An Aspen vacation can be affordable, especially during the spring, summer, and fall and especially if you choose to stay in nearby Snowmass. Reducing the up-front travel costs is simple: Snowmass lodges offer excellent value and last-minute specials in the 'off season', and new Denver-to-Aspen air service introduced by Frontier Airlines in summer 2008 has enlivened competition, creating exceptional airfare deals on Frontier and United Airlines.

Book a two-night minimum stay over a Wednesday night at any participating Aspen or Snowmass lodge and receive Wednesday night half off.

The following discounts are available every Wednesday from May 25 through Oct. 31, 2009:  50 percent off admission to Wednesday orchestral events at Aspen Music Festival and School; 50 percent off greens fees at the Aspen Golf and Tennis Club after 1 p.m.; 50 percent off bike rentals at Aspen Sports; 50 percent off Gray Line luxury coach service from Denver International Airport to Aspen; two-for-one tickets to Theatre Aspen; buy one meal and receive the second half off at the Garden Terrace at Hotel Jerome, a Rock Resort; and buy one entrée and receive the second half off at 39 Degrees at The Sky Hotel. 

The 50 percent Off Wednesdays' offer is subject to availability, and participating lodges and businesses may change through the summer season.

Book at least  two nights and get an Aspen Summer Pass for deals on arts and cultural events, outdoor adventures, dining and nightlife, world-class shopping, family fun (yes, that includes Fido), and of course Aspen-style pampering. For example, use the pass to get two for one passes on the Burlingame Lift or two for ones at the Snowmass Rec Center.

Not sure when you'd want to visit? New this summer, Stay Aspen Snowmass launched a "Last-Minute Specials" RSS feed to keep savvy travelers informed about lodging specials available in the next seven days.

More information.