April 28th 2024.
Aspen, the beloved ski destination for many, is no stranger to its reputation of being an expensive place to visit. While it's no secret that traveling to the US can be costly, certain locations definitely come with a higher price tag than others. And one town, in particular, has gained a notorious reputation for being incredibly expensive. If you've been there, you know what we're talking about. Yes, we're referring to Aspen, the luxurious ski resort town in Colorado that was recently named the world's most expensive ski resort in 2023 by Engel & Völkers, a German real estate company. With chalets selling for an astounding £60,000 per square meter, it's no wonder visitors have given out a "warning" to others thinking of going.
But wait, there's more. Recently, Optimos travel has also declared Aspen as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the US. According to their research, the average cost for a week-long trip to this opulent town is a whopping £4,217 per person. And for those planning on staying for just a day, be prepared to shell out around £602.48 for your daily expenses. Even just renting a hotel room or a chalet will set you back around £391.34, and that's not even including food, which can easily cost a hundred dollars.
But is it worth it? That's the big question. While some may describe Aspen as a "billionaires mall" with "absurd" prices, others argue that the experience is incomparable. One Reddit user even warned that after visiting Aspen, "no other ski resort will ever be able to compare."
If you're a ski enthusiast and are curious about what makes Aspen so special, let's take a closer look at this charming town and all it has to offer.
First things first, Aspen is not just a winter destination. In fact, it's beautiful all year round. In the summer, the town comes alive with colorful wildflowers, and in the fall, it's a peaceful escape with golden leaves. But let's be real, it's most magical during the winter season. With fresh snow glistening on the trees and fairy lights adorning the streets, it's like a winter wonderland.
Aspen is home to four different ski resorts - Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands - each offering something for every skill level. While Aspen Mountain boasts exhilarating vertical drops, Snowmass is more family-friendly and perfect for beginners. Buttermilk is more sprawling, and the Aspen Highlands are known for their ruggedness and steep slopes. The best part? You can try them all with just one lift ticket, which costs around £192 per day for adults and £139.85 for children.
But skiing is not the only activity you can enjoy in Aspen. For those who prefer to be out in nature, there are plenty of options, including ice fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and snowshoeing. And for those who appreciate art and culture, a trip to the free Aspen Art Museum is a must-see.
But that's not all. Aspen also has a rich food scene, with the Roaring Fork Valley known for its deep flavors, such as Colorado lamb and grilled escarole. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants scattered around the ski resorts, where you can grab a bite to fuel your day or adventure. And for a more laid-back dining experience, there are cozy cookhouses and taverns where you can people-watch and savor some delicious seafood.
Now, the big question remains - is it worth spending all this money for a holiday in Aspen? We want to hear your thoughts.
But if you're looking at all these videos and dreaming of a ski trip but can't afford Aspen, don't worry. There are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives out there. One of them is Borovets in Bulgaria. Though not as well-known as Aspen, it's a fantastic choice for travelers. According to research by the foreign exchange company, eurochange, Borovets is the cheapest ski resort when it comes to the cost of food and drink during après, ski hire, lift passes, and accommodation. And with a beer costing just £1.17 and a lift pass £29 per day, you can save some real money compared to other destinations like Chamonix, where a beer can cost up to €8.
Located in the Rila mountains in southwest Bulgaria, Borovets offers luxury amenities at affordable prices. It's also relatively easy to get to, with the nearest town, Samokov, just 12km away and Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, 72km away. You can either rent a car or take a bus from Sofia's South Station to Samokov, which leaves every four hours and costs around £1-£3. From Samokov, you can catch another bus to Bavorets, which departs hourly and takes 30 minutes.
Surrounded by snow-covered pine forests, Borovets has scenic slopes lined with trees and plenty of après options, from clubs and bars to traditional Balkan pubs. And if skiing is not your thing, you can head to the Borosport Snow Park, where you can enjoy the snow without breaking the bank. With a length of 520m and three different lanes catering to different skill levels, it's perfect for both newcomers and freestylers.
Other affordable ski destinations include Jasná Nízke Tatry in Slovakia and Poiana Brașov in Romania.
Now, let's talk about the logistics of visiting Aspen. While the town has its own airport, most visitors fly to Denver and then take a connecting flight. The journey from the UK takes around 12 hours and costs around £13,000, according to SkyScanner. And as for the best time to visit, if you love skiing, it's from December to April, when temperatures average around -8C. But there's still plenty to do in the other months, although you shouldn't expect it to be warm. The average temperature in July is around 15C and in September around 10C.
Do you have a story to share about your experience in Aspen? We would love to hear from you. Send us an email.
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