Aspen, Colorado is a popular vacation destination for people who love skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. But how expensive is it to vacation in Aspen? Let’s take a closer look at the costs involved.
Accommodation
One of the biggest expenses when visiting Aspen is accommodation. The town has a reputation for being expensive, and that extends to its hotels and lodges. During the peak winter season, prices can easily exceed $500 per night for a room at a luxury hotel.
However, there are also more affordable options available. Airbnb and other vacation rental websites offer a range of properties at varying price points. If you’re willing to stay outside of the town center or share accommodations with friends or family, you can save a significant amount of money.
Lift Tickets
Another major expense when visiting Aspen is lift tickets. These allow you access to the ski slopes and are essential if you plan on skiing or snowboarding during your stay.
A single-day lift ticket during the peak season can cost upwards of $150 per person. However, multi-day passes offer discounts and can bring down the daily cost significantly.
Equipment Rental
If you don’t have your own ski equipment, you’ll need to rent it. This includes skis or snowboards, boots, helmets, and other gear.
Rental prices vary depending on where you go and what equipment you need. However, expect to pay around $50-100 per day for basic equipment rental.
Dining
Aspen has plenty of dining options available but again it’s an expensive affair here too. A dinner at one of Aspen’s high-end restaurants can easily set you back $100 or more per person (excluding drinks), while more casual dining options will still cost around $30-50 per meal.
To save money on food costs while in Aspen, consider packing your own snacks and lunches. You can also opt to cook your meals at a vacation rental property with a full kitchen.
Getting Around
Aspen is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. However, if you need to travel further afield or don’t want to walk in the cold winter weather, you’ll need to use public transport or rent a car.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with buses running throughout the town and surrounding areas. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and flexibility but it can be an expensive option.
Conclusion
So how expensive is it to vacation in Aspen? It’s undoubtedly not cheap but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for budget-conscious travelers too. With careful planning and some cost-cutting measures like choosing affordable accommodations, cooking your own meals, and taking public transport wherever possible; you can enjoy all that Aspen has to offer without breaking the bank.