All Season Guide to Aspen, Colorado

The words "Aspen, Colorado" invoke visions of snow-capped mountains that can be skied with the rich, the beautiful and the famous. However, Aspen is more than a just a playground for the elite. The town has a rich cultural history that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Like many locations in Colorado, Aspen's history was influenced by the mining craze of the late 1800s. Many of Aspen's impressive Victorian edifices were built in this period. In 1883, Jerome Wheeler, a wealthy entrepreneur from New York came to visit Aspen and decided to invest in its mining properties. He also invested in Midland Railroad, which added to the success of the community. Wheeler then went on to build two of Aspen's most important buildings: The Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House.

The grand opening of the Wheeler Opera House was a significant event in Aspen's History. Rumors of the theater's elaborate interior inspired potential visitors to dress in a manner that would have them complement there surroundings. As a result, the request for exquisite millenary was a great benefit to local merchants. This in turn benefited the entire Aspen economy. Unfortunately, when silver was demonetized in 1893, the town's economy suffered. Although the town survived as a ranching center, its population was rarely above 700. When a fire damaged much of the Wheeler Opera House in 1912, hope in Aspen's future began to die. Hope was briefly revived in 1935, when an international group came to Aspen in search for a perfect location for a ski area. They hired Swiss Avalanche expert André Roche to develop.

However, the outbreak of World War I forestalled their plans. Yet even though the plans to develop a ski area were temporarily delayed, the presence of the 10^th Mountain Division in nearby Camp Hale had a significant influence on Aspen's future. Although the soldiers trained at Camp Hale, they "played" at Aspen in their free time. In the 1940s, Friedl Pfeiffer, an Austrian ski instructor and former member of the 10^th Mountain Division teamed up with a Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth. The Paepckes were interested in developing Aspen as a cultural center, and Pfeiffer wanted to build a ski area that rivaled the great resorts of Europe. Both accomplished their dream. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Aspen added three more mountains: Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Meanwhile, Paepcke revived the Wheeler Opera House and helped plan the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation which took place in Aspen in 1949. The event inspired the development of a multitude of dance, theatre and musical study programs. Today, AspenColorado is a year-round mecca for the arts and recreation. In the winter, you can enjoy some of the best skiing in Colorado. In the warmer seasons, outdoor enthusiasts can participate in hot-air ballooning, river rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding and many other activities. Cultural activities include the HBO Comedy Festival, The Food and Wine Magazine Classic, Aspen Theatre in the Park, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and many other events.

Accommodations in Aspen, Colorado

Given its popularity as both a ski area and cultural center, it comes as no surprise that the town of Aspenhas many lodging options. However, despite its image as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen does have some budget accommodations. Choosing where to stay in Aspen is dependent on a number of factors. You should consider where you will be skiing, the type of lodging you would prefer and proximity to nightlife. Also, your choice of Aspen hotels will depend on who you are traveling with. Families, couples or singles may prefer different types of Aspen lodging. If you are looking for a place for a corporate meeting that will also allow you to take in some skiing, you might think about the Aspen Meadows Resort. The hotel is situated along a 40 acre meadow which is surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. In addition to being a meeting and conference venue, the Aspen Meadows Resort hosts the Aspen Music Festival, as well as the Aspen Food and Wine Festival. Aspen Meadows Resort is also home to the Aspen Institute, where heads of state, business leaders, artists and writers meet to discuss global issues. Aspen Meadows Resort has 98 luxury guest suites, a spa, high speed internet access and all the amenities you would expect of a luxury hotel. If your four-legged family member is jealous, take him along. Aspen Meadows Resort is pet friendly. If staying at ski-in/ski-out accommodations is important to you, you will want to book a room at the Little Nell. The Little Nell is situated at the base of Aspen Mountain. Many people consider it to be Aspen's premiere luxury resort. The Little Nell is a unique blend of country inn charm and grand hotel amenities. In addition to having a health club and Jacuzzi, the hotel concierge will make sure that your boots are warm and your skis are waxed.

If you are looking for a more lodging with a more personal feel, consider the Aspen Mountain Lodge. Throughout the winter, this hotel features Après Ski with hot soup, wine and cheese. You can wake up each morning to a hearty breakfast that is served near the 40 foot river rock fireplace. All rooms have a small refrigerator. Access to wireless internet is free, so you can email your friends about your experiences!

