Aspen, Colorado

About Aspen, Colorado discount ski packages

Aspen was originally a silver mining town built in the late 19th century and is one of the most charming of the North American ski resorts. This mountain town has very carefully preserved much of its rich history, but also has a fantastic selection of modern shops and restaurants which cater to the budget traveler as well as the affluent. In our opinion Aspen is comparable in price to Vail and other major Colorado resorts, so don't let the glitzy reputation put you off visiting this great mountain resort.

There are many choices of accommodation in the Aspen & Snowmass area and with an efficient and free bus service connecting the four ski areas there is little need for a rental car. We recommend staying in Aspen if you want to have good access to the shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Families with children may want to consider staying in Snowmass, as most accommodations are only a short walk to the ski slopes. The ski school in Snowmass has the best selection of ski lessons and programs for children and teenagers, as well as extensive terrain parks for both snowboarders and skiers. In the summer Snowmass ski lifts continue to operate to enable easy access to the mountain biking trails. The four mountains are all within 25 mins of each other and easily served by the free shuttle buses, with continous departures throughout the day.

Aspen Mountain also know as 'Ajax Mountain' to the locals, is located in the heart of Aspen and only minutes from many Aspen accommodations. Aspen Mountain is perfect for strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Silver Queen Gondola runs from the base to the summit of Aspen mountain in 18 minutes and operates year round. Non-skiers can meet up for lunch at the Sundeck restaurant and admire the beautiful views, or even take a guided snow-shoe wildlife tour, that are available daily. There are also daily snowcat tours for powder skiing on the back of Aspen Mtn. In summer, hikers and walkers can also access the mountain-top to enjoy a ridge hike or relax over lunch and listen to the live music concerts on the restaurant's terrace. There is even an 18 hole golf-frisbee course for the energetic!

Aspen Highlands is the 'locals-mountain' with its uncrowded groomers, challenging, steep bumps and the famous hike up to Highland's Bowl for a rewarding 360 degree view and an even more exciting skiing experience on the double diamond terrain below.

Snowmass, the biggest ski area of the four, is only 25 mins by bus from Aspen. Ski the entire day and never do the same run twice. From Powderhorn all the way over to Long Shot, which is 5 miles in length and the longest run in the area. Endless Cruisers, inbounds backcountry, parks, pipes, yee-haa steeps are all here. There is skiing here for all abilities, with an excellent ski school for children and adults. In summer there are 3 ski lifts that operate for mountain bikers and hikers. Free weekly concerts take place each Thursday evening and are a great way to meet locals and enjoy a picnic with some family and friends.

Buttermilk is a family mountain and and perfect place for learning to ski or snowboard. Buttermilk also hosts the ESPN X-Games the last weekend in January. There is a superpipe and top-to-bottom terrain park, as well as many rolling slopes perfect for learning a new sport or improving your technique. Buttermilk is located 10 mins on the bus from the city of Aspen.

Our selection of properties, from great value family run lodges to beautifully styled condominiums, cater to all budgets. Aspen & Snowmass is really more affordable than many people realise due to the large selection of accommodations and extensive choice of restaurants. There are over 50 restaurants in Aspen and they offer a range of cuisine from simple dining to the finest gourmet. Some of the best chefs in the country have chosen Aspen to live and work. Aspen is also home to the annual Food & Wine Festival in June, which attracts food and wine aficionados from all over the world. There is a great selection of bars and nightclubs, as well as regular live music at the Belly Up, which often has world famous artists performing at this intimate venue. There are also two cinemas and a theatre, so there's no shortage of entertainment off the ski slopes! In the summer Aspen Music School has a summer concert series of classical music that highlights some of the world's best conductors and musicians.

Let us put together a tailor-made skiing package for you in the great ski resort of Aspen!