When to Go
The year gets off to a chilly start with January's temperatures ranging from 8°F (-13°C) to 35°F (2°C) and annual snowfall averaging up to 15ft (4.6m), although that figure jumps to up to 25ft (7.6m) around the ski resorts. It's not unheard of to see snow as late as June and as early as September in Aspen, and summer isn't any more predictable, with thunderstorms randomly punctuating otherwise pleasant summer days. July and August can reach temperatures of 75-80°F (23-26°C), but nights are cold.
Getting Around
Well, ahem, if you don't have your own aircraft, you're still welcome to land at Aspen- Pitkin County Airport; Four miles north of Aspen on Hwy 82 (233 E Airport Rd). Here you'll get commuter flights from Denver, and nonstop routes to Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Memphis.
For those flying into or out of Denver International Airport, 208mi from Aspen, the Colorado Mountain Express will shuttle you. If you're shuttling yourself, reach Aspen via Hwy 82. During the winter, the highway over Independence Pass to Leadville is closed.
High Mountain Cabs offers meter taxis 24 hours a day and car-rental agencies at Aspen-Pitkin county Airport are ready to accommodate your needs. However, if you really want to do it right, try a Harley Davidson rental.
The Roaring Fork Transit Agency (RFTA) buses cover Snowmass Village and the valley to El Jebel north of Basalt. There are a number of free in-town shuttles shuffle around the Aspen Highlands Ski Area, Hunter Creek, Mountain Valley and Snowbunny, as well as the Music School on Castle Creek Rd. During music festivals, buses also cover the grounds to and from the Music Tent. They also sun to and from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.
Call our travel experts 1-800-742-9244