Aspen

The entirety of Aspen is stunning. These seven areas are particularly popular among locals and visitors alike:

Aspen Downtown

The downtown area of Aspen is known for luxurious, high-end shops. It’s also replete with restaurants, art galleries and quaint cafes, all fronting beautiful red and black brick sidewalks. Spend a lovely afternoon in some of the most exclusive shops in the country or hike up the Smuggler Mountain Mine Trail. With all this going for it, the downtown area is the ideal place to lay down roots while in Aspen. For example, Villa Maggie, one of LVH’s loveliest Aspen vacation rentals, leaves no stone unturned when it comes to opulent living and spectacular vistas: Views of Independence Pass, Ajax Mountain, and Buttermilk Mountain.

Aspen East End

Aspen’s East End neighborhood is a smorgasbord of new huge homes, scattered housing for locals, and older condos. The views of Aspen Mountain from the East End are impeccable.

Snyder Park, in the heart of the neighborhood, is a veritable paradise for kids and picnickers, complete with waterfalls and a tiny jungle gym. If you enjoy riding a bike, it's just a quick spin away from downtown.

Aspen Highlands

This Aspen enclave is actually a range of mountains. The area has some of Colorado's best steep, big-mountain skiing in the Highland Bowl, Olympic Bowl and Steeplechase. Visitors love the sense of discovery at every turn: uncrowded cruisers, long and challenging steeps, and untracked sections in the bowls.

The area isn’t just for expert skiers. Check out the mid-mountain beginner and intermediate terrain and the lower mountain steeps.

Aspen West End

The Aspen West End neighborhood is full of beauty and charm. Victorian homes sit on perfectly manicured lawns. Today, most of these homes are owned by vacationers.

The West End is also home to the Aspen Institute and the Aspen Music Festival and School. The institute hosts a world-renowned Ideas Fest every July, attracting a diverse array of dignitaries and royalty. The music festival is a nine-week classical music program that attracts music lovers of all ages each summer.

Red Mountain

This area is an island of mansions perched on a hill above the town. Red Mountain Road winds up the mountain, with roads leading off the main drag to gated communities of palatial estates with breathtaking mountain views of Aspen. Some homes in this area list for $7-8 million, while LVH charter homes often command more than $20 million.

Snowmass

With air as clear as fine crystal, perfect temperatures and incomparable beauty, it’s no wonder people keep returning to Snowmass. It’s one of those mountain towns that not only heartily receives visitors in the winter months, but also in summer.

The area is especially popular among the seekers of rugged-but-luxe experiences like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding and water rafting.

Starwood

Starwood is one of the only private home developments in Aspen offering 24-hour gated security.

Spread out across a high mesa just under three miles northwest of Aspen, Starwood encompasses 960 acres of some of the most stunning Colorado ranchland ever to be bought, subdivided, and sold. Starwood residents have included a diverse range of well-known public figures and successful businesspeople.

Today, the mix also includes second homeowners, retirees, a few longtime locals, young families, newcomers to the valley, and even some returnees.

Aspen has something for everyone’s culinary tastes. Fine dining is heartily available. These five establishments are among the best restaurants Aspen has to offer:

Chefs Club Aspen

Chefs Club at The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a beautifully-appointed space dominated by an open kitchen and an air of winter-wonderland chic. Chefs Club is a restaurant group featuring some of the world’s best chefs in four iconic locations. Chefs spend between three and six months at each restaurant, taking complete control, so menus are continually updated.

Clark's Aspen

Clark’s Aspen is one of the go-to places for a bite and a martini after a day on the slopes. It’s open year-round and offers freshly baked sourdough, overflowing lobster rolls, delicious burgers, steaming bowls of chowder and cioppino, and the country’s very best oyster and caviar selections from its marble raw bar.

French Alpine Bistro

The romantic ambiance of French Alpine Bistro has placed the restaurant among the top five best romantic restaurants in the US, as voted by the Food Network.

Family heirlooms, a heated patio and a street-level lounge invite you to relax with a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular mountain views. Signature dishes include a version of Steak Tartare and Terrine de Foie Gras.

