Mountain town in Colorado, United States
Aspen
Upscale Colorado mountain town for skiing in winter and hiking, fall color and music in summer. Gorgeous but among America's priciest; high altitude, few budget options, quiet off-season.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$6,500–10,000Comfortable, one person · $6,500–10,000Details
- Best time to goJan–Mar, Jul–SepWarmest: Jul, 27°CDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe, from mountain snowmelt.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$200–400Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Aspen
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown Aspen | Walkable core: lifts, restaurants, shops and nightlife |
| Aspen Highlands | Quieter slopes and a base village with fewer crowds |
| Snowmass Village | Family-friendly resort, 15 min away, cheaper than downtown |
| Basalt and Carbondale | Valley towns 30–45 min away with cheaper rooms and food |
Apps that work in Aspen
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DoorDash | Limited restaurants and delivery windows |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis and rideshares are limited at peak times. Free buses and hotel shuttles handle most trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere. Carry small bills for ski-valet tips and some drivers.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Aspen solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Aspen meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
- City of Aspen
- Visit Aspen Snowmass
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.