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The Draw
• Watching moguls at play in the moguls
• Beautifully preserved Victorian mining town in a pristine setting
• Skiing on four different local mountains, each with its own personality
• The best off-slope amenities of any North American skiing resort -- from shopping, dining and nightlife to art and culture
The Scene
While most of the world thinks Aspen exists at the intersection of Hollywood and Vain, locals and frequent visitors know better. With its mix of interesting, quirky and passionate people, non-chain shops and restaurants, and winter sports options ranging from death-defying ski slopes to sleigh rides through the pines, Aspen is the queen bee of winter resorts. In the last few years, the area has made serious efforts to attract a younger crowd, with ESPN’s X Games leading the way, and markets its less-expensive lodgings under the heading Gems of Aspen. That said, 10 percent of all the private jets in America will land in Aspen at some point every year, so the currency of the realm here is still, well, currency.
To Be Seen
• Highlands Bowl. Way, way up above the Aspen Highlands lifts is some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in North America. Hike to the top and you’ll have bragging rights back home.
• Pine Creek Cookhouse. This big log cabin, 12 miles up a valley outside of town, offers fine food and a dramatic view of the Elk Mountains. Skiing in (about a mile) on a moonlit night is a premier romantic experience.
• The Caribou Club. Sugar daddies and their female admirers play assorted dating and mating games here in Aspen’s high-profile private club (which offers short-term memberships). Very good food and wine, too.
For The VIP
• Skiing well still carries plenty of weight in Aspen, so make the most of the talented ski pros here: Hire one instructor for you, another for your significant other and a third for the kids. They’ll thank you for it later.
• Want to look sharp on the slopes? Call Performance ski shop, give them your measurements, and ask them to have the year’s hottest ski clothing tailored and ready when you arrive.
• In a town brimming with fine restaurants, one unforgettable way to dine is by hiring Glenn Smith to cook dinner at your condo or rental house. Smith, chef in Residence at Cooking School of Aspen, will have you laughing, learning and loving every bite.
Overrated
Aspen Mountain. If you venture onto Aspen Mountain by yourself the first time, or if you’re a rank beginner, you’ll likely wonder what all the fuss is about. Hire a veteran instructor to show you the glades, moguls and powder pockets, not to mention the hidden shrines to everyone from Jerry Garcia to John Denver.
Underrated
Snowmass. It’s known as an intermediate’s nirvana, but savvy locals head here on powder days, frolicking in the vast terrain lesser skiers and boarders avoid. Try the trees between Grey Wolf and Bull Run, or the knee-deep fluff in Garrett Gulch.
Don’t Miss
Wheeler Opera House. Built in 1889, this 500-seat Victorian beauty hosts films and live music all winter long.
When To Go
Avoid the Christmas-to -New Year’s and President’s Weekend crush, when the GVs clog the airport. March is invariably sublime, with longer, warmer days, and early April is the time to work on your tan lines.
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