Most winters, I take a break to soak in the natural pools at Glenwood Springs, just a few hours west of my mountain home. Last week, I spent some time at the hot springs and drove to Aspen for a day. I hadn’t been there in decades, when I attended the Aspen Music Festival with a friend. I can still recall a chamber music concert outdoors on the side of a mountain, and a rehearsal of the Aspen Festival Symphony with a famous conductor.
Like many Rocky Mountain towns, Aspen boomed quickly in the gold and silver mining days of the late 1800s. Some of its older buildings reflect the Victorian architecture, and the taller boxy red brick structures of hotels and government buildings of the time. In more modern times, it has become one of the best known, and one of the most expensive, ski towns in Colorado and the west, attracting celebrities and the wealthy. Although the shops and restaurants are pricey, Aspen has been able to keep its small-town feel, unlike the ski town of Vail, where high-rise buildings incongruously emulate the look of the European Alps.
This was the height of ski season, but there weren’t many people on the streets. My guess is that they were on the slopes of Snowmass ski area nearby. So, it was a good day to wander around town. Ski runs form a backdrop to the town.
Two uniformed bellhops at the door to the historic Hotel Jerome welcomed me inside.
The library’s bike-driven mini-library usually appears at festivals and events. Adults and younger children are not permitted to lounge at the inviting Teen Corner.
Behind the downtown streets were low brick buildings and newer structures filled with high-end boutiques of ski clothing and chic fashions, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants.
At Wagner Park, murals recall Aspen’s earlier years.
During World War II, the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division trained on skis in the Colorado mountains in preparation for combat in the high country of northern Europe. The ski industry had its early beginnings and rapid growth soon after.
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Aspen is a very cute mountain town! I was expecting it to be taken over by modern buildings, but it looks lovely! Now if only I could afford it 😊 Maggie
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The downtown still has its quaint character, but further out are larger homes. I believe there are some zoning restrictions, but you can see the money is there! Like most mountain towns, they are struggling with a lack of affordable housing for workers, and have a glut of short-term lodging that cuts down on long-term rentals.
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We never made it to Aspen. It looks lovely!
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It is a pretty town with historic charm.
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I’ve only heard of Aspen due to its ski tourism; although I’m by no means a skier, Aspen still looks to be a charming town with other activities to do besides skiing. Plus, holing up in those rooms looks so warm and cozy!
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Thanks for your comment, Rebecca! Besides skiing, it is a draw for shopping and art.
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You live in a beautiful part of the country. I visited Aspen many years ago on ski trips to Snowmass and Vail. Thanks for explaining the history of the town and reminding me of what it looks like.
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Glad to spark some memories. The Rockies are beautiful… it was a choice to live here!
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The buildings look so wholesome and fresh scrubbed.
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It’s certainly a well cared for place. That speaks to the love of the town by its residents.
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The Hotel Jerome reception is gorgeous! The old charm is very inviting.
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It was a delight to wander the lobby at the Hotel Jerome, so beautifully kept from historic times. Thanks for your comment!
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I was there once when I lived in Colorado Springs as a child. I don’t remember the place.
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Now you have some images to go with that story. 😉
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It looks lovely, with some really historic buildings and I love the murals with the history of the town. Looks like a nice break Ruth 🙂
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Thanks for coming along, Hannah. I was impressed to see the history murals, and learned some things about those times.
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Thank you for the lovely tour of Aspen. Lots of attractive buildings and some interesting features like the guy on the bench 🙂 I loved your icicle shot too, but I wouldn’t fancy the job of cleaning windows in that cold weather!
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Thanks, Sarah. It was pretty nippy – I wouldn’t have wanted to be a window washer there in winter!
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Beautiful pictures of a gem right next door. I haven’t been to Aspen (other than driving through) in a long time. Maybe a weekend get-away is in order!
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You’re not very far away, Carol! I hadn’t been there in a long time, and it was nice to see that it was not built up with high-rises.
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Wow, what a truly wonderful place to visit – can this be one of the most charming, visually stunning small towns in America? I love the towns architecture as well as those beautiful mountains surrounding it. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks for your comment, AIva! It is a lovely town. They value the history and have restrictions on newer buildings.
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Great post! Your images are gorgeous!
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What a charming town
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They have done well to preserve the historic feel of the town, and the ski industry makes it thrive.
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I’ve only been to Aspen in the summer, most recently last summer a few days after our spontaneous meeting. I noticed your picture of Ute Mountaineer. Definitely went in there. I do like Aspen. Too bad I’ll never be able to afford to live there…
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Me neither! I guess Ute Mountaineer has a thriving ski and winter sport rental business. I just included this shot because of the historic brick building and its setting. Glad you got there.
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Even though Aspen has become popular, I’m happy to hear it still has a small town vibe. Your pictures of walking around town look lovely. I’m such a fan of the Victorian style of houses.
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Me too. After reading the comments on this post (thanks for yours!) I’m inspired to do a post this summer of my little mountain town. There are many Victorian houses in Georgetown.
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I’ll be sharing this with my son bc the photos are so beautiful and the info interesting.
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Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
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We visited Aspen in the summer several years ago (on a stay in Glenwood Springs) and were pleasantly surprised to discover the John Denver Sanctuary. It’s a beautiful walking garden, with the lyrics of his songs placed on stones throughout. Just one of many reasons to visit this beautiful town.
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Aspen has quite the John Denver Festival in summer, with “tribute” artists performing in the opera house. He is a favorite son.
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Aspen looks like a lovely place, and for me the small town vibe just adds to its charm. I love the photos of the icicles and half a dozen kids packed into a wheel cart, but feel a bit sorry for the window cleaner. The houses you photographed are gorgeous.
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Glad you enjoyed this post, Leighton. The icicles was my favorite as well. I quickly snapped the tots in the cart as they went by, and the woman smiled and was ok with it.
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