By Sarah Reynolds Lasser
Whether planning a conference near The Mile High City or scheduling a corporate event amidst the Rocky Mountains, Colorado always leaves corporate attendees eager to return. Aspen, Colorado has incredible meeting spaces along with numerous outdoor recreation options and an arts and culture scene with incredible events happening year-round to consider.
High in the Rockies (7,908 feet to be exact), Aspen, Colorado is a great example of these enviable combinations for meeting attendees. Combine the hiking, biking, rafting and fly-fishing, along with a passion for visual arts, music and the written word and the presence of some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world, and Aspen has something for everybody. Take your meeting to a new elevation with these plentiful options in Aspen and Snowmass which is a self contained resort just outside of the town, itself.
Art and culture is everywhere in Aspen, even on a peaceful bench.
Adventure by Day
Situated in a wide mountain valley on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is located in the West’s most scenic and accessible mountain ranges: the Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range. Endless sunshine and outdoor opportunities make Aspen an adventurer’s dream. Spring, summer and autumn are filled with bluebird skies and warm days perfect for hiking, rock climbing, paragliding and water adventures.
Beautiful autumn hike in the golden aspens.
Aspen’s trails, rivers, and sky are the town’s legacy, and experiencing Aspen in its simplest form is as easy as opening the front door. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from four world-class mountains to enjoy in the winter (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass), with all accessible on one pass and on the free local bus system.
Whether your group is attempting a new sport as a team-building activity or trying to master a skill, a pro or guide is always the best accessory in Aspen. Hire a naturalist guide at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) for hiking in the Aspen area or opt for a more extreme challenge with a guided adventure from the pros at Aspen Alpine Guides or Aspen Expeditions, both providing technical mountaineering instruction.
Local outfitters including Aspen Outfitting Company, Taylor Creek Fly Shop and Aspen Fly Fishing all lead guided fishing trips. Meanwhile, Aspen Whitewater Rafting offers Class II – IV rafting and inflatable kayaking trips, and Blazing Adventures makes road cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, jeeping and more fun and accessible for all levels through its group services team.
Fly fishing with outfitters makes a day on the river relaxing and rewarding.
Arts by Night
After a long meeting, groups also can enjoy the thriving arts and culture scene. An endless array of options, along with a legendary nightlife, gives Aspen an urbane feel that belies its small-town charm. Aspen is the original cultural mountain town, dating back to the founding of modern-day Aspen in 1947. Highlights include the Aspen Music Festival & School with 400 performances by renowned classical musicians; Aspen Institute’s annual Aspen Ideas Festival; Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s June and Labor Day experiences; and the Theatre Aspen, Aspen Sante Fe Ballet, Shigeru Ban-designed Aspen Art Museum, and more.
An Aspen Music Festival Performance in the Benedict Music Tent.
Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen, making it easy for groups to get around. Looking to get to your next meeting fast? Hop on a We-Cycle, Aspen’s bike sharing program, and enjoy the first 30 minutes of your ride for free!
Aspen Mountain overlooks the town of Aspen, making it easy to meet, ski or snowboard, and enjoy culture all in one day.
When looking to recharge and reconnect the team, look no further than Aspen and the many amazing destinations in Colorado. Combining adventure with the arts may just be the ticket!
Sarah Reynolds Lasser is the Director of Sales for Destination Marketing at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. She enjoys traveling the world and lives Aspen’s mind, body and spirit idea.
Photos: Courtesy of Aspen Chamber Resort Association
