Aspen: Luxury In The Snow
Long ago the infamous Hunter S. Thompson campaigned to be mayor of this sleepy town in the Rockies. He may not have won, but he represents just one of the many celebrities that flock to Aspen every year for the best skiing in America. It makes the town of Aspen a wholly unique place where cowboy grittiness meets European panache and Hollywood Glamor. There is even the occasional Ivy League graduate. This is the home of Olympic champions, world-class musicians and thinkers, actors and artists; they make the town that they live in intellectual, cultural and artistic, as well as a little bizarre. They all come for the fresh powder, live music and the flash their cash. With a full roster of festivals and reassuringly high prices, Aspen is the place to spend your luxurious winter break. Stay in a luxury cabin rental and ski right onto the slopes from your front door.
Sample the world-class dining options, and you will want to stay for summer to go hiking up Buckskin Pass, biking up Independence Pass to discover the grottos along the Roaring Fork River, or riding your mountain bike all the way up to Glenwood Springs. Horse riding around the multi million dollar neighborhoods is another fun option. Discover your own private luxury villa rental and see the action of “the Aspen millionaires [that] are making room for billionaires” for you.
Snow capped Aspen mountains.
In the winter try out some less common activities like climbing an ice wall or going on a horse driven sleigh ride. But of course the main event is skiing. Beginners can try out their slope legs on the Buttermilk slope, whereas experts can get a challenge by attempting Snowmass or Aspen. After building up an appetite skiing ride up to Ajax Tavern, which is right on the base of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy stunning mountain views with filling bistro dishes cooked using seasonal produce and local meats. When you are not on the slopes you can engage in Aspen’s other favorite pastime, shopping. There is a wealth of shops for you to choose from, so have your platinum card at the ready. The Gallerie is an appointment only store where you can browse in the most private of settings. For a huge selection of the designer names you love go to MAX. For Cartier and the like check out Meridian Jewellers. For an eclectic mix of just about everything check out Covet, which is full of colorful things to catch your eye.
After all is said and done, and you’ve met some colorful characters along the way retreat into a frothing hot tub with a bottle of bubbly, to reflect on the extravagances of this town of excellence and indulgence. Or visit one of the many hot springs such as Glenwood Springs, which was used way in the past by the Ute Indians, who called it the “healing waters”. The perfect 93oF mineral water pool will be sure to soothe away your aches and pains. If you prefer to bath au natural, then check out the clothing optional Conundrum Hot Springs. For spa treatments go to Remede Spa, where you can get all the usual treatments, and then even buy the products in the plush small shop.
The vibrant colors of Aspen in the Fall.
Dining in Aspen is as varied as it is elevated. For American classics check out Jimmy’s, which is a famous local haunt. For something a little more special check out the Mediterranean eatery, Wild Fig, which is located next to the Wheeler Opera House. For a truly magical culinary experience go to Montagna, where wunderkind chef Ryan Hardy, a finalist for the James Beard Award, creates unique dishes using his refined selection of olive oils. Much of what is on the menu comes from his nearby organic farm. If you fancy some fish for dinner then the best place to go is Pacifica Seafood & Rawbar. The menu specializes in fish, but also serves delicacies like pheasant with black truffle risotto.
After dinner there is no shortage of places to get a drink. For a really good brew check out the Aspen Brewing Company, which produces its own hefeweizen-style ale. One of the best cocktails on the slopes is the acai martini, which is served at the cocktail bar Elevation. Or check out its sister club, Social for a wild night of dancing. For an exclusive and refined evening go to the members only Caribou Club (if you can get in.) It is hidden in-between fur and diamonds stores, and is utterly exclusive. For the most happening scene, head to the Regal Watering Hole of Aspen, which is very popular amongst the youth and ravers of this little town. The aged leather floor in the back room is a real show stopper.
Whether you come for the snow and decide to stay for the summer. Aspen has year round draw and natural beauty, whichever season you happen to witness. Staying in a luxury villa rental will be a welcome retreat after you come off the slopes. Sit by the fire with a mug of cocoa in the most opulent of settings.
Sample the world-class dining options, and you will want to stay for summer to go hiking up Buckskin Pass, biking up Independence Pass to discover the grottos along the Roaring Fork River, or riding your mountain bike all the way up to Glenwood Springs. Horse riding around the multi million dollar neighborhoods is another fun option. Discover your own private luxury villa rental and see the action of “the Aspen millionaires [that] are making room for billionaires” for you.
Snow capped Aspen mountains.
In the winter try out some less common activities like climbing an ice wall or going on a horse driven sleigh ride. But of course the main event is skiing. Beginners can try out their slope legs on the Buttermilk slope, whereas experts can get a challenge by attempting Snowmass or Aspen. After building up an appetite skiing ride up to Ajax Tavern, which is right on the base of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy stunning mountain views with filling bistro dishes cooked using seasonal produce and local meats. When you are not on the slopes you can engage in Aspen’s other favorite pastime, shopping. There is a wealth of shops for you to choose from, so have your platinum card at the ready. The Gallerie is an appointment only store where you can browse in the most private of settings. For a huge selection of the designer names you love go to MAX. For Cartier and the like check out Meridian Jewellers. For an eclectic mix of just about everything check out Covet, which is full of colorful things to catch your eye.
After all is said and done, and you’ve met some colorful characters along the way retreat into a frothing hot tub with a bottle of bubbly, to reflect on the extravagances of this town of excellence and indulgence. Or visit one of the many hot springs such as Glenwood Springs, which was used way in the past by the Ute Indians, who called it the “healing waters”. The perfect 93oF mineral water pool will be sure to soothe away your aches and pains. If you prefer to bath au natural, then check out the clothing optional Conundrum Hot Springs. For spa treatments go to Remede Spa, where you can get all the usual treatments, and then even buy the products in the plush small shop.
The vibrant colors of Aspen in the Fall.
Dining in Aspen is as varied as it is elevated. For American classics check out Jimmy’s, which is a famous local haunt. For something a little more special check out the Mediterranean eatery, Wild Fig, which is located next to the Wheeler Opera House. For a truly magical culinary experience go to Montagna, where wunderkind chef Ryan Hardy, a finalist for the James Beard Award, creates unique dishes using his refined selection of olive oils. Much of what is on the menu comes from his nearby organic farm. If you fancy some fish for dinner then the best place to go is Pacifica Seafood & Rawbar. The menu specializes in fish, but also serves delicacies like pheasant with black truffle risotto.
After dinner there is no shortage of places to get a drink. For a really good brew check out the Aspen Brewing Company, which produces its own hefeweizen-style ale. One of the best cocktails on the slopes is the acai martini, which is served at the cocktail bar Elevation. Or check out its sister club, Social for a wild night of dancing. For an exclusive and refined evening go to the members only Caribou Club (if you can get in.) It is hidden in-between fur and diamonds stores, and is utterly exclusive. For the most happening scene, head to the Regal Watering Hole of Aspen, which is very popular amongst the youth and ravers of this little town. The aged leather floor in the back room is a real show stopper.
Whether you come for the snow and decide to stay for the summer. Aspen has year round draw and natural beauty, whichever season you happen to witness. Staying in a luxury villa rental will be a welcome retreat after you come off the slopes. Sit by the fire with a mug of cocoa in the most opulent of settings.