Travel
Things to Do in Colorado: Aspen
| January 6, 2024 | 1 Minute Read
![Man skiing down a slope with fresh powder and various pine trees in background](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/11-colorado/q1-colorado/things-to-do-aspen/1-of-5-things-to-do-aspen.jpg)
DO & SEE
With four mountains to challenge them—Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass (above)—skiers and snowshoers always have fresh lines to carve. This year, the options expand with the opening of Hero’s on Aspen Mountain. Hero’s features a new high-speed quad lift that accesses 153 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain. Given its north-facing position, Hero’s is also expected to enjoy a longer ski season—certainly a bonus for all snow bunnies.
Not a skier or boarder, but still want to explore Aspen Mountain? You can. Simply join one of the twice daily snowshoe tours led by naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Rendezvous at the top of the mountain to learn about area wildlife, tracking, winter habitats and more.
![Woman in costume giving a walking tour of downtown Aspen on a bright day](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/11-colorado/q1-colorado/things-to-do-aspen/2-of-5-things-to-do-aspen.jpg)
Historical Downtown Walking Tour
Guides with the Aspen Historical Society (above) lead tours throughout downtown, sharing origin stories of the small mining town and explaining how it became the well-heeled ski destination it is today.
![Exterior view of the Aspen Art Museum illuminated at dusk on an empty road](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/11-colorado/q1-colorado/things-to-do-aspen/3-of-5-things-to-do-aspen.jpg)
Pop inside this contemporary, wooden-screen-enveloped building (above) to view current exhibits, including “John Chamberlain: The Tighter They Are Wound, the Harder They Unravel” (through April 7), and to attend the Saturday apres-ski gatherings locals love on the museum’s rooftop.
EAT & STAY
![Stylish plate of food by BOSQ on a black background](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/11-colorado/q1-colorado/things-to-do-aspen/4-of-5-things-to-do-aspen.jpg)
Chef Barclay Dodge forages inspiration and ingredients from the local area and spins them into creative dishes, such as Colorado elk loin served with stinging nettles and huckleberry or lobster grilled over juniper branches, to build an exquisite tasting menu at this restaurant (above) that earned its first Michelin star last year.
![Living room area of a hotel room at Aspen Meadows Resort with a view of the Colorado wilderness](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/11-colorado/q1-colorado/things-to-do-aspen/5-of-5-things-to-do-aspen.jpg)
Find sanctuary at this AAA Four Diamond property (above) tucked among 40 acres and surrounded by scenic views. Originally designed by Bauhaus architect Herbert Bayer, the resort unveiled a room-and-suite renovation last year. They also revamped the reception area, bar and restaurant—all inspired by the simple form and function of Bauhaus.
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