Mid Valley

Twenty minutes west of Aspen, the Basalt and Mid Valley area are experiencing a burst of growth and are becoming a desirable place for second-home owners.

It also serves as a bedroom community for Aspen's workforce, and with the addition of more amenities and the expansion of the Willits development, people are now choosing to live in the Mid Valley for a better value.

It’s almost as if Basalt reflects what Aspen was 20 or 30 years ago, with more affordable restaurants and less glitz and glamor. Many longtime Aspen and Snowmass residents have moved here for the town's culture, live music, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities, which are easily accessible.

HANKS MID VALLEY FAVORITES

1. Lower elevation means winter comes later and spring comes sooner 

2. Sailing at Ruedi Reservoir

3. Basalt Farmers Market 

Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with hiking and biking trails, amenities at Crown Mountain Park, and Ruedi Reservoir for water sports. Located off Highway 82, there’s the private and exclusive Roaring Fork Club and luxury townhome complexes like The Wilds and Park Modern.

The town has two commercial centers, Old Town Basalt, and Willits, with the latter being more successful due to its anchor store, Whole Foods, and new restaurants and shops. There’s an arts and culture presence now with TACAW serving as a venue for live music, comedy, theater and community events. Despite the new development across the highway, historic downtown Basalt still retains its charm with a walkable main thoroughfare and the Roaring Fork River running through town.

SCHOOLS

• Cornerstone Classical School

• Roaring Fork School District

• Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork