FIRST AND FOREMOST: YOU DO NOT NEED A CAR IN ASPEN!!! The Aspen area is serviced by the Roaring Fork Transit Authority, and buses run every 15 minutes (or less!) from centrally-located Rubey Park almost every hour of the day and night. Best of all, buses in Aspen are FREE! So leave your car at home and escape driving and parking worries in our pristine mountain town. Everything is in easy walking or busing distance, and you can even take the bus up and down the Roaring Fork Valley (a small charge is required for travel beyond Aspen airport).  Check out full RFTA information by clicking HERE.

Aspen is also one of the most visitor-friendly towns going, and local residents are always happy to give directions, recommendations, or even a short history lecture if you ask them.  We're very proud of our beautiful mountain town and love to show it off! 

There are some true "intersection points" in Aspen, so if you want to be in the thick of All Things Aspen, make sure to visit Zele for coffee, Explore Books for a little browsing, or Paradise Bakery for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat.  Enjoy the dancing fountains right across from the Wheeler Opera House.  It's all good, and it's all Aspen!

• During the winter months, daytime highs might reach only 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but our proximity to the sun coupled with our "rare air" and abundant reflective snow call for "layering" clothes. Several lighter layers that can be taken off and put back on are the best way to dress for winter. Nighttime temperatures can drop below zero. Snowfall might vary from year to year.
  
• The average summer daytime temperature is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit; evening lows average between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is low. Dress in layers, include a jacket for the afternoon shower or after the sun goes down.
  
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must!  And drink plenty of water!

Winter

• Synthetic, moisture-wicking under layer such as polypropylene long underwear. Never cotton.
• Good pair of synthetic or wool ski socks. Never cotton. Breathable insulating layer of fleece or wool. Cotton is okay here, but not preferable.
• Wind-resistant, water-resistant outer layer; i.e. Gore-Tex jacket and ski pants.
• Wind/water-resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. Absolutely no knits or driving gloves.
• Fleece or wool hat or headband, depending on conditions. UV eye protection such as sunglasses or goggles, depending on conditions. Lip balm, at least 15 SPF.

Summer

• Breathable primary layer, such as light T-shirt made of fast-drying fabric. Avoid cotton.
• Light, breathable insulating layer, such as micro-fleece jacket or long-sleeve polypropylene shirt.
• Synthetic or wool socks. No cotton.
• Rain / wind gear such as Gore-Tex jacket.
• Hat with a visor to keep the sun off your face.
• UV protection sunglasses.
• Water resistant sunscreen, at least 15 SPF.

Ski Injury Prevention

• Ski in accordance to your physical condition and ability.
• Allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. Take it easy the first day or two.
• Warm up and stretch before the first run.
• Make sure your equipment is adjusted properly.
• Beware of muscle fatigue at the end of the ski day.

Sunshine and Sunscreen

With the high altitude there is less atmosphere to filter out the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In the winter the ultraviolet radiation is increased significantly with the reflection of the sun's rays off the snow.

• Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every four hours.
• Wear a good pair of sunglasses with adequate UV protection - the eyes can burn too.
• Don't forget that you're at risk even if it's a cloudy day.

Altitude Sickness

There is 70 - 80% less oxygen and less humidity available at 9,000 feet than at sea level. Symptoms may include: nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, "gas," restlessness, shortness of breath, fast heart beat, headache, nasal congestion, cough, and fatigue.  The good news is that your body should acclimate quickly, although some acclimate much more quickly than others.  The following are things you can do to minimize your symptoms:

• Don't overdo it. Physical exertion will affect your response to altitude. So take it easy for the first day.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine and salty foods.
• Eat lightly.
• Get plenty of sleep. Overexertion and lack of sleep can result in more severe and persistent altitude symptoms.
• Listen to your body. If you experience any symptoms, decrease your activity.

The Elements

Mountain weather changes rapidly and often without warning. Although the Aspen area is blessed with copious amounts of wonderfully sunny and warm weather, conditions can change in minutes. Any venture requires serious preparation.

Avalanche Awareness

Be smart! Because of terrain, temperatures, and type of snow, Colorado has more avalanche deaths per year than any state in the nation. Avalanches can occur here at any time of the year. Outfit every member of your party with proper avalanche and safety equipment.

• Call for avalanche reports: Colorado Avalanche Information Center at (303) 275-5360.
• Avoid travel in avalanche-prone terrain within 24 hours of a storm.
• Avoid slopes of between 30 and 45 degrees.
• Whumphing sounds or shooting cracks coming from your weight on the snow.
• Recent avalanche activity on similar aspects, exposure and elevation.