PAMPERING WINTER IN ASPEN

PAMPERING WINTER IN ASPEN

The most popular place for ski lovers in the USA is Colorado, which is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, consists of 65 national parks, forests and state parks, and has 26 famous ski resorts. Moreover, skiing is not the only thing to do; you can taste local wines made from chardonnay or merlot grapes in Grand Junction, and go to the hot water baths in Glenwood Springs and Hot Sulphur Springs, which are open in the winter. This region is also a paradise for gourmets, with 150 bars and restaurants owned by world-famous chefs in Aspen alone. One of the most expensive houses in the world is also located in Aspen, the most famous ski resort in Colorado. The house belonging to Prince Bandar bin Sultan from Saudi Arabia is valued at $135 million. The 32-room, 5,200 m2 mansion is called “Hala Ranch” and is even bigger than the White House!

A Completely Different State of Luxury

Aspen is one of the most luxurious and expensive ski resorts that the world jet set flocks to. With its airport where dozens of private planes land and take off, hotels, ski slopes, and stores, Aspen is waiting to turn your concepts of “money”, “expensive” and “luxury” upside down. Aspen is a natural wonder hidden among the Rocky Mountains and a world-famous ski resort. It allows you to look at the world from a height of approximately 1350 meters. Its magnificence and comfort allow you to experience sports and nightlife together.

The original people, the Ute natives, called this place “Shining Mountains” without knowing that they lived in an area surrounded by silver mines. It was also known as Ute City for a while. However, its name changed in later years; aspen, a type of poplar tree found abundantly around, gave the city its current name towards the end of the 19th century. Within a few years, it became the silver production center of the country. The economic crisis of 1893 also hit Aspen and unemployment increased due to the closing of silver mines. After the migration, those who remained in the city looked to the materials they had to create new job opportunities and the snow that dominated the landscape in the winter caught their eye. The project, which was suspended for a while due to World War II, continued at an increasing pace after the war. The various ski championships it hosted increased its fame. Today, the city hosts the world jet set, artists and many other famous people. Aspen is also a place where you will see elegant houses worth millions of dollars.

ASPEN’S 10 STARS

1. Wheeler Opera House

Do not compare what you will see here with our historical buildings. While we sit on thousands of years of history, do not forget that Aspen, as a newly established city, has only a few centuries of history. The Wheeler Opera House was also built in 1889. It was a breath of fresh air for the city that started to earn its living from mining. Today, it continues its art activities without interruption, it is useful to take a look at its program (Tel: +1 970 920 57 70).

2. Elks Building

One of the few large structures you can see in Aspen; it was built in 1891, during the silver mining period. The giant red building has become a symbol of the city over time.

3. Aspen Art Museum

The museum, which usually houses works by contemporary artists, appeals to those who want to take a breather with an art break. Admission is free. (www.aspenartmuseum.org; tel: +1 970 925 80 50)

4. White River National Forest

The lands of the Ute Tribe have been under protection since 1891. White Forest, which attracts attention with its flora and fauna, is one of the most visited forests in the country. (Tel: +1 970 945 25 21)

5. ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies)

A non-profit organization, it promises an unforgettable day for those who love to be in touch with nature. The center offers different programs for each season. I recommend those who have hobbies such as hiking and photography to learn about the programs. (www.aspennature.org ; tel: +1 970 925 57 56)

6. Castle Creek Valley

It should definitely be on your list of places to see. It is ideal for enjoying the magnificent view and taking long walks.

7. Ute Mountaineer (Ute Mountaineering)

It is a great injustice to think of Aspen as a place to only ski. The surrounding mountains are waiting for everyone who is a mountaineer (www.utemountaineer.com ; tel: +1 970 925 28 49).

8. Colorado River

For those who love water sports, the Colorado River flowing through the mountains is a blessing. However, remember that you need professional help and training. (www.aspenkayakacademy.com; tel: +1 970 925 44 33)

9. Aspen Music Festival

Aspen is generally preferred in the winter months, but if you go in the summer, definitely attend the Aspen Music Festival. There are approximately 400 events each year. (www.aspenmusicfestival.com)

10. The Heart of Shopping

Aspen is a place where you can find world-famous fashion brands together. You see the stores of many companies while walking on the street. It is only a matter of time before you encounter a Hollywood star on the road...

