Affordable Aspen – Really.
What skier or boarder hasn’t dreamed of skiing Aspen / Snowmass – but lets face it – too expensive, right?
No, not at all.
With a little planning – and help from the right tour operator, you can experience Aspen at a price comparable to many other resorts. Here is the inside scoop …
Timing is everything: Every ski resort, and most lodging properties divide the winter into different seasons. If you have to vacation over Christmas, or President’s Week, expect to pay top dollar. But if you have the option to ski whenever, here are the best dates for Aspen/Snowmass.
December 12 – 20: Arrive just before the Christmas crowd, and be rewarded with the lowest prices of the seasons. Some of the terrain may yet to be open, but with so few skiers, there is ample room to cruise, hit the smaller bumps, even some steeps.
January 05 – Feb 12: These dates provide the best value of the entire ski season, as prices nosedive once Christmas, and the crowds are gone. Count on at least 95% of the terrain on all 4 mountains to be open. That’s over 4,500 acres in total. The snow should be just about ideal … and if you wait until my favorite week, Feb 02 – 09, the days are getting longer, and for some reason it always snows. These dates are super!
March 28 – April 13: If you love the long, sunny days and like to save money, then Spring skiing in Aspen is your ticket. Lodging and lift ticket prices drop off of Peak Season ( the late Feb – Mar period ) and back to pre Christmas bargain time.
Location, location:
For my money, it’s Snowmass. Here you can find really comfortable (if somewhat older) condos at reasonable prices. Here are a few of my favorites each producing good value …
Woodbridge Condos: These units are located just on the other side of the huge wooden bridge over the main Snowmass drive. When the snow is plentiful, you can ski right across the bridge and over to the property. Otherwise, the shuttle is just a 2 minute ride to the Village. A moderate cost two bedroom here is perfect for two couples or a small family.
The Pokolodi Lodge: Unusual name, great value in one of the original Snowmass ski hotels. Stay here and you are just one level below the Snowmass Mall. Better still, walk out the front door - and you are less than 100 yards from clipping into your skis or hopping on your board. Real Aspen skiers own this building, not some huge corporation. The rates here are a bargain!
The Laurelwood Studios: Looking for space and versatility, slope side, yet on a budget? Check out the huge ( 600 sq feet ) studio units at Laurelwood. You get a full kitchen, a fire place and an “accordion wall” that literally pulls out from one end of the unit to the other to divide off the living space from the bedroom. So the kids can be on the sleep sofa while Mom and Dad have some privacy. Plus, two doors to the full bath, one from the living room and one from the bedroom, mean no one is awaken in the middle of the night. Neat design, great price, and just 50 yards from Fanny Hill (major ski slope, leads to everywhere).
Timberline Condos: Also slope side at Snowmass, these units range in size from efficiencies to three bedrooms. The best deal are the One Bedroom units – because they have the same huge living room / dining area as the two and three bedroom units. Another good bet are the Studio + Loft units (book early there are four of these). You get a full kitchen and a comfortable bed in the loft. Perfect for a small family.
Does all this mean there are no good values in downtown Aspen? Not at all. There are at least three “sleepers” there too. Stay tuned for details.
Meanwhile to hear all about
Aspen /
Snowmass – and dozens of other great ski destinations, call the Ski Organizers at 800 283 2754. These guys have all the good deals.
