Aspen: Winter Brings Them There, Summer Keeps Them There
Springtime skiing in Aspen, Colorado during the second week of March has developed into a delightful tradition for outdoor enthusiasts not only in the Midwest but for individuals spread out across the U.S., from as far away as San Francisco and N.Y.
Offering world-class ski slopes, unique shopping, fine dining, and a surplus of exciting nightlife, Aspen has become a favorite destination for a multitude of people of all types. Downhill skiers have a luxury of choices when choosing ski resorts; in the Aspen community, there are four outstanding ski resorts to choose from: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. With a complimentary trolley servicing the four resorts all day long, each resort has its own appealing qualities, offering something special for skiers of every age and skill level.
When taking a simple walk down Durant Ave. or any one of the nearby streets, the average vacationer will encounter a wide variety of uncommon shops, offering everything from antiques, to fine clothing, to cowboy boots, to delicious ice cream.
Yes, this particular Aspen community has a special charm all its own: from luxurious, accommodating hotels and inns to gourmet restaurants and specialized merchants; yet at the same time it is informal and very inviting. A perfect example of this charm is Wagner Park, where people of all different backgrounds gather with their dogs or kids for outdoor fun, just steps away from a custom chocolate shop.
This year, visitors were treated to warmer than usual temperatures and terrific nightlife, with parties occurring almost every day. From the refreshing outdoor Wine party at the base of Aspen Mountain to the Roaring 20’s Gatsby celebration, soirees were not hard to find. Sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures attracted dozens of Midwesterners to the Wine Party, while hundreds of festive party-goers attended the spectacular Roaring 20’s celebration at the Hotel Jerome, raising thousands for a very noble charity.
Not to be overlooked was Aspen’s very own Mountain Chalet, celebrating its 60th anniversary (officially on Dec. 26, 2014.) The party room at the top of the Mountain Chalet hosted an enjoyable Gluhwein party with exceptional hors-d‘oeuvres. Featuring an intriguing narrative by Mountain Chalet’s founder Ralph Melville and a historical slide show with pictures dating back to 1954, this interesting presentation was not to be missed and would have appealed to anyone who ever visited this significant hotel.
The Sundeck at the top of Aspen Mountain was the setting for a lively soiree on a Saturday afternoon, with its breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains just outside the floor to ceiling windows and spacious outdoor areas.
Clearly, the spring time atmosphere in Aspen is something everyone should experience at least once in their life, even if they are not interested in skiing. This accommodating little town in the mountains has something for everyone to enjoy, with a fascinating skiing history dating back to the early 1950’s including skiing pioneer Stein Erickson and innovator Klaus Obermeyer