For those who are on a tight budget, Aspen has some options. The St.Moritz Lodge has bunk style rooms with shared bathrooms in the hallway. For a slightly higher rate, you can have a room with a private bath and kitchenette. The St. Moritz is five blocks from Aspen's historic downtown, and in close proximity to Aspen's free ski shuttle. Continental breakfast and après ski parties are included in the room rate. At the end of the day, you can relax in the heated outdoor pool. Free high speed internet access and a book library add to this hotel's value.

Skiing in Aspen, Colorado
An AspenColorado vacation encompasses all of the glory and glamour of skiing. Excellent grooming, a superb ski school, an average of 300 inches of snowfall and varied terrain make for a skiing experience that is second to none. Although Aspen has the reputation for advanced skiing, there is actually terrain accessible to skiers and riders of all levels.

Aspen is composed of four mountains: Snowmass, Aspen Highlands , Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk. Snowmass is at a base elevation of 8,104 feet, and a summit elevation of 12, 510 feet. Its vertical rise is 4, 406 feet. Twenty-two lifts serve 88 trails. Snowmass is noted for its wide-open, groomed cruisers. It has been cited as one of the best family destinations in North America .

Aspen Mountain is also known as Ajax . It is famous for its steeps and bumps. Its base is at 7, 945 feet and its summit is at 11, 212 feet, with a vertical rise of 3,267 feet. Eight lifts serve 76 very challenging trails. Powder fans can take a luxury Snowcat tour off the backside of Aspen Mountain . Gourmet lunch is included. Aspen Highlands is at a base elevation of 8,045, with a summit of 11, 675 feet. It has a vertical rise of 3,635 feet. Five lifts serve 131 trails. Aspen Highlands is famous for its steep, big mountain bowl skiing. Although Buttermilk is home to the ESPN X Games, it is actually the best mountain for beginners. With a base elevation of 7, 870 feet and a summit of 9,900 feet, it is a good mountain to start with, if you are coming from sea level. Buttermilk's vertical rise is at 2,030 feet. Nine lifts serve 44 trails. To make the most of your Aspen ski trip, check out their renowned ski school. Beginners can participate in the Beginner's Magic program. For $329, you get three days of lessons, lift tickets and equipment. In addition to their regular ski school, Aspen has some interesting ski camps. Are you interested in skiing off-piste? Check out John Clendenin's Camp with the Champs. Clendenin also has a highly innovative program which features an indoor ski stimulator. Lessons on the simulator help you develop skills without the fear of falling. Call 970-925-1852 for details. If you are interested in developing your general athleticism while enhancing your learning abilities, then you will love Weems Westfeldt's Sport Diamond™. Weems is the former director of skiing and snowboarding at Aspen . He is considered to be the "coaches' coach." The Sport Diamond ™ workshops improve both your technique and your mental attitude about the sport. You can read about Weems in the winter 2005 edition of Aspen Magazine. For details about the Sport Diamond™ program, call toll free 877-282-7736, or visit edgechange.com.

Former World Extreme Champion Kim Reichelm conducts a four-day ski workshop for women. Your day begins with morning yoga sessions, and continues with individualized instruction and video analysis on the hill. End your day with an après ski party to celebrate your accomplishments! Call 888-444-8151 for information about this exciting program.

Aspen Nightlife

While many people come to Aspen for the skiing, others are fans of its glamorous nightlife and excellent dining. If you enjoy listening to live jazz, you will enjoy Syzygy Nightclub at 520 East Hyman Street in downtown Aspen . Do you want to dance the night away to fantastic live rock music? If so, visit Club Chelsea at 415 east Hyman Street . Club Chelsea is noted for its performances by Aspen 's finest local musicians. If you want to watch the "beautiful people," or simply enjoy a drink in an extremely romantic setting, visit the bar at the Little Nell Hotel, conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain . The Nell is also known for its excellent, albeit expensive cuisine.

For those of you who would prefer a less expensive and "glitzy" form of nightlife, head to the Cooper Street Pier. This local's bar does not have a dress code. Pool tables are upstairs, and shuffle board is downstairs. Prices are reasonable by Aspen standards. Cooper Street Pier is located at 508 East Cooper Street .

Do you love karaoke? On Wednesday nights, visit the grotto on 320 South Mill Street in Downtown Aspen. On Sunday evenings, the Grotto features Night of Living Dead. Dead heads and aging hippies relive the glory of the Grateful Dead era of music.

