Daily Archives: December 19, 2008

Pristine white powder slopes, breathtaking views, and extreme mountain terrain are just a few of the things that come to mind while visiting one of America’s most vibrant ski havens: Aspen and Snowmass Village, CO. Explore four distinct mountains, each with their own unique steeps, glades, and runs that are all within a close proximity and made easily accessible thanks to free ski shuttles that travel continuously throughout the day.

Though Aspen has been long known as a pricey ski destination for the rich and the famous, there are affordable ways to take advantage of one of the top ski areas in the world. The best lodging accommodations can often be found in personal vacation homes, which offer luxuries that hotels simply can’t; extra space for skis and boards, a personal fireplace and hot tub, a full kitchen, at a price that significantly rivals surrounding hotels. A family of six looking for a two-bedroom hotel suite in Aspen for five days should plan to fork over roughly $4,200 during the month of December, while a mountainside vacation rental with three bedrooms can cost approximately $2,500 for the same length of time.

If your needs might call for a hotel or lodge don’t despair, there are some affordable hotel options as well. For instance, Aspen Mountain Lodge, in the heart of Aspen, CO, offers an affordable alternative to the majority of surrounding hotels. A three-bedroom suite during peak season, (February through March) will cost guests roughly $1,650 for five days, and is located just minutes from local Aspen shops and restaurants.

Exploring previous guests’ reviews and experiences is a powerful tool in identifying whether travelers are getting a deal or not. One guest titled their review of Aspen Mountain Lodge on TripAdvisor “Great Value in an Expensive Town,” stating that their garden room was comfortable, homey, well furnished- and affordable. The convenient downtown location, as well as the area’s free shuttle made transportation easy they wrote, and the complimentary breakfast was great. In the world of vacation rentals, similar testimonials can be found through FlipKey’s guest reviews. One guest titled their review of Evergreen Condos in Vail, “Great Location and Plenty of Room,” writing that they enjoyed the “large space in Vail Village,” as well as the indoor hot tub, outdoor pool, and the condo’s reasonable price.