Aspen and Snowmass

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, today we're heading to Colorado, specifically the iconic towns
of Aspen and snow Mass. Whether you're planning your first
ski trip, dreaming of cozying up by the fire with
a mountain view, which is curious about the buzz around

(00:21):
these famous destinations, We've got you covered. Today. We're going
to explore the best times to visit, a quick guide
to Aspen and snow Masks and what makes each unique
beginner friendly activities, including skiing. I always like to start
a topic like you've never been there, and then you

(00:41):
know some things, so you can learn some things and
hopefully once we get done with this, you'll want to
go there even if it wasn't your number one destination. Again,
with dining, shopping, nightlife recommendations, we're going to hit all
of that and we're going to have some tips to
make your trip smooth and memorable. So, you know, let's
grab a warm jack in a little sense of adventure,

(01:02):
and let's jump right in. First. First things first, Aspen
and snow Mass or neighboring areas in the Rocky Mountains
in Colorado. Right. While there are many times that they're
grouped together, they are very unique places in very different vibes. Okay,
so we're gonna start with Aspen. Here Aspen for its

(01:23):
luxury scene. Aspen combines world class skiing with upscale shopping,
fine dining, lots of celebrity sidings. It's a place to
be if you want to blend outdoor adventures with sophistication.
You know, kind of hoity toity type deal, but you know,
still a lot to do. It is a little pricey,
but it is absolutely an amazing experience. So beyond skiing,

(01:47):
which is amazing in Aspen, Aspen is very rich in culture,
great festivals and galleries, in live music. You'll never be
bored in Aspen, it doesn't matter what time of year.
Snow Mass is just a short drive from Aspen. Snow
Masks is more family friendly and laid back at Boasts

(02:08):
the largest ski area of the two, and the skiing
there is amazing, with plenty of wide runs perfect for
beginners and also perfect for advanced skiers. Snow Mass also
offers year round activities from hiking biking festivals like the
snow Mass Balloon Festival, which is amazing to see all

(02:29):
of those balloons. If Aspen is the fancy cocktail party,
right then snow Mass is the cozy campfire you really
can't go wrong with either. Now snow Mass is definitely
up and coming with the restaurants at things like that,
so it is changing a little bit, but it'll never

(02:50):
be Aspen and Aspen will never be snow masks. If
you know what I mean. When should you visit? Well,
that depends on what you're looking for. Winter. That's what
people think, you know, most of the time when they
think of Aspen and snow masks and winters the prime season.
It's the prime ski season for sure. Snow slopes, great

(03:15):
ski vibes, cozy chalets. The holidays are magical, but also
the busiest and most expensive time of visits, so keep
that in mind. Summer June to August, the skiing isn't
your thing. Summer offers hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts plus
wildflowers are stunning. It's the summer is absolutely amazing and

(03:41):
Aspen and snow Mass September to November. This may be
my favorite, known for its breathtaking foliage. Fall is perfect
for scenic drives and fewer crowds. The aspen trees all
I mean, you gotta experience it. You really do. Spring

(04:01):
Spring skiing, you know, can be really really cool because
you can be skiing possibly and you know a short
sleeve shirt. Maybe not, but you know, there are many
resorts that wind down their operations. On the on the
bright side, it's less crowded and often more affordable, So

(04:22):
there may not be quite as much to do, but
it skiing without the crowds and being around snow Mass
and Aspen when it's not so crowded is absolutely magical. Okay,
so some beginner friendly activities. You don't have to be
a pro skier or a luxury luxury traveler to enjoy

(04:46):
Aspen and snow Mass. Here's how to make the most
of your visit as a beginner. Learn to ski or snowboard.
Both Aspen and snow Mass have world class ski schools.
If you're not a good skier, take a class, go
to ski. I don't care how old you are or
how young you are. It makes a difference and it
will make your experience so much better. Snowmasses wide runs

(05:07):
are especially great for beginners. Aspen's pretty steep and narrow,
so remember that when you're when you're deciding which one
you want to go to. Try snowshoeing or across country. Now,
I'm gonna be honest with you, I've never done either
one of these. But for some people, downhill skiing is
just intimidating, is fast, and it will scarry sometimes. So

(05:29):
these are a couple of options that are a little
more slow, slow paced, and definitely not intimidating. The Maroon
Bells area offers stunning trails, so give that a try.
Ride the gondola, I mean, seriously, the Silver Queen gondola
and Aspen provides jaw dropping views of access to on
mountain dining. I mean, that's isn't that cool? You take

(05:52):
a gondola up mountains, great views any time of the
year and you end up having an absolutely great, great
meal at the visit Snow Mass Discovery Center. So that's
all about learning about the region's history and even check
out you know, ice age fossils, lots of stuff, great
place for the kids to year round favorites. Take a

(06:15):
scenic drive to the Maroon Bells. It's one of the
most photographed mountains peaks in North America and rightfully so,
absolutely amazing. Relax in the hot springs at Glenwood Springs
just an hour's drive away. I have been past that.
I don't know how many times. We always say we're
gonna go, but we always have the kids with us,

(06:39):
and for some reason it never works out. Try it,
let me know how it goes. Aspen and snow Mass
offers some fantastic options for dining, shopping, and nightlife. So
dining in Aspen Matt Sushiyusha, I never can say that
quite right, and I definitely can't say it three times fast.

