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 […]
You’ve got a weekend free, and you’re spending 48 hours in Aspen. Lucky you. The question is, how do you maximize a short trip in a place that keeps locals occupied year-round? The hardest part of this equation is narrowing your focus. Why are you coming to Aspen, and what’s your main goal? Are you alone, […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 […]
Even the most hard-charging, ultra-marathoning freaks of nature (Aspen is home to more than a few) need to take the occasional day off to rest and recover. The rest of us are usually better able to unwind, but when you’re paying the big bucks for a ski holiday or season pass, it can be hard […]
There’s obviously no shortage of places to shop in Aspen. When it comes to souvenirs, however, a generic ski town tchotchke doesn’t always cut it. Whatever you’re looking for- be it a special occasion gift or a memento of your holiday in Aspen, it’s not about how much you spend, but how well you source. From locally-produced […]
For those looking to celebrate the holidays in style, few better options exist than a ski town. If your idea of festivity includes hitting the slopes followed by fireside hot toddies, it’s impossible to resist the allure of fairy light-festooned trees and Victorian homes, snowy streets, and the ongoing festive vibe. Sure, Aspen has plenty […]
Are you about to take your first ski vacation? Rest assured, you’re going to have a blast on the slopes, but before you leave, it’s important to know exactly what to bring, how to dress, and how to take care of your health. Here are our top tips for your first ski trip: Get in […]
November is the final countdown to ski season. It’s a little bit fall, a little bit winter. Flurries will fly on and off in the valley. The peaks are putting on their puffies in shades of blanca. And snow season officially launches at the end of the month. Oh, sweet, snowy bliss! But there’s plenty […]
It’s never a bad time to drink beer in Colorado, even when there’s a blizzard raging. With over 200 craft breweries and counting statewide, there’s no shortage of seasonal beers, either. The following are some of my favorite winter beers, thanks to their various spicy, fruity, or warming qualities. Happy holidays, no Champagne required. Ol’ […]
The 10th Mountain Division huts are just one of many reasons I moved to Colorado nearly 20 years ago (never mind the fact I’d never set foot on a piece of Nordic equipment at the time). For most non-residents, the hut system is a relatively little-known piece of U.S. history to visitors. The Aspen-based, non-profit […]