Aspen, Colorado: Not Just For Skiers

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The Rocky Mountains are one of nature’s most beautiful ranges. Stretching from Western Canada down through the United States, their snow-capped peaks are something to behold. Aspen has become a celebrity hangout in the middle of these mountains situated just two hundred miles southwest of Denver.Of course any destination in the Rockies is a prime ski getaway and Aspen is no different. There are four mountains nestled together around the town providing ample opportunity for ski buffs. But it’s not all about the skiing.

Aspen’s history is that of a silver mining town. Perhaps the largest concentration of silver ever found in the United States was discovered in the mountains surrounding present day Aspen. In 1893 however, the government chose to revert back to the gold standard and Aspen’s fortunes took a turn for the worse. Between the two world wars wealthy outdoorsmen from Europe came to the area with the intention of developing it into a world class ski area. Their dreams came true several years after the conclusion of World War II. Aspen Mountain opened in 1947 and began hosting international ski events shortly thereafter. Three more mountains—Buttermilk (1958), Aspen Highlands (1958), and Snowmass (1968) provided skiers with hills to meet all levels of their sport.

Personally, I am not a downhill skier but my idea of a romantic evening away from the slopes is the term the French coined, commonly known as apres ski or “after skiing”.

Imagine sitting around a stone fireplace cuddled together with a glass of wine to warm your weary bones. A wool blanket brings the two of you close together as you dream about what’s to come tomorrow.

Aspen is a town for strolling. From the galleries to the shops to the fine dining you will find something to catch your eye as you walk about. Similar to Stowe, Vermont, this region has become a very popular host to several festivals during the year. Some of these are the Aspen Music Festival, the aspen Dance festival and Jazz Aspen Snowmass and most are held during the summer months.

In the summertime hiking the Maroon Bells can be the way to spend time together and enjoy what Mother Nature has brought to Colorado. The Bells consist of two mountains, North Maroon Peak and South Maroon Peak. This gorgeous hinterland is only a few miles from Aspen. Some say this place is the most photographed in Colorado and, because of its popularity, taking the bus in and out is advised during high season.

Ski lodges in Aspen range from downright luxurious to more affordable. The Little Nell is a ski-in/ski-out lodge providing a convenient and quick way to hit the slopes. The service, including bedtime chocolates, is top notch and their restaurant can hold its own against any of the international restaurants in town. The Hotel Jerome is an old silver mining hotel opened just before the silver market tanked at the end of the 19th century. The rooms have been updated with Victorian decor, Jacuzzis and a beautiful heated outdoor pool.

Near the base of Snowmass Mountain is the village of Snowmass. At Krabloonik, named after the owner’s lead sled dog, they can take you on a twilight dogsled ride through the quiet mountain trails and back to the restaurant where all sorts of local wild game are prepared to your liking.

Whichever season you prefer, hiking and festivals or skiing and apres ski, there is a lot to keep you busy or not quite so busy if you choose. The scenery will bring romance and a definite WOW back to your relationship as you and your partner relax and rediscover your passions.

Embrace each other!.

Tagged with: Ample Opportunity • Aspen Colorado • Aspen Highlands • Aspen Mountain • Aspen Music Festival • Celebrity Hangout • Colorado • Downhill Skier • Glass Of Wine • hiking in Colorado • Maroon Bells Colorado • Outdoorsmen • Rocky Mountains • Romantic Evening • Silver Mining • Ski Events • Ski Getaway • Ski resort • Snowmass • Stone Fireplace • Stowe Vermont • Weary Bones • Wool Blanket • World Class Ski • World War Ii

Filed under: Mountain Getaways

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