(07:00):
But it's a high end sushi experience by celebrity cheft,
no boot, and again I'm not going to try his
last name, which I just butchered the first time. The
White House Tavern, known for his casual yet gourmet sandwiches
and salad's been there a great place snow masks the
artisan season American cuisine, and it's got a great cozy atmosphere.

(07:24):
You'll feel right at home, be nice and warm in
the winter. Give it a shot. Fuel cafe perfect for
breakfast burritos and a great cup of coffee. Been there
many times, Definitely go see it. Shopping Aspens downtown is
lined with luxury brands like Prada and Gucci, but you'll
also find local boutiques for souvenirs and ski gear. It's pricey.

(07:48):
Really is a lot of stuff that's very expensive, but
if you look around you can find some stuff that's not.
So don't let that scare you off. If nothing else
is going into these shops and looking at boutiques and
looking in and look and around, is worth is worth
doing that just to get the experience. Snow Mass Village
has more family organs stores and local crafts. Laid back,

(08:09):
easygoing and very very family friendly for the kids. And
you don't have to worry about, you know, the kids
making too much noise and making somebody mad and all
that kind of stuff used to it. And snow Mass
and Aspen hit up places like the Belly Up. It's
a legendary live music venue. I mean some really good

(08:31):
bands are in there. Uh. Definitely worth a shot there.
Cloud nine Alpine Bistro. I mean that just sounds amazing,
doesn't it. I Mean I've never been there, but it
sounds amazing. Uh. Snow Mass, Uh, it's more relaxed here.

(08:52):
A pre Ski is the name of the little restaurant there.
It's it's it's very laid back as fire pits drinks
and it's you know, it's it's on the way up
when you're when you're heading up the mountain. Before you
book your trip. Here some some practical tips for first timers,
especially how do you get there? Well, you fly into

(09:14):
Aspen Pitkin County Airport, UH for the most convenient. Now,
it's a few miles from both Aspen and snow Mass.
And I'm gonna tell you something. It's not for the
faint of heart because you're coming in there on a
jet and you come over the mountain and then you
dive straight down into the valley. And I'm a seasoned flyer.

(09:36):
I mean, but I'll tell you what that will. That'll
rattle your nerves a little bit when you're doing that,
especially if the weather's not exactly friendly. Denver International it's
about a four hour drive. It's a beautiful drive. Check
the weather. Make sure all the roads are open so
you can get there. Getting around the Roaring Fork Transit
Authority r f TA buses. They're free and connect Aspen

(09:59):
and snow Mass and all the places in between. Most
hotels offer shuttles to the ski list, so you can
skip the car rental. Just be polite to the other
people that have all their stuff pat with them to
get to the slopes. What's a pack. Layers are your
best friend, and I hear that all the time. But
temperatures are very are dramatic. So you can start out

(10:23):
and it can be five degrees, but by the time
you get finished and it gets a lot warmer, and
suddenly you're sweaty and you feel hot, and you can
just be a nightmare. So take layers so you can
peel them off as needed, and then you can put
them back on as needed. Be careful of the altitude,
so don't have an attitude about the altitude. So you're

(10:47):
nearly eight thousand feet and it's higher than that, it's
no mass. I would avoid alcohol, particularly on your first day,
and take that slow because it will affect you quickly
and a little bit differently than you think. Keep yourself hydrated,
not a bad idea to get some of those cans

(11:09):
of oxygen that can help you catch your wrath if
it starts to if you start to lose it. Save
on costs. Visit in the shoulder season, which is really
spring or fall here, lower prices and there's still so
much to do. Early spring can be still have some grace,

(11:29):
excuse me some great skiing. Look for lodging and snow masks.
It's often cheaper than Aspen. Plan ahead, definitely plan ahead
to get the best rates. So whether you're hitting the slopes,
hiking the trails, or just you know, sipping hot cocoa
by a roaring fire, maybe a little Southern comfort. Aspen

(11:50):
and snow Masks have something for everybody, they really do.
These mountain towns might be famous for their glitz, but
they're also in incredibly welcoming for beginners. So if you've
never been there, you will feel welcome. You can go there,
have a good time, You'll find some people to talk to.
I guarantee it. It's going to be fun. So I

(12:11):
hope this helps a little bit. I hope that you
can take some time, do some research and book your
Aspen or snow mass trip. If you're skied, you're going
to love it. You may not want to go anywhere else.
That's really the only place my family goes these days.
So enjoy and I'll talk to you next time.