SnowblowerParts.org

The Colorado Rockies are magnificent. Colorado has more than fifty peaks above 14,000 feet in elevation, more than any other state. They are home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding areas in the U.S. Legendary Colorado ski towns such as Aspen, Crested Butte, Steamboat Strings, Telluride, and Vail bring skiers and celebrities from all over the world.

Beautiful Aspen, Colorado is at an elevation of 7,890 feet. It is the second largest of these Colorado ski towns with a population of 6,000 and probably its most famous. In addition to outstanding winter sports, Aspen is also know as an upscale tourist center with high-end restaurants, salons and boutiques with names such as Ralph Lauren, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci. In the summer, tennis, golf, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are all popular activities.

Aspen is located in central Colorado, about 3.5 hours west of Denver and one hour southeast of Glenwood Springs. On average, Aspen receives 136.9 inches of snow annually. Aspen averages about 2 feet of snow in the months of December, January, February, and March with an average depth of 23 inches by February. Winter high temperatures are typically in the 30s with average lows in the single digits.

In the spring, temperatures warm up significantly. Average April high temperatures are 53 degrees, while June high temperatures average 74 degrees. However, even in May, Aspen averages about 3.2 inches of snow for the month. Average summer high temperatures in Aspen are typically near 80 degrees with lows in the 40s. The city receives occasional thunderstorms.

Aspen receives a consistent level of monthly precipitation throughout the year. On average, it receives between 1 and 2 inches of precipitation monthly for a total average amount of 19.31 inches for the year. Between November and April, the vast majority of precipitation falls as snow. Aspen’s relatively dry climate produces light, fluffy snow allowing for excellent skiing and snowboarding.

Nearby Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort has four peaks: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The ski resort is massive. Snowmass has 3,132 acres of terrain, 91 trails, and 21 chairlifts. It has a top elevation of 12,510 feet, providing 4,406 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding. Snowmass is open from November 25, 2010 through April 10, 2011 for the 2010-2011 ski season. It also offers a Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center at its base.

Aspen is a hot spot for celebrities and has housing prices to match its status. The median home price in Aspen is more than one million dollars. Celebrities living at least part time in Aspen include: Lance Armstrong, Prince Bandar, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Dean Cain, David Robinson, Mariah Carey, Kevin Costner, Michael Eisner, Charlie Sheen, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, Don Johnson, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Martina Navratilova, Jack Nicholson, John Oates, Michelle Pfeiffer, Seal, Heidi Klum, Robert Wagner, and Elle Macpherson.

Even if you are not a skier, all can enjoy these Colorado ski towns. They each offer outstanding activities and attractions for each season of the year. If you live in Colorado, it is a good idea to have a snowblower as you likely receive significant annual snowfall.

Source for climate information: Western Regional Climate Center

3 Responses to “Colorado Ski Towns”