Accessible Winter Adventures in Aspen: What to Know
Aspen, Colorado, is famous for its luxurious amenities, steep slopes, and celebrity sightings. But beyond the glitz and the expert-level terrain lies a different kind of reputation: Aspen is one of the most accessible winter destinations in North America. For travelers with disabilities, the Roaring Fork Valley offers far more than just a view of the mountains from a lodge window. It provides a chance to get right into the heart of the action.
Whether you are a wheelchair user or require other assistance, Aspen has invested heavily in ensuring the magic of winter is available to everyone. Follow along to learn about how to have an accessible winter adventure in Aspen.
Accessible Views: The Silver Queen Gondola
You don’t have to ski to experience the snowy mountains of Aspen. The Silver Queen Gondola, located right in the heart of Aspen, is fully wheelchair accessible. The gondola cars slow significantly for loading, and the operators are well-trained to assist guests with mobility devices.
The ride takes you up over 3,000 vertical feet to the top of Aspen Mountain. Once you arrive at the summit, the Sundeck offers a spacious, accessible venue to grab lunch or a hot chocolate while taking in panoramic views of the Elk Mountains. It is a perfect spot for the whole group to meet up, regardless of whether they spent the morning skiing black diamonds or relaxing in town.
Navigating Town: Heated Sidewalks and RFTA
One of the biggest barriers to winter travel for people with mobility impairments is ice and snow accumulation on paved surfaces. Aspen has solved this problem with a simple but luxurious piece of infrastructure: heated sidewalks.
A significant portion of the downtown pedestrian malls feature snow-melt systems. This prevents ice buildup, making it much safer and easier for wheelchair users and those with crutches or walkers to navigate the shopping and dining districts without the fear of slipping or getting stuck in slush.
While it is easier to navigate Aspen with assistive devices like a wheelchair, you should still prepare for visiting other areas in Colorado. You can contact restaurants or attractions to learn if they’re ADA-compliant and accessible. Following winter weather tips for wheelchair users also helps navigate both on vacation and once you’re back home.
Culture and Indoor Activities
When it gets too cold outside, Aspen’s cultural institutions offer warm, accessible refuges. The Aspen Art Museum, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and is fully ADA-compliant. The glass-cube elevator provides easy access to all gallery levels and the rooftop sculpture garden, which offers stunning views of Ajax Mountain.
Plan Your Adaptive Getaway
Aspen has successfully shifted the narrative of winter sports from an exclusive to an inclusive one. With robust infrastructure and a community dedicated to adaptive recreation, everyone can enjoy an accessible winter vacation in Aspen. With a little preparation, you can experience the freedom of the Rockies without limits.