when is the best time to visit Aspen BUT NOT for skiing ?

Question

I have friend at downtown Aspen, CO and wanna visit her once around the year. I'm not there for skiing. So, besides avoiding the peak season which is around from Dec. to April, is there anything else I should consider to get the best airline ticket ??? Anyone knows when is the time I should book the ticket to get the cheapest one, yet still have some places in Aspen to stay? (uhm, it's downtown Aspen, it isn't gonna go ghost-town off-season, is it?? :( )

Answer 1

I spent a weekend in Aspen in late July, and it was spectacular! Downtown is far from a ghost town, and lodging rates are lower than in wintertime (try Mountain Chalet for good rates and a great facility and location) The best part about the summer is the outdoors. Places like Maroon Bells are incredible. We were there in the middle of wildflower season and you would not believe the variety and the amount of flowers we hiked past. There is also the Aspen Music Festival which draws tons of people to town for the weeks of concerts. You can even listen to some concerts for free by hanging out on the lawn outside the music tent - bring a picnic dinner and enjoy! Although October is spectacular with the aspens turning gold, weather can be a problem getting in and out of town - snow is not unheard of and can make driving a pain. Whenever you decide to go, you'll love it!

Answer 2

The best time to go is around middle of September, when all the aspen are turning gold. This is how it got it name of Aspen.
The weather is good. Airline tickets are down, because it is not summer or ski season.

Answer 3

early October--the Aspen leaves changing are very beautiful.

Answer 4

early October is nice when the leaves are turning, the weather are still warm and it won't be a ghost town