Family Vacations in Aspen Colorado
Summer or winter, Aspen Colorado is a great place to visit with the whole family. The charming town is located near the top of the Roaring Fork Valley and the Roaring Fork River runs right through town. Aspen is world renown for downhill skiing with four mountains of fun for all levels of skiers. Aspen Mountain is in town, while Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk mountains are all within 12 miles of town. There are also a number of other mountains in the area including the Elk Mountains to the southwest of town, and the Williams Mountains and Sawatch Range to the east. Much of these high-mountain areas surrounding Aspen are part of designated wilderness areas, and are therefore untouched.
Aspen is truly a place where families can enjoy the great outdoors together. A gondola ride is a great way to get a view of the entire area. There’s also an environmental studies program that your kids will love as they learn about the wild surroundings and meet Belle, the golden eagle who lives there.
Winter is of course perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, dog sledding, and plenty of other snowy fun. Snowmass Mountain and Buttermilk are both popular for their family-friendly slopes. For families with experienced skiers looking for adventure, Aspen Mountain is known for its black diamond runs. Finally, Aspen Snowmass is known as the locals’ favorite. A fun non-skiing adventure here is to take a snow cat ride up to the ridge.
In the warmer months when the snow melts, families will find a wide variety of activities to choose from including rafting, hiking, camping, water sports, biking along the Rio Grand Trail and exploring a mine to name just a few.
Getting to Aspen is just as easy as having fun there. The Aspen/Pitkin Airport is just three miles from downtown. Or, if you prefer a leisurely, scenic drive, fly into Eagle Airport, which is 70 miles away. If you’re within driving distance of this family-vacation mecca, keep in mind that Independence Pass is only open in the summer and early fall. By late October, the snowfall makes this route impassable.
