Aspen, Colorado, USA

Aspen

The alpine escape

A small town with two great seasons. Long stays let you live the mountain rhythm, not just ski it.

A strong test of seasonality, outdoor living, high-demand accommodation, and private aviation access.

Mountain homes among aspen trees below a snow-streaked peak

Best months: Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug
Suggested stay: A winter or a summer season
Long-stay homes: Strong, books early
Private arrival: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE)

Mondetto Sensory

A sense of Aspen

Sensory details you won’t experience anywhere else, and only really notice when you stay awhile.

Taste

Palisade peachesFrom Colorado’s Western Slope, at their best in August.

Colorado lamb on a winter menuLocal, and on nearly every menu in town.

Hot chocolate after the last runEarned the hard way.

See

Aspen groves turning goldThe whole valley in late September.

The Maroon Bells in still waterReflected in Maroon Lake at first light.

AlpenglowThe peaks turning pink after the sun has set.

Hear

Practice from the music festivalStudents rehearsing, drifting from West End windows in July.

Snow squeaking underfootOnly on the coldest, driest mornings.

The Roaring Fork in springRunning high with snowmelt.

Feel

Thin, dry air at 7,900 feetYou notice it on the first stairs.

Strong sun on cold daysWarm on your face, snow cold underfoot.

Afternoon summer stormsQuick, dramatic, and gone by dinner.

Smell

Pine and sage on a summer trailWarm resin in the afternoon sun.

Woodsmoke on winter eveningsFrom fireplaces all over town.

Wildflower meadows in JulyLupine and columbine on the high trails.

Best time to go

BestGoodBetter avoided

34°F

7°F2.0 inJan

37°F

9°F1.8 inFeb

45°F

18°F2.0 inMar

54°F

25°F1.8 inApr

64°F

34°F1.6 inMay

75°F

39°F1.2 inJun

81°F

46°F1.6 inJul

79°F

45°F1.8 inAug

70°F

37°F1.6 inSep

59°F

28°F1.5 inOct

45°F

18°F1.8 inNov

34°F

9°F1.9 inDec

Bars show the typical daily high; beneath each are the typical low and monthly rain. Climate figures are approximate monthly averages.

Through the year

Food & Wine ClassicJune

Aspen Ideas FestivalLate June

Aspen Music FestivalJuly to August

Recurring events. Confirm exact dates with official calendars before you book.

Better avoided

Apr–May, Oct–Nov

Spring and late autumn are quiet shoulder seasons, with some closures.

Where to base yourself

The base you choose shapes the whole stay. Three we would consider for a long stay, and what you trade for each.

Downtown Aspen

Walk to restaurants, shops and the gondola.

Suits: Car-free daily life
The trade-off: Highest prices, busiest in peak weeks

West End

Quiet residential streets near the music tent.

Suits: Summer culture and calm
The trade-off: Fewer ski-in homes

Snowmass Village

Ski-in, ski-out living a short drive away.

Suits: Families and skiers
The trade-off: Less of a town life

Find a home in Aspen

Our homes in Aspen are coming soon.We’re preparing a small collection of homes suited to weeks and months here: room for your people, a place to work, and minimum stays that fit a long stay. Until then, you can browse long-stay homes on Plum Guide.

Browse homes on Plum Guide

Also consider onefinestay for Aspen: homes with a full concierge service, from Accor’s luxury home collection.

Explore onefinestay

Getting there

The right arrival airport makes the first day of a long stay easier. Private aviation is worth it for a long stay with more people and more luggage.

Plan the journey to Aspen

Main international: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE)
Private aviation: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE); Eagle County (EGE)
Worth knowing: ASE has altitude and winter-weather limits. Eagle County is the usual alternate, about 70 miles away.