garden space at their Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch locations during the summer. And during the winter, their winter naturalists provide a window into mountain ecology by guiding visitors on snowshoe tours on Snowmass Mountain, Aspen Mountain, and at Ashcroft. ACES also offers school programs to cultivate an understanding and love for the natural world in the younger set. Also, they invite guest speakers to give informative and educational talks, known as Naturalist Nights, on topics ranging from hydrology, forest health, birds, land ethics, and beavers. The Aspen area has a lot to offer, and so does ACES in terms of interpreting and connecting with all the natural splendor of this spectacular place. 

Aspen Club & Spa

Massage Outdoor Aspen

The Aspen Club & Spa offers the largest health club in Aspen along with daily classes, a mind/body studio, indoor lap pool, tennis and racquetball courts, and a boxing room. The Aspen Club & Spa also offers spa services such as massages, facials, and a full salon.  The Aspen Club Sports Medicine Institute is home to physical therapy and an Aspen chiropractor.  The Aspen Club & Spa offers memberships along with day passes.

Aspen Film

Nightlife Aspen

Aspen Film has been in existence since 1979 with the goal to contribute rich, intriguing film programming to the Aspen community. Each year, Aspen Film hosts three noteworthy festivals: the Shortsfest, the Filmfest, and the Academy Screenings. These festivals feature over 200 brilliant films, each of which are truly a treasure to be on view in such a rural area.

Aspen Grove Fine Art

Cultural Aspen Central Core

Aspen Grove Fine Art has been exhibiting high quality artworks in Aspen, CO for over 35 years. Known for cultivating relationships with local and international art collectors as well as art enthusiasts, Aspen Grove Fine Art is the Aspen art gallery to visit when considering purchasing a piece of art.

Aspen Historical Society

Cultural Aspen

The Aspen Historical Society provides visitors and local residents alike with the opportunity to explore the rich history of the Roaring Fork Valley. With their Wheeler/Stallard museum, housed in a beautiful West End Victorian home, and their Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching museum, they offer an insightful perspective on the history of this special place. The Historical Society also offers a wide variety of tours, including their History Coach, a guided tour of downtown Aspen in an electric vehicle. On-mountain ski tours are also offered, with topics covering the Ute Native Amercan Tribe, the Ziegler reservoir dig site in Snowmass, the early days of skiing, 1970s ski culture, and freeskiing. 

Aspen Music Festival and School

Cultural Aspen

The Aspen Music Festival and School has been a major cultural institution in Aspen since 1949. Each summer, the Aspen Music Festival and School brings talented musicians to Aspen. Over the course of eight weeks, these musicians from all over the world treat the Aspen community to over 320 performances and musical events such as orchestral concerts, chamber music, opera, and more.

Aspen Recreation Center

Family Friendly Aspen

The Aspen Recreation Center (also known as the ARC) offers a state of the art fitness center, rock wall, indoor and outdoor ice rinks, swimming pool, and aerobic studio.  The pool is a favorite for families with a two story water slide, lazy river, diving board, and lap pool.  Great after a day of skiing or on one of the few rainy days in Aspen.
 

Aspen Saturday Farmers Market

Family Friendly Outdoor Aspen Central Core

Founded in 1998, the Aspen Saturday Marketing (also known as the Aspen Farmers Market) is in downtown Aspen every Saturday from June to October. Join locals for a Saturday tradition of strolling through the market and stopping along the way to shop. Stands at the market sell Colorado-grown organic fruits and veggies, artwork, wine, cheese, honey, preserves, flowers, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, gifts, home decor, and more. The Aspen Saturday Marketing is family friendly with live music and a food court. 

June 20th through October 3rd.

Image: Aspen Chamber

Aspen Shakti Yoga

Aspen Central Core

Aspen Shakti is where Aspen locals and visitors go to do yoga and meditate. Located in downtown Aspen, Aspen Shakti offers classes for all levels. They’re known for their unique class offerings, including “Thug Yoga”, outdoor classes at the top of Aspen Mountain, and yoga sessions with live DJs.

Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School

Family Friendly Outdoor Aspen Aspen Highlands Buttermilk / Tiehack Snowmass Village

When you and the family hit the slopes in Aspen Snowmass, you want to have an memorable experience. Taking a ski or snowboard lesson from one of the highly skilled Pros at the Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School is a sure way towards that extraordinary experience. During a lesson, Pros work closely with you, giving you personalized tips, so that you build confidence and gain new skills.

The Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School offers lessons for skiers and riders from age 2 and up. Choose a private lesson, an adult group lesson, or a kids and teens group lesson.

Private Ski or Snowboard Lessons
A private ski or snowboard lesson is the best way to have fun on the hill, while also becoming a better skier or rider. When you sign up for a private lesson, you decide how you want your day to go. Want to ski with the entire family, while your Pro supplies each member with personalized tips? With a private ski or snowboard lesson, you have that choice.

Adult Group Lessons
A surefire way to boost confidence is to take an adult group lesson with an Aspen Snowmass Pro. Adult group lessons for skiers and riders are offered at all levels, so whether you are getting on skis for the first time or the thousandth time, you can rest assured that you will be in a group that meets your skill level and needs.

Kids & Teens Group Lessons
The Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School provides skiers and riders as young as 2 and as old as 17 with the opportunity to explore the fun and varied terrain available in Aspen Snowmass. Like adult group lessons, your child is placed in a group where they are comfortable, yet challenged, while still having a blast in the mountains.

Aspen Words

Cultural Aspen

Aspen Words, formerly the Aspen Writers' Foundation, was founded in 1976 with the purpose of inspiring writers and readers through programming that brings people together to share in a love of reading and writing. Throughout the year, Aspen Words hosts a number of popular programs, including the Winter Words Festival, which brings authors like Salman Rushdie, Michael Chabon, Erica Jong, and many others to Aspen to share their stories. During the summer, Aspen Words hosts a program called Summer Words, which includes writers' workshops and author lectures. 

Baldwin Gallery

Cultural Aspen Central Core

The Baldwin Gallery is an art gallery located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Colorado. The Baldwin Gallery represents artists like Will Cotton, Eric Fischl, Robert Mapplethorpe, Mariyln Minter, Tom Sachs, and James Turrell. Past Exhibitions at the Baldwin have included Gilbert & George: Urethra Postcard Pictures in January 2012, Robert Mapplethorpe: Horses in July 2010, and Eric Fischl: Beach Scenes: New Work in March 2009. 

Camp Aspen Snowmass

Child Care Family Friendly Outdoor Aspen

Camp Aspen Snowmass is a kids' summer camp that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. As Camp Aspen Snowmass is located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the summer camp is able to offer a number of unique activities, including nature walks, mountain biking, mountainboarding, rafting, fishing, and camping. In addition, kids attending Camp Aspen Snowmass can build rockets, play tennis, enjoy arts and crafts time, and play a game of paintball. Camp Aspen Snowmass is available to children between the ages of 3 to kids in their teenage years. If your child is looking for the summer camp experience while on vacation in Aspen and Snowmass, then look no further than Camp Aspen Snowmass.

Fly Fishing in Aspen Snowmass

Family Friendly Aspen

Go fly fishing in Aspen Snowmass! Fly fishing is a popular, year-round sport in Colorado, though most anglers get on the rivers in the summer and fall. In the Roaring Fork Valley, you can fish the Roaring Fork River, Frying Pan River, and Colorado River.

Two local fly fishing guide companies, Aspen Guide Service and Taylor Creek Fly Shop, provide professionally guided fly fishing trips in Aspen Snowmass and beyond. Both fly fishing companies offer half-day and full-day wade trips and float trips. Your guide for the day will pick the best place to wade or float on the Frying Pan River outside of Basalt; Roaring Fork River in the Roaring Fork Valley; and Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Guide companies also have permits for private waters. Contact Aspen Guide Service or Taylor Creek to book a trip.

Galerie Maximillian

Cultural Aspen

With over 40 years of experience in the fine art market, Galerie Maximillian represents artists such as Renoir, Cassatt, Picasso, and Matisse.  Also represented are modern and contemporary British and American artists such as Peter Doig, Damien Hirst, Chuck Close, and Sarah Graham. Visit Galerie Maximillian in downtown Aspen, Colorado.

Horseback Riding in Aspen & Snowmass

Aspen Aspen Highlands Snowmass Village

A great way to experience the Colorado Rocky Mountains, horseback riding is a fun activity for the entire family. Go on a guided horseback riding trip in Aspen and Snowmass through lush aspen groves, evergreen forests, and colorful alpine meadows. Located along Maroon Creek Road, Maroon Bells Guide and Outfitters located at T-Lazy-7 Ranch offers guided horseback trips for riders of all levels. Because of their excellent location, many of the company's trips take place near the stunning Maroon Bells, two 14,000' peaks set before an alpine lake. Families and groups can enjoy a short one hour trip on a nearby trail, a half day trip along Maroon Creek, a full day ride in the Maroon Bells area, evening rides with a rustic dinner, or overnight trips to Crested Butte via East Maroon Pass.