Since skiers and riders can not live on drinks and music alone, you are probably interested in Aspen dining. If you enjoy food that is both healthy and elegant, check out Cache-Cache at 205 South Mill Street . Many fish and vegetarian items are on the menu.

For food and fun, visit Boogie's Diner at 534 East Cooper Avenue . This 1950s retro diner is owned by Lenny Weinglass, a lifelong friend of film director Barry Levinson. In fact, Lenny was Levinson's inspiration for the "Boogie" character in the movie Diner. As you would expect, Boogie's Diner features typical diner food, such as burgers and milkshakes.

Perhaps you would enjoy a more rustic, authentic Colorado dining experience. At the end of your ski day at Snowmass, ski down to Krabloonik Restaurant, which is located in a log cabin behind Snowmass village. The menu features wild game, fresh fish, caribou, beef and wild boar. Please don't feed the huskies which you might see near the restaurant. Krabloonik owner Dan MacEachen trains them for the Alaskan Iditarod.

If you are hungry for both food and culture, The Crystal Palace will serve you well. This restaurant describes itself as SecondCitymeets Julia Childs. Since its opening in 1957, The Crystal Palace has combined satirical musical theatre with top quality dining. After each show, continue to be entertained at the Crystal Palace Piano Bar by New York City cabaret artist Michael McAssey.

Ballet aficionados should reserve tickets for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Performances are held at the Aspen District Theatre, which is located in the Aspen Elementary School . The company performs a diverse repertoire of works by the world's most prestigious choreographers. Tickets can be purchased by calling toll-free 1-877-DANCING.

Aspen Adventures and Excursions

Although you might think of Aspen as a winter wonderland, it is actually a year-round resort. In fact, even in winter, there are other activities aside from skiing or riding. During the dog days of winter, consider taking a day off from skiing to enjoy a dog sledding excursion. Each day in winter, Krabloonik at 4250 Divide Road in Snowmass Village sends teams of 13 sled dogs into the Snowmass-Maroon Bells Wilderness area. Your half-day trip includes lunch at Krabloonik's Restaurant.

The City of Aspen Ice Garden has a year-round indoor ice skating rink. In the winter, check out the outdoor rink at the Silver Circle, which is located at the base of Aspen Mountain, next to the Rubey Park Transit Center. For fans of snowmobiling, there are 26 miles of groomed trails at the T Lazy 7 Ranch, which is located at 3129 Maroon Creek Road .

For a fun-filled evening of sing-a-longs, and a delicious barbeque dinner, take a Snowcat ride to Burlingame Cabin. This authentic western cabin serves dinner on Tuesday evenings from 5:00-7:45 PM. For reservations, call 800-525-6200 x4460.

During the winter, naturalists conduct guided ski or snowshoe tours to the top of Aspen Mountain , Snowmass or Ashcroft. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies also shows weekly slide shows. The center is located at Hallam Lake , and is open all year round.

Would you like to perfect your driving skills so that you drive to any ski area in any condition? Consider the renowned Aspen Winter Driving Experience. This is the perfect course for anyone who wishes to learn how to control their vehicle in the most slippery, icy conditions.

If you've eaten too much of Aspen 's great food, you can burn some extra calories by spending a day cross country skiing. The Aspen Nordic Trail System links Aspen and Snowmass via the Owl Creek Trail. The system is the largest free-groomed trail system in North America .

During the summer, white water rafting is available on the Roaring Fork River and the Shoshone Rapids. If you did not catch any air on your winter ski trip, consider returning to Aspen for hot air ballooning in the summer. From June to September, equestrians can enjoy horseback riding at Snowmass Village . During this period, the village features an authentic rodeo.

Perhaps you prefer that your adventures take place on four wheels, rather than four legs! If that's the case, be sure to sign up for Rocky Mountain Backcountry Jeep Tours! The tour travels up the backside of Aspen Mountain . Once the jeep reaches the top, it continues along the crest of Gold Hill Ridge, where you can view the Continental Divide on one side, and the Montezuma basin on the other.

From May to October, Aspen offers a variety of biking tours. Programs are available for all levels of ability. For information, call 888-649-5982. Are you fishing for other Aspen summer activities? Aspen Trout Guides offers casting clinics, as well as rod, reel and wader rentals. They also offer full day trips to private lakes, so that you can fish for rainbow or brown trout. Aspen Trout Guides is located at 520 East Durant Avenue . You can contact them at 970-379-7963.