Like Vail, Aspen's reputation precedes it. Anyone with a pulse knows that it's more than likely to wind up in the tabloids when two celebrities--who are married to other people--are captured on film sharing a chairlift together; and, yes, we guess it's possible that Hunter S. Thompson may serve you a drink downtown, if he happens to be tending bar somewhere as a favor to the owner, but that's not particularly likely.If you take the time to dig beneath the media hype, you may be surprised by what you find. Aspen, at an elevation of 7,908 feet, is a real town with a fascinating history, some great old buildings, and spectacular mountain scenery. If you're a serious skier, you owe yourself at least a few days' worth of hitting the slopes (as if you need us to tell you that); but if you've never strapped on boards, and you're thinking of visiting in summer, you'll be doubly pleased: Prices are significantly lower, and the crowds thin out. Many of the fabulous restaurants are still open, the surrounding forests are teeming with great trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and it becomes one of the best destinations in the country for summer music and dance festivals.