ADECADES

Once gathering grounds for the Ute Indians, Aspen later became a booming mining town that subsequently went through a lengthy quiet period, decades of transition accompanied by growing pains, and ultimately evolved into the modern-day mountain mecca we know and love today.

Until the 1870 s

The Utes use the area as their summer hunting ground, going back centuries.

The 1880s

Originally settled as Ute City by a group of miners, the city is offficially named Aspen in 1880. Miners, prospectors, and entrepreneurs reside in town and the surrounding valley. Electric lights arive, along with banks, a hospital, police department, theaters, and to much fanfare, a grand hotel.

The 1890s

The population of Aspen reaches 8,000 and becomes one of the largest silver producing districts in the nation.

The 1900s

Mining is on the decline, the Ashcroft and Independence mining areas go bust, and bankruptcy abounds. To account for the town drama, a newspaper revives the local gossip column.

The 1910s

Farming becomes the newest currency, in the form of cattle and potatoes. Midway through the decades dubbed the Quiet Years, the population starts to decline.

The 1920s

After more than a decade of work, Highway 82 over Independence Pass is completed.

The 1930s

The lowest recorded population of Aspen during a census accounts for just 705 residents. In the latter part of the decade, a ski resort is conceived but put on hold due to World War II.

The 1940s

Aspen Skiing Corporation was founded, Sardy Field opens, Bauhaus arrives, and the ethos of mind, body, and spirit is born.

The 1950s

Buttermilk and Highlands ski areas open and residents celebrate the first Wintersköl.

The 1960s

Snowmass ski area opens, Ruedi Dam is approved, the first condominiums arrive in town, and the arts and music scene begins to flourish.

The 1970s

The population starts to rebound from the previous decades. Aspen elects its first female mayor, mass transit is born, and the first traffic light appears. Snowmass commences the Wild West tradition known as the rodeo.

The 1980s

Skiing in the Aspen area draws an international crowd, along with hordes of celebrities and the birth of private clubs. Snowboarding finally arrives, as well as the Silver Queen Gondola.

The 1990s

The population sees a boom that it once saw in its mining heyday more than 100 years ago, with thousands of year-round residents that swells to three times or (much) more in prime tourist season.

The 2000s

Winter X Games arrives, along with a new generation of visitors that come to visit for the summer but never leave.

The 2010s

Snowmass Village gets a facelift, milestone celebrations abound for skiing and the arts, and Aspen finishes the decade with one of the snowiest winters on record.

The 2020s

A new chapter for Aspen begins.

THE SCOUT GUIDE ® A COLLECTION. A COMMUNITY. A LIFESTYLE.

The story begins in the print guide and continues online. Follow Amy for an insider’s view of where to go , what to do , and what not to miss in Aspen.