Elevation  6,181 feet. Climate Positively mild, with far less snowfall than Aspen or Snowmass, and a growing season that starts well before Memorial Day and continues on into October. Population 5,000 in Carbondale and another 2,000 in the surrounding hills and valleys. Schools Carbondale schools are part of the Roaring Fork (RE-1) school district and include the innovative Carbondale boarding school, the acclaimed Colorado Rocky Mountain School, is for grades 9-12 and has some space for day students.  Transportation Roaring Fork Transit Authority - frequent bus service to Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, Glenwood Springs. Recreation Kayaking. Fly fishing. Community pool. Endless hiking and bicycling. Ice climbing. Cross-country skiing at Spring Gulch, downhill at Ski Sunlight or any of the four Aspen areas, golf at River Valley Ranch (open to the public), Aspen Glen or Ranch at Roaring Fork.