Avi Dogs

Meet Aspen-snowmass’ Avalanche Rescue Dogs

It’s the rare job where the objective is to not have to work, but for the four-footed employees of the Aspen-Snowmass Avalanche Rescue Dog team and their handlers, it’s the ideal scenario. Nine dogs work for the three main mountains– Aspen, Highlands, and Snowmass. Buttermilk uses a dog owned by a member of the volunteer […]

Last Tracks Aspen

Making “Last Tracks” on Aspen Mountain with the Limelight

Dedicated skiers always have a list of things that are the equivalent of the Holy Grail when it comes to seeking snow: heli-skiing, making first tracks on a pow day, shredding with a pro. Even if you’re not a hardcore, some of these are still attainable, and thanks to a free, innovative, new ski program […]

Person skiing on a powder day near the Limelight Hotel Aspen.

Powder Day Hall Pass ?

Sunday night, after a weekend of snow, snow and some more snow, my fellow Aspen Skiing Company employees and me (the Aspen Skiing Company owns the Limelight Hotel) received an email from our CEO Mike Kaplan stating thus: Good things come to those who wait, and this snow is definitely a good thing.  So let’s […]

Bellyup Aspen

5 Reasons Why the Belly Up is Aspen’s Perfect Music Venue

About a lifetime ago, I lived in San Diego. Back then, the Belly Up in Solana Beach was the place to hear live music, and not much has changed in the two decades since. Michael Goldberg, inspired by the success of his brother Steve’s SoCal venue, opened the Aspen location in 2005, and things have […]

The snow-covered streets of Aspen in the winter, near the Limelight Hotel Aspen.

The Top 5 Free Things to do in Aspen in Winter

Fact: Ski towns, regardless of locale, are expensive. They’re also very community-minded, which is why there’s always a diverse offering of free activities and events for locals and visitors alike. Aspen is no exception, and truth be told, the town has freebies on things many resorts charge for. Take our Nordic trail system (all 60 […]

Three forks on display to represent dining at the Limelight Hotel Aspen.

5 Great Family-Friendly Restaurants in Aspen

Eating out with your family means juggling more appetites, taste buds, attention spans and mouths to feed. But whether your kids are picky chicken-nugget-purists or adventurous budding foodies, Aspen’s got you covered. Start with these five great family-friendly Aspen restaurants. CP Burger Fast food Aspen style. Burgers and dogs are staples, or add grilled tuna […]

Aspen Horseback Riding

3 Tips for Stress-Free Horseback Riding in Aspen

Feeling a little tired from all that hiking? It’s time to saddle up and get in touch with Aspen’s Western roots. Just think: All that amazing scenery while your horse does the work. You can ride up Independence Pass like the original silver miners: Independence Pass Outfitting Company. Or try something the old-timers didn’t have—a […]

Two people at a scenic overlook while hiking near Aspen.

5 Best Aspen Adventure Hikes

Words don’t do justice to the beauty around Aspen. The Elk Mountain Range is loaded with life-list trails, views, passes and peaks. You’ve got to see them for yourself. Hikers can find every level of trail, but this list if for the adventurous. Here are the 5 best Aspen adventure hikes. 5. Cathedral Lake Distance: […]

Best bike rides in Aspen

5 Best Bike Rides in Aspen

Aspen is a cyclist’s dream. Think it coincidence that America’s premier cycling race, the USA Pro Challenge, is kicking off in Aspen for the second straight year? Or that Lance Armstrong owns a house in town? Here are the 5 best bike rides in Aspen, with a ride for every style of cyclist.   Road […]

Best Après Ski in Aspen

The Best Après Ski Bars in Aspen – Picks From a Local

Après is an indisputable facet of ski culture. Whether you’re a pro, ski bum, fair-weather fan of groomers, or total grom, everyone loves after-ski playtime. As a kid, we spent our hours after the chairs stopped running, having water fights in the hotel pool, followed by a soak in the hot tub.The best après ski […]

A mountain in Aspen near the Limelight Hotel Aspen, which is used for skiing and ice climbing in the winter.

3 Tips for Ice Climbing in Aspen

Ice is the last thing you want for skiing or riding. But ice doesn’t have to be a four-letter—er, three-letter—word. You know what I mean. Ice can be the gateway to your next epic adventure in Aspen: ice climbing. Who hasn’t seen those cool axes and wanted to go all Wolverine up a frozen waterfall? […]

The Cooper Lounge at Union Station in Denver, Co.

5 Hot Toddies You Gotta Try

I’m generally more intrigued by the idea of hot toddies- with their seductive alpine associations- than I am by the actual beverages. Sure, you can get a hot alcoholic libation outside of a ski town, but let’s face it: Part of the point is the ambiance. Does an Irish Coffee or Hot Buttered Rum really […]