The Best Aspen, Colorado Condo Buildings to Buy In and What Makes Them Stand Out | Stephanie Kroll | Avant Garde Aspen Luxury Real Estate
Stephanie Kroll
Stephanie Kroll
Buying a condo in Aspen offers a lifestyle that blends mountain adventure with effortless luxury. From ski-in/ski-out access to full-service amenities, Aspen’s Core is home to some of the most desirable condominium buildings in the country. Whether you’re searching for a second home, a rental investment, or a year-round residence, understanding the nuances of each building and each location can help you make the smartest choice.
Below, we break down the most coveted Aspen condo buildings and what to consider when investing in this exclusive mountain market.
Located directly at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Residences at The Little Nell (RLN) define true ski-in/ski-out luxury. This five-star property offers world-class amenities, including a rooftop pool, private wine room, and 24-hour concierge and ski valet service. Owners enjoy exclusive access to the slopes and unparalleled convenience to Aspen’s shops and restaurants. With limited inventory and strong rental demand, units here consistently command top dollar, both in nightly rates and resale value.
Dancing Bear offers the perfect blend of privacy and boutique resort living. These fractional and whole-ownership residences feature sophisticated interiors, rooftop terraces with hot tubs and fire pits, and a full wellness spa. The building’s small scale ensures an intimate community feel, while its downtown location means you’re only steps from the gondola and Aspen’s finest dining. For buyers seeking a lock-and-leave luxury lifestyle, Dancing Bear remains one of the most exclusive options in the Core.
The Monarch is a favorite among discerning buyers who want a quiet, residential atmosphere paired with unbeatable proximity to the slopes. Located just a short walk from the gondola, The Monarch offers spacious, elegantly designed condos with private parking, refined finishes, and mountain views. Its smaller size and limited turnover make it one of the most sought-after and highly stable properties for long-term appreciation in Aspen.
The Gant provides the best of both worlds: private condo ownership with resort-style services. It’s located just outside the downtown Core, offering easy access via shuttle to the gondola, restaurants, and shopping. Residents enjoy two heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, tennis and paddleboard courts, F&B offerings like Origin, a gym, and concierge services. With an established management program in place, many owners rent their units seasonally, making The Gant an ideal choice for buyers who want flexibility and income potential without sacrificing comfort. That said, the Gant has higher yearly HOA fees in exchange for providing these services, to the tune of about $50K/year for some units, so check in with us about the fees associated with some units on the market, and take into consideration that these fees may impact your resale value and will diminish your buyer pool for condos at lower price points.
Set to redefine luxury living in Aspen, Chalet Alpina will feature just six exclusive new-construction condo residences directly on Aspen Mountain. Scheduled for completion around 2030, these ultra-luxury homes will offer an unprecedented combination of privacy, customization, and five-star resort amenities.
Each residence will be individually customizable, allowing owners to tailor layouts, finishes, and design elements to their personal vision. The development will include a private tunnel connecting residents to The Little Nell’s fractional residences and amenities, offering seamless access to ski valet service, dining, and wellness facilities—all just steps from the slopes.
With prices expected to range between $30–40 million per residence, Chalet Alpina is poised to become one of Aspen’s most prestigious addresses. Given the extremely limited availability and high demand for true ski-in/ski-out new construction, these residences are expected to sell out quickly upon release.
Contact us for more information or to be placed on the early interest list for Chalet Alpina, Aspen’s next generation of elevated mountain living.
Sitting literally at the base of the mountain, Shadow Mountain offers true ski-in/ski-out access (to Lift 1A on Aspen Mountain) and full convenience to downtown Aspen. Given the development plans for the Lift One Corridor, including Chalet Alpina and Aman, we believe these condo units will be a strong investment for years to come despite their smaller size. These units
were recently refurbished with new exterior siding, updated windows, modernized walkways, a funicular, an exterior pool/hot tub, and enhanced amenity spaces, the renovation underscores its value for ski-focused owners who also want strong rental income or year-round living. Shadow Mountain’s location, ski-access and refreshed condition make it a standout option for buyers who prioritize mountain ski access above all, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Not all Aspen condos are created equal — and location plays a major role in pricing and lifestyle.
Ski-in/ski-out condos or those closer to Aspen Mountain naturally command a premium for their direct access to lifts and the walkability to downtown. These include buildings like The Little Nell, The Monarch, and Dancing Bear, Aspen Alps, Chateau Dumont, Chateau Chamont, Shadow Mountain Condos, and more.
Condos farther from the Core, such as those in Hunter Creek or the Airport Business Center, tend to offer larger floor plans and more affordability, and can be just as nice, but they’re located just beyond downtown. These communities are slightly more residential and denser, appealing to buyers who want more space and value without being right in the middle of town.
