I have a certain intimacy with Colorado since the city welcomed me during a study period at the National Center for Voice and Speech. You may not know this, but in addition to being a journalist I am also a speech therapist. For the six months I spent in Denver, whenever I could, I escaped to the mountains to relax. The region is beautiful.
The Rocky Mountains complex – which includes Aspen, Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk – is one of the most hyped ski resorts in the United States, with more than 300 slopes for skiers of all levels, 40 gondolas and chairlifts, with 13 access points. Snowmass is famous for its facilities that cater to all tastes. Highlands is the favorite of the more experienced. Buttermilk is for the more radical crowd.
Aspen is in the heart of the complex and is the most coveted mountain both for skiing and for the charm of the village. Symmetrical streets, well planned, with low buildings. Aspen has excellent shopping, from ski clothing and equipment stores to Louis Vuitton and Prada. It is easy to explore on foot.
The ski season is long, from November to the end of April. In this pandemic year, Aspen created a series of protocols to adapt to the new reality and bring security to the public. Many digital services have come to be used to avoid personal contact, mandatory use of masks in the gondolas, classes in groups of a maximum of 5 people, and restaurants in the mountains with reduced capacity.
In such a special place, the lodging deserves to be equally special. What about a more intimate and modern hotel? I suggest The Little Nell, a Relais & Chateaux, winner of Forbes Five-Star. It is in the center of Aspen and is Aspen’s only ski-in ski-out. It has 52 accommodations that have recently been redesigned. It is a classic! It has a spectacular view of the mountains. The Element 47 and Ajax Tavern restaurants are highlights, as well as the Wine Bar with over 20,000 excellent wines.
If you prefer to stay in Snowmass, I recommend the new Limelight Hotel, in the center of the village with direct access to the ski slopes, swimming pool and indoor climbing wall.
Mountain destinations are wonderful! So keep these tips in mind.
XoXo and take care
