May in Aspen...
 

Hello,

I am not a snow person and always heard lovely things about Aspen...But would love to experience it in a off season like May.

Can someone that has been there in late May advise me please.

Thanks.

I haven't been there then, but it sure will be a lot cheaper than ski season, that's for sure. But be aware that a lot of places close up after ski season until Memorial Day--restaurants, even some shops and hotels, but you can find a place, of course. But end of May is better than beginning and it shouldn't be as rainy then as March-April (which are the rainiest months). IT will still be cool, of course, and could rain some. If you like hiking and biking, should be okay.

Aspen is still a bustling place in the off season. Rates will be lower but you'll have plenty to do. Many people go for the skiing and then stay for the summer! Check out the calendar of events for late may. Agree that the weather can be crazy. One year, the wild flowers in and around Jackson Hole didn't bloom until late June, the next they were out in May. Snowfall during the winter will affect that a lot. Also...some people will refer to the late April to Late May timeframe as mud season. Lots of melting going on. In any case, Aspen and Snowmass will be lovely with options for cultural activities, outdoor (mountain biking, taking the gondola up and hiking back down, etc.). Have fun!

If it is still too expensive in May try staying in Glenwood Springs and make day trips either with your car or use the bus service that runs year-round.
Glenwood is only 41 miles from Aspen. You can swim year-round in the world's largest hot spring fed swimming pool. There is a great hiking/bicycle trail east of Glenwood Springs along the Colorado River through the Glenwood Canyon.

Aspen is on the higher end of lodging even in the off season. We enjoy the summer months as there is so much to see and do outdoors and rates reflect that. If you start looking now you can most likely find something in your price range looking on vrbo dot com and Homeaway dot com, too. The earliest we've gone is mid June and the weather was spectacular. However, as mentioned it could be a late melt with muddy trails. The higher elevation trails will still most likely have snow as we have wanted to take the hike from Aspen to Crested Butte for the day but that doesn't usually open until Mid July I'm told.

Aspen is a popular place for a reason -- it's beautiful! And, the temperatures in the summer are a perfect getaway for those living in hot and humid climates. Warm during the day and cool at night.