Buying a home in Aspen should feel exciting, not overwhelming. You want a smooth handoff from contract to first ski day, with every detail handled and no surprises. This step-by-step checklist gives you a clear plan for permits, utilities, winter travel, taxes, and trusted local services so you can arrive ready to enjoy your home. Let’s dive in.

Aspen essentials to know

Confirm short-term rental rules. If you plan to rent, the City of Aspen requires an STR permit and strict compliance. Pitkin County also has a licensing program that limits new licenses. Review the city’s program and confirm whether any existing permit transfers on sale. See the city’s guidance on short-term rental permits.

Plan for recording and fees. Colorado implemented a flat per-document recording fee effective July 1, 2025. Closing estimates in Pitkin County should include the updated recording fee and any applicable documentary fee. Your title team can confirm final numbers with the Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder.

Budget for 2025 property tax changes. Assessment math, mill levies, and new 2025 assessment rates for school and non-school portions affect your tax bill. Review current guidance from the Pitkin County Assessor and build taxes into your annual budget.

Expect high-alpine logistics. Aspen’s single-runway airport, winter weather, and seasonal demand require extra planning for movers, contractors, car delivery, and private aircraft. Coordinate schedules with Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and plan backup transport.

Know winter traction rules. From September 1 to May 31, Colorado enforces traction and chain laws in mountain corridors. Choose vehicles and tires accordingly, and set guest policies. Review the state’s traction law requirements.

12 weeks or more out

• Align on closing date with title, lender, and the seller’s team. Ask title to confirm recording-office hours and fee updates in Pitkin County.
• If rentals matter, verify STR status early with the City of Aspen or Pitkin County and confirm whether any permit is assignable.
• Engage a Colorado-savvy title company or attorney to prepare transfer documents and estimate recording and documentary fees.
• Reserve movers experienced with art, wine, pianos, and design installations. Avoid peak holiday periods and plan for weather buffers.
• Start your vendor shortlist: HVAC and hydronic heat specialists, snow removal, landscape, security integrators, interior designers, private chefs, and estate managers.

6 to 8 weeks out

• Schedule inspections for roof, mechanical systems, fireplaces, and, if relevant, septic or sewer. Review HOA covenants and any municipal rules for planned updates.
• Set up utilities. Many Aspen-area properties are served by Holy Cross Energy. Confirm your service provider and activation lead times using Holy Cross’s service area information.
• Arrange internet and telecom, trash and recycling, water and sewer accounts, and propane or natural gas where applicable.
• If you are new to Colorado, plan vehicle registration and winter-readiness now. Ensure appropriate tires and traction equipment for your move-in season.

2 to 4 weeks out

• Finalize mover schedules, insurance riders, and access instructions for gated drives, narrow roads, or HOA approvals.
• Coordinate on-site services for move-in week: housekeeping, grocery stocking, window treatments, and AV or security installs.
• If you will be away part time, engage a property manager or caretaker who can coordinate vendors and seasonal readiness.

Move week and day

• Assign an on-site point person to receive deliveries, direct movers, and document inventory.
• For winter arrivals, prepare de-icing, safe truck parking, and weather contingency plans.
• Stagger large deliveries for weekday windows to ease traffic and access.

First 4 weeks in Aspen

• Confirm utilities are active and stable. Register for trash, recycling, and any local permits.
• File change-of-address updates and set up local banking as needed.
• Schedule a wildfire mitigation assessment and create a plan for defensible space and home hardening. The Aspen Fire Protection District outlines programs and steps on wildfire mitigation.
• Establish medical contacts with Aspen Valley Health if you want local primary care and emergency familiarity.

Luxury home operations

• Seasonal systems. Boilers, radiant heat, snow-melt, roof snow guards, and freeze protection require seasonal service. Book specialists early, especially before first snow and before spring thaw.
• Redundancy. For mountain reliability, consider backup power solutions and fuel delivery contracts. Coordinate with your electric provider and vendors.
• Security and privacy. Use local integrators who know alpine properties, including camera coverage, gate access, cellular backup, and code-compliant monitoring.
• Collections and storage. Fine art, wine, and specialty vehicles often need climate control, white-glove handling, and documented inventories.

Utilities and services at a glance

• Electricity: Many Aspen-area homes are served by Holy Cross Energy. Confirm your parcel’s provider using the Holy Cross service area map.
• Water, sewer, and waste: The City of Aspen serves addresses in city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas may use Pitkin County or special districts. Confirm jurisdiction before activation.
• Airport and private aviation: Coordinate hangar or transient parking with Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and arrange ground transport.
• Transit: The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority connects Aspen to nearby towns, with many in-town routes offered at low or no cost. Learn about RFTA’s role and services on its mission page.

Risk and compliance reminders

• Recording and fees. Colorado’s flat recording fee is effective July 1, 2025. Include the recording fee and any documentary fee in your closing budget. Confirm with the Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder.
• Property taxes. 2025 assessment rates changed. Review the Pitkin County Assessor guidance early to estimate taxes accurately.
• Winter travel. Share clear traction guidance and tire requirements with staff and guests. See the state’s traction law.
• STR compliance. If you intend to rent, confirm permit transferability and ongoing operational rules. Start with the city’s short-term rental page.

Ready to relocate with confidence

A thoughtful plan turns Aspen’s unique logistics into a seamless arrival. If you want neighborhood-specific advice, off-market insights, or help aligning your purchase with art-and-design goals, connect with Joshua Landis. You will get boutique, principal-level guidance backed by deep local networks and Christie’s global reach.

FAQs

What should new Aspen owners know about short-term rentals?

• The City of Aspen requires STR permits, and Pitkin County licenses are limited in certain cases. Confirm if an existing permit transfers and review the city’s short-term rental rules before you plan to rent.

How do winter traction laws affect moving to Aspen?

• From September 1 to May 31, Colorado requires specific tires or traction gear on mountain corridors. Plan vehicles, delivery timing, and guest transport with the state’s traction law guidance.

What closing costs should I expect for recording in Pitkin County?

• Colorado uses a flat per-document recording fee starting July 1, 2025, and transactions may include a documentary fee. Your title team can verify amounts with the Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder.

Who provides electricity to homes in the Aspen area?

• Many properties outside the downtown core are served by Holy Cross Energy. Check coverage and setup steps using the Holy Cross service area information.

How do 2025 assessment changes impact Pitkin County property taxes?

• New assessment rates for school and non-school portions affect the tax calculation. Review current details with the Pitkin County Assessor and build taxes into your budget.

How can I prepare my Aspen home for wildfire risk?

• Schedule a mitigation assessment and implement defensible space and home-hardening steps. The Aspen Fire Protection District outlines programs and resources on wildfire mitigation.