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Aspen
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Aspen at a glance
Aspen is so high and so far away from reality, you just might confuse it with heaven. Surrounded by mammoth peaks, the town is home to renowned skiing and extreme sports, and famous for haute shopping, designer dining and celebrities on holiday.
Aspen history
Aspen was not always a quirky town peppered with posh eateries and
hotels, multi-million dollar homes, and fur-clad celebrities on
skis. What is now the winter hub for the rich and famous, and a
world-class destination for extreme recreation, was once the summer
hunting home of the Ute Indian tribe. Archeologists have even found
evidence deep in the dirt of an ancient people that wandered about
the Roaring Fork Valley some 8,000 years ago. But the only thing
the Utes have in common with today's residents is a preference for
animal fur.
Aspen local information
State: Colorado Country: United States Aspen by the Numbers:
Population: 5914 Elevation: 7945 Feet Average Snowfall: 300 inches Average Winter Temperature: 0-32 degrees F Average Summer Temperature: 41-79 degrees F Quick Facts:
Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz, standard two pin plugs Time Zone: GMT-7 Country Dialing Code: 1 Area Code: 970 Did You Know?
Aspen was discovered by the Ute Indians and originally called "The
Shining Mountains" for its rich silver mines. While the silver is
long gone, Aspen is now considered one of America's elite winter
resorts. Orientation:
Aspen is situated 208 miles southwest of Denver and is located in
the Elk Mountains, a segment of the Rocky Mountain Range.
Aspen weather
Average Temperatures
Fah
Cel
Rainy Days
Average Annual
Rainfall:
23.3" / 59.1 cm
Getting There:
By Air: United Express operates six daily flights to Aspen's Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field). America West and Northwest Airlines also service Sardy Field. Numerous transit options are available from the airport to Aspen and Snowmass. Buses offer service twice an hour on Highway 82 near the terminal. There are also a number of shuttle services offering transportation to and from the airport. Aspen is also easily accessible from the Eagle County Airport. Just 70 miles to the east, the airport offers service from a number of major airlines, including United, American, Continental, Northwest, America West and Delta. Denver International Airport is located approximately 220 miles away. By Car Aspen is about 220 miles west of Denver (a four hour drive on a good day) via Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs, and Highway 82 south from there takes you to the center of downtown. Many visitors opt to fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), rent a car, and drive up to Aspen. The drive is a bit long, but passes some extraordinary terrain, including the Front Range Mountains, the Gore Range, Battlement Mesa, and Glenwood Canyon. Watch out in the winter though. During bad conditions the four-hour drive can easily turn into eight hours of road terror. During summer you can save 30 minutes on the drive from Denver by wandering over Independence Pass. The pass is only open during summer and ranks as one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views are stunning, especially during late July when the wildflowers are blooming. If you fear heights, however, you may want to reconsider this route for many of the hairpin turns on the pass are narrow and are bordered by sheer drop-offs. Boulder is easily accessible from I-25, I-70 and US Route 82. By Train: Amtrak (+1 800 872 7245/ http://www.amtrak.com) offers services to Glenwood Springs located 20 miles south of Aspen along the California Zephyr line. By Bus: Aspen is accessible to Greyhound (+1 800 231 2222/ http://www.greyhound.com) and Colorado Mountain Express (+1 800 525 6363/ www.ridecme.com) bus lines. Getting Around Aspen
Once you arrive in Aspen, you can ditch your car at the hotel and
forget about it. Aspen is so small it is easy to get around on
foot. Plus, the traffic and parking problems only lend for
headaches and frustration. If you need to head over to another
mountain, just hop on a free shuttle, or take the RFTA (Roaring
Fork Transit Authority) bus. If you are in downtown Aspen, just
head over to the Rubey Park Transportation Center and catch a ride
anywhere in the valley. Fares range from $3 to $6 to head
Downvalley. If you just need to get across town, the shuttle
service is free. During the summer bring your bike along or rent one at a local shop. Biking is by far the best way to get around town. Plus, it is the local's preferred method of transportation. From downtown, you have easy access to Independence Pass (a severe climb, but it is paved), Snowmass Village, and even the Maroon Bells. Aspen and Snowmass are serviced by the RFTA (+1 970 925 8484/ http://www.rfta.com) bus system. © Wcities |
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