Aspen has a reputation for being a star-studded place, expensive and a poseur's paradise. This is partially true, but Aspen can also be enjoyed by those on lower budgets.

Aspen's demise as a wealthy Victorian silver mining town preceded its resurrection, half a century later, as the original and arguably still the premier ski-resort in the USA.

It boasts all the trappings of a modern, sophisticated American resort, including an attractive pedestrianised shopping mall close to the foot of the slopes and a very efficient transport system (although the compact downtown area, which is about 1¼ mls by ½ ml, is almost entirely flat for walkers). The generally low-rise modern additions blend very well with the carefully preserved buildings and cobbled streets from the days of its first boom period.

Glitz and glamour prevail at all times and the town is a popular second home to many established Hollywood movie stars and rock musicians. Aspen includes 4 mountains in its pass - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. These combine for 200km of runs, with skiing for just about all standards. It is a relatively expensive lift pass. The mountains are separate, but linked by an efficient bus system, with Snowmass 12 miles away. Buttermilk suits beginners, but all of the resorts offer a vast array of ski tuition and childcare. Aspen Mountain, which bans boarders, has some fantastic blacks, moguls and tree-line powder. Snowmass also has the biggest vertical drop in the US (1342m). Intermediates will prefer Snowmass and Highlands for cruising, while Buttermilk is excellent for learning to mogul. Boarders are spoilt in the other 3 domains, with half-pipes and specialist parks.

There is skiing for everyone, with limited queues, great lifts and friendly staff.

Aspen town is beautifully restored to its Victorian best and there is a fantastic range of restaurants, shops, non-skiing activities, and nightlife. Much of this is expensive, but there are cheaper options, particularly in terms of accommodation. Everything seems to get just a little bit better every year, as the Aspen Ski Company continues to improve on a resort that is already one of the best in the world.

Locality:

Aspen is located in W-central United States, in the W-central portion of Colorado State. 200 mls SW of Denver; 210 mls SW of Denver's international airport. 3 mls SE of Aspen airport. 11 mls E of Snowmass Village. Aspen is set in the heart of the White River National Forest, situated at the head of 12-ml-long Roaring Fork Valley, surrounded by the Elk and Sawatch Mountains.