Colorado, US, United States · Trip plan
4 days in Aspen
Four mountains, a Victorian silver town and the most glamorous après in the Rockies.
- Best time
- Dec – Mar
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $500 per person
- Trip for two
- about $4,000
Planning a 4-day trip to Aspen? Here's a day-by-day Aspen itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Aspen's season runs from late November to April, with reliable Colorado powder, bluebird skies and a town that comes alive over the holidays.
Aspen began as a 19th-century silver-mining town and became the Rockies' most famous ski resort. It mixes serious skiing across four mountains with art, fine dining and celebrity spotting.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to March: -12 to 2°C, with frequent light, dry powder.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Aspen
- 01
Aspen Snowmass
Four ski mountains on one pass: Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.
- 02
Maroon Bells
The most photographed peaks in North America, reached by snowmobile or snowshoe in winter.
- 03
Aspen Highlands Bowl
A legendary hike-to expert bowl at 3,780 m.
- 04
Downtown Aspen
Brick Victorian streets, galleries and slopeside bars.
Day by day
Aspen itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Arrive and Buttermilk
- Morning
- Fly into Aspen or drive from Denver, and pick up your ski rentals in town.
- Afternoon
- Warm up on Buttermilk's gentle, uncrowded runs, home of the Winter X Games.
- Evening
- Après at Ajax Tavern at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola, then dinner downtown.
Altitude is 2,400 m: drink lots of water on day one.
- D2
Day 2: Aspen Mountain
- Morning
- Ride the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for groomed cruisers and views of the Elk Range.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the Sundeck at the summit, then ski the bumps of Bell Mountain.
- Evening
- Browse the galleries and boutiques of downtown and have dinner at a historic saloon.
Aspen Mountain has no beginner runs; start elsewhere if you're new.
- D3
Day 3: Snowmass or the Highlands Bowl
- Morning
- Spend the day at Snowmass, the biggest of the four mountains, with long cruising runs for all levels.
- Afternoon
- Experts can hike the Highlands Bowl ridge instead, with a free snowcat for the first part.
- Evening
- Hot tub, then dinner in Snowmass Village.
The Bowl hike takes 45–60 minutes at altitude; go only if you're fit.
- D4
Day 4: Maroon Bells and home
- Morning
- Snowmobile or snowshoe tour up the closed road to the Maroon Bells.
- Afternoon
- Lunch in town and last shopping.
- Evening
- Fly home.
The road to the Bells is closed to cars in winter; book a tour.
Shorter or longer
Aspen in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Aspen
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Maroon Bells and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Aspen
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Jackson Hole.
What it costs
Aspen trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $250 | $2,000 |
| Mid-range | $500 | $4,000 |
| Luxury | $1,200+ | $9,600 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Aspen is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Aspen for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Aspen
Elk or bison
Rocky Mountain game on mountain-lodge menus.
Green chile
Colorado's favourite sauce, on burritos and burgers.
Après hot toddy
At the Ajax Tavern or the Little Nell's terrace.
Getting there
How to reach Aspen
- Travel
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is 10 minutes from town; Denver is a 3.5–4 hour drive over Independence Pass (closed in winter, so via I-70).
- Getting around
- Free buses between town and all four mountains; walk downtown.
- Buy lift tickets online in advance; window prices are much higher.
- The free RFTA buses link all four mountains and town.
Before you go
What to pack for Aspen
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Aspen trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Aspen?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Aspen Snowmass, Maroon Bells, Aspen Highlands Bowl. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Aspen trip cost?
Roughly $250 a day per person on a budget, $500 mid-range and $1,200+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $4,000 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Aspen?
Dec – Mar. Aspen's season runs from late November to April, with reliable Colorado powder, bluebird skies and a town that comes alive over the holidays.
Where should I stay in Aspen?
Budget: Aspen Meadows-area lodges and Basalt motels (Basalt), from about $220 a night. Mid-range: Limelight Hotel Aspen (Downtown), from about $600 a night. Luxury: The Little Nell (Base of Aspen Mountain), from about $1,800 a night.
How do I reach Aspen?
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is 10 minutes from town; Denver is a 3.5–4 hour drive over Independence Pass (closed in winter, so via I-70).
Is 3 days enough for Aspen?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Maroon Bells and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Aspen?
December to March: -12 to 2°C, with frequent light, dry powder.
What food should I try in Aspen?
Elk or bison: Rocky Mountain game on mountain-lodge menus. Green chile: Colorado's favourite sauce, on burritos and burgers. Après hot toddy: At the Ajax Tavern or the Little Nell's terrace.
How do I get around Aspen?
Free buses between town and all four mountains; walk downtown.
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