Colorado's Renowned Ski Resort Town Is Perfect For A Family-Friendly Winter Getaway

Many travelers already know that the great state of Colorado and skiing go hand in hand — in fact, this state may just have the absolute best skiing in the U.S. There is no shortage of quaint resort towns in Colorado, and Aspen is certainly one of the most well-known for a reason. What used to be an old mining town is now a cultural trove of museums, art galleries, and family-friendly activities, and those in search of an upscale vacation destination will not be disappointed after adding Aspen to their travel itinerary. While its four popular resorts may pose as pricey choices when it comes to skiing domestically, there is a way to visit Aspen, Colorado, on a budget, according to travelers. And, as one of USA Today's 10 best ski towns of 2025, it might just be worth the higher price tag anyway.

Getting to Aspen won't be too complicated, as it has its own small airport that flies direct to nearly a dozen domestic cities seasonally. For those not lucky enough to originate in one of those options, flying into the Denver International Airport will put you about 222 miles from Aspen, which you could choose to traverse by either a variety of rental car services or shuttles. Denver also serves a direct route into the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, so you could always treat DEN as a short layover on your way to the slopes.

Aspen is known for its four ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain, and Snowmass. Each one is a bit different, so while we do suggest visiting as many of them as you can, there may be one or two that are a better fit for your individual needs. The good news is that all four resorts fall under the Ikon pass, so for seven days, you can make your way to whichever one you choose under the same lift ticket. All four resorts offer free parking, but you will need to take a shuttle from the lots, with the exception of Buttermilk, which offers drive-up parking.

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, features trails originally cut by members of the U.S. Army and a history of hosting national and international ski racing as early as the 1950s. Its close proximity to downtown makes it convenient, but be sure you're comfortable with intermediate and expert trails. The next closest mountain to town is Aspen Highlands, which offers both the challenge of its double-black-diamond "Highland Bowl" as well as more casual runs. You're most likely to get some privacy here, making it popular with locals.

If you're a true novice on the slopes, Buttermilk Mountain is the place for you. This ski area features three main parts, including West Buttermilk, which is perfectly suited for beginners and families of all ages. There are even free tours conducted daily for those who are interested in getting the lay of the land before hitting the hill. Finally, Snowmass is the biggest resort out of all of them, boasting the most options for mountain dining and more ski-in, ski-out amenities than its counterparts, due to having its own village halfway up the side of its slopes.

While Aspen may be one of the priciest vacation destinations in the U.S., it would be a mistake to let that deter you from taking advantage of its budget-friendly, family-oriented activities. When it comes to this winter wonderland, most people picture luxury resorts and high-end entertainment, along with a top-notch après-ski scene — all of this is true. What's also true is that Aspen has a lot to offer visitors of all ages, and we're talking about more than the obvious options of skiing and snowboarding, although there are excellent ski schools to keep the kids occupied while you're out on the slopes.

Skiing isn't the only way to enjoy nature here, as there are lots of beginner-level hikes and walks that the whole family will love. Weller Lake is worth a visit, featuring an easy, mostly level, 1.2-mile round-trip trail that boasts a beautiful lake at its end. For an option rich in history, take the family to Ashcroft Ghost Town, where a half-mile walk offers views of an old, relocated mining town — the perfect window into Aspen's past. There are also playgrounds and outdoor play areas, including downtown Wagner Park (located near a popular pedestrian mall offering shopping and dining) and Herron Park, positioned at the mouth of the Rio Grande Trail. 

Excellent indoor activities to help the kids burn off their energy during inclement weather include the Aspen Recreation Center Pool and Aspen's two indoor skating rinks: Aspen Ice Garden and Lewis Ice Arena. The Aspen Art Museum offers educational programs like drop-in art school and family workshops, or you can take advantage of the free programming at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, which includes Birds of Prey Demonstrations and Sunset Beaver Walks.