3 Reasons Aspen, Colorado Has Become Unaffordable for Middle-Class Travelers
Written by
Stacy Sare Cohen
Edited by
Amber Barkley
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Aspen draws celebrities looking to blend in with the locals. However, at one time, this coveted winter vacation destination wasn’t just a playground for the rich and famous, according to Colorado Public Radio (CPR) News.
“Suddenly, what was once a charming ski town became an ultra-exclusive retreat, pricing out the middle class almost overnight,” said travel designer LaDell Carter of Royal Expression Travels. “While some destinations balance luxury with accessibility, Aspen has leaned fully into its status as a playground for high-net-worth individuals and celebrities.”
Carter told GOBankingRates the three reasons responsible for making Aspen, Colorado, unattainable for middle-class vacationers.
Five Star Resorts Redefined the Market
When high-end hotel brands move in, they redefine the destination’s entire market, said Carter.
“It’s one thing when a town has a handful of quaint ski lodges; it’s another when five-star resorts start setting the bar at $2,500 a night.”
Skyrocketing Property Values
More celebrities buying homes has elevated the value of the property.
“Like we’ve seen in places like Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast, when celebrities start buying homes in a destination, they set the tone socially and economically,” Carter said.
Once Aspen became a hotbed for A-listers, the demand for luxury real estate soared, and with that came skyrocketing property values, she explained. In February 2025, the median list price for a house in Aspen, Colorado was $3,757,333, according to Zillow.
Luxury in Aspen goes way beyond high property values and high-end hotels where hot chocolate costs $40. Carter said she took a private lesson at Ski School at Snowmass to sharpen her skiing skills at a rate of $1,500 per day.
“Add in Aspen’s legendary après-ski scene, Michelin-worthy dining and designer boutiques, and you’re no longer just paying for a ski trip — you’re buying into a luxury lifestyle,” she added.
Après-ski Culture Is Expensive
In Aspen’s after-ski culture, a bottle of Bordeaux can cost more than your flight, according to Carter. The term means “after-ski” in French and includes the activities travelers do after the slopes, such as dining, entertainment, shopping and more.
“Wherever celebrities go, demand follows, inflating prices and setting the benchmark for an aspirational lifestyle,” Carter explained. “Invitation-only events that keep the experience firmly in the realm of the ultra-affluent.”
Carter said Aspen’s gastronomic scene rivals the world’s best, including Michelin-starred dining and intimate private-chef experiences designed for the rich and famous.
Après-Ski Price Guide
Here are some examples Carter shared with GOBankingRates of the costs she experienced at Aspen, Colorado’s venues and upscale boutiques. Although she said they are well worth it, they are not attainable for many middle-class travelers.
- Kemo Sabe, a high-end Western-style boutique: Hats start at $1,000
- Steakhouse No. 316: $150-$200 per person
- Mawa’s Kitchen: Carter paid $300 for a meal for three
- Casa Tua Aspen: Italian cuisine, $100-$150 per person
- Matsuhisa, owned by world-famous Chef Nobu: Omakase menu at $175 per person.
More From GOBankingRates
