About Aspen

Aspen is a small town with a big reputation. Tucked away in Colorado's Elk Mountain range, Aspen is defined by its majestic mountains, a variety of outdoor activities, robust history and artistic culture. It is Colorado's most picturesque and vibrant year-round resort.

Aspen is also known as a world renowned ski resort, but the town of Aspen began modestly, with a colorful past full of entrepreneurs, risk-takers, athletes and environmentalists. Originally a summer hunting camp of the Ute Indians, Aspen's first white settlers arrived in the 1870s when miners traveled from nearby Colorado towns in search of silver. Thanks to rich mines and hard work, Aspen "boomed," quickly becoming home to more than 12,000 miners and their families. But as quickly as the wealth came, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Act of 1893 caused Aspen to "bust," and town entered what is referred to as "The Quiet Years". During that time, ranching kept the Aspen area viable as residents grew crops on McLain Flats and in Woody Creek. It was a difficult time for Aspen, as its population dwindled to less than 1,000 residents, but the Aspen spirit couldn't be squelched.

In the late 1940s, skiing arrived in Aspen as did modern day founders Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke. With a vision for the community that focused on Mind, Body and Spirit, the Paepckes helped Aspen begin a civic and cultural renaissance - one that continues to this day...we call it "The Aspen Idea."

That idea drives the internal energy of Aspen. Forget what you think you know about our mountain town, come and experience "The Aspen Idea" for yourself. Enjoy a day on the mountain in the winter or a bike ride along the Rio Grande Trail in the summer, fantastic food, incredible environment, but most of all great people...that's what Aspen is all about!