Get to Know the
Voice Behind
Aspen’s Local Guide

Aspen is more than just a posh vacation spot; it is a community with interesting locals and places to explore. To honor the town's small businesses and their histories, Ava's Guide to Aspen was created. Introducing Ava, a local student and storyteller who is committed to assisting you in discovering the true Aspen.

Our Mission

Highlighting
Aspen's Heart

One Tale at a Time

The goal of the community-driven project Ava's Guide to Aspen is to highlight the small companies, enthusiastic locals, and undiscovered treasures that are what make Aspen unique.

Snow-covered buildings and street in a mountain town with a snowy hillside and trees in the background.
A snowy mountain town square with street lamps decorated for the holidays, snow-covered trees, and people walking on a cleared path. The sun shines brightly over the mountains in the background.

Our Backstory

Why This Guide Exists

Ava was immediately captivated by Aspen's natural beauty when she moved there in third grade, but she was even more enthralled with the tales that lie behind its neighborhoods and shops. Although Aspen is frequently regarded as a luxury vacation spot, another aspect of this mountain town is often overlooked: the small, locally owned companies that support the local economy.

Our Core Values

What Guides This Guide

  • Yellow hand-drawn handshake icon representing community and local connection in Aspen.

    Community

    We believe in the power of local connection.

  • Green sketch-style journal icon representing authentic storytelling and personal connections with local businesses.

    Authenticity

    Every story is told with honesty and heart.

  • Light blue illustrated compass symbolizing curiosity, exploration, and discovering Aspen’s hidden gems.

    Curiosity

    We’re always exploring what makes Aspen unique.

  • Dark green hand-drawn Aspen leaf icon representing local pride, nature, and the heart of the Aspen community.

    Local Pride

    Aspen is more than a destination; it’s a home.

Ava Ruiz founder of Av's guide to Aspen

Meet the Founder

Ava Ruiz

Ava, a student at Aspen High School (Class of 2028), enjoys storytelling, entrepreneurship, and interacting with the community. She began this project to elevate the voices behind Aspen's businesses because she was inspired by her hometown and wanted to help others.

Ava likes to hike, ski, and discover new spots in town, especially during the off-season, when she is not writing or interviewing local business owners.