BLOG One Aspen Winter – A New Year Update

January 23rd, 2012


Epic Aspen. Image:: Aspen

Blog | George Raptis

An update from One Aspen Winter

So much has been happening in Aspen since I last got in touch with the readers of Mountainwatch. December saw our base slowly deteriorate under unseasonal warm temperatures, and while most of North America was waiting for snow, we could only sit and watch in envy as our European counterparts received more than their fair share.

All of that is changing in January with over 28 inches (see 2.5 feet) in the last 7 days transforming Aspen into a winter wonderland.


The Highlands Bowl primed for hiking following recent snowfalls. Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

The great thing about One Aspen Winter is that it gives me the opportunity to do as much as possible and show Australia (and the world) all the secrets of this famous ski town – no matter what the snow conditions. In the last few weeks, sensory overload has kicked in – and the silly season was especially out of control!

Summit for Life

Competitors get racing in the Annual Summit for Life. Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

In mid December, I put my hand up for one of Aspen’s most grueling challenges – the annual ‘Summit for Life‘ which sees some 500 hikers climb Aspen Mountain in the dark, all for a great cause.

World Snow Polo


Players get into the action at Aspen World Snow Polo. Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

Aspen is famous for its events, and every week is different. World Snow Polo is truly out there. One of those events where the on-field activities are nowhere near as important as the off-field – this is a week where polo royalty comes to play – oh and partake in some horse related sport as well! Definitely one of the ‘must do’ Aspen events in the lead up to the Aspen New Year.

A very Aspen Christmas

Reindeer visit town for Christmas in Aspen. Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

If St Tropez, Mykonos and Ibiza are where the glamour people head for the Northern Summer, then Aspen is all of those places in one at Christmas – and so much more! The sport of people watching almost takes over skiing in the last weeks of December, from celebs (see the Hilton sisters, Eddie Murphy, and possibly one of Seal and Heidi Klum’s last public appearances together) to the extravagant fur and the legendary partying at the famed private members’ Caribou Club – every moment of Aspen Christmas week is so far removed from an Aussie summer.

Aspen Shooting


One Aspen Winter’s George Raptis gets stuck into some heavy weapons! Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

There is plenty to do on and off the snow in Aspen. And then, there is shooting! Definitely something I didn’t expect to be doing while passing time and waiting for an epic powder day. The locals decided to take me out to the Basalt rifle range and arm me with some real fire power.

The snow

Aspen wakes up to over a foot of new snow on January 22. Image:: Courtesy George Raptis

Well – it finally came in some big dumps in mid January and in the last 24 hours we have just seen the most epic fall of the season arrive. Check out some of the updates on the Aspen snow conditions.