ASPEN HISTORY
More than a century ago, silver prospectors braved the wilderness of the upper valley of the Roaring Fork River, entering a favorite summer hunting ground of the Ute Indians to discover one of the richest silver lodes in the world. In a few short years, Aspen’s silver mines would produce nearly $100 million of silver ore.
Aspen was founded in 1880. By the time the first ski runs were developed in the late 1930s, the town already had a 60-year-old history marked by its surroundings, historic buildings, and character. This establishment and the visionary guidance of community leaders in the 1940s and 1950s made Aspen an enclave for art, science, and culture.
ASPEN TODAY
Aspen lives up to it’s winter reputations with four ski mountains that make up the terrain of the world-renowned Aspen Snowmass resort. Aspen Mountain, referred to by locals as Ajax, rises up from downtown, bringing a whole new meaning to ski-in, ski-out.
Buttermilk Mountain, the homebase for the Aspen X Games, is a kid’s and beginner’s paradise. Aspen Highlands boasts the legendary Highlanad Bowl, and Snowmass offers the largest recreational acreage and diversity, offering something for everyone.
The stunning scenery of Aspe lends itself to a plethora of other winter recreation including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and winter tours. It’s hard to pass up dinner at one of the town’s world-class restaurants or take in live music.
Summer months offer even more opportunities for outdoor recreation than winter. No matter what your outdoor ambitions are, there is something for everyone – rafting, hiking, horseback riding, ATV, biking, rock-climbing, fishing, golf, and hot-air ballooning to name a few. The fresh air and stunning scenery create the optimal place to get outside and explore!
Aspen’s base elevation is 7,908 feet and located 220 miles from Denver.
AROUND ASPEN
- Ashcroft Ghost Town
- John Denver Sanctuary
- Continental Divide & Independence Pass
- Top of Aspen Mountain
- Wheeler Opera House
- Winter – Ski, Snowboarding, Dog Sledding, Horseback Riding, Snowcat Tours, Ice Fishing, Cross-Country Skiing, Tubing, and more!
- Summer – ATV Tours, Mountain Biking, Hot-Air Ballooning, Horseback Riding, White Water Rafting, Hiking and more!
