Aspen ski holiday on a budget: High-life, low cost

How much do you have to pay for a privilege like this, you might ask? How much does it cost to have an almost private ski down one of the world's most famous mountains, to have its slopes all to yourself for an hour? 

The answer: nothing. Zero dollars. Zilch.

To get first tracks at Aspen Mountain you simply have to have a valid lift pass and sign up at the ski school the day before, or have your hotel do it for you. There are limited numbers allowed up on the gondola at 8am, but you don't have to be one of Aspen's famed celebrity visitors to secure your spot – it's first in, best dressed (or admittedly, in the case of some of Aspen's wealthier, fur-covered clients, worst dressed).

The surprise isn't just that this opportunity comes free in Aspen – the surprise is that anything comes free in Aspen. This Colorado resort is known as a playground for the stars, a favourite of the Mariah Careys and Rihannas of the world. The town's airport is lined with parallel-parked private jets. Its chalets house limousines. You don't expect to get something for nothing. 

But there's far more to Aspen than a haunt for the rich and famous. It's possible to do this place on a tight budget, to see and experience most of the great things Aspen has to offer without needing to remortgage the house. 

The buzz of first tracks isn't the only on-mountain bonus. Those who need a break from the slopes can enjoy a yoga session at the Sundeck restaurant four days a week – free. Those who'd rather be carving turns can take a guided ski tour of the mountain any day of the week. Again, free.

Over at Highlands, one of the four mountains covered by an Aspen ski pass, Wednesdays are "Highlands Guest Appreciation" days, when parking at the base is free, guided ski tours of the infamous Highlands Bowl are free, and hotdogs cooked up by some very enthusiastic chairlift operators are free. 

So far, so budget-friendly. But what about off-snow activities? 

If you still don't want to break out any green-backs, first place to visit is the Aspen Art Museum, which features works by local and international contemporary artists. Entry is, of course, free. Down by Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies team offer educational walks around the area, sometimes including snow-shoeing, sometimes watching beavers building dams, and always getting up close with the local golden eagle. Entry? Free. 

Come lunchtime, however, you'll find the old saying that there's no such thing as a free lunch holds true even in Aspen – though there are ways to keep the budget under control while still enjoying good food. If you're staying at the Limelight Hotel, or at the cosy St Moritz, there are kitchen facilities on hand to whip up your own meals. 

In town, meanwhile, keep an eye out for restaurants like Kenichi, L'Hostaria and Cache Cache, all of which are fine-diners that offer a pared back, cheaper version of their menu if you're prepared to eat at the bar. Jimmy's is another of these establishments, a favourite of the locals who like to order a few cold beers and Jimmy's jalapeno macaroni and cheese. 

Back out on the street, it's time to go shopping. Window-shopping, of course, is free, and will certainly be some people's idea of a good time when there are stores like Ralph Lauren, Dior and Louis Vuitton to check out. But you're on a budget, right? You can't afford Ralph Lauren, Dior and Louis Vuitton.

Although maybe you can: just down the street at the Thrift Shop of Aspen. Remember all those celebrities and high-flyers Aspen is known for? Most of their cast-off clothes seem to end up at the Thrift Shop, where luxury labels – the same ones you've just seen while window-shopping – tend to walk out of the door at basement prices. 

As night falls in Aspen, you could reasonably expect that the budget will be blown. After all, most visitors to ski towns are chasing a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget – but soon you realise you can't even get a beer lifestyle on a beer budget. Aspen, however, has got you covered. 

Grab a drink at Zane's Tavern, a "dive bar" with cold beer on tap and live sport on TV. Or check out Takah Sushi restaurant for "Takah Tuesdays", a weekly event where local bands play live in the bar. Entry? Of course, it's free.

The writer travelled as a guest of Aspen Snowmass and Qantas.

Aspen for the stars

How to splash out like a celebrity

Caribou Club

This exclusive, members-only club is the perfect place for celebrity spotting – as long as you've got a spare $US3000 to join up, of course. caribouclub.com

Matsuhisa

This fine-dining fusion restaurant, known for its blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, is part of the Nobu family of eateries. matsuhisaaspen.com

The Little Nell

Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond hotel sits directly below the Silver Queen Gondola, making it the only ski-in, ski-out accommodation option at Aspen Mountain. thelittlenell.com 

Ski Concierge

Offered by the Little Nell, the team here offers everything from boot warming to waxing, ski repairs, coffee and snacks, and the best mountain knowledge around. thelittlenell.com 

Green Cabin Estate

This six-bedroom, six-bathroom, ski-in, ski-out chalet in Snowmass is the sort of thing a pop star and their entourage would book out – and all for just $US2475 per night. dreamexoticrentals.com 

TRIP NOTES

GETTING THERE

Qantas operates double daily A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles, with daily connections on American Airlines to Aspen. Return economy fares start from $1912. Go to qantas.com.

STAYING THERE

The centrally located Limelight Hotel has seven-night holiday packages that include accommodation, Aspen Snowmass lift passes, breakfast and après-ski wine and cheese, for AUD1034 twin share. See limelighthotel.com. 

MORE INFORMATION

aspensnowmass.com