Artists capture the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado

Since the 1960s Aspen has been a world-famous playground of the rich: a mountain getaway for film stars, ex-presidents and business tycoons.

And, once you get there, you do indeed find a town studded with extraordinary mansions and designer outlets. This might turn you on or off, but either way the causes of the town's boom should please everyone. It takes only a short investigation of the mountains that loom over Aspen and valleys that fan out from it to realize the potential of the place.

Alongside its famed four world-class ski areas, there's also some of the greatest scenic set-pieces in the Rockies. The twin peaks of the Maroon Belles are the most popular and photographed, but while visitors flock there they leave other area trails empty for free-spirited hikers and mountain bikers to explore.

And, if you do book ahead and time your visit for the off-season, the trip needn't cost the earth.