I used to be one of those people who thought, “I’ll just rent a car.” No matter where I was going — mountains, beaches, cities — I figured a rental gave me the freedom to move when and how I wanted. That was before I went to Aspen in January.
The plan was simple: fly in solo for a few days of peace, a little skiing, maybe a spa appointment or two. I was looking for quiet — no group trip, no itinerary. I just wanted time in the mountains, breathing clean air and moving slowly for once.
But Aspen in the winter doesn’t really reward the “figure it out when I land” traveler. That became clear the moment I started researching parking, snow chains, and the cost of last-minute car rentals during ski season. It wasn’t just expensive — it looked like a full-time job to navigate.
So I pivoted. Instead of a car rental, I booked a private ride with a company recommended by my hotel. I’d never done that before — not for a solo trip, at least. But something about the way they described it gave me peace of mind. “We’ll be there when you land. No app, no guesswork, just walk out and we’ll be there.”
They were.
And that moment — stepping out of the terminal, seeing a driver with my name, being led to a warm, snow-ready SUV — was the start of something I didn’t expect. I felt relaxed before I even checked in. I wasn’t fumbling with my phone, or trying to figure out where to get snow tires, or dragging a suitcase over ice to a rental lot. I was sitting comfortably, looking out the window at the kind of postcard winter I’d forgotten even existed.
That first ride turned into something more. I ended up using the same company every day — not because I had to, but because it made everything simpler. One quick text and they’d be ready. Whether I was heading to a trailhead or out for dinner, the process never changed: show up, ride, enjoy.
There was a level of local knowledge I hadn’t expected either. My driver, a woman named Carla who’d lived in Aspen for over 15 years, pointed out places I would have missed — hidden cafes, quiet overlooks, even a local bookshop that ended up being my favorite stop of the trip. It wasn’t a tour, just natural conversation between two people who love mountains and coffee.
And unlike the rentals I’d relied on in other places, I didn’t have to worry about winter driving. The SUV had serious snow tires, emergency kits, even extra blankets tucked into the back. When it snowed six inches overnight, Carla didn’t flinch. She knew which routes were plowed first and which ones to avoid altogether.
That kind of calm becomes contagious. I didn’t rush. I didn’t over-plan. I didn’t even check the weather app every hour like I normally do. I just trusted the rhythm of the town — and my ride.
By day three, I realized this was one of the best travel decisions I’d ever made. Not because it was flashy or luxurious in the typical sense, but because it created space. I wasn’t managing logistics. I wasn’t calculating time to parking or figuring out if I needed cash for meters. I was just present.
And isn’t that the point of travel?
One night, after dinner at a tucked-away restaurant someone local had recommended, I looked around the parking lot. People were scraping windshields, brushing snow off roofs, slipping on icy sidewalks. Meanwhile, I was sipping tea and sliding into a warm back seat. No stress. No cold hands. Just an easy ride back to the lodge.
I think a lot of us have been trained to think we have to do everything ourselves when we travel — that renting a car equals freedom, or that planning every detail means we’re doing it right. But Aspen showed me that sometimes, giving up control actually gives you more.
You move slower. You see more. You talk to locals. You rest.
I’ve told everyone since: if you’re going to Aspen, treat yourself to a professional Aspen car service. Don’t just wing it with a rental or hope a rideshare is available when the snow starts falling. Let someone who knows the terrain take the wheel.
And if you’re thinking about it now? Book a private vehicle now — before the good ones are gone. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
What I expected to be a simple getaway turned into one of the most relaxing trips I’ve ever taken. Not because I did everything, but because I didn’t have to. I just showed up, bundled up, and let Aspen unfold.
