Why Honeymoon in Aspen
Aspen does mountain luxury in a way that still feels like a real town. People live and work here, the streets have history and the cultural calendar is unusual for a place this size: the Aspen Music Festival in summer, the Food and Wine Classic each June and talks and art shows year-round.
The outdoors is right there. In winter, four mountains offer terrain for every level, from gentle Buttermilk to the steep bowls at Aspen Highlands. In summer and fall, trails leave from town and the Maroon Bells, twin peaks reflected in a lake, are about 20 minutes away.
This is a good honeymoon for couples who want to be active by day and pampered by night. You can hike or ski in the morning, spend the afternoon at a spa and dress up for dinner. Few mountain destinations balance both as easily.
When to Go
Ski season usually runs from late November to mid-April, with the best snow and liveliest scene from January through March. The Christmas and New Year period is the most crowded and expensive time of year.
Summer, from late June through August, is warm and green, with wildflowers, hiking, mountain biking and outdoor concerts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes early.
Late September is the standout. The aspen groves turn gold, the air is crisp and the summer crowds have gone. Peak color usually arrives in the last two weeks of the month, but it varies year to year.
Avoid spring and late fall shoulder seasons, roughly mid-April through May and mid-October to Thanksgiving. Many restaurants and hotels close or scale back, the weather is unpredictable and the town is very quiet.
Where to Stay
Hotel Jerome, built in 1889 and now an Auberge Resorts property, is the historic choice, with Victorian details, fireplaces and a famous bar where miners once drank. It is right in the center of town.
The Little Nell is ski-in, ski-out at the base of Aspen Mountain, with a terrace that turns into the town's main après ski spot in winter. Its rooms are spacious and the service is polished. The St. Regis Aspen is a larger full-service option a block from the gondola.
If you prefer quiet, look for a condo or inn in the West End, a leafy neighborhood of Victorian houses a few blocks from downtown. Snowmass Village, about 20 minutes away, has more ski-in hotels and often slightly lower prices, though it lacks downtown Aspen's charm.
Romantic Things to Do
Go to the Maroon Bells at sunrise, when the twin peaks reflect in Maroon Lake. During the summer and fall season, private vehicles are restricted on Maroon Creek Road and you need an advance reservation to ride the shuttle or park, so book on the official site as soon as your dates are set.
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for views over the Elk Mountains, then share a drink at the summit. In winter, book lunch at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro on Aspen Highlands, a tiny on-mountain restaurant known for raucous champagne lunches.
In summer, drive over Independence Pass, a high road that crosses the Continental Divide, stopping at the ghost town of Independence on the way. Catch a concert in the music tent, or sit on the lawn outside with a picnic. Glenwood Springs, about an hour away, has large hot springs pools.
Getting There and Around
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is just a few minutes from town and has nonstop flights from Denver and, seasonally, from cities such as Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Flights are pricey and winter weather causes delays, so build in some flexibility.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), near Vail, is about 90 minutes away and often has more options. Denver International is roughly three and a half to four hours by car; in summer you can drive via Independence Pass, but in winter the pass is closed and you go the long way through Glenwood Springs.
You do not need a car in Aspen itself. The town is walkable and the free bus system connects the four ski areas and Snowmass. Many hotels run their own shuttles.
Food and Drink
Aspen's dining scene is outsized for a town of about 7,000 people. Expect seasonal Colorado ingredients such as lamb, trout and elk, alongside sushi bars, Italian trattorias and steakhouses aimed at people who just skied all day.
Winter evenings are for long, warm meals. Many of the best restaurants are within a few blocks of each other downtown, so you can stroll between dinner and a nightcap. Reservations are essential during holidays and in high summer.
Après ski is part of the culture. The terrace at The Little Nell and the base areas fill up as soon as the lifts close. For a quieter drink, the bars in the historic hotels have fireplaces and a strong cocktail tradition.
In summer, the Saturday farmers market downtown is a nice morning stop for pastries and Colorado peaches when they are in season.
Honeymoon Tips
- Take altitude seriously. Aspen sits at about 7,900 feet; drink lots of water, limit alcohol the first night and take it easy on day one.
- Book the Maroon Bells early. Summer and fall reservations sell out for popular dates.
- Pack layers. Mountain weather changes quickly, even in July.
- Look for value in early December, January and late September, when rates are often lower than holiday peaks.
- Rent ski gear in town. Many shops deliver to your hotel and fit boots in your room.
- Wear sunscreen. The high-altitude sun burns quickly, even on cloudy days and in winter.
