How to Plan a Family Vacation in Aspen

How to Plan a Family Vacation in Aspen

Escaping to Aspen Snowmass for a fun-filled family vacation is a great way to rejuvenate your clan’s mind, body and spirit. The picturesque mountain town is a haven for adventure and excitement nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking to get your crew to the Roaring Fork Valley for a family vacation, we have some tips and tricks to get you on your way. Here’s how to plan a family vacation in Aspen. 

Pre-Planning Your Family Vacation

Just like planning for any trip, the first task is to set your travel dates. First, schedule your time off work and check the kids’ school calendar to prepare to leave town. Next, you’ll want to start looking at transportation to the ski resort as well as lodging while you are in Aspen Snowmass. 

Fly or Drive?

If you want to drive to Aspen Snowmass, make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and ready to handle the mountain roads. If you plan on coming to the mountains during the winter, you may want to investigate snow tires and make sure your car is prepared for the cold weather. Also, you may need to pay for parking in Aspen Snowmass once you get there, although some lodging in the area offers free parking. 

If you plan to fly, explore flight options as soon as you set your travel dates and try to make a reservation as early as possible. 

Flying to Denver and driving to Aspen will require transportation from the airport to the ski resort (a three- to four-hour drive through the mountains, depending on the weather). Car rentals and ski shuttle rentals are available at Denver International Airport. 

Where to Stay

Aspen is a relatively small town, so if you stay in the downtown core, you’ll be able to walk to everything. Downtown Aspen is home to all the town’s wonderful galleries, shops, family activities and restaurants and nightlife.

There are lots of condominiums within a few blocks of downtown, Gondola Plaza and historic Lift 1A on Aspen Mountain. Both the gondola and Lift 1A provide access to the mountain and ski runs during the winter. 

Lift One Condominiums are conveniently located steps from Lift 1A and just a short walk to the Silver Queen Gondola. Vacation rentals range from one to three bedrooms and include a fully equipped kitchen, living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a private balcony or patio.  Guest rooms come with either king, queen or twin beds, and all units include HD flat-screen TV with cable, a DVD player and free Wi-Fi. 

Families love Lift One Condominiums for its heated pool, hot tub and outdoor community area with a grill. It’s the perfect location for a family-friendly après-ski get together to unwind. Parents can kick back in the cozy hot tub while the kids burn off any remaining energy they have in the heated pool. Poolside condo rentals are available.

Another great feature offered by Lift One Condominiums is a free ski shuttle to all four area mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. You can either walk to Lift 1A or the gondola to access Aspen Mountain, or you can just take the ski shuttle! 

If you want to explore one of the other three area ski resorts, the free ski shuttle is perfect. (Most ski lessons take place at Buttermilk, so catch the free shuttle there if your family is taking lessons.)