Niku Sidhu
Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk — are the four mountains in Aspen, Colorado, which lure with the promise of hiking, camping, disc golf, biking, skiing and more. Greenhorns keen to learn the winter sport will find Buttermilk an ideal spot to hire gear and the expertise of a ski instructor, quite a steal between $30 and $60. Alternatively, schedule a session of mountain top yoga at 11,212 feet. One ski pass is valid on all four mountain summits from where the 360 degree view of Maroon Bells Mountain, the one spot claiming to be the most photographed in all of North America, is popular even with the locals. To catch these exhilarating vistas, grab the amazing bargain of unlimited rides on the four mountain lifts and gondolas with a lunch voucher thrown in for Elk Camp, along with a guided bus tour to Maroon Bells and lake. The hiking trails on Maroon Bells are treacherous, however, and should not be attempted without a guide. Catch your breath and a bite at Sundeck at the summit of Aspen Mountain or the famous not to be missed apr`E8s at the base at Ajax Tavern or pack a picnic. Post-skiing apr`E8s is taken very seriously by locals and visitors; its late night revelry legendary. Aspen as we know it today was founded by Elizabeth and Walter Paepcke, a visionary couple that helped create a community. Summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians, the silver mining boom of the 1870s saw white settlers flock here; a law demonetising silver then had them move out in search of employment.Champagne sabering in the St Regis hotel is a time honoured tradition. Check ahead for the timings and savour a unique technique, alongside the Champagne. Chef Nobu’s heirloom tomatoes in Matsuhisa Aspen are mouth watering. For a patisserie moment and their eggs Benedict, visit Main Street Bakery and Caf`E9. The city, its people, food and culture blend luxury and simplicity beautifully giving visitors a truly memorable experience.
Fact facts
Getting there: From the east coast of USA, connecting flights from New York and Chicago; from the west coast, connections from San Francisco.
Best season: The best time to visit may be summer, for obvious reasons. Aspen turns into a photographer’s delight in fall as the colours change. Spring ushers in a riot of wild flowers. If crowds are not your thing, pick fall or spring to interact more with the locals and a slower pace of life, one reminiscent of the good ole days.
What to do there: Go for the Aspen film fest, harvest party, music fests, art auctions, ballet, John Denver sanctuary walk, hike the Smuggler or Hunter creek trail. Also check out the Saturday market for fresh, locally grown produce, pastries, pottery and jewellery.
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