Ah, Aspen! Located in Pitkin County in Colorado. More precisely, it is found in the Sawach Range of the Rocky Mountains. Beautiful country, beautiful area. It had a population blessing due to the Colorado Silver Boom, and later gained the nickname Aspen due to the trees of the same name. Home to a great outdoor getaway and incredible ski resort … now your friends want to go and you don’t know what to do. Fear not, here is my “Dos and Don’ts” list to better prepare you for that incredible journey and adventure that is Colorado!

MAKE
Buy the best ski equipment you can afford. You don’t want to get frostbite because you decided to be stingy and skimp on something to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

WHOSE
Pack the whole house, especially if you are driving! Whether you’re staying at the Annabelle Inn, Aspen Meadows, Hearthstone House, or Aspen Mountain Lodge, less is more in this case, and you won’t want to lug around in and out of your hostel. And if you are flying, even worse! Last minute airfare prices with extra baggage fees! Oh!

MAKE
Ski on the mountain of appropriate level.

WHOSE
Try a higher difficulty than you are ready for. Listen, this is not some kind of action movie. I myself am one for adrenaline, but you have to push it to the maximum and just drive it to stupidity. You won’t laugh much when you don’t have legs to stand up for a while … or never. If you have no experience. Snowmass or Buttermilk may be more appropriate for you, as they are more forgiving.

MAKE
Take a day or two off. Pace wins the race. And while you relax, visit the Aspen Club & Spa to really unwind after a brutal day on the hill.

WHOSE
Instead, overdo it. As stated above, don’t challenge yourself with something you’re not ready for. In the same way that you shouldn’t try Death Con Mountain Five, if you’re not ready, you shouldn’t try Bunny Hills either, twelve hours straight. That will quickly ruin you and then you can shorten the actual mountain time.

MAKE
Drink lots of water and eat regularly.

WHOSE
Think you’re fine without it. Snowboarding or skiing down the mountain is calorie-intensive and the sun reflects a brighter reflection from the snow even on the cloudiest days, so be sure to watch number one. Which, friend, are you?

MAKE
Enjoy the other images and sounds. Aspen has more than snow and mountains. There are many other things to do. With shopping, dining, and a host of other events right on your doorstep, it definitely makes that day out on the mountain that much more enjoyable. Try hiking Castle Creek or, if you visit in March, there is Aspen Fashion Week which you can google. If you prefer something more contemporary, you can also visit the Baldwin Gallery to see some works of art. Or do you long for more adventure? You can also go rafting outdoors.

WHOSE
Forget having fun while you are there! Sometimes a last minute trip can be super exciting, awesome, cool, or whatever adjective you want to put here. However, most of the time it can be stressful. Very stressful So don’t forget to take a step back and enjoy the adventure of possibly your life!

Have a good time! Until next time!
-Nicola