Whether you choose to enjoy a night out on the town for New Year’s Eve in Aspen, or stay in and relax, there are plenty of reasons to get up early the following day to start the New Year on a high note!
Here are five free activities in Aspen to enjoy on the first day of 2025:
1. Fuel up
For an extra boost on the morning of January 1, 2025, head to any of the four mountains in Aspen Snowmass for free coffee at the base of the mountain.
2. Get a workout
Start your New Year off on a healthy note with an early morning or afternoon hike or skin-up Buttermilk. Not only will you have the bragging rights of summiting a mountain, but you will also feel great and enjoy stellar views! Ski or ride the chairlift down for free. If you’re looking for a speedier workout, hike to the top of Smuggler Mountain, one of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity. The quick trek up is perfect for hikers of all levels and the view of Aspen at the summit is the ultimate reward.
3. Visit the Aspen Art Museum
Exhibitions and entry to the museum are always inspirational and free! Don't these exhibitions happening at the museum this winter:
- Shuang Li: I’m Not (Nov 20- Mar 2)
- Heji Shin’s America: Part One (Nov 20- Mar 2)
- ugo rondinone: the rainbow body (Dec 12-Mar 30)
- Megan Marrin: Austerity (Dec 12- Feb 23)
4. Hitch a ride
The Downtowner is an eco-friendly and free way to get around Aspen. Simply download the app to set a pick-up and drop-off location and enjoy a fun ride in the cart-like, electric vehicle. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides commuter bus service from Aspen to Glenwood Springs to Rifle. The bus will take riders all the way down to Snowmass for free, allowing for easy and free access to all four mountains in the winter for free. For bus schedules, tracking, and maps of RFTA’s routes, click here.
5. Head downhill
Grab your tubes and sleds and head to the Aspen Recreation Center (ARC) for a day of fun on the “Whoa Nelly” sledding hill. The area is perfect for families and open to all. If you don’t have a sled, head inside the ARC to rent one for $5, or purchase one at the Miner’s Building on Carl’s Pharmacy.
What else can you enjoy this New Year’s Day in Aspen? Find out here.