Matsuhisa

Those who love sushi are particular about its freshness and presentation. Those who want the best head to Matsuhisa. Everything is top-notch: from the wonderfully delicate sashimi, fluffy crab tempura, to the spicy tuna cut roll.

The main dining room downstairs is complete with a natural walnut cocktail bar, bamboo wrapped ceilings and a sushi bar that spans half of the length of the room.

Steakhouse No. 316

Steakhouse No. 316 is known for serving monolith steaks like the 20-ounce cowboy rib-eye or 24-ounce porterhouse chops. The 14-ounce New York strip smothered in a cognac peppercorn demi-glace is a favorite.

If you are a collector of fine contemporary art, you will want to visit Aspen for more than just skiing. Aspen has stellar galleries, some of which offer works for sale. These four are among Aspen’s finest arts venues:

Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) was founded in 1979. AAM is a non-collecting museum, presenting the newest offerings in international contemporary art.

AAM’s mission is to offer timely exhibitions, education and public programs, and immersive activities to engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture and society.

Baldwin Gallery

The Baldwin Gallery has been touted as one of the best galleries in Aspen, on par with the most esteemed galleries and museums in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Located in downtown Aspen, the gallery represents artists like Will Cotton, Eric Fischl, Robert Mapplethorpe, Marilyn Minter, Tom Sachs, and James Turrell. It is a favorite spot for skiers, socialites, and art aficionados alike.

Holden-Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum

Before the world-famous Aspen ski reputation, people flocked to the mountains here to mine silver. Long before the trendy shops, luxury hotels and spacious vacation homes, the Roaring Fork Valley was replete with ranches.

Both mines and ranches have all but disappeared, but you can get a glimpse of those eras at the Holden-Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum.

Marianne Boesky Gallery

With galleries already established in New York, the Marianne Boesky gallery opened a 3,000-square-foot space in Aspen in 2017.

The gallery represents and supports the work of contemporary international artists of all media. The artists whose early careers the gallery supported are Lisa Yuskavage, Sarah Sze, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, and Barnaby Furnas. Art lovers are sure to find just the right piece to add to their collections from this gallery.

After a day of skiing, many like to wind down and relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine. Luckily, Aspen has a number of places to be able to do just that.

The following five are among the most popular:

Belly Up Aspen

Listed as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Best Clubs in America," Belly Up Aspen is a 450-capacity music venue at the base of Aspen Mountain with concerts and events from the most well-known performers in the world.

Top names include: The Chainsmokers, John Legend, Snoop Dog, Kygo, Kacey Musgraves and Twenty One Pilots. Belly Up has a VIP reserved seating section option for every show.

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

Enjoy the stunning views of the Maroon Bells in the background while sipping bubbly and dining on Swiss fare like raclette and apple strudel. For those with après ski in mind, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is a favorite place to pop champagne after a day on the slopes. In the winter, Cloud Nine is filled with happy skiers ready to party!

Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar

With a distinct speakeasy vibe, Hooch Craft and Cocktail Bar serves some of the most delicious cocktails in Aspen. The dark ambiance and no-flash-allowed environment beckon romance. Step away from the luxury chalet for the evening and experience the sultry energy of Hooch.

Jimmy’s

If you asked Aspen regulars where they go, it would probably be Jimmy’s. This restaurant with a bar has been open since 1997, and over the years, it has barely changed. Guests feel right at home every time they visit, and Jimmy’s list of craft cocktails is always impressive.

Monarch Aspen

The Monarch blends romance, indulgence, and culinary flair with world-class cocktails, prime steaks, and an exceptional wine list. Set against a backdrop of mahogany, leather, and signature drinks like the Violet Beauregarde and 1944 Mai Tai, it’s designed to seduce the senses.

These six events are among Aspen’s finest and most well-attended. There is always something for everyone in this town:

Annual Aspen Film Fest

Since 1979, Aspen Film Fest has captivated discerning audiences with over 200 curated screenings each year, many making their regional debut. With nearly 30,000 attendees and more than 100 acclaimed artists and guests annually, it remains a cultural fixture for those who appreciate cinema at its finest.

The Meeting

The Meeting defies the standard conference model—bringing together creatives, strategists, and cultural influencers in a setting where ideas are not just discussed, but set into motion. What began as an open forum has evolved into a meticulously curated experience, designed to ignite innovation and foster lasting connections.

