Aspen is one of the world’s most beautiful skiing resorts. For those that love to hit the slopes, Aspen offers the majestic Rockies, whilst the historic main town is just as easy on the eye. Aspen is not for travellers on a budget, mind; it is notoriously expensive and attracts a very wealthy crowd. If you are ready to splash out and mingle with the uber-rich back at the lodge, however, Aspen could be just what you are looking for.

Naturally, skiing is the main attraction in Aspen. If plain old regular skiing isn’t exciting enough for you, fear not; there is an annual Gay Ski Week in Roaring Fork Valley in January. Organised by a philanthropic group, the RFGLCF, profits raised from Gay Ski Week are donated to schools and charities with gay interests. As well as various ski and snowboard activities, the week includes plenty of parties and get-togethers for ski-widows/widowers. Outside of ski season, Aspen offers great hiking trails for the more active gay, and in the autumn the area is famed for the views created by the leaves turning auburn. Despite the liberal attitudes in Aspen, there are no specifically gay or lesbian bars, so don’t go expecting to warm up in a camp disco after a hard day on the slopes.

Colorado is a relatively gay-friendly state, and gay travellers are generally given a warm welcome in Aspen, where there are plenty of gay and gay-friendly hotels, as well as a good smattering of gay bars and clubs.

Flying to Aspen either means landing at Sardy Field, four miles north of the destination, on flights from nearby Denver, or LA, San Francisco, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Memphis. Alternatively, you can fly in to Denver International and take the Colorado Mountain Express to Aspen.