Set amongst the bustling, lively, and thriving city of Aspen is the residential section of West End. This is truly such a great part of town thanks to the walkability into the downtown section while remaining a more quiet, family-oriented area with dynamic architecture and quick access to the slopes.
The Aspen area has long been the talk of the country when it comes to the pinnacle in luxury mountain living. We are known for our unique fusion of active, mountain lifestyles with elevated culture and arts. Just stepping onto the historical downtown streets will excite anyone as they stroll around the unmatched eateries, lively bars, and high-end shops. Combining Colorado's natural beauty with an après-ski lifestyle, Aspen is a slopeside, dream destination and West End Aspen is a prime real estate opportunity for those with the means.
What to Love
- Residential neighborhood; quieter than other sections and very family-oriented
- Easily walkable to shops/restaurants
- Quick access to Aspen Mountain Ski Resort & slopes
- A mix of old and new architecture – from historic Victorians to sleek, modern designs
Local Lifestyle
Aspen residents vary from seasonal to full-time but are affluent, successful individuals who come for unparalleled outdoor recreation. Families love living here for the fantastic school district and the range of activities their kids can be involved in.
Dining
Aspen is a foodie town, no questions asked. Restaurants strive to buy locally, and many places are farm-to-table.
- Grab breakfast downtown at Paradise Bakery - fantastic pastries and breakfast burrito to prep for a day on the slopes.
- In downtown, stop by the historic Red Onion saloon, the equally historic The Monarch or catch a show at Belly Up Tavern.
- Going to downtown bars like the Library, Casa Tua, and the Sage Bar are great ways to kick off the night and see some friends from the community!
Shopping
Aspen is home to numerous shopping destinations, with historic favorites and modern selections.
- At Pitkin County Dry Goods, you can shop for locally-sourced apparel and goods.
- You’ll love browsing Amen Wardy for home décor - everything in here feels worthy of a luxury mountain home.
- Nuages is a favorite apparel retailer and Performance Ski is a go-to staple for outerwear.
- You can find designer shops like Gucci, Fendi or Christian Dior in downtown Aspen as well if you’re in need of some retail therapy.
- Aspen is home to Sport Obermeyer, a historic outdoor clothing maker and a popular haunt for adventure-seekers.
Things to Do
You will be overwhelmed and exhilarated with the number of things to do in Aspen! The social calendar starts in January and thrives throughout the year:
Annual favorites
- Winter X Games hosts passionate crowds every year as the world’s best winter athletes compete in extreme action sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
- The Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race is a riveting outdoor event in March where athletes attempt to conquer four different mountains in one race.
- June brings the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, where food and wine lovers head to town for this three-day event.
- The Aspen Music Festival hosts hundreds of classical music programs, ranging from concerts to classes.
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) holds year-round events with big June & September music festivals. This event is a BLAST!
- The Aspen Filmfest brings cinephiles from all over the world and is a great time to see some indie films before they hit the market.
- In December, celebrate 12 Days of Aspen which features a dozen holiday-themed days full of festivities at locations across town.
- Aspen Gay Ski Week is a beloved event for LGBTQ+ members of the community and allies alike!
Mountain living
- The Summer Farmers Market is an abundant display of farm-to-table gourmet goods and produce where you can stock up every Saturday.
- One of Aspen’s most notable areas, The Roaring Fork, provides an opportunity for cliff jumping at Devil’s Punchbowl and is known for decadent restaurants, family-oriented ski lodges, historical sites, and many different local arts attractions.
- Roaring Fork River runs through downtown Aspen and is popular for fishing along with Independence Pass. Fly-fishermen will delight at the rainbow and brown trout found in the waters here.
- Aspen offers four unique mountains for skiing and snowboarding: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. In the summer, you can find an array of alpine recreation at the ski resorts.
- Maroon Bells Scenic Area is probably the most photographed spot in Colorado where people love to camp, fish, and hike. Backcountry hiking into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is perfect for those who wish to brave the terrain.
- The 9.8 mile Government Trail is hugely popular among mountain bikers and hikers.
Arts, culture, and recreation
- The most popular culture stop in Aspen is the Aspen Art Museum, which regularly holds new shows of all different kinds.
- The John Denver Sanctuary is a lush haven in the area dedicated to, you guessed it, singer-songwriter John Denver. The Aspen Golf Club course is a popular place to hit the links in the summer and an equally popular cross-country skiing area in the winter.
- Aspen’s Silver Circle Ice Rink is a wonderful place to skate in the winter, and when summer comes, Silver Circle transforms into a miniature golf course.
Schools
The
Aspen Public School District is a top-rated district and is home to many excellent schools.
Aspen High School is a highly-rated public high school. Younger students attend Aspen Middle School and Aspen Elementary School or attend one of the area’s esteemed private schools —
Aspen Country Day School or
Aspen Community School.
