Walking around historic downtown Aspen is a great experience in itself. The town is a beautiful collection of Victorian-era buildings and houses with modern touches. Take it all in on the two walking malls that run parallel to each other, one on Cooper Avenue and one on Hyman Avenue. Here you’ll find a babbling brook, park benches and tons of world-class boutiques, shops and restaurants. Be sure to walk around this area at night in the winter, as the city of Aspen does an exceptional job decorating every single tree with Christmas lights. The lights stay up all winter long and look absolutely spectacular, especially when blanketed in fresh snow. Everyone will feel like a kid walking around the streets of Aspen. 

History buffs will appreciate learning about the city’s rich mining past on one of the Aspen Historical Society’s walking tours. Or, you can take a horse and carriage ride around town and experience Aspen the same way miners did. There are two ice skating rinks, the Ice Garden and CP Burger’s rink across from the Hyatt. CP Burger’s rink is recommended for families as they offer ice skate rentals and learn-to-skate walker rentals.

Top Aspen outdoor activities

• From the top of Aspen Mountain, adventure seekers can take aPowder Tour. A snowcat whisks you and your guide to untracked powder stashes on the backside of the resort. The tour includes a gourmet lunch.
• On the mountain you’ll find NASTAR race courses, a naturalist-guided ski or snowboard tour, and snowshoe tours.
• If you’d like to get your blood pumping before a day of skiing head to the top of Aspen Mountain and take Yoga for Skiers class in Sundeck Lodge. It’s a great way to start your day.
• Rent a fat bike and cruise the Roaring Fork Valley's fat-tire friendly trails and paths, like the 4.5 Aspen Fat Bike Loop and the 20-mile Rio Grande Trail that connects Aspen and Basalt.
• If you’d like to explore the Aspen area's 60 miles of cross-country trail visit the Aspen Nordic Center, at the Aspen Golf Course. Here you can learn more about the trails and the rent Nordic skis.