It goes without saying that most guests who visit Aspen come for the skiing and snowboarding, but did you know that Aspen offers a lot of other exciting adventures and experiences in and around some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the US? Here's a look at the top ten things to do while you're vacationing in Aspen, outside of skiing and snowboarding of course.
- Krabloonik dog sledding is an adventure that includes an exciting morning or afternoon of dog sledding through mountain trails followed by lunch or dinner at this rustic cabin, if you so choose.
- Cross-country skiing trails abound in Aspen Snowmass and vary according to skill level. You can even journey between Aspen Mountain and Snowmass.
- Ashcroft Ghost Town offers a glimpse into the past Aspen’s past as a thriving silver mining town. It's a fascinating journey through twelve buildings that stand testament to more prosperous times.
- Lunch or dinner at the Cloud Nine Bistro located on Aspen Highlands is a must for all travelers. You take a ski lift to get to this restaurant and then you dine on some delectable dishes and afterwards, it's either ski o r return by lift to the base in the evening. Wait until you see the views!
- Winter snowshoe tours are offered on Aspen and Snowmass mountains as well as in the ghost town of Ashcroft. When you journey through the pristine Colorado wilderness and along rushing mountain streams, you will learn about the history of the land, the mountain ecology, and the local wildlife that you may just be lucky enough to see firsthand. These tours either offer snacks or lunch so be sure to check before booking.
- Wintersköl takes place every January and is the official toast to winter for Aspen. This event stretches over four days and includes lots of mountain activities, live entertainment, parades, snow sculptures, fireworks, and more.
- Silver Queen Gondola, located in downtown Aspen, takes you on an 18-minute journey to the top of Aspen Mountain for some jaw-dropping views of the Rockies.
- Looking for an afternoon at the spa? Spa Aspen and the Aspen Club and Spa offer a wide range of services that will rejuvenate your body after the rigorous workouts on the mountains.
- John Denver fans will revel in the natural settings offered at the John Denver Sanctuary. Journey around the grassy knolls and take notice of the granite boulders inscribed with the lyrics of John Denver's songs.
- Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889, features a wide variety of performances including operas, concerts, films, and lectures. There's always something going on so check it out when you're in town.
This is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, when it comes to finding other exciting adventures in Aspen such as ice climbing, winter mountaineering, paragliding, balloon rides, ice skating, and more. Whatever your reason for coming to Aspen, make a point of embarking on one of these other journeys to experience all that Aspen has to offer. And don't forget to book on of many available Aspen vacation rentals to really improve your stay.
