While I was able to get out to Aspen/Snowmass in early December you can do a ski vacation in Aspen any time during the season. After the New Year is really a good time to think about a quick trip to ski around the Four Mountains which provide some of the best skiing in the country. Even if you haven't searched out hotels and/or rental units well in advance you can still find some good deals.
Package Your Aspen Vacation
If you can pick up and go now, before the next big national vacation time - President's week - you can find really good value in booking rooms and travel, with little planning. The best way is to bundle as much of the services you need into your initial booking i.e. hotel/condo, airfare, lift tickets, etc. and check these prices among the travel web sites.
Is It Expensive?
Suffice it is to say Aspen real estate is the most pricey in the country. However, when you're only visiting to enjoy some of the best skiing in America and to taste a little of the ambiance, it can be really be no more expensive than any destination resort. Pickup a last minute stay-and-ski vacation package and you'll find bargains.
Eat out - you can pick your price range and cuisine. Dine in - there are call in menus available in a arty of menu choices. Cook in - the local market is well centered in town and has average market prices.
Some good advice from locals that helped me, is to remember when you're out a lot of apres-ski establishments offer bar menus with burger and fries type fare that can be a lot cheaper than restaurant service. Also, think twice about renting a car. Most hotels and rental units offer a free shuttle around town, and there is free bus service running daily between the four mountains. Check the guide books available everywhere for coupons and discounts.
Lasting Impressions
From the skiing on Four Mountains to shopping, or window shopping, in the price store you will find customer service is a way of life in Aspen/Snowmass. One thing you will definitely notice is the sheer number of Aspen Skiing Company employees, all helpful and engaging, approaching you, in a friendly not condescending way, if they thought you needed directions or if they could be of service.
Everywhere - on the mountain, in the stores, on the buses, you really get a welcomed feeling. A kind of feeling that makes you think you don't want to wait until next year to return - that maybe you should plan now to be back to flavor some spring skiing.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary lift tickets for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
