8 Things to Know Before You Go to Aspen
The town that inspired John Denver’s 1972 world-famous folk hit “Rocky Mountain High,” Aspen is a year-round, high-end destination that isn’t just reserved for the elite (or singer-songwriters). Colorado accounts for 20 to 25% of ski and snowboard vacations in the US annually, and Aspen gets its fair share of that crowd, thanks to a plethora of annual events like X Games Aspen (Jan. 25 to 28; sports competitions are free to the public) and thrill-seeking adventures like Aspen Snowmass’s Breathtaker, an alpine coaster featuring a drop of more than 400 feet, which opened earlier this winter.
In other words, Aspen does things differently and exudes uniqueness in every possible way. Want proof? There's a chairlift right next to Aspen High School. (If you plan to vacation with your kids, beware of the jealousy factor that may soon follow.)
Here are nine insider tips to make your winter trek more enjoyable, not to mention more affordable.
1. Your Wallet Will Thank You If You Plan Ahead
Aspen isn’t as pricey as you think — if done the right way. Aspen has a reputation for being expensive, and the food there is no exception (and it’s definitely one of the finest parts of the quaint little town). Next time you’re in Aspen, eat like a local and claim a seat at the bar. Almost every restaurant and bar in Aspen offers a slightly condensed menu with dishes that are nearly half the price of a few steps away in the dining room.
Speaking of which, Snowmass celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year and is celebrating the entire 2017-2018 season (in early December, they offered $6.50 lift tickets — the original price on opening day in 1967.)
Other thrifty celebrations include $19.67 and $50 prix fixe menus at participating bars and restaurants and be sure to snag 50th anniversary lodging specials and discounts through the 2017-2018 season.
2. Fall in Love With Walking Around
One of the best things about Aspen is that it’s a walkable town. The best way to embrace any new town is to discover it on foot, so don’t let an onslaught of sleet or powder keep you from all the amazing things the town has to offer. You'll find heated sidewalks here and there around Aspen, but the town also makes it a priority to keep itself plowed and accessible at all times.
Keeping up with Aspen can be affordable if you don’t overlook the brand-new free public transportation, like the Downtowner, which will take you anywhere in town, including the gondola. The Downtowner is an eco-friendly way to maneuver around. Download the app to set pick-up and drop-off locations and enjoy a fun ride in the electric vehicle around town. A car definitely isn’t needed in Aspen, and almost every hotel has a complimentary car service.
3. Aspen Takes Pet-Friendly to New Heights
For travelers who leave their pets behind but still yearn for canine camaraderie, the Aspen Animal Shelter's Rent-a-Pet program allows visitors to spend a day with an eager companion. Don’t be surprised if you end up going home with a new adopted friend (it’s happened more times than they can count). Bonus: Almost every Aspen hotel is pet-friendly.
4. Plan Around Aspen’s Event Calendar
One thing you need to know about Aspen is that there is always something big going on in town. Not only does this increase the number of visitors, it draws the locals as well.
From Jan. 11 to 14, Aspen's annual toast to winter, Wintersköl, dates back to a quiet January in 1951, when local Aspenites decided to celebrate their unique lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. The four-day celebration features a variety of community events, fireworks and more.
Aspen Gay Ski Week (Jan. 14 to 21) is the oldest annual, weeklong gay ski event in the nation. A model for other gay ski weeks, AGSW offers a unique experience in the scenic and historic mountain town where visitors enjoy four mountains of varied skiing and snowboarding terrain, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking in the Elk Mountains.
Après Ski Cocktail Classic (March 8 to 11) is an annual slope-side celebration blending all things après with craft spirits in an ideal setting at the iconic Little Nell. The four-day event features a grand tasting village and private reserve room of marquee spirits, craft cocktails, seminars by award-winning mixologists, snow parties, various pop-up bars, fireside chats, spirit-paired dinners, on-mountain events and the Great Après Ski Pub Crawl.
Counting down to the end of each year, the 12 Days of Aspen turns the town into a picturesque winter wonderland of holiday cheer with free ice skating, Santa visits, s’more parties and caroling.
5. The Best Party Happens at 11,000 Feet
Access the finest and wildest après ski in North America, but only by ski. If you aren’t a skier (or snowboarder), but desperately want to experience it, find skis fast so you can hit up Cloud Nine at Aspen Highlands to party like it’s 1999. It’s seriously like another world, but perhaps one you may not remember. If you want a table, reservations are highly recommended.
6. Eat (and Drink) Like a Local
Drink like a local at Hotel Jerome’s J-Bar with an Aspen Crud, the bourbon-laced milkshake cocktail that dates back to Prohibition. It’s been written up across the nation and enjoyed by visitors from all walks.
If you’re a breakfast person, don’t miss Breakfast at Bonnie’s (located mid-mountain) where you can delight in pancakes as big as your face that are worth every delicious calorie (then hit the slopes or hike back for that well-balanced life we all strive for). Want a more indigenous food experience? Try Pyramid Bistro, a “nutriatarian” restaurant located inside Explore Booksellers, the local (and only) bookstore in Aspen. Woody Creek Tavern is another must-visit in any season. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch and a handful of their legendary blue-agave margaritas.
During the winter, get there by renting a fat bike down the Rio Grande Trail or grab the bus. In the summer, go for a beautiful hike, ride your bike or get a taxi back.
7. It's Easy to Find World-Class Musical Performances
Bootsy Bellows/Belly Up, Aspen (owned by actor David Arquette and businessmen John Terzian and Brian Toll) is a lounge/nightclub with a pretty impressive rotating calendar of top musicians. The intimate setting will make you feel like you instantly became BFFs with your favorite artist. Order bottle service or a can of cheapish beer and dance like no one can see you. Stay after hours to up your chances to grab a drink with one of the band members.
8. Get Chatty
A tip for pretty much anywhere you travel, but especially in Aspen, everyone has a story. And it’s usually a pretty good one. Embrace the culture and meet the locals and the transplants by chatting it up wherever you go. The stories you’ll hear and insider tips you’ll be privy to will stay with you forever — whether you like it or not!
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.