Before making an offer, think about your lifestyle and investment goals and what is most important to you:
Do you want to ski from your door, or are you focused on space, square footage, and value?
Will you rent the property out seasonally or live there full-time?
Are you buying primarily for enjoyment, investment, or both?
Also be sure to:
Review HOA rules, fees, financials, minutes, and board members
Confirm short-term rental eligibility. Units in the lodging zone / district streamline the approval process for rental permits with the City of Aspen upon closing without needing to be on a waitlist.
Ask about storage, parking, and management quality
Check for upcoming building assessments or planned renovations
Working with us, your local Aspen REALTOR® who understands the luxury condo market can help you compare buildings, evaluate rental potential, we can ensure your investment aligns with your long-term goals.
Are Aspen condos suitable for year-round living?
Absolutely. Many buildings are designed for four-season comfort with quality insulation, central climate systems, and access to both summer and winter recreation. That said, we also understand that many owners will not want to live there year round necessarily.
Can I rent out my Aspen condo?
In many cases, yes, but rules vary by building and HOA. Always verify the property’s rental policies and Pitkin County’s short-term rental requirements before purchasing.
How much are HOA fees?
HOA fees differ widely depending on location, amenities, and management services. HOA fees also differ by unit in the building. Luxury buildings with full-service staff and concierge amenities typically have higher dues but also greater resale appeal. Be sure to double check with your buyer's agent, the listing broker, and HOA itself, what the HOA fees are before you close on a condo unit.
Do Aspen condos appreciate in value?
Yes. Aspen’s limited inventory, international demand, and irreplaceable mountain access have driven long-term appreciation. Condos in the Aspen Core consistently perform strongest due to their walkability and convenience to nearby shops, restaurants, and activities.
Can I have dogs? Dog policies vary by HOA for both owners and for renters, and this isn't easily found in the MLS, so it is essential that your broker (hopefully us!) asks questions about pet policies during showings to learn more about what the pet policy is for that specific HOA.
What should I look for during a condo tour?
Pay attention to layout, views, noise levels, natural light, and finishes. Ask about storage, parking, and how well the building is managed, especially in older properties that have undergone exterior remodels. Also take note of exterior property condition, age of the windows and the roof, and note interior sprinkler systems, and surrounding trees, as some insurance companies are requiring buildings to make changes to be more up to fire code given the wildfire climate and threats in the modern day.
Condos offer a low-maintenance luxury lifestyle, ideal for part-time residents and frequent travelers. HOA management typically handles snow removal, landscaping, and exterior upkeep.
They also provide a more attainable entry point into Aspen’s high-end real estate market, while offering access to world-class amenities, community spaces, and walkability to town.
For those interested in generating income, Aspen’s robust year-round tourism creates strong short-term rental potential, especially for units near the lifts and in the lodging zone. Of course, off season months generate lower or little income at all, and peak seasons like summer, winter and fall will rent better. Also, holiday seasons can command a rental premium and can have their own pricing strategy, such as New Year's Eve, President's Day Weekend, 4th of July, Food & Wine Weekend, and more.
Today’s Aspen luxury condos rival the best hotels, offering services and spaces designed for convenience and comfort. Depending on the property, you may find:
24-hour concierge and security
Valet and ski concierge service
Fitness and wellness centers
Rooftop decks with hot tubs and fire pits
Heated underground parking and private storage, including ski storage
In-building dining, chef services, and daily housekeeping
Some communities even offer pet-friendly policies, grocery delivery, concierge level services, and owner events, ideal for those who value a turnkey, lock-and-leave experience where everything is taken care of.
Once you’ve purchased your unit, depending on the building policy and how rentals are run there, you can:
Self-manage via Airbnb or VRBO
Hire a professional property management company for full-service maintenance and booking
Work with your real estate broker to oversee marketing, leases, and compliance and help vet potential renters
Keep in mind that Aspen’s older buildings, many from the 1950s and 60s, vary widely in condition. Some have been completely renovated, while others maintain their original exteriors. Top-floor units typically command a premium for their light and views, while garden-level units tend to be less expensive and generate lower rental rates.
Whether you’re drawn to ski-in/ski-out living at The Little Nell, boutique luxury at Dancing Bear, or a larger, more affordable home near Hunter Creek, Aspen’s condo market offers something for every buyer.
Contact Stephanie Kroll today to explore available Aspen condos for sale and discover the perfect property for your lifestyle, investment goals, and mountain dreams. Email her at [email protected] or give her a call at 303.345.5886 to start your Aspen condo search today.
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