Aspen is known as a major cultural center in the Rocky Mountains. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, International Design Conference, Aspen Music Festival, Janus Jazz Aspen-Snowmass, Aspen Physics Institute, Aspen Theatre in the Park, Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies, and Anderson Ranch Art Center in Snowmass attract talented professionals from throughout the world.

In winter, skiing and snowboarding is the obvious choice. The Tenth Mountain Trail system links Aspen to other mountain communities via backcountry hut skiing. Local cross-country skiing is available at several tracks near campus. In the summer, the nearby Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, Elk Mountain range and Roaring Fork River provide excellent water sports, hiking, climbing, camping and mountain biking opportunities.