In Snowmass Village, Snowmass Creek Outfitters offers guided horseback rides in and around Snowmass. They offer an exciting two hour ride in Snowmass Village during which riders pass through areas with stunning mountain views. The outfitter also leads guided rides on private ranches in Old Snowmass. An evening horseback ride followed by a rustic dinner in Old Snowmass supplies a great backdrop for enjoying a summer evening in the Rocky Mountains with family and friends. During the evening dinner rides hosted by Snowmass Creek Outfitters, guests listen to country music, eat a barbecue dinner, roast marshmallows on a campfire for making s'mores, and enjoy spending time together on a private mountain ranch.

John Denver Sanctuary

Family Friendly Aspen

Fans of John Denver will love taking a stroll through the John Denver Sanctuary. Located just south of Aspen’s core in Rio Grande Park, the John Denver Sanctuary is a serene spot right on the river with boulders engraved with lyrics to popular John Denver songs. Check out the view of Aspen Mountain, and bring a picnic lunch on one of the park benches. The John Denver Sanctuary is a great place to spend an afternoon in Aspen.

Photo: Aspen Parks & Recreation

King Yoga

Aspen

King Yoga is a yoga studio located at the Aspen Business Center (ABC) in Aspen, Colorado. Founded by Aaron King, King Yoga features a unique slate of daily yoga classes, such as King Yoga Flow, Yoga Sculpt, Moving Meditation, and more. King Yoga creates a fun environment in which to practice yoga with the fusion of mindful yoga practice and a playlist of inspiring music. 

Motherlode Volleyball Classic

Aspen Central Core

Playing beach volleyball in Aspen over a long Labor Day weekend sounds like our brand of fun. What better way is there to celebrate the end of summer than by soaking up the sunshine in Aspen, and enjoying your favorite sport with fellow fanatics? The Motherlode Volleyball Classic is an annual Aspen event that draws volleyball players and fans from all over the US and Canada.

Professional athletes and amateur players join the open tourney, which features over 15 divisions of play. The Motherlode tournament is accessible to volleyball players of all skill levels, which makes it a great event to learn from the sport’s top athletes. And with the Motherlode attracting pro talent, the tournament is also the perfect opportunity for top amateur players to move up to the pro level.

The divisions of play are Men’s Seniors 45s, 50s, 55s, and 60s. There is also a Women’s Seniors bracket for 45s and over. The tournament has a Women’s Masters 35s and over and a Men’s Masters 37s and over. Then, there’s the Men’s and Women’s A, BB, and B divisions, plus the Standard and Reverse Co-ed A, BB, and B divisions. There’s also a Men’s and Women’s Open. On top of all of the playing and watching, the Motherlode hosts two parties at local restaurants for players―a welcoming party and a players’ party―offering players more opportunities to mix, mingle, and be merry.

Mountain Biking in Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass Village

With 25 miles of purpose built downhill trails extending almost 3000 vertical feet from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift down to Snowmass Base Village, the Snowmass Bike park offers a full complement of trail offerings to every level and style of mountain bike rider. From the smooth and gentle banks of the Verde trail to the technical singletrack of Animal Crackers, Snowmass Bike Park delivers all your favorite aspects of a winter ski experience, except for the snow. Join us for a free flowing adventure through our high elevation evergreen forests and moderately pitched Aspen tree groves and see for yourself.

The Roaring Fork Valley, home to Aspen and Snowmass, is now designated an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, one of only 7 in the world and the only Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado!

Mountain bike rentals are available at Four Mountain Sports in the Snowmass Village Mall and in the Snowmass Base Village near the Elk Camp Gondola. However, mountain bikes are also available for rent at any of the other Four Mountain Sports locations in Aspen and at Aspen Highlands. Four Mountain Sports rents out downhill and cross country mountain bikes for adults and children.

Mountain bikers can also register for downhill and freeride mountain biking clinics in Snowmass to learn the art of maneuvering on a mountain bike over rocks and along tight switchbacks. Mountain bikers ages 16 and older are welcome to sign up for these daily group mountain bike clinics held throughout the summer season. Mountain bikers must register for group lessons.

