NEW RESIDENTS:
WELCOME TO ASPEN! We are glad to have you here and look forward to getting to know you & welcoming you into our unique mountain community. Originally inhabited by the Uncompahgre tribe of the Ute Nation, Aspen was a fruitful location for Ute summer hunting camps. Then in the late 1800’s Aspen established itself as a lucrative silver-mining town. There are many landmarks around town and in the mountains from the mining days. With the demonetization of silver in 1893, Aspen descended into what was called the quiet years and remained quiet for 50 years with ranchers and farmers making up the majority of the population. In 1937 the first ski run was cut on Aspen Mountain. In 1945 Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke began their influence on Aspen, remodeling historic buildings, and building Aspen as a new cultural center, a place where mind, body, and spirit could be one. Many of the arts & cultural institutions that our community cherishes have roots back to the Paepcke’s vision. The Aspen Historical Society is a wonderful resource, be sure to check out their programming to further acquaint yourself with your new home’s history. Aspenites are proud of our history and take great care of the organizations (everything from volunteering to housing student musicians) that set us apart from other mountain communities. The protection of the natural landscape and outdoor recreational opportunities it provides for our residents is of utmost importance.
Here are a few tips & tricks to get you feeling like a local in no time.