Ascend to Aspen

By: Caitlin Moore
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:29
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Three hundred inches of snow per year, four resorts to choose from, and enough bumps, trails, and thrills to make each ski run different from the last, Aspen is the place to satisfy your need to speed down the mountainside. You’ll be especially well-suited to this vacation destination if you have a taste for luxury, because while it’s not required to go all out, Aspen certainly has a way of inspiring you to live life to the fullest.

If you have mountains on your mind, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highland, Snowmass, and Buttermilk are all within 12 miles of the town of Aspen and offer some of the finest skiing and snowboarding conditions to be found. This region also contains much of the White River National Forest and other designated wilderness areas, so all you city-folk will feel the odd sensation of being immersed in nature while you’re here (that’s a good thing). As you forget what it’s like to hear the traffic of the city, you’ll find yourself becoming newly aware of stunning alpine profiles, swaying branches, and the blinding brilliance of the sun glinting from the snow.

If you’re more of a flatlander, then consider cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or snow camping to get your fill of the winter wonderland. And don’t forget that skiers and non-skiers alike will appreciate coming in out of the cold, warming frosty fingers by the fire, and sipping a cup of cocoa to chase away the final nip of the outdoors. Small pleasures like this make up an important part of a cold-weather vacation, so don’t overlook the small things.

Of course, Aspen doesn’t become undesirable in the summer when the snow has melted, in fact it doesn’t lose much luster at all. The white gives way to vibrant green, punctuated with a few cheery wildflowers. Ski trails are gone, and hiking and biking trails take the spotlight. If adrenaline is still what you’re after, then raft or kayak down a raging river or search for footholds on a sheer rock face. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon, or settle down near a cool stream for the most picturesque picnic you’ll ever have.

When you feel the need to venture back to civilization, Aspen is filled to the brim with fine cuisine, live music, special events, and family-friendly offerings of all kinds. Twelve blocks of eclectic shops scattered with trees and bronze statues make up the central business district, so hopefully you’ll have room in your luggage to bring home a western-themed souvenir or a purse imported from Italy. From kids wear to sports equipment, Aspen shops will doubtlessly reveal whatever it is that your heart truly desires.

While you’re in pleasure mode, be sure to take advantage of the many spa offerings in the area. From pedicures to cutting edge beauty techniques, you’ll be sure to return home looking gorgeous and feeling relaxed. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so just send the spa-fearful members of your traveling party off to the tennis courts or the golf courses while you undergo your well-deserved pampering session.

So as not to neglect your artistic side while in Aspen, try to visit one of the festivals that will be going on while you’re here. The Food and Wine Magazine Classic attracts the very brightest culinary stars to showcase their talents and advise the attendants on how to cook, pour, and entertain like champions. The Aspen Arts Festival brings together the works of over 200 painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers in a gallery setting like none other. If neither of these strikes a chord, then just wait a few days for the next big event. Be it music, fireworks, or theatre related, there is something that everyone will be interested in.

From your perch in the mountains of Aspen, you’ll feel lucky to be alive and motivated to experience and appreciate everything that you can. The final way to ensure a stellar vacation for you and yours is to reserve a vacation rental that will complement all that you plan to see and do while in this heavenly spot. A condo steps away from a ski lift would be ideal during the winter, and a quiet little cottage within earshot of a babbling brook would make your summer visit postcard-perfect.

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