Snowboarding Zone - Aspen, Colorado:
Riders Guide - Aspen gets 300 inches per year, and has nearly a dozen lifts including a gondola, a high speed double and a high speed quad, 76 trails, and a longest run of 15,840 feet. Aspen’s mountains are amongst the most challenging mountains around as 48% of the runs are rated Advanced, 26% between Advanced and Expert, and another 26% is rated for Experts only. Aspen Highlands also gets 300 inches per year, 131 trails, and a longest run of 18,480 feet. The runs are rated 18% for Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 16% Advanced and best of all an absolutely amazing 36% Expert. Skilled riders and freestyle skiers will not going to bump into too many neophytes or kids here in Aspen. This is serious snow business.
Parks and Pipes - Snowmass has three terrain parks, however, the other mountains at Aspen have their fair share of exhilarating terrain features and massive pipes to explore. Nearby Buttermilk features the top-to-bottom Playstation 3 Crazy T’rain Terrain Park which is almost 2 miles long, features 30 rails and the only 15-foot superpipe in the Aspen area. There's a gigantic kicker that allows for incredible air. Check out Highlands' Grommets Gulch if you're looking for a natural halfpipe.
Out of Bounds - Enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh ride at T-Lazy-7 Ranch with Maroon Bells Outfitters and Lodge, where visitors can also take snowmobile tours around the Maroon Bells and through the ghost town of Independence. Guests looking for indoor water sports of the hot, warm and frozen variety are encouraged to visit the 83,000-square-foot Aspen Recreation Center which features an NHL-sized ice rink for public ice skating, an aquatic area with a six-lane, 25-yard pool, a fun pool with a two-story water slide, hot tubs, and steam rooms.
Hangout & Hookup - Aspen is known around the world as a nightlife hotspot. There are so many great places to choose from, Little Annie’s, Cooper Street Pier, J-Bar, Slopeside The Tavern, 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel, The Red Onion, The Cantina and The Terrace Room Bar at the Little Nell Hotel, are just a few of the many popular spots. Taste some great microbrews at McStorlie’s Pub and Eric's Bar. When it's dancing time, check out Mezzaluna which has to be the most famous singles bar in Aspen to see and be seen at. Catch some hot or cool beats at Bar Aspen, The Speakeasy and The Lava Room. For a mellower time with music, try Jimmy's, The Shadow Mountain Lounge at the St. Regis, The Little Nell Bar, or Syzygy.
The Deal - Aspen has its own airport with a flights arriving from all over the country. Or fly into Denver and take the stunningly scenic drive on I-70W to CO-82W, the drive takes about four hours and is well worth the time.