For the younger set, Camp Aspen Snowmass offers kids' mountain biking lessons for kids ages 8 – 15. Kids will learn the essential skills of downhill riding from a trained and professional mountain biking guide, and explore Snowmass Mountain biking trails suitable for their skill level.

O2 Aspen

Aspen

O2 Aspen is a yoga studio located on Main Street in Aspen, CO. With a variety of yoga classes ranging from power yoga to yin yoga, O2 is a great place to restore and re-energize. O2 Aspen also offers Reformer Pilates Equipment and Pilates Mat. Visit the O2 spa for facials, massage, waxing, lash extensions, and brow tint.

Rafting in Aspen and Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass Village Basalt Carbondale Mid-Valley / El Jebel Glenwood Rifle

Though a landlocked state, water sports are still a popular outdoor activity in Colorado, especially whitewater rafting. In Aspen and Snowmass, there are a handful of rafting companies that offer guided rafting trips on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado River, and Arkansas River.

Find out which guided raft trip is best for you and your group. The Pine Creek/Numbers sections on the Arkansas River offers the chance for expert paddlers to tackle Class IV and V rapids. For a great family-friendly rafting trip, the Class II and III whitewater rapids on the Colorado River, called the Shoshone run, offers lots of fun. Floating on a raft through Glenwood Canyon right outside of Glenwood Springs lets you soak up some sunshine, take in the amazing views of the Canyon walls, and enjoy stretches of exhilarating rapids followed by intermittent sections of quiet, calm waters.

Getting outfitted with the appropriate rafting gear will make for an enjoyable time on the river. It's never fun to lose a favorite pair of sunglasses, so make sure they stay in place with a sunglasses strap. The same goes for footwear. If rafting in the summer, wear sandals that can be securely strapped to the feet, especially around the heel. During colder weather rafting trips, rafting guides provide neoprene booties. As for clothing, it's best to wear layers of quick dry clothing. For summer rafting, wear a bathing suit underneath a layer or two of quick dry clothing. For cold weather rafting trips, the most comfortable clothing to wear is a wetsuit and a splash jacket, both of which are provided by rafting companies. Top everything off with a hat and sunscreen, and you're ready to hit the river. 

Interested in booking an Aspen rafting trip? Contact the Alpine Property concierge team by calling 1-866-209-1540.

Red Brick Center for the Arts

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen

The Red Brick Center for the Arts is a vital organization within the Aspen arts community, as they both promote local artists, as well as strive to create a thriving local arts community. The Red Brick hosts an opening reception for new exhibitions the first Thursday of every month, so there is always an inspiring installtion of new artwork to see. Classes for elementary, middle, and high school students are also offered with workshop subjects ranging from painting to printmaking. Each spring, the Red Brick hosts the ArtStart! Kids' Art Show, featuring fantastic creations by kids who live right here in the Roaring Fork Valley. The Red Brick truly is a wonderful place to view art by local artists of all ages. 

Remède Spa at the St. Regis Resort Aspen

Massage Aspen Central Core

Relax and rejuvenate at the Remède Spa at the St. Regis Resort Aspen. Remède Spa offers massage, facials, body treatments, and salon services. After your treatments, relax in the oxygen lounge or in the vapor caves. In addition to hiking, biking, and skiing, while visiting Aspen and Snowmass, treat yourself to a day at the spa to relax and release tension.

Smuggler Mine Tour & Dinner

Outdoor Aspen

Come check out one of Aspen’s most unique dinner experiences with Elk Mountain Expeditions! The Smuggler Mine happens to host one of the best sunset views in the entire Roaring Fork Valley. Enjoy a tour of this piece of Aspen’s iconic mining history followed by a sunset barbecue dinner on the Smuggler Terrace. The Smuggler Mine is the oldest operating silver mine in Aspen.

Experience a piece of Aspen’s past on a tour of Smuggler Mine. During these tours, you travel deep into the mine as guides share fascinating stories about life as a silver miner in the late 1800s. Book a Smuggler Mine tour, and get to know another side of Aspen.

Image: Wikipedia

Snowmobiling in Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Aspen Highlands Maroon Creek Woody Creek

A unique way to explore the backcountry during the winter, snowmobiling in Aspen Snowmass is fun for the whole family. Local guide companies offer snowmobile tours to scenic locations, including the Maroon Bells.

