Travel: Five Reasons You Should Ski Aspen This Year
Mountainwatch |Reggae Elliss
Aspen is renowned as one of the world’s great snow holiday destinations and it only takes one visit to understand why. Here are five reasons you should ski it this year, six when you also consider the early bird discounts on offer for this upcoming winter.
1 It’s not just one mountain – it’s four
When you buy a lift pass to “Aspen” you gain access to not one, but four, ski resorts, a total of 5480 acres spread across the four distinct mountains in the Valley that make up Aspen Snowmass – Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk.
Each mountain offers something different and combined they serve up a huge variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Aspen “Ajax” mountain is renowned for its gladed tree runs and double black steeps and challenging moguls. But don’t worry, if you’re like me and avoid moguls at any costs, there are plenty of groomed options as well.
Aspen Highlands has some of the best and steepest in-bounds terrain in Colorado, including the renowned Highlands Bowl, and while the hike from the top of Loge Peak will test your fitness level it is a must-do for any advanced skier or snowboarder. Just remember, as an Aspen patroller told me as he overtook me, “Just cruise, it ain’t a race, just keep a comfortable steady pace.”
For those who prefer a shortcut, there is also a snowcat that takes you about a third of the way up. It runs regularly after 10am but dependent on the number of people there can be a bit of a wait. Highlands also has a number of long groomed runs, perfect for a few warm-up laps before heading off piste and some nice long intermediate runs.
Snowmass, around 25-30 minutes from Aspen, is huge with a leg burning vertical of 1343 metres and its long, groomed runs provide excellent “highway skiing” if you are in cruise mode while it also some great black diamond terrain and tree runs to keep the experts satisfied. It also has a variety of terrain parks, which range from introductory to advanced, and given that a number of US Team athletes train in Snowmass it is always worth a stop to check out the action. Snowmass is a resort within itself and with plenty of accommodation and easy access to a large village with a variety of retail, après and restaurants options.
The fourth mountain, Buttermilk, is known world-wide as the home of the Winter X Games each January and its expert terrain park is one of the best in North America. However, Buttermilk is also one of the friendliest beginner/intermediate mountains you’ll find anywhere with rambling and gentle runs allowing novice skiers and snowboarders to gain confidence and progress quickly.
2 The snow
While getting n a few powder days is the motivation for many of us to book an overseas snow holiday, the beauty of Aspen is you don’t need powder to have an awesome day’s skiing in Aspen – it provides quality snow days after a storm thanks to its high altitude (3267m) and cold, dry climate. In between storms the snow off piste is dry and chalky while the immaculately groomed runs deliver perfect corduroy each morning. The season average snowfall is 720cms, and consistent top ups throughout the winter guarantees quality snow for most of the season.
However, when you do get a powder day it is something you will never forget. One of the best days skiing I’ve ever experienced was during a storm in Aspen – knee-deep, light, blower pow that was as good as it gets, the storm dropping constant refills as we lapped the Temerity trees at Aspen Highlands with a couple of runs through the famous Highlands Bowl for good measure. Dry Colorado powder with a steep consistent fall line of over 600 metres that seemed like it was never going to end. Talk about creating memories.
4 It is a Real Town
Aspen is a special town and while it has a justified reputation for glitz, luxury and celebrities – yes that is Prada on the corner, private jets lined up at the airport and you might have just seen Goldie Hawn pass you on the street – it is also so much more than billionaires and bling.
Founded in 1879, Aspen’s rich heritage is carefully maintained in the Victoria era buildings and unlike some purpose-built ski resort “towns” Aspen has a genuine sense of community thanks to a year-round population of over 7000 people. The ‘’real town” feel is partly thanks to smart local policy making ensuring affordable housing is possible for locals, so you’ll find a true community with teachers, nurses, instructors and police still able to live here and not get edged out by the New York hedge funders.
Aspen boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, has galleries on every corner, hosts many national and international conferences, events and numerous festivals throughout the year.
3 Après/Nightlife
As you’d expect, Aspen has a thriving après, food and nightlife scene. The iconic Cloud 9 found mid-mountain on Highlands is famous for pouring the most Veuve Clicquot in the country and on sunny afternoons you might see some well-heeled folks dancing on tables working off a raclette lunch, but for those of us whose budget is more PBR than Moët you’ll be relieved to hear Aspen has options for everyone. There are a number of mid-range restaurants with White House Tavern and the J Bar at the Jerome Hotel a couple of favourites, both serving well-priced pub-style food.
Venga Venga in Snowmass is also a great place for Mexican and they know how to make a Margarita. While we’re talking affordable options it’s always fun to check out the Aspen Thrift Shop (opposite Gucci!) where you might snag a bargain.
If you’re keen to take in live music, local bars often have some great après entertainment, check out the listings at Belly Up and grab a ticket to a show while you’re in town.
Australians desperate for a ‘real’ coffee will find a latte inside the beautiful Gorsuch store right at the base of the Aspen mountain Gondola. You’ll probably also find some stylish ski gear and homewares that will want to slide on your credit card, so don’t say you weren’t warned.
5 It is great for Families
Aspen Snowmass caters well for kids of all ages through its internationally recognised ski and snowboard school. Based out of the Treehouse Kids Adventure centre at Snowmass and The Hideout at Buttermilk, Aspen has programs for three-to-six-year-old first timers through to junior rippers in the seven-to-12-year old’s program. There is also a program for advanced 13–17-year-olds that focuses on everything from groomers to steeps, powder and the park, so there really is that cliché phrase of something for everybody.
There are also plenty of off-snow options for the kids including tubing, sleigh rides and dog sledding, and an open-air ice-skating rink in town. Add in a few hot chocolates, some buffalo wings, twinkling fairy lights and you’re well on the way to a complete snow holiday.
Bonus Reason – Early Bird Bargains
Book a trip to Aspen by September 30th and you’ll receive early bird pricing on the SKI10 and SKI30 passes when paired with 7 days accommodation at participating properties. The SKI10 pass gives you 10-days access to Aspen’s four mountains for $1290 AUD or $129/day. If you are there for a longer stay then the SKI30 pass is great value, giving access to the you 30 days for $1451 AUD, which world out at just $48 Aussie dollars/day.
You’ll also receive at least 20% off your accommodation, but you need to book by September 30th. Head to Mountainwatch Travel now to book your ultimate Aspen snow holiday.
