Winter
in the Aspen/Snowmass area is very different than winter in most
other snow filled areas. For one thing, the humidity is low making
it a dry cold. We often go out in 20 degree weather with only a
light jacket, no hat or gloves. Since we live in a condo complex,
we don't have to worry about shoveling the sidewalks and driveways.
And there is free bus service all around the town so we don't have
to drive in bad weather. But the best part of living here in the
winter is the skiing. Aspen/Snowmass is one of the premier ski areas
in the world. For one lift ticket, you have access to four incredible
mountains: Aspen (also known as Ajax by the locals), Aspen Highlands,
Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each has its own personality and level
of difficulty.
Snowmass
Mountain is the largest - bigger than all the other 3 put together.
It also offers the most variety of terrain, from easy beginner slopes
to double black diamond tree and bowl skiing. Because
it is so large, the runs seldom seem crowded. Getting first tracks
down our favorite run is indeed "Sheer Bliss".
Aspen
Highlands is know as the locals mountain. It features a huge back
bowl for expert skiers that offers "epic" runs on ungroomed
snow.
Views from the top are spectacular - on clear days you can see the
Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
Aspen
Mountain rises out of downtown Aspen. A 15 minute gondola ride takes
you to the top where there are some nice intermediate (blue) runs.
There are no beginner or green runs on Aspen Mt. but there are plenty
of blacks and double blacks for the experts.
And lots of trees and glade skiing down the steep sides. Barbara
sells lift tickets in the kiosk at Aspen Mountain - once in a while
she even spots one of the many celebrities that like to visit Aspen.
Every
year, Aspen hosts Gay Ski Week. There is a parade down the slope
at the base of Aspen Mt. with prizes for the best costume.
Besides
skiing, there are other winter activities to enjoy. We love the
snowshoeing tour that takes you for a walk along Richmond Ridge
on Aspen Mountain.
It is lead by a naturalist who provides info on how animals survive
in the winter, and what causes avalanches.
For
his birthday, Fred got to go tandem paragliding. Once hooked up
to the sail, they pointed their skiis downhill and took off over
the ski slope.
Of course now he wants to do it again in the summer.
Snowmass
celebrates Mardi Gras with a parade down the center of the mall.
There are floats, bands and lots of beads.
And of course all the restaurants feature Cajun cuisine.
Snowmobiling is another favorite activity. Click here to see information
and photos from our Snowmobiling
adventures.
To view more photos of winter fun in Snowmass and Aspen click here:
Winter in Snowmass/Aspen
Photo Gallery.
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