Aspen
Aspen is a former silver-mining town in the Colorado Rockies, known for four ski mountains in winter and mountain trails and lake views in summer.
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Aspen is a mountain town in Pitkin County, in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. Its economy started with silver mining in the late 1800s, and today it is best known for skiing. Four ski mountains serve the area: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Snowmass Village is a separate town with its own lodging and lifts. Denver is a few hours' drive away, so many trips start there.
Outside ski season, Aspen works as a base for hiking. The Maroon Bells, two peaks in the White River National Forest, sit a drive from town and draw visitors to summer trails and lake views. Vehicle access to the Maroon Bells area is restricted in summer, so check the current rules before you plan the day. September is when the aspen groves turn gold, so early fall is a popular time to visit. Plan at least three days for a ski trip and two or three days for a summer or fall visit.
Aspen in five
- Book Maroon Bells ahead in summerThe scenic area uses a reservation or shuttle system in the main season. Check the official page for dates and ticketing before you go.Maroon Bells (Aspen Chamber)
- Choose a ski base for the terrainAspen has four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. A town base suits advanced skiers; Snowmass suits families and intermediates.
- Fly in or drive from DenverAspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) has limited flights. Driving from Denver takes about 3.5 to 4 hours or more in winter, so weather matters.
- Drive Independence Pass only in summerHighway 82 over the pass is closed in winter. Check CDOT for opening dates and weather before you drive.
- Approve your ESTA before you book a ski weekAn unapproved ESTA can stall the whole trip, and winter lodging is best booked early. Apply on the official CBP site once your dates are fixed.ESTA explained
Things to do in Aspen
See all attractions in Aspen
Need to know
- Airport
- Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE), about 10 min to town by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ASE or drive from Denver, about 3.5 to 4 hours or more in winter
- Getting around
- Walking, free local buses and a rental car for the valley
- Best base
- Aspen town or Snowmass Village
- Time needed
- 3 to 5 days in winter; 2 to 3 in summer
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Snowy days
- Days with storms
- Festival
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryPartly cloudy12 rainy days6 snowy daysHigh-1°Low-13°Ski seasonJanuaryPartly cloudy
Poor
- High
- -1°
- Low
- -13°
- Precipitation
- 59 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 6
- Days with storms
- 0
Ski season
- FebruarySnow13 rainy days7 snowy daysHigh0°Low-12°Ski, coldFebruarySnow
Poor
- High
- 0°
- Low
- -12°
- Precipitation
- 68 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 7
- Days with storms
- 0
Ski, cold
- MarchSnow14 rainy days8 snowy daysHigh4°Low-9°Spring skiingMarchSnow
Poor
- High
- 4°
- Low
- -9°
- Precipitation
- 80 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 8
- Days with storms
- 0
Spring skiing
- AprilRain12 rainy days4 snowy daysHigh8°Low-5°Mud, lifts closeAprilRain
Mixed
- High
- 8°
- Low
- -5°
- Precipitation
- 70 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 4
- Days with storms
- 0
Mud, lifts close
- MayPartly cloudy10 rainy days3 snowy daysHigh13°Low-1°Quiet, mudMayPartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 13°
- Low
- -1°
- Precipitation
- 53 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
- Snowy days
- 3
- Days with storms
- 0
Quiet, mud
- JuneClear8 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh21°Low4°Trails openJuneClear
Best
- High
- 21°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 52 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Trails open
- JulyPartly cloudy9 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh25°Low8°Music festivalJulyPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 8°
- Precipitation
- 35 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Music festival
- AugustPartly cloudy9 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh24°Low7°Hiking, BellsAugustPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 7°
- Precipitation
- 42 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Hiking, Bells
- SeptemberClear7 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh20°Low4°Aspen goldSeptemberClear
Best
- High
- 20°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 51 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 2
Aspen gold
- OctoberClear9 rainy days2 snowy days1 day with stormsHigh12°Low-2°Quiet, snowOctoberClear
Mixed
- High
- 12°
- Low
- -2°
- Precipitation
- 71 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 2
- Days with storms
- 1
Quiet, snow
- NovemberClear9 rainy days6 snowy daysHigh5°Low-9°Lifts open lateNovemberClear
Poor
- High
- 5°
- Low
- -9°
- Precipitation
- 61 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 6
- Days with storms
- 0
Lifts open late
- DecemberPartly cloudy12 rainy days7 snowy days1 day with stormsHigh0°Low-13°Ski, holidaysDecemberPartly cloudy
Poor
- High
- 0°
- Low
- -13°
- Precipitation
- 80 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 7
- Days with storms
- 1
Ski, holidays
Average daily high and low in Aspen, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Festivals: Jun Aspen Music Festival and School · Jul Aspen Music Festival and School · Aug Aspen Music Festival and School
Right now in Aspen
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
0
- Feels like
- -5°
- Humidity
- 100%
- Wind
- 18 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 82%
Aspen
01:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today4°-2°82%Monday: Snow. High 4°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Tue4°-5°5%Tuesday: Fog. High 4°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Wed5°-4°72%Wednesday: Snow. High 5°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Thu7°-7°33%Thursday: Snow. High 7°, Low -7°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Fri5°-4°12%Friday: Fog. High 5°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sat6°-4°13%Saturday: Fog. High 6°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 13%.
Updated 10:50 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- Jun–AugAspen Music Festival and SchoolAspen
Day trips by train
- Maroon Bellsabout 20 min by car or shuttleTwin peaks above Maroon Lake; reservation or shuttle rules apply.
- Independence Pass and Twin Lakesabout 1 hour by car, summer onlyA high mountain pass and a lake town beyond.
- Glenwood Springsabout 1 to 1.25 hours by carHot springs pool and river rafting.
Before you go to Aspen
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Rules for Aspen, checked
- If you come from a Visa Waiver Program country, apply for an ESTA online before you fly to the US. Check your eligibility on the official CBP site.Source
- Declare all food, plants and animal products on your CBP declaration. Check the CBP travel page for what you may bring in before you pack.Source
- Recreational cannabis is legal in Colorado for adults 21 and over. It is illegal to carry it on flights or take it across state lines.
- Check fire restrictions with the US Forest Service before you camp or grill in the White River National Forest near Aspen.
Plan around Aspen
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideBoulderA Front Range college town, about 4 hours away
Read the guideDenverThe usual gateway city for Colorado
Read the guideRocky Mountain National ParkAlpine drives and timed entry
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideAspen FAQ
When is the best time to visit Aspen?
Winter for skiing, from late November to early April. September for aspen gold and fewer crowds. July and August are best for hiking and music festivals.
Is Aspen only for skiers?
No. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, rafting, music and the Maroon Bells. Prices are lower in the shoulder seasons.
How do you get to Aspen?
Fly to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport or drive from Denver in about 3.5 to 4 hours. Winter weather can slow roads and cancel flights, so allow extra time.
Is Aspen expensive?
Yes, especially in ski season and holidays. Lodging in Basalt or Carbondale costs less, and summer rates are lower than winter.
Do you need a car in Aspen?
Not in town. Free local buses cover Aspen, Snowmass and Maroon Bells in season. A car helps for Glenwood Springs, Independence Pass and day trips.