At a Glance
Located 200 miles southwest of Denver and 130 miles east of Grand Junction, Aspen is at the southeastern end of the Roaring Fork Valley. The Roaring Fork Valley stretches from Glenwood Springs in the northwest end to Aspen on the southeast end and is surrounded by the White River National Forest. Aspen encompasses 3.66 square miles on a relatively flat valley floor, and is surrounded on 3 sides by Aspen Mountain, Smuggler Mountain and Red Mountain. Aspen is internationally renowned as a winter and summer resort.
Elevation
7908’
An Elevated History
Aspen was first developed around the 1880s as a silver mining camp. By the 1940s it became better known for white powder than silver, in large part to Chicago industrialist and philanthropist Walter Paepcke and his wife, Elizabeth. The two became Aspen’s cultural ambassadors, touting Aspen’s natural aesthetics as a place where the body, mind and soul could thrive. Many joined them creating an Aspen renaissance.
Ski Areas
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Highlands
Buttermilk
Snowmass
Call Aspen Home
Today, this alpine village, surrounded by the public lands of White River National Forest, is an eco-oasis. It has both a small-town charm and an urban sophistication, among the reasons international second and third-home owners are drawn to one of the priciest real estate markets of luxury ranches, private estates, mansions, ski homes and condos in the country. Only a small percentage of land can be developed due to zoning laws and the physical constraints of the surrounding mountains, this keeps values strong. Fine dining abounds, along with cultural amenities and institutions, arts, culinary and food festivals and exclusive shopping.
Schools
Aspen Elementary
Aspen Middle School
Aspen High School
Additional Private Schools
The Aspen Lifestyle
The locals say "I came for the winter, but stayed for the summer." Although the world-class skiing of the Aspen/Snowmass area has been the draw for most of the area's visitors and residents the spring to fall recreation scene has much to offer. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Aspen is truly a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers! Whether it's downhill skiing in untouched snow or hiking through dense aspen groves, Aspen has all that your adventurous heart desires. Epic powder days in winter turn to amazing rafting from spring to summer. Warm days lead adventurers to endless trails to climb, hike or bike, outdoor concerts, water sports and cultural pursuits. No matter how you choose to spend a day in Aspen there is an unforgettable outdoor activity right at your doorstep.
