By Barry Coughlan
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Aspen and Snowmass Village; for instance, Aspen runs on 100% renewable electricity and has long been a pioneer in clean energy, becoming the first municipality west of the Mississippi River to use hydroelectric power back in 1885.
Today, that forward-thinking spirit continues across both destinations, from eco-conscious accommodation and educational experiences led by local environmental experts to farm-to-fork dining that celebrates the produce of the Roaring Fork Valley.
No surprise then that it’s easy to find the greener side of tourism in these parts, and it’s there on show for all this summer.
Exploring the great outdoors is an essential part of any summer visit to Aspen and Snowmass Village, and doing so responsibly has never been easier. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), a non-profit environmental education organization, offers a wide range of guided experiences, talks and outdoor activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can join nature walks, birdwatching excursions, sunset beaver walks, wildflower walks and forest bathing experiences, as well as the fascinating Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Hike, to learn more about the surrounding environment and how to protect it.
No summer trip to the Rocky Mountain towns would be complete without visiting the iconic Maroon Bells, often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. To help protect this treasured landscape and manage visitor numbers, reservations are required and can be booked at visitmaroonbells.com. Parking, shuttle access, e-bike entry and motorbike permits are available, with passes starting from $5.
Before arriving, visitors are encouraged to sign the Aspen Pledge, a commitment to responsible travel and the preservation of Aspen’s natural beauty. For every pledge made, Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) donates $18.80, a nod to the year Aspen was incorporated, to local environmental organizations.
Aspen and Snowmass Village are home to a thriving food scene, with many restaurants championing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can use the Roaring Fork & Farm Map, a guide to the region’s farm-to-fork dining experiences that highlights local food champions throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
During the summer months, ACES hosts Farm to Table Dinners at Rock Bottom Ranch. Evenings begin with a guided tour exploring regenerative agriculture practices before guests sit down to a five-course feast crafted from fresh, locally grown produce.
Other locally sourced culinary highlights include Michelin-recommended Mawa’s Kitchen, known for its Afro-Mediterranean hyper-seasonal menu, Pine Creek Cookhouse, serving locally-caught trout and wild game in a spectacular mountain setting and Michelin-starred BOSQ, built on the philosophy that the finest ingredients come directly from the surrounding landscape.
Of course there is also a range of accommodation options for travelers looking to minimize their environmental impact, amongst them being:
Little Nell: Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel sources 75% of its ingredients from Colorado farmers and reinvests more than $215,000 annually into the local food economy.
Limelight Aspen and Limelight Snowmass: Sustainability is embedded across the Limelight brand, from local food sourcing and energy-efficient upgrades to larger environmental commitments. Limelight Snowmass is LEED Silver-certified, while Limelight Aspen is working towards operating on 100% clean power by 2030.
Aspen Meadows Resort: Powered entirely by renewable electricity, Aspen Meadows Resort also prioritizes composting, local sourcing initiatives and electric shuttle services to reduce its environmental footprint.
Going car-free is easier than ever with free shuttle services connecting visitors with the airport, hiking trails, attractions and accommodations. With Aspen/Pitkin County Airport just 10 minutes away and both resorts easy to navigate on foot or by bike, there’s little need for a hire car.
In both Aspen and Snowmass Village, visitors can also explore on two wheels thanks to WE-cycle, the Roaring Fork Valley’s non-profit bike-share program. With stations throughout Aspen and Snowmass Village, plus free 30-minute rides, it’s an easy and sustainable way to get between restaurants, shops and activities while enjoying the scenery along the way.
Sustainable shopping, dining and stays are a bit of a thing thanks to the Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen (CGBN), a program run by the City of Aspen in partnership with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) and supported by the State of Colorado. The initiative helps local businesses adopt environmentally responsible practices and recognizes those leading the way. Participating businesses include Mountain Flowers of Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen Resort, BOSQ, PARC Aspen, Aspen Hospitality, Sashae Floral Arts & Gifts and iTrip Aspen Snowmass.
Visit aspenchamber.org. or gosnowmass.com.