Aspen vs. Aspen Highlands: What's the Difference and Where Should You Stay?
If you're planning an Aspen ski vacation for the first time, one thing can be surprisingly confusing: Aspen and Aspen Highlands are not the same thing.
Aspen is the town. Aspen Highlands is one of the area's four ski mountains—and for travelers who prioritize skiing, staying slopeside at Aspen Highlands can offer a very different experience from staying in downtown Aspen.
So which location is better?
The answer depends on how you want to spend your vacation.
What Is Aspen Highlands?
Aspen Highlands is one of the four mountains that make up the Aspen Snowmass ski area, along with Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass.
Rather than being another town, Aspen Highlands is a ski area located just outside downtown Aspen.
For skiers, its biggest advantage as a place to stay is straightforward: you can wake up at the mountain rather than commuting to it.
Why Stay at Aspen Highlands?
For travelers whose vacation revolves around skiing, staying at Aspen Highlands can make mornings considerably easier.
At The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands, guests can stay in spacious two- and three-bedroom Residence Club accommodations in a ski-in/ski-out location at the base of the mountain.
That means less coordinating transportation while carrying ski equipment, fewer complicated ski mornings with children and easier access back to your accommodations during the day.
Guests also have access to services and amenities including twice-daily housekeeping, Ski Valet, concierge service, heated pool and hot tubs.
Why Stay in Downtown Aspen?
Downtown Aspen offers a different advantage: immediate access to the town's restaurants, shopping, nightlife and Aspen Mountain.
If your ideal trip revolves as much around dining and exploring town as skiing, staying downtown can be extremely convenient.
It can also be a better fit for travelers who plan to ski Aspen Mountain most frequently.
So this isn't really a question of one location being universally “better.” It's a question of which location makes the activities you care about most easier.
Is Aspen Highlands Far From Downtown Aspen?
No—and that's one of the reasons staying at Aspen Highlands can offer an appealing compromise.
Guests can enjoy a slopeside home base while still being close enough to spend time dining, shopping and exploring downtown Aspen.
The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands also offers complimentary transportation around Aspen, making it easier to enjoy town without giving up the convenience of staying at the mountain.
Aspen Highlands vs. Downtown Aspen for Families
Families may particularly appreciate the practical advantages of staying slopeside.
Getting several people dressed, equipped and onto a ski mountain every morning can be an undertaking. Eliminating an additional commute can simplify the routine considerably.
A two- or three-bedroom Residence Club accommodation also gives families shared living and dining space, rather than requiring everyone to retreat to separate hotel rooms at the end of the day.
For groups traveling together, that additional space can be as important as the ski access itself.
Can You Rent at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands?
Yes.
The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands is a Residence Club, and select privately owned Residence Club inventory can become available for vacation rentals.
Travel En Vogue independently offers two- and three-bedroom Aspen Highlands vacation rentals based on available privately owned inventory.
For travelers who want ski-in/ski-out access at Aspen Highlands, multi-bedroom accommodations and luxury resort services while remaining convenient to downtown Aspen, the Residence Club offers a compelling alternative to a traditional Aspen hotel.
Travel En Vogue is an independent vacation-rental company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company or Marriott International.
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