Aspen

Aspen is a mountain town in Colorado, located at 2,405 meters (7,890 feet) elevation in the Elk Mountains and surrounded by four ski areas and the White River National Forest. The town stretches along the Roaring Fork River, with its historic core occupying a few walkable blocks lined with Victorian buildings and modern shops.

The settlement appeared in 1879 during a silver boom and grew rapidly into one of the wealthiest mining towns in the West before the silver market collapse in 1893 drastically reduced its population. Decades later, the town was revived as a ski resort and developed into a winter destination starting in the 1940s.

During summer, the town becomes a stage for classical concerts, chamber performances and orchestral events that take place in venues throughout the area. Locals and visitors gather in the streets after evening shows, discussing the music and enjoying the atmosphere that brings performers and audiences together.

A free bus system connects all neighborhoods and ski areas, allowing visitors to move around without a car. The high elevation can cause fatigue or breathing difficulties for some people, so drinking plenty of water and adjusting slowly to the altitude is advisable.

An institute on the edge of town hosts an annual gathering where thinkers and leaders from various fields discuss current issues. These meetings attract participants who exchange ideas in informal settings, both indoors and outdoors, often extending conversations beyond the scheduled sessions.