Aspen is one of those wonderfully wintery destinations that came from modest mining-town beginnings to jumping the shark and beguiling the rich and famous. Beneath the veneer, the town has managed to retain the soul, vision and passion of its early champions. Chicago businessman Walter Paepcke was one of those and inspired by its great natural beauty, he envisioned the area as a gathering place for thinkers, leaders, artists, and musicians from all over the world to step away from their daily routines and reflect on the underlying values of society and culture. He dreamed of transforming the town into a center for dialogue, a place for “lifting us out of our usual selves.” He was all about “Mind, Body, and Spirit,” and that created the foundation stone for what is today the internationally acclaimed Aspen Institute.
In the spirit of Paepcke, here’s a hidden side of Aspen that’s worth the adventure.
Aspen Shrines
“For about two decades, locals have been ducking into favorite hideouts on Aspen Mountain and nailing pictures, license plates, beads, silk flowers, wind chimes and other memorabilia to tree trunks in honor of their particular heroes. The spruce trees and lodgepole pines hide sanctuaries dedicated to musicians, beloved locals, buckaroos, soiled doves and even toys and cartoon characters.” If you can find these sacred spaces on skis or snowboard, you’ll have lived a richer life. If you do find them, please be discreet and don’t share them. That’s the deal. The Grateful Dead, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and John Denver are just a few folks receiving respects. www.aspensnowmassshrines.com
Sunset Skiing & Sundeck Party
When the sun wans, the golden hour arrives, and fantastically, skiing continues. And then the music kicks in on a sundeck that looks out over what is arguably one of North America’s great vistas. That’s when the libations start to flow, the band kicks in, and the bonfire happens. It’s when one gives thanks for being one of the lucky ones to be there. www.thelittlenell.com/aspen-experience
Pinecreek Cookhouse
There’s a romantic place in the remote valley of the Elk Mountain Range called the Pinecreek Cookhouse. It’s set in a beautiful log cabin, and the only way in is by cross country skis or horse-drawn sleigh. Make no mistake, It’s a commitment, with no easy way in or out. That said, it’s the kind of place that even the most jaded person will remember. It’s lovely and well, just great. If you’re lucky, you might reserve on a full moon which lights up the entire snow-clad valley. www.pinecreekcookhouse.com
T Lazy 7 Ranch
If you’re looking for something non-ski or boarding, consider the T Lazy 7 Ranch. Founded by the Deane family, one of the area’s original founding families & settlers, you’ll get your own snowmobile for a session that takes you up into some remote valleys (great for kids, too!). www.tlazy7.com
Random Acts of Cocktail Kindness
Looking for a laid-back experience with friends? If you’re in Aspen (March 12 – 15, 2020), you’ll find some wonderful acts of cocktail kindness. Look for a fully loaded pop-up bar experience at the summit of Aspen Mountain, right next to the Gondola and in the Après Ski Cocktail Classic’s hidden cabin (i.e. Buckhorn). You can also stop by the St. Regis Hotel’s Courtyard for a free tasting experience like no other, featuring 15+ world-class brands.
Whether you want the ski experience of a lifetime, you’re a cocktail connoisseur, or you simply want an excuse to explore Aspen, then this slope-side celebration is for you. The Après Ski Cocktail Classic’s full calendar of parties, events and educational seminars including fireside chats, paired dinners and pub crawls can be viewed at www.apresskicocktailclassic.com
