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Aspen Travel Guide
Aspen is Colorado's most expensive ski town, and the honest budget advice is that the mountain doesn't have to be the expensive part — the bed does. The free ski shuttle system connects Aspen with Snowmass and the other mountains, Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed places in the state and costs a shuttle fare in season, and the summer hiking and biking here are world class at a fraction of winter pricing. Glenwood Springs and Carbondale down valley are the standard budget bases, connected by the RFTA bus. This guide covers when to come, where to sleep, and how to see Maroon Bells.
Quick tips
- Base down valley in Carbondale, Basalt, or Glenwood Springs and ride the RFTA bus in.
- Maroon Bells requires a shuttle reservation in season — book ahead, it's inexpensive.
- Summer is dramatically cheaper than ski season for the same scenery.
- The in-town ski shuttles between the four mountains are free.
- Late April through May and October through November are the true off-seasons.
Frequently asked
Can you visit Aspen on a budget?
Yes, by sleeping down valley in Carbondale, Basalt, or Glenwood Springs and using the RFTA bus, which runs frequently into Aspen.
When is Aspen cheapest?
Off-season: roughly mid-April through May, and October into November before ski season opens.
How do you get to Maroon Bells?
By reserved shuttle during the operating season — private vehicle access is restricted during peak hours. The shuttle fare is modest.