Aspen In Winter: Things To Do, Weather, & More (2024)
Abby and Sam Price
Are you considering visiting Aspen in winter?
Winter in Aspen resembles strolling through a picturesque snowy town straight out of a fairytale.
The mountains are blanketed in snow, the streets adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, and numerous winter sports await exploration.
Having lived in Colorado for a little over a year, we have visited Aspen in many different seasons and exploring Aspen in winter stood out to us as extraordinary.
If you are looking for an ideal mountain escape to one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, continue reading below as we dive into the ultimate guide to visiting Aspen in winter.
Things To Do In Aspen In Winter
There are an abundance of things to do in Aspen during the winter season. Activities range from trying out winter sports to exploring the charming town. Check out the best things to do in Aspen in winter below.
1. Ski Or Snowboard
Aspen has four different mountains to ski and snowboard down. They are Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Each one has something unique to offer with incredible snowy conditions.
As avid skiers and snowboarders, we have hit the slopes throughout Aspen’s multiple mountains and highly recommend them for their various territories, incredible conditions, and terrific views.
2. Go Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great activity to embark on whether you are a solo adventurer, on a couples trip, with a group of friends, or visiting with family.
It’s an exciting and exhilarating way to soak in the snowy scenery around Aspen.
3. Take The Scenic Gondola Ride
The Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen is one of the best ways to experience the surrounding mountains and gain incredible views of the town below.
We highly recommend making your way up the gondola for remarkable scenery and a great photo opportunity.
From on top of the mountain you can peak across and witness the beauty of the nearby Maroon Bells as well.
4. Enjoy Luxurious Shopping
Aspen is renowned for its upscale shopping scene, so be sure to explore the luxurious shops in town.
You’ll find top-tier brands such as Valentino, Prada, and Gucci, as well as outdoor recreation favorites like Patagonia, North Face, and Helly Hansen.
There’s a variety of options for everyone to indulge in around town.
5. Eat Something Delicious
Aspen has loads of delicious restaurants ranging from steakhouses to smaller pubs, be sure to come to Aspen hungry as there are plenty of places to eat around town.
6. Relax At The Spa
One of the best ways to warm up after a long day adventuring around Aspen is by retreating back to a spa. This is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a day spent participating in winter sports.
7. Try Snowshoeing
If you’re a fan of hiking, consider giving snowshoeing a try. It’s an ideal way to explore the backcountry regions of Aspen.
What To Pack For Aspen In Winter
There are countless items you should pack when visiting Aspen in the winter. Check out our ultimate list of essentials below.
- Warm Jacket– To put on top of your everyday clothes to stay warm.
- Warm Base Layers– Go underneath your day clothes to keep extra toasty while walking around town.
- Snow Boots– Help keep your traction on the snow and keep your feet cozy.
- Warm Socks– So that your feet don’t go numb due to the frigid temperatures.
- Beanie– To keep your head and ears warm in the chilly weather.
- Gloves– Heated gloves so you can feel your hands and fingers while exploring the town.
- Scarf– To throw on your neck to keep wind and snow from touching your skin.
Weather In Aspen In Winter
The months of December through February are considered to be Aspen’s coldest months of the year.
During this time you can expect temperatures to range between 10 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the weather sometimes falls below or above these average temperatures.
Snow is common during these months so be sure to pack accordingly for the best possible experience exploring the charming mountain town of Aspen.
Things To Know Before Visiting Aspen In Winter
There are quite a few things you should know before visiting Aspen in winter. Check out a few major tips to follow below!
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes- The town of Aspen is delightful and very walkable. Be sure you wear comfortable walking shoes so that you can walk around on your feet with ease. You won’t want to miss time exploring Aspen’s village so make sure you take care of your feet so you can spend plenty of time journeying around and enjoying the views, restaurants, and shops.
- Bring Layers- Colorado is a chilly state to explore during the winter season and Aspen is no different due to it being in the mountains with a high elevation. Make sure that you bring plenty of layers. You will most likely experience snowy conditions and frigid temperatures so be prepared by bringing plenty of layers with you.
- Book In Advance- Aspen is a very popular city in Colorado and can get quite packed during ski season, especially, around holiday weekends. Make sure that you book accommodations, ski rentals, and any tours well in advance so that you have your spot reserved.
- Check For Events- Aspen hosts a multitude of events and celebrations throughout the year. Be sure to check out their calendar so that you can visit during one of these times if you wish to join in on the festivities or so you can avoid them if you want to stay away from the crowds.
Drive From Denver To Aspen In Winter
The drive from Denver to Aspen is 198 miles and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
You drive through quite a few charming mountain towns along the way including Frisco, Vail, Glenwood Springs, and Basalt.
Make sure to drive a 4WD vehicle during the winter months so that you can safely get through the mountains and snow.
The drive will most likely take you around 4 to 5 hours in winter due to snowy conditions.
Best Hotels To Stay At When Visiting Aspen In Winter
There are a handful of different accommodation options to pick between when visiting the Aspen area. Check out the best hotels down below.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a quick 3 minute walk to the ski area at Aspen Mountain. The hotel itself is known for its excellent spa, terrific bar, and beautiful atmosphere. This is a fabulous place to stay for those that wish to be close to the slopes and have an abundance of high-end amenities when returning home for the evening.
Another fabulous option is The Little Nell. This awesome hotel is known for its delicious restaurant and bar, friendly staff, and exceptional ambiance.
The Ritz-Carlton is another phenomenal choice for accommodations in Aspen. This hotel is known for its high-end spa, beautiful views, countless amenities, helpful staff, and remarkable location.
FAQs About Visiting Aspen In Winter
Is Aspen worth visiting in winter?
A trip to Aspen during the winter season is totally worth it.
The mountains are full of snow, there are endless winter sports to try, and it’s an ideal winter getaway for those looking to admire beautiful views and enjoy the chilly weather.
Is Aspen worth visiting if you don’t ski?
It is totally worth going to Aspen in winter even if you don’t ski.
For non skiers looking to enjoy Aspen you can try different winter sports like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or snow tubing, or simply enjoy the dining, accommodations, shopping, and views.
Is it hard to drive to Aspen in the winter?
It’s not hard to drive to Aspen in the winter as long as you drive a 4WD vehicle and leave during the daylight.
We recommend driving during the day for the best conditions and safety purposes.
Oftentimes the road gets slick at night and it can get pretty dark in the Colorado winter season so we recommend driving when the sun is still up.
What is the snowiest month in Aspen?
The snowiest month in Aspen varies per year but the most snow typically occurs between the months of December through March.
Is Aspen fun in the winter?
Aspen is super fun in the winter as you can embark on countless winter sports including snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, and many other activities.
Does it snow in Aspen in January?
There is definitely snow in Aspen in January. This is one of Aspen’s snowiest months and you are likely to experience snow while visiting the area if you plan to visit during the month of January for several days.
Final Thoughts On Aspen In Winter
Winter transforms the town of Aspen into a stunning destination, offering a perfect escape with winter sports, breathtaking scenery, delightful eateries, numerous shops, and abundant snow.
Having been residents of Colorado, we’ve visited Aspen multiple times, and the winter season is especially memorable for its snowy landscapes and countless enjoyable activities to experience.
