When you’re vacationing in Aspen, the overwhelming location of choice for families is the downtown core. Aspen is a small mountain town, and just about everything you’ll need is in one central location: downtown. The heart of Aspen has retail shopping, restaurants, parks, and various other points of interest, and another main draw is Gondola Plaza and access to “Ajax,” or Aspen Mountain.
Within the downtown zone you’ll find dozens of places to eat, amazing shopping, and many bike and ski shops. There are also lots of vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes. There are high-end luxury resorts, contemporary condos, and more traditional lodges. Some have ski-in, ski-out accessibility on Aspen Mountain while others are only a short walk from the lifts.
Why Families Love Downtown Aspen
Families (and anyone on vacation, really) prefer to stay in downtown Aspen rather than on the outskirts. While most of the vacation rentals, shops, restaurants, and amenities are in the core area, there are a few vacation rentals available outside of the town’s center. For example, there are golf communities just outside of town or further down-valley where you can play a round of golf amid spectacular scenery. Aspen Highlands and Snowmass each have lodging at their resort and near the lifts, and there is some down-valley lodging near the Roaring Fork River or Frying Pan River that capitalize on the amazing fly-fishing, kayaking or whitewater rafting opportunities on the water.
These are all amazing activities that are perfect for loved ones, but most families prefer to stay in downtown Aspen because of the multitude of options there. If you stay further down-valley, that’s great, but you’ll spend a large amount of your vacation driving up and down Highway 82. Instead, families opt to stay in downtown Aspen and plan day trips to explore outside the town.
Downtown has something for everyone. As you’ll find out below, just about everything your family will want to do is in the core – summer or winter – so why not just stay there?
Summer Family Vacation to Downtown Aspen
Downtown Aspen in the summertime is an absolute dream. First, the weather is perfect. Sunny 75-85 degree days with bluebird skies and a slight breeze.
The walkable pedestrian mall in downtown Aspen is closed off to traffic, so it’s a terrific spot to walk around, enjoy the sights, and people watch. The pedestrian mall even has a small, trickling creek that’s fun for small kids. The biggest hit downtown may be the water fountain near the Wheeler Opera House that is in operation during the warmer months. The ground-level fountain shoots up water intermittently, allowing kids of all ages to attempt to cross it without getting wet. The varying degrees of success make watching this a blast any time of day.
For more fun, there’s a large open space the size of a football field at Wagner Park, where you can play catch with your kids or your pooch, fly a kite, or toss a blanket down and enjoy the sun. Nearby there’s a nice park with climbing equipment for kids. In town, the children will love the fun shops sprinkled around the mall with candy, cookies, and T-shirts. And there is also trendy luxury shopping for the adults, with brands like Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Prada.
Just north of Main Street is Rio Grande Park and the John Denver Sanctuary. Both are along the Roaring Fork River and the Rio Grande Trail that follows the river. The trail makes for great hikes and bike rides, and it extends all the way to Glenwood Springs – that’s 40-plus miles! The paved trail is fantastic for a bicycle rental day trip or for a fun family hike.
Winter Family Vacation to Downtown Aspen
If you’re bringing the family to Aspen for a ski vacation, staying in the downtown core is a no-brainer. First, Aspen Mountain is right there. Gondola Plaza is in the center of town and is the main access point for skiing. However, it’s not the only place in town where you can get on the mountain. Historic Lift 1A, on Aspen Street, is the original access point to the ski runs on Aspen Mountain. So, while most skiers and snowboarders access Aspen Mountain via the gondola, you can also get on the mountain – many times faster – at Lift 1A.
As you may imagine, Lift One Condominiums is close to the historic Lift 1A ski lift. In fact, it’s right down Aspen Street, only a couple of blocks. The great thing is, Lift One Condominiums is also near Gondola Plaza. So, families that stay with us have two walking options! This is quite useful during heavy snow days when the ski traffic is high. Using Lift 1A gives you a couple of choices so you don’t have to wait long to ski. If there’s a long line at the gondola, you can jump on Lift 1A to get on the mountain, then ski over and down to the gondola.
Nobody wants to walk a long distance in their ski boots, either. At Lift One Condominiums, you’re only about a block from the free bus terminal and a ride to Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, or Snowmass. Once you get your fill of Aspen Mountain (if that’s possible!), head to the bus and try Buttermilk, home of the Winter X Games. Or hit up Aspen Highlands and for advanced skiers take the hike up the famed Highlands Bowl. Make your way to Snowmass to enjoy tons of groomers, a massive backcountry, and a ski village with its own distinct vibe. And no need for a car — the free shuttle buses will take you to all the resorts.
Downtown Aspen is home to many ski shops. There, you can rent your gear, buy some cool swag, or peruse the latest line of skis or snowboards. When it’s time to eat, choose from all kinds of restaurants, from Ma-and-Pa burger joints to four- and five-star fine dining experiences. After your fill of food and drink, you’ll only have about a five-minute stroll back to your relaxing digs at Lift One Condominiums.
Planning Your Family Vacation to Aspen
A family condo at Lift One Condominiums is an ideal home base in the town’s core, situated at the intersection of two of Aspen’s most important roadways – Durant Avenue and Aspen Street. Just a few blocks down Durant Avenue is Gondola Plaza; just up Aspen Street is the iconic Lift 1A. In the coming years, a new lift is planned to replace Lift 1A. It will be even closer! All of downtown’s awesome restaurants, taverns, bars, and nightclubs are only a few minutes’ walk along clear, well-lit city sidewalks. Some of the town’s sidewalks are heated!
Our family-friendly condos are a perfect fit for your family vacation. Browse our inventory for your travel dates and see what’s available. We have condos in all types of décor, from traditional mountain lodges to more contemporary luxury condos. All residences come with a full kitchen and plenty of open space. Our heated pool is a bonus for kids, and parents will appreciate our hot tub after a long day on the slopes. Relaxing, family-centric, and fun, Lift One Condominiums is known around town as a great family spot! And you’ll appreciate our daily housekeeping.
If you have any questions, send us an email or give us a call toll-free at 800-543-8001. We’re eager to have you and your family for a visit!
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