Vail vs. Aspen: The Similarities
Plenty of Off-Mountain Activities
Aspen and Vail have quite a few similarities, with their vast array of off-mountain activities being the strongest one. Overall, when you travel from Denver to Aspen or from Denver to Vail, you can count on there being a massive range of things to do aside from skiing. This includes high end shopping at charming boutiques/name-brand shops across the heated cobblestone streets (yes, both have this), tons of art galleries and museums to explore, fun activities like horseback riding, ice skating, and hot air balloon rides, and a laundry list of premier events like music festivals and annual events to partake in. And let’s not forget the huge variety of gourmet restaurants that serve anything from burgers to Japanese fusion foods. As a quick insider tip, if you do go to Vail, check out Swiss Chalet, and if you head to Aspen, you just might see celebrity chef appearances at both Ajax Tavern and Pyramid Bistro.
Strong Nightlife Spots
Aspen and Vail are arguably the two best ski towns in Colorado, especially when it comes to nightlife. Regardless of whether your skis are on Aspen or Vail, you will come across numerous nightlife spots; Places where you can dance your heart out and/or relax with a cocktail. Now, the only thing to remember here is that Aspen has a slightly more formal ambiance to it; some nightlife places may require you to dress up more formally before entering. Though still higher on the luxury scale, Vail is a bit more laid back. Basically, if you just got done hitting the slopes and want to dance the night away, you are more than welcome to.
The Cost
Last but not least, the cost. In terms of budget and price tags, Aspen and Vail are both high-cost destinations, meaning going to either one for an extended period of time is going to cost you a pretty penny. From the accommodations, food to the skiing options available, be prepared to spend more than at other Colorado places such as Breckenridge that allow you to stretch your dollar a little more. With that being said, the cost concerning Vail vs Aspen truly does come in neck to neck. However, Aspen is still deemed the slightly more expensive destination, and you are likely to find some better deals when heading to Vail instead. Why? Though both areas provide the same sense of luxury, Aspen is a hair more expensive because it has four different resorts (Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Ajax) vs Vail that only has one. The drive from Denver to Aspen is also longer which will reflect on your expenses.
Vail vs. Aspen: The Differences
The Slopes
As mentioned above briefly, one of the biggest and most distinguishable differences between Aspen and Vail is none other than their slopes. Again, Aspen has four different resorts (Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Ajax), spanning a 10-mile radius. Out of all the peaks in Aspen, Snowmass is the largest out of the bunch, comprising 3,362 skiable acres. Alternatively, Vail only has one.
On the surface, more might sound better, but Vail is able to provide every style and level of slope within a single package. Furthermore, Vail’s solo mountain just so happens to be larger than Aspen’s four mountains combined, earning its spot as the third-largest single-mountain ski resort in the United States. As a wrap-up here, both offer wonderful slope experiences. It is just up to you if you want to have it all in one spot in Vail or spend time in different ones that have their own distinct feel across Aspen – with Buttermilk being the beginner/family-friendly spot and Aspen Highlands being for the advanced skiers.
Overall Vibe
Denver to Aspen or Denver to Vail, you are going to have a luxury experience from start to finish. However, Aspen and Vail still possess different vibes and hold very different atmospheres that make them so unique. First and foremost, Vail’s known for its rich European architecture; Featuring shops and houses with vibrant shutters, ornate woodworking, and pastel stuccoes. This is coupled with the cobblestone paved streets that give it a very romantic, historical feel.
As for Aspen, this area’s feel stems from its history involving the Colorado silver rush of the 1870s; It’s home to some of the United States’ most historic buildings and landmarks. On the other hand, Vail’s history starts much earlier in the 1960s. In conjunction with the visual differences, Vail also exudes a more laid-back atmosphere, whereas Aspen illuminates more sophistication and class with old-western vibes. In many scenarios, people who prefer Aspen are after elegance, and those who prefer Vail enjoy a more low-key environment.
Location and Navigation
Lastly, the location and navigating to the towns themselves. For starters, Vail is a bit closer to Denver than Aspen. It’s about a 2ish hour drive from Denver to Vail vs 4 hours from Denver to Aspen. That, along with Vail only having one ski resort, makes going from Denver to Vail much easier, faster, and straightforward than Denver to Aspen. Something to keep in mind here is that though Vail only has one resort, it is still divided into four villages (Golden Peak (East Vail), Vail Village, Lionshead, and Cascade/West Vail) and are all easy to get to, even by foot. Click here to learn more about how to get from DIA to Vail.
Another key thing to note is that yes, Vail is about one square mile larger than Aspen. As a result, there will likely be heavier crowds there than at Aspen during the peak season. Part of that is due to the Denver to Vail trip being quicker and easier; The other is because Vail only has one resort that people can flock towards. On the other hand, Aspen has four that can help spread people out more comfortably.
Summary – The Vail vs. Aspen Verdict
As mentioned in the beginning, the Vail vs. Aspen debate is something that has been going on since the two areas manifested into Colorado\’s most favored ski spots. Each offers unique experiences in their own ways, as well as hold some similar aspects at the same time that make the final decision a hard one to pinpoint. But the fact of the matter is that if you go from Denver to Vail or Denver to Aspen, you are going to have an amazing time. If you need a place to stay, take a look at the top hotels to stay in Vail, Co.
All in all, if you prefer a less crowded vacation, then Aspen just might be your best choice. If you prefer a more party-like atmosphere, then Vail could be your perfect destination. In summary, Aspen and Vail (though very similar) are both incredible places in their own intrinsic way. Scan through the differences/similarities and counter that with your trip objectives; So you can be confident your final decision this season will be the right one for you. If you need a more in-depth review of each of these locations, take a look at Vail 101 and Aspen 101.
Mayflower Limo
The Vail and Aspen decision can surely be hard to set in stone, but your transportation to, from, and around these places shouldn’t be. Here at Mayflower Limo, you can experience the highest caliber chauffeur services ranging from airport pickup to everywhere else in-between. In the end, whether you pick Vail or Aspen, have the peace of mind knowing that the Mayflower Limo team can make your trip navigation nothing but a seamless, fun, and luxurious one.
