Aspen

Aspen | Pitkin County

Aspen might be the most famous ski town in the world. It is home to celebrities, intellectuals, entrepreneurs and thought leaders from all walks of life. The affluent mountain town offers the finest luxury ski homes and condominiums, many with ski-in, ski-out accessibility. Real estate offerings in Aspen range from mountainside ski condos that are around $1 million to sprawling luxury estates that sell for more than $10 million. It's not uncommon for uber-luxurious developments in Aspen to list and sell for more than $25 million.

Aspen is a cultural mountain haven. It is home to some of the most influential gatherings and conferences in the West, including the lauded Aspen Ideas Festival every summer. Summers offer hiking, biking, golf, outdoor music festivals and concerts, theater in the park, and the popular Food & Wine Classic in June. Downtown Aspen has Michelin star restaurants, a historic opera house, the Aspen Art Museum, and an abundance of high-end shopping, including luxury brands like Fendi, Prada, Gucci and Ralph Lauren. The walkable downtown is a popular spot for apres-ski and nightlife, and the gondola to Aspen Mountain is right in the middle of town.

There are four ski resorts near Aspen. Aspen Mountain presents awesome skiing and snowboarding for intermediate and expert skiers, while nearby Buttermilk Mountain and Snowmass Mountain cater to all ski abilities. Buttermilk is home to the annual X-Games every January and is a favorite resort for newbies who want to learn to ski or snowboard. Aspen Highlands offers intermediate and advanced trails, along with the legendary Highlands Bowl.

Most real estate owners in Aspen first experienced the town on a ski vacation and eventually decided to purchase a property there. A lot of first-time owners in Aspen start with a smaller condominium - like one or two bedrooms - and eventually move into a larger residence. Real estate in Aspen is largely considered a wise investment as space is limited and the town continues to grow in popularity year after year.