Founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of aspen trees in the area, Aspen has turned into one of the best ski resorts in America. Don't let the fact that the average house price is around $6 million put you off visiting.
The four Aspen ski hills Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk-have some of the best and most varied terrain in the state, if not the country; Despite having a snooty reputation and attracting billionaires, heiresses, Arab princes and celebrities like Jack Nicholson, Goldie Hawn, Cher, Kevin Costner, Ringo Starr, the town is actually very open-minded and inclusive, with competitions like the Winter X Games, events like Gay Ski Week, and landmarks like the Woody Creek Tavern (made famous by the late Hunter S. Thompson); and with all that money, worldliness, and intellectual curiosity, the local art, culture, and music scene matches that of some international cities.
Ski Areas
