Springtime in Aspen is special. At 8,000 feet above sea level, the sun shines warmly during the days, yet snow could come overnight. Late spring in Aspen is also called the “Secret Season,” when the crowds have gone, the snow sticks around, and plenty of warmer weather activities have become available. Mid-May through early June is also the most affordable time period for booking your vacation.
During spring, Aspen reclaims its peaceful, small-town charm. There are generally fewer springtime events than summer will bring, and some restaurants temporarily close, but you’ll have the chance to experience the “local” Aspen. You’ll come to understand why many springtime visitors find it difficult to leave.
So…
What is There to Do in Aspen in Spring?
#1 — The Best of Both Worlds
Aspen’s spring shoulder season can be sunny or snowy, depending on the day. Believe it or not, March is Colorado’s snowiest month. Aspen’s average March snowfall is 29 inches, and April’s is 20 (according to the snow-collection station on the valley floor, so the mountaintops generally receive even more)! You’ll find yourself skiing and cycling on the same day while needing no more than a tee-shirt in the afternoon.
#2 — Ski Until Sunset
Since Aspen Mountain and Snowmass stay open until mid-to-late April, skier and snowboarder visitors will benefit from the extra sunshine that Daylight Savings brings. Lift hours get extended until 4 pm — and even as late as 6 pm on occasion. Spring skiing means clear blue skies, soft snow, and near-endless laps with nonexistent lift lines under a warming sun. It’s an especially great time for beginners to ride since they’ll be able to find softer, easier turns.
#3 — A Spring in Your Step
As roads and sun-facing trails begin to dry, take advantage of the afternoon spring temperatures to enjoy some scenic day hikes. Smuggler Mountain Road in downtown Aspen typically melts first, and the southwest-facing Sunnyside Trail soon follows. If you hike up Smuggler to the overlook, you’ll ascend more than 850 feet in just over a mile and be rewarded with a stunning view of Aspen Mountain and the Elk Mountain range.
If you’re having a hard time funding dry trails to hike, snowshoeing is another great hiking-adjacent option. If you have (or rent) snowshoes, Yaktrax, or Nordic cross-country skis, you’ll have unlimited terrain to explore during the spring.
#4 — Shorts Aren’t Just for Wearing
Every spring during April, AspenFILM presents Shortsfest, a film festival that solely presents films under 40 minutes in length. Shortsfest is described as, “a weeklong cinematic showcase of comedy, drama, documentary, and animated films that encapsulate ‘humanistic storytelling’.” Take a break from your outdoor adventuring to stop by for a film or two at one of the premier North American film celebrations of its kind; Shortsfest is also an Oscar®-qualifying festival.
If you find yourself particularly inspired, AspenFILM also offers screenwriting masterclasses, kid-friendly shorts sessions, and more.
#5 — Bring on the Bacon
Every spring, SkiCo celebrates the closing day of Buttermilk Mountain with an annual Bacon Appreciation Day. Spectators can enjoy bacon waffles at the top of the mountain while uphilling race competitors arrive one-by-one and gather their awards (which include Fastest Time, Best Costume, and Center Cut for the middle of the pack). Around the mountain throughout the day, you can hunt down bacon donuts and other bacon samplers, and Bumps Restaurant will provide kid-friendly activities and its annual bacon and beer happy hour.
#6 — Get Your Nature On
Spring in Aspen is perfect for taking advantage of all the ongoing nature programs and tours at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). You can go birding, take a farm tour at Rock Bottom Ranch, join ski and snowshoe tours led by ACES Naturalists, collect eggs, taste lingering winter vegetables, and more.
# 7 — Book Your Spring Stay for a Discount
April and May in Aspen tend to be lower-occupancy months, which means you’ll have the opportunity to treat yourself to the best lodging options. After the ski resorts close, room rates drop to a fraction of mid-winter prices. If you’re hoping to spend your spring vacation lounging in a luxury Aspen rental, contact us for pricing and availability. We’ll help you find the perfect place to stay — and the perfect springtime window for your needs.