Located in Pitkin County in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen Snowmass is definitely one of the world's most famous destinations. Particularly known for its incredible skiing conditions with guaranteed snow and short lift lines even on weekends. Even the wildest off-piste terrain is patrolled, its service standards are the best in their field, and its nightlife and off-slope activities are as impressive as nothing else. Still, too many skiers and snowboarders skip Aspen on their ski bucket list, as they seem to be put off by its image as celebrities' favorite (4-mountain) ski resort. We gathered the five major reasons why you should give Aspen a try:
1. The myth, the legend, the one and only
Champagne powder is real. While perfect snow conditions with fresh snow on a regular basis are rare in other parts of the world, skiers and snowboarders at Aspen can absolutely rely on Mother Hulda, who supplies the ski resort with real powder, which is very smooth and dry and thus regarded ideal for skiing. Legend has it that ranger Joe McElroy coined the phrase long before the ski area opened. On a sunny powder day, he said to his friends the “stuff“ looked and tingled like champagne in his nose.
2. All-in entertainment
Free concerts, exhibitions in Downtown Aspen, guided art tours, and on-mountain events: Starting with the legendary X Games to the annual Aspen Colorado Winterskol festival, Aspen Snowmass has several events in stock popular with all age groups. One of its highlights is the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, which is held throughout the winter season with great lineups of artists, that always raise the roof. And the best part of it: It's for free!
3. Powder pancakes & other freebies
Perfect slope conditions, local facilities and utilities as well as numerous other great things make Aspen worth visiting. The ski resort surprises its guests with outstanding, creative freebies, such as extra fluffy powder pancakes, which are offered at no charge on all four mountains every once in a while when the snow report announces at least 20cm of fresh snow – maple sirup included. For all those, who are a little grumpy in the mornings and simply unable to get going, fresh Lavazza coffee is served at the base stations of all four mountains and, as if that were not enough, energy bars are distributed at the service centers - for free, of course.
4. (On-)mountain pose
Ready for some nice yoga sessions on top of the mountain in the morning sun? Aspen's Yoga for Skiers only costs 5 Dollars and ensures that you're starting your day right. The yoga session takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 9:30 am to 10:30am at the sun deck atop Aspen Mountain. It helps relax your muscles and offers breathtaking views of the natural setting and scenery around.
5. Treeskiing & Highland Bowl - off-piste skiing in patrolled territories
Deep and fluffy snow, no lift in sight, and spectacular aspen forests below treeline: It's not just that off-piste skiing in Aspen and Snowmass is a unique experience, unlike most European ski resorts, even the wildest off-piste terrain is patrolled, treeskiing areas and Highland Bowl included. So, skiers and snowboarders at Aspen can definitely feel secure to always return home safe and sound. With the utmost care, ski patrols control and check avalanche warnings and dangers .They close ski trails if necessary, and of course they are the first rescuer in case of emergency getting almost everywhere with their snowmobiles and rescue dogs.
