Luxury magazine Condé Nast Traveler’s 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards named Aspen the #1 “Best Small City” in the country for 2021. The Readers’ Choice Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in the travel industry — and they’re the longest-running.
Each year, Condé Nast Traveler readers are able to vote in a variety of categories, including best big city, best small city, best hotel, and more. Condé Nast says this list reflects “the kinds of places you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could.”
The ratings were based on the submissions of 800,000+ Condé Nast Traveler readers who were asked to describe and rate their international travel experiences, providing a full picture of the locations they loved the most.
Home to some of the best ski slopes and resorts and surrounded by one of the most stunning landscapes in the country, Aspen was the only Colorado town in the top 10 “Best Small Cities.” Aspen was recognized for its restaurant scene, hiking trails, and art galleries.
ACRA’s VP of Destination Marketing, Eliza Voss, released a statement that expressed appreciation for “recognition from such a prestigious publication.” She continued, “This award underscores that our small-town charm with big city amenities resonates with visitors and residents alike. Aspen stands out as an authentic mountain town focused on responsible tourism, rich in arts and cultural offerings, with history around every corner, and year-round recreational opportunities for all abilities.”
The full list of Readers’ Choice Awards winners is available on the Condé Nast Travelers website, and were printed in the November 2021 issue.