The "Shining Mountains" as they were known to their Indian inhabitants thousands of years ago now host one of the countries most successful and upscale ski resorts. The 700 people who called this sleeping mining community their home in the 1930's would be impressed by the skiers paradise the town is today.

Aspen now is home to four of the top ski resorts in the United States: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk , and Snowmass. This once mining town of the late 1800's has turned into the winter wonderland of the rich and famous.

While downhill skiing and snowboarding are tops among Aspen's recreational activities, winter enthusiasts also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter hut trips, and snow camping.

In the spring and summer Aspen offers an abundance of activities for the outdoors enthusiast including hiking , backpacking, camping, mountain biking, climbing, fly-fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hunting, and paragliding.

Dream up an outdoor activity and it probably is already taking place in Aspen.