Peaks, Pines & Pumpkin Spice: A Fall Getaway to Aspen & Snowmass

Aspen and Snowmass are two sides of the same mountain coin—equally stunning, yet offering distinct experiences depending on your pace.

Scenic drive to Aspen

I stayed at the Limelight Snowmass, which feels peaceful and tucked away, with quiet mountain views and easy access to the gondola right outside your door. The Limelight truly shines for its service and convenience—staff go above and beyond, even bringing dog beds and bowls to the room, which made traveling with our pups effortless. The hotel’s inclusive breakfast is a standout, with a wide selection of hot items and barista-quality coffee, and the pool and jacuzzi are just steps from the village—secluded yet central, perfect after a cool fall day. The included Audi Experience makes it easy to explore the surrounding scenery, from the famous Maroon Bells to the lesser-known Castle Creek scenic drive.

Limelight Snowmass firepits in the village. Steps to the gondola!

Audi Experience Limelight Snowmass

Limelight Snowmass is incredibly dog-friendly!

Snowmass Village and gondola: views from Limelight Snowmass guest room

Aspen, just a short drive away, offers a livelier mix of sophistication and small-town charm. It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing boutiques, strolling through the farmers market, or grabbing a drink at the Hotel Jerome, an enduring local classic. Dining here is an experience of its own—Alpine Bistro is a cozy favorite for fondue (plan ahead, the space is small), while Monarch Steakhouse offers a refined, romantic dinner. White House Tavern, a Hillstone concept, serves some of the best casual food in town—though expect a wait. For late-night cocktails, Bad Harriet delivers moody ambiance and top-notch drinks. Not every spot hits the mark—Campo di Fiori didn’t quite live up to the hype, with loud energy and lackluster service—but overall, Aspen’s dining scene delivers variety and quality in equal measure.

Alpine Bistro fondue

Hotel Jerome in Aspen

Both Aspen and Snowmass shine in the shoulder season. October brings vibrant foliage, fewer crowds, and a sense of calm you rarely find in peak months. Mornings and evenings are crisp, afternoons warm and golden—perfect for light hikes, balcony lounging, or scenic drives with coffee in hand. Whether you’re here for the color, the quiet, or the culinary scene, this corner of Colorado offers a uniquely balanced getaway—where mountain serenity meets elevated living.

If you’re visiting during peak season (summer or ski months), book dining reservations well in advance, as the best spots fill up quickly. In the fall, many restaurants and shops may have limited hours, so it’s worth checking ahead. Both Aspen and Snowmass are very dog-friendly, from patios to hiking trails, making it an easy destination for pet owners.

Aspen has a reputation for luxury—think designer boutiques, celebrity sightings, and elevated dining—but it’s also a genuinely welcoming mountain town with a walkable downtown and stunning natural beauty in every direction. Snowmass, on the other hand, offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Other tips: pack layers (temperatures swing throughout the day), take it easy the first day to adjust to the altitude, and, if you’re leaf peeping or skiing, plan your trip around early October or mid-winter for peak scenery.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Colorado page.