Ski resorts
With snow-dusted mountains defining Aspen’s skyline, you’ll find slopes around town for almost any kind of skier. Four resorts make up the area’s world-class winter sports scene: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Aspen Mountain. Added together, they offer more than 5,000 acres of snowy terrain.
White River National Forest
There are plenty of reasons White River National Forest remains the most visited national forest in the United States: Within its sprawling 2.3 million acres, you’ll find 11 ski areas, more than 2,500 miles of trails, and peaks climbing to 14,000 feet above sea level. Of all the scenic views in the forest, the Maroon Bells — a pair of giant mountains — may be the most photographed.
John Denver Sanctuary
Fans flock to this meditative park, set along the Roaring Fork River, to pay their tributes to the famous musician. The late “Rocky Mountain High” singer and Colorado poet laureate lived in Aspen for much of his life. In the Song Garden, you’ll find lyrics to many of his hit songs etched on river boulders.