Aspen Six Ways

When tourists fly into Aspen, they enter through an inviting, wood-clad terminal that feels like the inside of a family cabin. It makes for a very warm welcome. Well, for most of us anyway. For a few select visitors, the narrow landing strip at this charming airport is a major inconvenience because it means having to park their private 747s in the next town over. The struggle is real, people.

Consequently, the modest airport is set for a substantial expansion. Way to effect change! Now, if you’re a powder hound who doesn’t fall into the same tax bracket as those aforementioned jet setters, don’t worry, you can still have an amazing time in this iconic resort. Here, then, are six ways the other 99 per cent can make the most of this stunning winter wonderland. —Sarah Rowland

stay central. There are four mountains to hit in Aspen—Highland, Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen (a.k.a. Ajax)—each a self-contained ski resort unto itself. Thankfully, a day pass grants you access to all four. But there’s a fair distance between them and the chairs close at 3:30 p.m. Realistically, you can do one or two mountains a day. So, to make the most of your hefty lift ticket, the best game plan is to get an early-ish start.

That’s where Limelight comes in. Located in the heart of Aspen (the town), this cosy, friendly hotel includes an amazing gourmet breakfast buffet so you can fuel up for a day of skiing without having to venture out for a pricey brunch. (Pro tip: pocket an orange and apple from the buffet for later). Then, after an exhilarating day of pumping runs, you can unwind in the outdoor hot tubs, which offer spectacular views of the epic mountain ranges. Come evening, you’re right in the thick of all the action. No need for cabs. Just all the nightlife you need at your footsteps. Bonus: The Limelight staff is amazing! (Photo by Jeremy Swanson)

ride free. If you stay at Limelight, you also get comp shuttles to and from the airport and ski areas. All public transit is free in Aspen as well, so if halfway through a beautiful day of at Buttermilk you decide you want to check out Snowmass, just hop on a bus and you’re there. And if you’re renting gear from Four Mountain Sports, at the end of the day, you can just leave all your equipment at one of nine transfer stations and request delivery to whatever mountain you plan on hitting the next day. This is a free service that saves you from having to lug around your boards and skis to one of the many après-ski bars at the foot of each hill. (Photo by Hal Williams Photography Inc.)

pub crawl. If Champagne-filled nights aren’t in the cards, why not a walking tavern tour? Take the historical Red Onion, for example. Established in the late-19th century, this brick-walled institution is a great place to kick off a proper pub-crawl. The front is a standing-room only bar packed with young shredders and the back is a sit-down diner. This isn’t the kind of place to go for a good glass of wine or handcrafted cocktails. It’s brews and burgers all the way.

splurge once. Even if you can’t afford to wine and dine like a millionaire every night during your stay, you still deserve one great dinner. For this, Aspen Kitchen is your best bet. Set in a second-floor, rustic-chic room that offers 180-degree views of the stunning landscape, this contemporary hot spot celebrates creative American cuisine. The signature starter, for example, is the Clothesline Bacon. Strips of thick cut, candied bacon hang out over a bed of bread, dripping a sweet lavender honey glaze. Like most of the starters at Aspen Kitchen, this one is filling and decadent. So if you plan on ordering supper too, one appie between two people will do. P.S.: The wine and cocktail selection is extensive so bring your appetite and thirst. (Photo by Aspen Kitchen/Craveable Hospitality Group)

window shop. Spotted in Aspen clothing store: a cute little Rolling Stones toque. Price? $200. All these luxury brand boutiques are housed in funky heritage buildings, so they’re just as enjoyable to check out from the safety of the sidewalk—where you can admire the goods and the architecture without blowing your budget on, say, a knitted hat. That said, where there is obscene wealth, there is great thrifting, and Aspen is no exception. For higher-end consignment there’s Susie’s Limited, for cool threads on the cheap there’s the Thrift Shop of Aspen, and for designer sportswear at a fraction of the cost, there’s Replay Sports.

stay present. The mountains are a holy place for so many of us. But in the haste to tick off all four ski areas from your Aspen bucket list, you may risk missing out on absorbing the astonishing beauty of it all. So remember to periodically check in and take a minute just to soak it up. These staggering views will truly inspire you. (Photo by  Scott Markewitz)