Planning for an Aspen ski vacation? Aspen Colorado has long been known as the
ultimate ski resort in the world as it boasts some of the
best skiing on earth. With more than 4,500
acres of terrain spread over four main mountains, Aspen no doubt offers an
expansive variety of skiing and other related fads for all levels throughout
the winter season when a reliably great snow capped the mountains.
Aspen was made known as one of the best destinations for ski vacation when a
small group of entrepreneurs and visionaries came to realize the value of
Aspen’s other, inexhaustible resource – the snow. Since then, the
then sleepy mining town of Aspen was transformed to a bustling and recreational
nook. It was the Austrian entrepreneur named Friedl Pfeifer who partnered with
Walter Paepcke, a Chicago industrialist, and his wife Elizabeth who came to
establish what would be the first of a number of Aspen ski vacation resorts and
opened what was known then as the world’s longest chairlift in the winter
of 1947. Later, more Aspen ski vacation resorts were opened, followed by a
number of hotels and vacation rentals.
Aspen has long been considered as one of the
best-known ski vacation resorts in the
world because of its fascinating four mountains, which are the main attractions
of the place. Located approximately 215 miles southwest of Denver, 75 miles
southeast of Eagle, and only minutes from the town’s own Sardy Field
(ASE), the four mountains are distinctly highlighting a terrain that is
particular for certain levels of skiers. The Aspen Mountain, known as Ajax and
one of the attractions of Aspen ski vacation resorts, is specifically geared
toward advance skiers as it has more than 3,200 vertical feet on 700 skiable
acres. Aside from that Aspen ski vacation attraction, there is also the Aspen
Highlands which is situated to the right of Ajax and provides a respectable
level of novices as well as intermediate terrain. It is actually the Aspen
Highlands where the Olympic medalists prefer to hang out.
For further
emphasis, another asset of Aspen ski vacation resorts is the Buttermilk, which
is noted for being a smaller, novice-oriented mountain. However, this Aspen ski
vacation spot also happens to be the home of the longest terrain park and ESPN
Winter X Games of the world. These games, according to some reports usually
occur at the end of January, and are considered as one of the added attractions
of such Aspen ski vacation spot. Finally, there is the Snowmass, which is the
largest of the four Aspen ski vacation mountains. It is best-known for its
having a greatest variety for all levels with over 3000 acres of ski terrain.
Just like the other mountains, this Aspen ski vacation spot has spectacular
views.
There are days when you can’t just take anymore of
chairlifts. And there are days when the powder-day crowds are just more
annoying than usual. So you look for better ways to enjoy the high elevation of
Aspen Colorado. Perhaps the best way for you to enjoy the serenity offered to
you by the high-altitude mountains of Aspen Colorado are its mountain huts.
For years, mountain huts in high-altitude locations in Aspen Colorado
have sheltered the world’s skiers and climbers. In the Alps, hundreds of
structures cling to cliffs and sit in alpine meadows, giving mountain
enthusiasts access to remote, high-altitude precipices or mountain escapes from
the daily bustle. Aspen Colorado saw its first set of settlers in the 1940s.
But it wasn’t until the early 1980s that the first high-altitude mountain
huts appeared.
The 10th Mountain Hut System, often referred to as the
“Hilton of Huts,” was first a dream before it was made into reality
nearly 15 years ago when a group of Aspen Colorado locals led by the late Fritz
Benedict, a prolific Aspen architect and town patriarch started construction
for these high-altitude lodges. The System got its name from the US Army’s
10th Mountain Division, which trained for mountain fighting more than 50 years
ago.
Today, there are more than ten 10th Mountain huts standing in
Aspen Colorado’s high-altitude spots. What’s more, the non-profit
organization running it also manages two other Aspen Colorado clusters of
cabins.
There is nothing like venturing into the backcountry. The air
of camaraderie the quiet atmosphere in high-altitude Aspen Colorado instills is
long lasting and even refreshing after the isolation that you sometimes feel
when you’re in a big city. But if you do decide to pack your bags and skis
and journey into the high-altitude Mountains of Aspen Colorado, which 10th
Mountain hut experience do you pick?
Each 10th Mountain hut costs
about $24 a night per person. Each hut also includes a wood-burning stove for
heat, propane burners for cooking, and photo-voltaic lighting and handicap
accessibility. Yet, for all the similarities in the amenities offered, each hut
is distinct from the other.
The 10th Mountain huts are located in
several different places. They scattered all across Aspen Colorado in places
with high altitudes. The surrounding landscape and architecture of each hut is
distinct from each other. Some offer steep, high-altitude skiing and grandiose
views while others boast cozy quarters and pristine mountain meadow touring. So
choose your hut well and get ready for the ultimate Aspen Colorado adventure.
McNamara – Elevation 10,360 feet
The McNamara Aspen
Colorado mountain hut was built in 1982. It was one of the first two 10th
Mountain huts constructed in the memory of the late Margy McNamara. It was her
husband, Robert, the former Secretary of Defense, who funded the construction
for this older two-story hut, offering cozy quarters ideal for long talks
around a hot stove.
Harry Gates Hut – Elevation 9,700 feet
The Harry Gates Hut is the fourth addition to the 10th Mountain Hut system
of Aspen Colorado. Built in 1986, its log construction offers three floors, two
kitchens, and sleeps 20 although reservations are limited to 16. Funding for
this Aspen Colorado hut in high-elevation came from the Gates Foundation in
memory of the late Harry F. Gates who held a deep passion for mountains. Among
all the 12 10th Mountain huts, the Harry Gates Hut is actually the one with the
lowest elevation, making it easily accessible while at the same time offering
novice backcountry skiers a perfect place to practice their skills.
Although the city of Aspen Colorado is considered as
the best ski resort of the world, there is much more that the city can offer
than skiing. Primarily, the cultural legacy of William and Elizabeth Paepcke is
kept alive by prominent music, dance film, and some cultural festivals. The
month of January particularly highlights the Winterskol celebration, which is
the city of Aspen Colorado’s tribute to the season of cold and snow. This
grand party is typically hosted by the city of Aspen Colorado’s most
prestigious ski resorts and features a number of snow activities, a canine
fashion show, ice sculpting competition, and much more. Some dining and
nightlife destinations are even out there where the visitors can enjoy the
elegance and refinement served.
Planning for an Aspen ski vacation? Aspen Colorado has long been known as the
ultimate ski resort in the world as it boasts some of the