Aspen Music Festival and School

The Aspen Music Festival and School stands among America’s premier classical institutions, celebrated for its world-class performances and elite musical training. Over eight weeks, more than 400 events—ranging from orchestral concerts to opera and chamber music—draw over 100,000 attendees to this hallmark of cultural excellence.

Aspen Shortsfest

Aspen Shortsfest is an Oscar-qualifying film festival recognized as one of the premier short film festivals in North America. Every April, enthusiastic audiences, filmmakers, and special guests from around the world gather to participate in public screenings, panels, workshops, and other festivities that spotlight the art and craft of short filmmaking.

Aspen Snowmass Freeskiing Open

The Rev Tour at the Snowmass Open focuses on freeskiing athletes between the ages of 13 and 19. Top competitors are invited to compete in the U.S. Grand Prix, Junior Worlds and in Project Gold camps.

This event is open to pre-qualified athletes; however, there are additional opportunities to earn a chance to compete. The open is a dual-sanctioned event, falling under the umbrella of both the Association of Freeskiing Professionals and the International Ski Federation.

X Games Aspen

X Games Aspen brings together nearly 100 of the world’s top winter athletes for the most anticipated snow sports event of the year, broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. As medals and major prizes are claimed on the slopes, fans can take in the action fireside—from the comfort of their luxury rentals, glass of wine or cocoa in hand.

Although one of the main reasons visitors make the trip to Aspen is for skiing, there is much more to the town. Have a look at these six activities that might spark an interest:

Hiking and Exploring Maroon Bells

With snow-dusted Maroon Peaks reflected in a pristine mountain lake, the scene feels almost unreal. Colors transform with the seasons, and hikers can choose from three scenic trails of varying difficulty. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but must be kept on leash.

Paragliding above Aspen and Snowmass

Tandem paragliding over Aspen is part thrill, part quiet magic. A few steps, and you’re airborne—gliding above the treetops, wrapped in silence and sky. No experience needed, just a hint of courage and a trusted pilot to guide the way.

Paddleboarding at Roaring Fork

For a calm day on the water, head to the Stillwater, North Star Nature Preserve, or the Lazy River stretch of the Roaring Fork. Locals float from Wildwood School to the bridge and shuttle back. Visitors, meanwhile, rent paddleboards—with gear, a guide, and a ride all included. Pack a picnic in a dry bag, stop at “the beach,” and keep an eye out for herons, deer, and the occasional muskrat along the way.

Silver Queen Gondola

Aspen Mountain peaks at 11,212 feet, and the Silver Queen Gondola offers a stunning ride to the top. In winter, skiers ascend to access over 75 trails, while non-skiers can ride up with a foot pass to soak in the sun and enjoy lunch at the summit. For the views alone, it’s well worth the ride.

Snowmass Rodeo

The longest-running rodeo in Colorado, Snowmass Rodeo brings authentic Western flair to Wednesday summer nights through mid-August. Guests enjoy BBQ dinners, cocktails, and local vendors, with live music and a post-rodeo campfire—complete with marshmallows and a sing-along under the stars.

Classic events like saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping, and barrel racing keep the energy high. Kids, too, have their share of fun with Calf Scramble and Mutton Busting.

Theater Performances in Aspen

Theater Aspen brings world-class productions to an intimate open-air tent nestled in Rio Grande Park—proof that big theater can thrive in small spaces. Each season includes a mix of Broadway-caliber plays, musicals, and new works, along with late-night cabarets, youth programs, and collaborations with other Aspen arts organizations. For anyone who loves live performance, it’s one of the town’s most beloved summer traditions.

For those seeking the best in comfort and style, luxury Aspen properties include Aspen condo rentals and spacious Aspen home options in the heart of Aspen. Whether you are planning a ski vacation or simply want to unwind amidst the breathtaking scenery, these homes for rent in Aspen cater to every need. Experience the best luxury homes that this iconic destination has to offer.

The rental inventory of properties in Aspen often includes the following amenities:

• Ski in/out
• Hot tub
• Indoor pool
• Spa lounge
• Media room
• Home theater
• Fire pits
• Après-ski lounges
• Breathtaking views of Aspen
• Car rentals