I visited Aspen, the most expensive ski town in America, for the first time. Here are 12 things that surprised me.

Monica HumphriesDec 16, 2021, 19:03 IST

Champagne in coffee shops and covers for water fountains were two surprises Insider's author discovered in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Just before prime ski season, I visited Aspen, Colorado, known as the US' most expensive ski town.
Each year, the rich and famous flock to the resort town, where the average home costs $11.4 million.

Nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a small ski town known for vacationers with big budgets.

A view of the Aspen Mountain from the town's center.Monica Humphries/Insider

When I visited, I was surprised to find some unique elements — like champagne in coffee shops and water fountain covers — added to the luxury and charm of Aspen. And I also found some surprisingly affordable things, too.

The author in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

When I visited, I was surprised to find some unique elements — like champagne in coffee shops and water fountain covers — added to the luxury and charm of Aspen. And I also found some surprisingly affordable things, too.

It's might just be my Florida roots showing, but I didn't expect people to be walking around the town in ski boots with skis perched on their shoulders.

People walking to a gondola in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Most of the waiters and waitresses I met could casually list off all the celebrities they've met.

Execs and celebrities Emma Grede, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Jamie Schneider Mizrahi, Nina Dobrev, Jennifer Meyer, Erin Foster, Rachel Zoe, and Sara Foster attend a party in Aspen, Colorado, in 2019.Riccardo S. Savi/Getty Images/Frame Denim

I was shocked to find a coffee shop's fridge stocked with champagne.

An arrow points to champagne in a coffee shop's fridge.Monica Humphries/Insider

Overall it seemed like Aspen took special care with its outdoor amenities. Water fountains and bicycle stations were covered for the winter season, which I'd never seen before.

An arrow points to the cover on a water fountain in Aspen.Monica Humphries/Insider

Overall it seemed like Aspen took special care with its outdoor amenities. Water fountains and bicycle stations were covered for the winter season, which I'd never seen before.

The town also took care in protecting its brick sidewalks.

A sign encouraging bikers to dismount in the town center.Monica Humphries/Insider

Even the tiny, free libraries dotting the town felt like an upgrade, with hard-to-find New York Times bestsellers there for the taking.

A Free Little Library in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Art galleries filled near every street in the town.

An art gallery in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

I hadn't expected there to be so much focus on food in Aspen, but my list of restaurant recommendations was long enough to last an entire season.

Matsuhisa was a restaurant constantly recommended to me during my trip.Monica Humphries/Insider

While I wasn't surprised to see dogs in designer outfits walking the brick streets of Aspen, I was shocked to find dog food on a hotel menu.

Dog food was included on The Little Nell hotel's menu.Monica Humphries/Insider

Though I expected pricey meals, I also discovered some affordable eats.

A $6 slice of pizza.Monica Humphries/Insider

And groceries also seemed to be reasonably priced.

The prices of produce in Aspen's grocery store were similar to Denver's prices.Monica Humphries/Insider

After a day in Aspen, I realized why the town felt so quaint. No building was higher than six stories, making way for some stunning views.

The town is filled with lights during the holiday season.Monica Humphries/Insider

I explored the ruins of an abandoned zoo on the coast of Florida, and it was completely overrun by nature

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I visited Aspen, the most expensive ski town in America, for the first time. Here are 12 things that surprised me.

Nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a small ski town known for vacationers with big budgets.

When I visited, I was surprised to find some unique elements — like champagne in coffee shops and water fountain covers — added to the luxury and charm of Aspen. And I also found some surprisingly affordable things, too.

It's might just be my Florida roots showing, but I didn't expect people to be walking around the town in ski boots with skis perched on their shoulders.

Most of the waiters and waitresses I met could casually list off all the celebrities they've met.

I was shocked to find a coffee shop's fridge stocked with champagne.

Overall it seemed like Aspen took special care with its outdoor amenities. Water fountains and bicycle stations were covered for the winter season, which I'd never seen before.

The town also took care in protecting its brick sidewalks.

Even the tiny, free libraries dotting the town felt like an upgrade, with hard-to-find New York Times bestsellers there for the taking.

Art galleries filled near every street in the town.

I hadn't expected there to be so much focus on food in Aspen, but my list of restaurant recommendations was long enough to last an entire season.

While I wasn't surprised to see dogs in designer outfits walking the brick streets of Aspen, I was shocked to find dog food on a hotel menu.

Though I expected pricey meals, I also discovered some affordable eats.

And groceries also seemed to be reasonably priced.

After a day in Aspen, I realized why the town felt so quaint. No building was higher than six stories, making way for some stunning views.