Are you dreaming of taking a vacation to Aspen but wondering how much it will cost you? Well, the answer is that it depends. There are multiple factors that can affect the cost of your trip, such as the time of year you plan to visit, your mode of transportation, your accommodation preferences, and your activities.
Time of Year
Aspen is a popular destination for both winter and summer vacations. The high season for winter sports typically falls between December and February, while the summer months of June to August offer outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Prices for flights, accommodations, and activities are generally higher during peak season. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during shoulder season (March to May or September to November) when prices may be lower.
Transportation
Getting to Aspen can be pricey depending on where you’re coming from and how you choose to travel. If you’re flying in, look for flights into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE).
However, flights into this airport can be expensive due to limited availability. Alternatively, consider flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) and renting a car or taking a shuttle bus to Aspen.
Flights
- Direct Flights: Direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles or New York City can cost around $500-800 roundtrip.
- Connecting Flights: Connecting flights can save some money but will add more time for travel.
- Last-Minute Deals: You can get good last-minute deals if you’re flexible with dates and times.
Ground Transportation
- Rental Car: Renting a car will give you more freedom and flexibility. Expect rental car prices around $50-100 per day.
- Shared Shuttle: A shared shuttle will cost around $100 per person each way.
- Private Shuttle: Private shuttle services are also available for around $350 one way.
Accommodation
Aspen has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. During peak season, expect to pay top dollar for accommodations. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and willing to stay outside of the city center, you can find more affordable options.
Hotels
- Budget-Friendly: If you’re on a budget, consider staying at The St. Moritz Lodge or The Mountain Chalet Aspen. Expect to pay around $100-200 per night.
- Luxury: Aspen has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world like The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome. Expect to pay around $800-1200 per night.
Vacation Rentals
- Airbnb: Airbnb offers many options for vacation rentals in Aspen. Expect to pay around $150-300 per night depending on the location and amenities.
- Vacation Rental Companies: Companies like Stay Aspen Snowmass offer a variety of rental options including condos, homes, and townhouses. Prices vary depending on the property size and location but generally start at $200-300 per night.
Activities
Aspen offers a variety of activities year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer. Prices for activities can range from free (like hiking) to expensive (like private ski lessons).
Winter Activities
- Lift Tickets: Lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding can cost around $150-200 per day during peak season.
- Ski and Snowboard Rentals: Rentals range from $50-100 per day depending on the equipment and quality.
- Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing: Guided tours start at around $200 per person.
Summer Activities
- Hiking: Hiking trails are free to access and offer beautiful views of the mountains.
- Biking: Bike rentals start at around $50-100 per day. Guided bike tours can cost around $200 per person.
- River Rafting: Guided tours start at around $150 per person depending on the length of the trip.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of a vacation to Aspen varies greatly depending on multiple factors. However, with some careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy this beautiful mountain town without breaking the bank. Consider visiting during shoulder season, renting a car or taking a shuttle bus from Denver, staying in budget-friendly accommodations, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities like hiking.