Local Links
A magical, snowy day at the Highlands Ranch in the Castle Creek Valley of Aspen
It's the winters and the skiing that have been the draw to Aspen for more than a half century.
Experience our light, Rocky Mountain powder snow and clear, brilliant days on one of Aspen's four ski
mountains. You'll know why Aspen is arguably the most famous ski resort in the world.
Aspen Mountain, is the signature ski mountain in the Aspen area, but there are three
other world class ski mountains...Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk-Tiehack.
There are ski-in homes and vacation condominiums at all four ski areas.
Aspen is best known for its winters, for its skiing at four world-class ski areas, and for its spectacular Rocky Mt. beauty. Locals say that it's the winter and the skiing that brings us all here, but it's the summers that make us want to stay.
Year-round...world class dining and nightlife.
Hike or bike or horsebackride the many scenic trails all around Aspen, like the Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake, near Aspen Highlands ski area.
SNOWMASS VILLAGE .
Snowmass ski area in summer.
Winter and summer, experience special days strolling the Snowmass Village mall. Live in a slope-side, ski-in condominium at the village, or a home in one of the subdivisions of luxury homes minutes away...most with incredible views and many with ski-in access or golf course frontage. And, Aspen is just a short shuttle ride away.
Trail-riding is popular in the area, as well as all other equestrian disciplines, including polo, hunter/jumpers, dressage, reining and cutting as well as other western riding. There are private ranches and stables and equestrian centers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as trails that can take you into the wilderness for hours or days.
BASALT
Basalt is a charming, arty, Victorian mining and ranching town at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River and the"gold medal trout stream", the Frying Pan River. It's also the
home of the exclusive Roaring Fork Club golf course and its luxury residential community.
Follow the Frying Pan river from Basalt to the neighborhoods and ranches alongside the river. A ten minute drive will take you to Lake Reudi, with its water sports, scenic views and secluded log cabin homes.
The picturesque town of Basalt is home to a variety of galleries, boutiques, a wonderful book store and bistros and
fine restaurants
CARBONDALE
Moving "downvalley" to the communities of Basalt and Carbondale, you'll find the landmark Mt. Sopris. It's the million dollar view you may experience from your ranch or your golf course frontage home.
Mountain-biking is one of the most popular summer sports in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Enjoy this exciting sport and the breath-taking scenery as you roll along.
The Victorian ranching town of Carbondale lies at the foot of Mt. Sopris about a half hour from Aspen.. Carbondale is also home to the River Valley Ranch subdivision, with its golf course, tennis club and system of trails
throughout. It's one of the newer and most popular downvalley communities.
Living or visiting Carbondale, you'll enjoy the warm and friendly small town atmosphere and the
yearly activities like "Potato Days", "Oktoberfest", and the "Carbondale Mountain Fair".
But, just because it isn't Aspen, it doesn't mean that you'll suffer the loss of fine dining. Among the variety of excellent restaurants in Carbondale is also one of Colorado's top-rated gourmet picks.
The Crystal River is just one of the area rivers and creek valleys you can enjoy or live on the banks of: the Roaring Fork River, the Frying Pan River, Conundrum Creek, Castle Creek, Capital Creek, Snowmass Creek, Brush Creek, Maroon Creek, Woody Creek, Lake Reudi.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
...and the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs.
At the end of the Roaring Fork Valley, about 45 minutes from Aspen is the Victorian ranching and mining town of Glenwood Springs is famous for it's hot springs (Teddy Roosevelt visited here), its western history (Doc Holliday died there), its grand and historic Hotel Colorado, its location at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River and the Colorado River, and the scenic tram ride to the caves that go deep into the mountain above the town.
Its always been a wonderful place to live...many businesses, shopping, gourmet restaurants, golf courses, a popular local ski area (Sunlight), and the many other outdoor and sporting activities the residents and visitors enjoy. Glenwood Springs has also experienced significant growth in recent years and has a strong economic base.
