Winter and Spring Activities 

Our entire 40-acre property, designed by Herbert Bayer between 1953 and 1973, is considered a Bauhaus-inspired “total work of art.” Austrian-born Bayer (1900-1985) helped create the Aspen Institute's original grounds— weaving outdoor walkways through his sculpted landscape (mounds, ponds, and paths collectively known as his "earthworks") to connect seminar spaces to the residential complex, reminding the visitor of his or her relationship with nature, mind, and body. The property is the epitome of a Bauhaus environment.

X Games welcomes back fans to Buttermilk in Aspen, Colorado for three days of heart-pounding action. Nearly 100 of the world's top winter athletes will take center stage and will compete in the biggest snow sport event of the year.

The Hi-Fi Concert Series returns for the 2024 season. Free concerts will rock Aspen Snowmass with both midweek and weekend shows. From Snowmass Base Village to Gondola Plaza and downtown Aspen, big-name musical artists will perform shows from early March through mid-April. Enjoy the warm days filled with spring turns and nights brimming with live tunes and good times.

Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates to a quiet January in 1951 when locals decided to celebrate Aspen’s unique alpine lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. The four-day celebration which occurs annually and features on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, fireworks and more.

Aspen Gay Ski Week: The premier winter LGBTQ+ vacation and travel event in Colorado taking place annually in the month of January.

Enjoy ice skating at Aspen Ice Garden, especially during the winter months. Located in downtown Aspen, t's a classic family activity in a picturesque setting.

Before planning your visit, be sure to check the current status and availability of activities, as some may be seasonal or subject to change.

We offer complimentary snowshoe rentals during the winter season. Please enjoy them for 4 hours at a time. Available for pick-up at the Health Center.

Open 7 days a week - 7 am to 9 pm and located at the Health Center, guests enjoy access to our indoor gymnasium complete with basketball, perfect for a family game. 

Our outdoor heated laptop is available by reservation. The outdoor hot tub is available on a first-come, first-served basis The pool is located at the Health Center. 

The ARC is a hub for family fun, featuring a swimming pool, ice skating rink, indoor climbing wall, and a variety of recreational activities suitable for all ages. It's a great place for indoor family fun.

Check the schedule at Wheeler Opera House for family-friendly performances and events. They often host concerts, plays, and other entertainment suitable for all ages.

Explore the natural beauty of Aspen by visiting ACES, a nature preserve in Aspen. They have nature programs, guided hikes, and interactive exhibits suitable for families.

Engage in family-friendly art activities and workshops at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. They often offer programs for children and adults.

Both paddleboarding and fishing are popular activities on the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, Colorado.

Rent bikes, skis, or other outdoor gear from Ute Mountaineer and embark on a family adventure in the scenic surroundings of Aspen. 

Take a family-friendly hike on the Ute Trail, offering panoramic views of Aspen. It's a relatively short hike suitable for children, providing a great outdoor experience.

Take a scenic drive or hike around the iconic Maroon Bells, two stunning mountain peaks reflected in Maroon Lake. It's a beautiful spot for family photos.

The campus includes three art galleries and many Bayer-designed outdoor sculptures, including Anaconda, 1978, Marble Garden, 1955, and Kaliedoscreen, 1957 along with the iconic earthworks of Anderson Park

The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies (The Bayer Center) is a new exhibition space and center for the study of art located on the Aspen Institute’s campus. Named after Herbert Bayer (1900–1985)—an influential modern artist and designer who worked at the Bauhaus before relocating to Aspen in 1946—the Bayer Center honors his interdisciplinary perspective by promoting an understanding of art and design through exhibitions and public programming.

The Roaring Fork River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. It's home to various fish species, including trout. Anglers can try fly fishing or conventional fishing methods. You may need to check and adhere to fishing regulations, including catch-and-release practices, to preserve the health of the river's ecosystem.

The Health Center is open from 7am to 9pm every day and has TRX, cardio and weight equipment, a Peloton bike, steam rooms, an outdoor heated saline lap pool, a hot tub, as well as a half court indoor gymnasium with basketball.

Open 7 days a week - 7:00am to 9:00pm

The 25^th Winter Words series presents six events featuring an extraordinary lineup of literary talent. Between new fiction from two Pulitzer Prize winners, to an unforgettable tour of American monuments and landmarks with connections to slavery, a deep dive into modern-day ski-town culture, a crime novel based on real missing person cases and a trio of provocative memoirs, this season promises to provide readers with insight, inspiration and an expanded reading list.

After a long day of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain adventure, there’s nothing quite like cozying up at one of our onsite restaurants and bars for dinner and drinks or enjoying s’mores with the whole family

Our location overlooking stunning mountain views of Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Tiehack provide the perfect setting for a skier's wonderland.  Our team can book lift tickets and reserve lessons through our partnerships with Aspen Skiing Company and Four Mountain Sports. Suit up and learn to ski like a pro with private lessons, or hit the trails on your own at one of Aspen’s four renowned mountains

Whether you’re taking a snowmobile to the glacial peaks of Maroon Bells or simply enjoying the thrill of a high-speed ride, Colorado snowmobiling is always a good time. You won’t have trouble finding a scenic and exciting snowmobile trail to try out in Aspen

During the winter and spring seasons, downtown Aspen is a cozy escape from the snowy mountainside. Balance your mind, body and spirit with one-of-a-kind shopping, world-class dining, and a truly unique local history and culture.