WESTERN COLORADO
AspenChamber.org; @AspenCo (IG); @VisitAspen (FB); @VisitAspen (TikTok)—Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen has made its name as a prominent ski town; but it offers so much more for planners and attendees alike. “In Aspen, you will be greeted by a historic downtown, boasting accommodations for your big or small group; serene natural surroundings calling your group or attendees out to play after meeting hours; and venues that have helped establish the city as one of the world’s finest meeting and incentive destinations,” says Liz Watson, director of sales for Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “When the meeting culminates, teambuilding and mind-enriching experiences are waiting to be seized; a vibrant arts and culture scene brings Aspen’s colorful essence to life, through world-class ballet and Aspen Music Festival; and culinary experiences are heightened by the flavors of locally sourced ingredients.”
There are approximately 2,000 guest rooms available throughout Aspen, many of which also include meeting space. The largest hotel property is The St. Regis Aspen Resort, which was renovated in December 2023, with 179 guest rooms; 12 event rooms; and more than 27,000 square feet of total meeting space, including the 9,696-square-foot, multiuse Grand Astor Ballroom. There are a number of meeting and event spaces within Little Nell, a Five Star, Five Diamond hotel property with 92 guest rooms and 14,000 square feet of meeting space—including 10,000 square feet located at the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain. Aspen Meadows Resort includes 22,000 square feet of total meeting space, the largest of which is 4,235 square feet, and completed a full renovation of all 98 guest rooms last year. Hotel Jerome also includes 98 guest rooms and 11,500 square feet of meeting space. In addition, MOLLIE Aspen boutique luxury hotel offers 68 guest rooms, featuring Japanese and Scandinavian design. Since opening in December, it earned the distinction of one key, noting a very special stay, in MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural MICHELIN Key ratings for hotels.
Though Aspen is known for its world-class skiing and natural beauty, the city continues to gain recognition as a foodie destination. Local restaurant BOSQ Aspen, led by Chef Barclay Dodge, was awarded a MICHELIN star designation in the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide Colorado last year. Aspen also is home to three MICHELIN Recommended restaurants: Mawa’s Kitchen, Prospect, and Element 47.
Other notable restaurants for nights out or dine-arounds while in Aspen include PARC Aspen, an eatery serving locally sourced fare; and Aspen Tap, the adjacent restaurant of Aspen Brewing Co., serving locally brewed beers, pizzas, and small bites.
Aspen offers an array of outdoor adventures for groups and individuals. In the winter months, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Nordic/cross-country skiing, hiking, ice fishing, paragliding, and ice skating are popular excursions. During the summer, popular activities include hiking, road and mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, flyfishing, horseback riding, golf, tennis, paragliding, four wheeling, rafting, and even mountaintop yoga.
Between meetings or perhaps even as part of the event agenda, groups can take advantage of Aspen’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet features a nationally recognized dance presentation series. Aspen Music Festival and School is known as one of the top classical music festivals in the country, drawing top performers from around the world and offering more than 400 music events during its eight-week summer run. The 2024 summer season marked the festival’s 75th anniversary.
Getting to and from Aspen’s outdoor adventure destinations, hotels, shops, and restaurants is easy; many are within walking distance of one another. Roaring Fork Transit Authority provides free bus service around town, as well as between Aspen and nearby Snowmass. The Downtowner provides free, on-demand ride service around Aspen, using electric vehicles. In addition, the city has a bike-sharing program, called WE-Cycle, which provides free bike and e-bike rides for the first 30 minutes.
