I ski in Aspen at the same time every year. I've found the perfect travel dates to make trips cheaper and more fun.
Latifah Al-Hazza
- I ski in Aspen every year and always prefer to go early in the season.
- I'm able to score reservations at the most popular restaurants and hotels.
I'm not a big fan of winter unless skiing is involved.
One of my favorite places to ski is Aspen. The famous Colorado town is known for its luxurious accommodations and pristine slopes, but it also has a reputation for being expensive and crowded.
The town's tourism is only growing this year when it comes to airport, lodging, and sales tax profits. So, instead of waiting for the height of ski season in January and February, I typically head to Aspen Mountain (Ajax) and Snowmass at the beginning of December, sometimes days after their lifts open.
Hitting the slopes early in the season has helped me make the most of the iconic ski spot.
I'd rather not have to fight crowds down the slopes.
I get tons of ski time early in the season because there are hardly any lines at the lifts, which also means I get the most bang for my buck.
Plus, there are usually discounted early-season lift tickets, which makes the typically expensive trip a little more affordable.
For example, a one-day adult pass at Snowmass costs $179 if you go between November 28 and December 8. But that same ticket will cost $264 if you go between December 23 and January 5.
I love flying down the mountains without dodging others or worrying as much about the people behind me. Because of this, I think it's a great time to go if you're a first-timer or still learning.
Hotel prices are usually better, too.
Aspen's most popular hotels are probably Little Nell and the St. Regis, but plenty of other (more affordable) options in town offer wonderful service.
Some of my favorites include Limelight Aspen, which has a beautifully curated art collection; Mollie Aspen, a new boutique hotel with a stunning interior design; and The Gant, which offers condos to rent.
Hotel prices tend to hike up after the holidays, so I find better deals and rates when I go early in the season.
Early December is a good time to score coveted reservations.
Aspen is a magnet for celebrities, influencers, and A-listers. That can be exciting, but it also makes it a little harder for the average person to enjoy the town.
But when I travel early in the season, I'm able to score coveted dining reservations that would otherwise be impossible to get.
Some of my favorite spots are Matsuhisa, French Alpine Bistro, Betula, and Ajax Tavern (especially for après-ski).
The stunning boutiques are half of the allure for me.
I like to stock up on winter clothing when I'm in town because Aspen has some of the best boutiques.
By going early in the season, I get the first pick of what's new and in stock — and I don't have to deal with as many crowds or dressing-room lines.
Pretty much every popular Aspen activity is better early in the season.
Aspen has so much to offer. The town is charming, and if you travel before the holidays, the illuminated decorations give it a magical feel.
Beyond skiing, shopping, and dining, I always find fun activities around town.
Whether I'm enjoying a free art museum, skating at a nearly empty outdoor rink in the center of town, or booking a snowmobiling tour, I prefer to do it in early December when everything is a little quieter.
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