Michelle on the Ultimate Mountain Experience

I visited Aspen/Snowmass, CO and stayed at the St. Regis Resort in Aspen. The hotel is located at the base of Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax Mountain) and within steps- high ones I may note, of the historic downtown. I was perfectly content visiting the Spa, enjoying homemade smore’s in the hotel restaurant, sitting by the fire, relaxing outside in the hot tub with 20” of snow on the ground (which will never happen in North Carolina) but I soon realized that I couldn’t pass up the real reason I came to Aspen and that was to experience the wonderful skiing!

My first morning there I ventured over to the Gondola where they conveniently had all my ski equipment waiting for me. I knew I couldn’t see the top of the mountain but I thought it was because it was snowing so hard. I decided to detour to Starbucks right in the square and contemplate this mountain and what I was about to experience. I am a North Carolina girl and there is a slight difference between the Rocky’s and the Appalachians! While I was sitting at Starbucks sipping my Chai Tea, I was chatting and learned that Aspen Mountain is the home of the annual Winter X Games. Whew! I was finally ready to head to the top of the mountain so I headed to the Silver Queen Gondola.....

The Gondola was exceptionally nice but I couldn’t see anything I was getting ready to take on because it was snowing so hard! After a 20 minute ride to the top, we arrived at a mere 11, 212 feet. The Sundeck Restaurant located at the top of Aspen Mountain offers a full lunch menu with grilled items, fresh sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, homemade pizza, salads, wok selections, desserts and beverages. There are a lot of black and double-black runs but there is always a decent blue run available. We did one black run called Northstar that was as easy as a blue except for one very steep section where I looked like a human comet getting ready to take out the person in front of me. It was a challenge but I managed to make it down safely. For those of you like me, I recommend one of the other 3 slopes in the area to ensure your safety. Buttermilk, Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands.

Moving from Aspen Mountain to Snowmass, I would like to mention the base village which is now in its second season. It has restaurants, ski-in/ski-out condos and a new conference space. Something I was amazed by is the new Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center! If you are like me, you may think your child is too young to enjoy skiing and what a hassle it would be. The Treehouse is the perfect place for children and I am telling you, they would never miss you! There is so much to do for ages 8 weeks to teens. It is definitely ONE OF A KIND!

If you are traveling to Aspen/Snowmass, a couple of things to remember:

If you are traveling with lots of luggage or ski equipment, the low cost of shipping your luggage in advance can save you a long wait at airport check-in or even lost luggage.
Save your money- there is no need for a car at Aspen Snowmass. Both Aspen and Snowmass have pedestrian friendly cores with large sidewalks, outdoors mall and have the added advantage of being small towns. Wherever you find yourself, you are most likely 5 to 10 minutes to shops, restaurants and the slopes! Public transportation is FREE. All ski shuttles, cross town shuttles and airport buses are free.
Using sun screen in the Rocky Mountains is as important as wearing your seatbelt. Use SPF 30 and apply FREQUENTLY! Be aware that the sun’s reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
Drink plenty of water. Exerting yourself at higher altitudes increases the risk of dehydration.

If you are looking for the perfect family vacation destination, stop looking and begin planning your 2010 trip to Aspen/Snowmass- the best ski resort in Colorado! Aspen / Snowmass is one of the most complete mountain resorts - from a variety of lodging options, four skiing mountains, ranging in all levels. The skiing is amazing, the charm is unique and a variety of events and activities making it the best choice. Aspen offers plenty of attractions any time of the year. There is always something to do whether it is fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting/kayaking, tennis or golf.