A world-class ski resort and winter playground for Hollywood's elite, Aspen is impressive by any standards. The luxury homes and condominiums help create an opulent, but warm and casual atmosphere in this Colorado getaway destination. Aspen is a city of festivals. January brings Winterskol, a great winter carnival, June sees the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen take over the town, and the famous Aspen Music Festival Summer Season is held from late June through August . The area hosts an impressive array of leisure activities in the summer including hang gliding, hiking, helicopter tours, mountain biking and riding. In winter, every type of snow and ice sport can be found. The major ski resorts are Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Buttermilk. For an unusual attraction, nearby Ashcroft Ghost Town and Independence Ghost Town provide an historic diversion. Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed mountains in America, is in the White River National Forest, a place ideal for picnics and hikes in the summer.