Aspen & Snowmass Village Issues Guide To Travelling Responsibly

Set within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen and Snowmass Village pride themselves on their commitment to promoting responsible tourism from sustainable initiatives and wildlife preservation programmes to eco-friendly accommodation and dining. Read on to discover how tourists can enjoy these beautiful towns whilst being mindful of the environment and leaving no trace. 

Responsible Travel Initiatives

When arriving in Aspen, take the Aspen Pledge and Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) will donate $18.80 to your choice of the Independence Pass Foundation or Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers. Introduced by ACRA to encourage visitors to enjoy Aspen’s natural beauty while respecting the environment, visitors pledge to explore responsibly, leave wildlife in peace and travel by foot, bike or bus where they can.  Social media users are also urged to use the geotag “Tag Responsibly, Take the Aspen Pledge” on platforms like Instagram and Facebook instead of specifying exact locations. This initiative aims to protect lesser-known sites and reduce overcrowding in popular tourist areas.

Wildlife Preservation and Education

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a non-profit environmental science education organisation dedicated to inspiring a life-long commitment to the earth. By promoting ecological awareness and sustainability through immersive education and preservation, ACES engages the community in conservation activities, habitat restoration and education in protecting diverse ecosystems. Led by ACES knowledgeable guides, join one of the free daily nature walks in Aspen or Snowmass Village to learn about local wildlife, wildflowers and the area’s rich history. Hallam Lake - a 25-acre nature preserve and one of the ACES’ education centres - has a host of activities during the summer including Wild Yoga Sessions, a Sunset Beaver Walk and Birds of Prey Demonstrations. Additionally, the Catto Center at Tolkat, a 70-year old wilderness centre currently under renovation, offers visitors a chance to experience the rich wildlife and biodiversity of the upper Castle Creek Valley. 

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Aspen and Snowmass Village are not short of incredible outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, paddleboarding and horseback riding which can all be enjoyed whilst having a low impact on the environment. When hiking and cycling, be sure to stick to marked trails in order to preserve the area's natural beauty. Renting an e-bike from one of the many outfitters including Aspen Bikes and exploring the many designated paths is one of the best ways of getting around, with popular routes including the Rio Grande Trail to Woody Creek Tavern, as well as up Maroon Creek to the iconic Maroon Bells. In Snowmass Village, take the Owl Creek hiking Trail, a scenic pass-through beautiful Aspen groves and meadows. More experienced hikers can try the Cathedral Lake trail, beginning near the ghost town of Ashcroft. Hikers will get a glimpse of the Maroon Bells as they track a rushing creek up to the idyllic Cathedral Lake, the perfect spot for an alpine picnic. 

Local Transportation

There are many ways to travel around Aspen and Snowmass Village in both an efficient and low-impact way. There is no need to hire a car, with numerous complimentary shuttle buses connecting key tourist locations and attractions in and around both towns as well as free shuttles from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport - just ten minutes from both Aspen and Snowmass Village - directly to hotels and accommodations. When exploring both towns, enjoy 30-minute free bike rides with We-Cycle, a community bike-sharing programme established over ten years ago. 

Supporting Local Farmers and Producers 

Spotlighting local farms, ranches, distilleries, breweries and food producers, as well as seasonal events such as the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, and Heritage Fire, the interactive Roaring Fork Valley + Farm Map is the perfect tool for visitors to enjoy locally-grown produce and experiences. The map identifies a selection of establishments as ‘local champions’ for their support of local farmers and producers. Notable mentions include Mawita, a Latin-inspired restaurant and bar, and Meat & Cheese, both celebrated for sourcing organic and responsibly-produced ingredients. Pick up a guide at the visitor centre in Aspen or Snowmass Village to plan a day of local food and farm experiences. 

Where to Stay

Accommodation across both Aspen and Snowmass Village not only provides a great base for exploring the surrounding area but also prioritises environmental responsibility and sustainability in their operations.

• The Viceroy Snowmass: A LEED Gold certified hotel recognised for its commitment to sustainable design and construction, Viceroy Snowmass uses energy-efficient systems and green housekeeping, sources local and organic food, and has an extensive recycling programme. The hotel is situated at the base of Snowmass Mountain, making it an ideal location for hiking, biking and exploring the surrounding great outdoors. 
• MOLLIE Aspen: Opened last winter on Paepcke Park and recently awarded a coveted Michelin Key, MOLLIE Aspen is a luxurious accommodation with a simplistic yet stylish interior, built using locally-sourced materials. The hotel has recently announced a partnership with electric car brand, Rivian, allowing guests of the hotel to explore the area in a sustainable way via an exclusive fleet of electric vehicles.