In a town known for imbibing and excess, it’s no surprise that Aspen mixologists have created some seriously over-the-top cocktails. There’s a difference, however, between the ludicrous (Bloody Mary’s piled with a grocery store’s worth of garnishes; slapdash combinations of high-octane booze designed for maximum intoxication) and intelligent (well-balanced proportions and flavors; thoughtful use of […]
Let’s be honest. This was a brutal year for America, and it’s time for a fresh start. If politics and other events have left you too over it to usher in the New Year like a rock star, you’ve come to the right place. Yes, Virginia, you can have a laid-back New Year’s Eve. Here’s […]
In ski town vernacular, “Thanksgiving” is synonymous with “opening day.” Even if Mother Nature needs an assist in the form of snow-making, most major Colorado resorts kick off ski season by starting operations on Thanksgiving Day. As a longtime food industry professional and ski town veteran, I bid farewell to celebrating holidays in 1995, when […]
The Roaring Fork Valley is a region of hardcore whitewater enthusiasts, myself among them. And while the paddling community is always sad to see the water levels drop from full-bore hydraulics to mid-summer riffles, wave trains, and stretches of flat, there’s something to be said about a float trip. If you’re looking to experience Aspen’s […]
If you live someplace like Aspen, it’s a serious undertaking to hike all of the region’s trails. Conversely, some of the shortest excursions might get short shrift- dismissed as tourist traps or too brief to count as actual hikes. I confess that until recently, I’d never visited Aspen’s famed Grottos Trail for both of the […]
Canines rule in ski/mountain towns, and Aspen is no exception. If you’re visiting, you’ll find that clean, well-behaved dogs are welcome in many businesses, including hotels like the Limelight and sister property The Little Nell. There are literally dozens of dog-friendly hikes in the Aspen area, and I’ve highlighted some of my faves in this […]
Packing for a trip to the mountains necessitates careful planning, no matter what the season. Whether you’re an outdoor warrior or a sedentary sightseer, a summer visit to Aspen requires specific items to provide protection from the high-altitude sun (and rain, wind, or even snow….you can never be certain what the skies will bring on […]
Ski towns simply don’t have a shortage of pizza. Between après, late night revelry, and the need for on-the-go lunches (all the better to get you back to your outdoor recreational pursuit of choice), a slice is never more than a few minutes’ walk, stumble, or schuss away. Aspen is no exception, with everything from […]
For the uninitiated, Nordic skiing is “any type of skiing that isn’t downhill, aka alpine, skiing. It refers to non-fixed heel sports such as ski jumping, cross-country, skate-skiing, alpine touring (AT), and telemarking. Snowshoeing is a gray area, because it’s not skiing, but it is considered a Nordic sport,” says Chris Frado Executive Director/President of […]
Aspen has a rep for extreme sports and nightlife, but we also embrace our soft side. Whether you’re on a first date or a 50th anniversary getaway, the following places are seriously romantical. Check out our top spots below. Element 47 bar, The Little Nell It’s all about nabbing seats at the two-tops along the wall; […]
Aspen is in the final stages of preparation to host its 15th X Games. The Superpipe at Buttermilk- site of the actual competition and many related events- is being buffed out; the scaffolding is up. Hotels valleywide are booked out (laggers should check out AirBnB and Couchsurfing.com for last minute crash pads), and bars are […]
If you’re not a skier or short on budget, don’t worry, there’s still something for everyone in Aspen. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to feel the burn should give snowshoeing a try. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. The popular winter sport has zero learning curve and can be as easy as a contemplative walk or as […]
