Summary

Aspen is our favourite American resort. It has everything we look for – well, everything except convenience. Our affection depends heavily on the presence, a little way down the valley, of Aspen Highlands – and on Snowmass, much further down the valley (and covered in a separate page). So most days you have to ride a bus; that doesn’t worry us – or you, we gather: most people who try it are captivated. Lack of crowds is part of the appeal of America in general, but in Aspen the quiet slopes are particularly impressive.
Many rich and some famous guests jet in here, and for connoisseurs of cosmetic surgery the bars of the top hotels can be fascinating places. And the place does seem to be drifting even further upmarket, with ever fewer funky bars and ever more international-brand shops. But, like all other ‘glamorous’ ski resorts, Aspen is actually filled by ordinary holidaymakers. Don’t be put off.

Blogs, features and news

• Ikon and Epic passes: why US skiing is suffering
• Ikon Pass expands into Europe
• Aspen to charge for uphill skiing
• The world’s most sustainable ski resorts
• Fabulous skiing conditions in the Three Valleys