• T Lazy 7 offers daily snowmobile trips to the Maroon Bells in the morning and afternoon. During the winter, the Maroon Bells Recreation Area attracts few visitors, which means you’ll have little to distract you from the incredible views of Maroon Lake and the two snow covered 14,000' Maroon Bells.
• Western Adventures in Woody Creek offers snowmobile trips near Lenado and Larkspur Mountain. They offer shorter 2-hour trips and half-day trips.

The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies

Cultural Aspen

The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies (“The Bayer Center”) is a new exhibition space and center for the study of art and culture located on the Aspen Institute’s campus in Aspen, CO. Herbert Bayer (1900–1985) was an influential modern artist and designer who worked at the Bauhaus before relocating to Aspen in 1946. The Bayer Center promotes a fuller understanding of Bayer—one of the leading figures to translate the Bauhaus movement into an American context—and his contributions to art, design, and architecture. Free Admission.

Theatre Aspen

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen

Theatre Aspen provides the perfect venue in which to enjoy a professional theatrical production. With an array of rich programming such as productions of Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, The True Story of of the 3 Little Pigs, and so much more, Theatre Aspen brings inspiring live performances to the Aspen community each season. In addition to their theater productions, they also provide educational programs for all adults, teenagers, and children in order to cultivate an appreciation and love for performance art. 

Visit the Maroon Bells

Outdoor Aspen Maroon Creek

Your Aspen Snowmass vacation isn’t complete unless you visit the Maroon Bells. The Maroon Bells are two 14,000 foot peaks located about 8 miles outside of downtown Aspen, CO. And, they’re the most photographed mountains in North America!

How to Get There

• Maroon Bells Bus ― Take the Maroon Bells Bus Tour with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA). During the drive to Maroon Lake, the bus driver points out marmots sunning themselves on rocks, avalanche chutes, and other interesting sights.
• Guided Bike Trip ― Another way to experience the Maroon Bells area is by guided bike trip. You get to tour the Maroon Bells, and then coast (literally) all the way back into Aspen.
• Snowmobile Tour ― Visit the Maroon Bells in winter by taking a snowmobile tour. With the road closed to vehicular traffic in the winter, snowmobiling is the quickest way to get to Maroon Lake!

3 Fun Things to Do When You’re There

• 1.  Walk around Maroon Lake.
• 2.  Learn more about the area on a hike to Crater Lake with a naturalist guide from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES).
• 3.  Have a picnic!

Wheeler Opera House

Cultural Nightlife Aspen

The Wheeler Opera House has been situated on the corner of Hyman Avenue and Mill Street since 1889. With over 350 days of entertainment and programming, the Wheeler is considered an integral component of cultural life in the Aspen community. The Wheeler hosts an incredible array of festivals and other programs including the Aspen Laff Festival, Mountain Summit: Mountain Film in Aspen, the 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival, and so much more. 

Winter X Games Aspen

Nightlife Outdoor Aspen Buttermilk / Tiehack

Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colorado is the main stage of the Winter X Games. The mountain has hosted the action sports competition for over a decade now.

Held in late January, X Games Aspen attracts huge crowds to Aspen Snowmass. And in the past few years, the annual event has grown to include a festival village and musical performances. Past artists include Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Skrillex, Chromeo, Tiësto, Phoenix, Axwell, and Matt & Kim.

X Games Aspen offers free admission to all of its sporting events. And that means, anyone can watch 200+ talented athletes compete at their highest caliber, day and night.

X Games Aspen has welcomed the athletes listed below to compete for medals and purses.

• Jamie Anderson
• Gretchen Bleiler ― Snowmass local
• Bobby Brown
• Kelly Clark
• Simon Dumont
• Heath Frisby
• Arielle Gold
• Tucker Hibbert
• Gus Kenworthy
• Levi LaVallee
• Colten Moore
• Iouri Podladtchikov
• Mike Schultz
• Shaun White
• Torin Yater-Wallace ― Aspen local

Get pumped for this year’s Winter X Games Aspen. Learn more about the event by visiting the X Games Aspen site.

The Winter X Games Aspen is a popular event, and often leads to sold-out accommodations. The sooner you reserve an Aspen or Snowmass vacation rental, the better.

Have questions about the right Aspen Snowmass vacation rental for you?

Give us a call ― 1-866-209-1540, or send us an email. We'd be delighted to review our rental inventory with you.

Wintersköl

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Wintersköl is a unique Aspen celebration of winter that began in 1951. This nordic festival includes a canine fashion show, a snow sculpting competition called Wintersculpt, a torchlight parade, fireworks show on Aspen Mountain, and lots of other activities and events happening around town.