What to expect in Aspen

Make your group's Aspen experience unforgettable by discovering the rich and varied history that has shaped the town and its character. Encourage your attendees to experience the history of Aspen first hand.

• Explore our history on guided tours with the Aspen Historical Society. Group tours (on foot, by electric vehicle and Jeep) include stops at historic buildings and pubs, mining claims, Aspen's Victorian West End Neighborhood, and more.
• Become a piece of Hotel Jerome's history with your group. Built by early Aspen visionary, Jerome B. Wheeler, Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen landmark and local gathering place since its opening in 1889. You will find history at every turn in this stunning property with 93 guest rooms and 3,450 square foot ballroom. 

In Aspen you can find any number of activities to get your adrenaline pumping outside the meeting room. 

• Does jumping off the mountain sound like a good way to start your day? Then we’d suggest you set sail on an early morning paragliding trip off the top of Aspen Mountain for a thrilling experience with a bird’s eye view of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. 
• Would you prefer to be guided down the river on a class 3 or 4 whitewater rafting trip? Paddling down the river with your guide yelling ‘all forward’ is an experience not to be missed.  
• Jump on a bike, mountain or road, and find a trail or route that challenges you. Aspen/Snowmass has achieved the status of a Gold Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association. With 300 + miles of single track and endless pavement to choose from you will find gorgeous views and challenging rides in Aspen. 
• In winter ski some black runs on Aspen Mountain or try hiking the Highlands Bowl, considered “the best inbounds big-mountain skiing in the lower 48” by Powder. Aspen offers skiing for all levels of experience and adventure you seek. 

Once the meeting has adjourned, the outside world of Aspen awaits. Access to a world class mountain escape is quite literally at your doorstep. Take to the sky, the trail or the river with year-round activities for interests of all types. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, there is plenty of time for outdoor pursuits.

• Aspen’s landscape is a dreamland for road and mountain bikers alike. Locals’ tip: take a lesson from our experienced local professionals at Four Mountain Sports or Blazing Adventures.
• Lace up your hiking boots and explore scenic trails alongside wildflower fields, rushing streams or a dense forest.
• Enjoy refreshing adventures floating on the water by raft or paddle-board.
• Once the Aspen mountains receive their winter coat, the ultimate winter playground comes to life. Hit the slopes by skis or snowboard.
• Ride through or over our mountain town by Jeep, ATV, gondola, helicopter and so much more.
• Get close to Mother Nature through community events and programs such as restoration work, yoga in nature classes and farm-to-table cooking demonstrations with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES).

The flourishing, accessible arts and culture scene is a world-famous art haven rooted in The Aspen Idea. Woven into the Aspen way of life, the “idea” was born as a reminder to nurture the mind, body and spirit, which has since led to the creation of the Aspen Institute, Aspen Music Festival & School and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. The robust arts community is the fuel to this mighty mountain town.

• Experience the evolution of international contemporary art through exhibits and immersive activities at the Aspen Art Museum. Admission is complimentary.
• Visit a local artists’ studio to catch a behind-the-scenes look into the magic at the Red Brick Center for the Arts. Or, take an art class and make some magic yourself!
• Spark creativity by attending art workshops and lectures or visiting resident artists at the inspiring historic Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
• Connect with fellow writers and readers through stories with The Aspen Institute's Aspen Words’ year-round programs including Story Swap and The Editing Room.
• Claim your seat at a world-class performance by Aspen Film, Theatre Aspen or the Wheeler Opera House.
• From classical to jazz and alternative to bluegrass, groove to the beat of live music at various venues including Belly Up Aspen, Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Music Festival.

Notable chefs proudly call Aspen home. The finest restaurants line our streets with handcrafted menus inspired by local ingredients serving delectable cuisine. Where old favorites meet fresh, new flavors, these restaurants are ready to please every palate.

• Satisfy your taste buds during the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, the premier culinary event in the country, where the world’s top chefs and wine experts bring together mouth-watering cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.
• Head chef, Barclay Dodge, at Bosq works closely with Biodynamic farmers located in the Roaring Fork Valley. The farm is ON the table at this locally sourced new world cuisine restaurant.
• Unwind on the mountainside patio at Ajax Tavern and enjoy casual fine dining with a menu crafted with local ingredients. The truffle fries come highly recommended!
• The Aspen Saturday Market serves up locally grown produce alongside Colorado made items such as jewelry and salad bowls. A true foodie can create a seemingly endless menu of farm fresh fare.
• Craving made-from-scratch, internationally-influenced cuisine? Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop is a specialty food store and restaurant that uses locally sourced, sustainably raised ingredients to craft delectable culinary dishes from around the world. The Farm Shop offers Aspen’s finest selection of specialty cheeses, butchered meats from Western Colorado, charcuterie and fresh seafood as well as local produce, grab-and-go lunches and prepared meals.
• Sweet lovers must try the famous, made-from-scratch cookies and gelato from Aspen’s sweet spot, Paradise Bakery & Café.
• Grab a seat at Casa Tua to enjoy an Italian-inspired menu and a dining experience crafted to test all five senses.

After a long day, it only feels right to watch the sun set while throwing back a cold beverage or dusting off those dancing shoes. Rub elbows with the locals at their favorite late-night restaurants and bars. Come dusk, the streets come to life in this mountain town.

• Sip a refreshing craft beer inspired by Aspen’s outdoor lifestyle at Aspen Tap gastropub, located in the heart of downtown.
• Dance the night away during a live concert at Belly Up Aspen, a 300 person music venue, which hosts hundreds of live concerts each year and has featured top musical talents such as John Legend and Widespread Panic.
• During ski season, relax at one of the best après ski lounges in the country, The Wine Bar at the base of Ajax.
• One of the many hidden treats at Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar is late night food, so indulge in a nightcap accompanied by a midnight snack.