Aspen, Colorado Mountain Activities & Recreation

Aspen is perhaps best known for its downhill skiing. With 4 spectacular mountains, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk Mountain, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands within 12 miles of Aspen proper, it’s no wonder. But Aspen is much more when the snow flies.

NASTAR is here, the largest grassroots recreational ski racing organization in the world. Each mountain has its own activities, including paintball at Snowmass, the more family-oriented of the 4, and the winter X-Games at Buttermilk, home of the X-Games until 2010.

If you want a slower pace, take up snowshoeing, a winter sport that requires very little initial investment in equipment and something the whole family can enjoy on day one. Drive a little ways and you’ll find snowmobiling and dog sledding, horseback riding and cross country skiing.

When all that snow from the 4 surrounding mountains melts, when the spring sun brings you out of your shell and the warm weather bug bites, Aspen is the place to be. Whitewater rafting is at its peak come spring on the Roaring Fork River, fly fishing in the summer months is world-class and fly fishermen from all over the country flock here to make the big catch. Biking, hiking the spectacularly blanketed mountains, driving the incredibly scenic Independence Pass to see the ghost town of Independence and stand on top of the world; a taste of what Aspen becomes in the warmer months.

Whatever adventure you're seeking, spring summer or fall, our pages have the guides, outfitters and information you need to make that Aspen getaway a dream come true.