HOW TO GET THERE?

You can fly from different cities or, like I did, rent a car from Denver and reach it on a four-hour drive. However, remember that snow and ice on the roads can be annoying. When I left Denver on a sunny day, survived the snowstorms and arrived in Aspen, I felt like I was kissing the ground. When I went to Aspen on Valentine's Day 2011, there were around 80 private planes at the ski resort's airport! Aspen is 9 hours behind Turkey...

ALTERNATIVES

SNOWMASS

There are three other mountains near Aspen where you can ski; Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk. Highlands has easier slopes than Aspen and Snowmass. You can find the easiest ones in Buttermilk. If you choose Aspen to ski, everything is within walking distance. You may need to rent a car to reach other ski resorts.

Snowmass, which is about 15 kilometers from Aspen, is the second largest ski resort in the country. As you visit, you will hear them say frequently and proudly that it is large enough to contain 36 Disneylands. It has 21 lifts and 90 different slopes for skiers of different levels. The longest slope is 8.5 kilometers. Apart from this, many ski areas are available for skiers. Snowmass appeals to those who want to ski for less money instead of showing off and spending a lot in Aspen. If you choose Snowmass for accommodation, I recommend Destination Resorts Snowmass (www.destinationsnowmass.com; tel: +1 876 786 91 01), which offers different venues including Silvertree Hotel and houses. In my opinion, the best place to eat is Stew Pot, which stands out with its soups.

VAIL

Vail, where the peak is 3,527 meters, rose to fame when US President Gerald Ford and his family vacationed here in 1970. Today, it is one of the most luxurious ski resorts with 193 slopes and 31 lifts, and is very close to Aspen. Planned like a traditional Bavarian village, Vail is a luxury paradise with its restaurants, hotels and most importantly, shops. The streets of Vail are lined with stylish shops where you can see only the latest fashion and quality. In fact, when I saw the designs of the famous jeweler Gürhan, who is known abroad more than in his own country, in one of these shops, I felt proud as a Turk. I recommend that those who like art visit the Vail Fine Art Gallery. If your dates coincide, don’t miss the classical music festival that runs from the end of June to August (www.vailmusicfestival.org). Similarly, Vail also hosts a dance festival in the summer months (www.vvf.org). Vail, which has a very colorful nightlife, also hosts jazz and film festivals. As you can see, there are many options in Vail compared to ski resorts in Turkey.

Don’t forget to add Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org) and the Colorado Ski Museum (www.skimuseum.net; tel: +1 970 476 18 76) to your list of things to visit. Entry to both is free. The Alpine Gardens are known as the highest botanical gardens in the world. You can find out the dates and details of the town’s events at www.visitvailvalley.com. More than $2 billion has been invested in Vail in the past few years to build new hotels, homes, and improve the town. Vail, which has been named North America’s best ski resort by Ski Magazine more than ten times since 1988, has its own airport, like Aspen.

If you choose Vail for your accommodation, I recommend Sonnenalp (www.sonnenalp.com; tel: +1 866 284 44 11), Tivoli Lodge (www.tivolilodge.com; tel: +1 800 451 47 56) and Vail Mountain Lodge (www.vailmountainlodge.com; tel: +1 970 476 07 00) for a more budget-friendly stay. My favorite restaurants in Vail are SweetBasil, Alpine Tavern, Bully Ranch, and Tap Room.

BEAVERCREEK

Another ski resort that I recommend you visit while you are in Vail is Beavercreek. With 149 slopes and 25 lifts, Beavercreek appeals to the upper-income group like its regional rivals Aspen and Vail. The hotels in this ski resort, where the summit is 3,488 meters, are very close to the slopes. Side streets with chic shops await wealthy customers. For those who don’t want to risk quality and have a budget, the Ritz-Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com) and The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, and for those with more modest budgets, The Charter (www.thecharter.com; tel: +1 800 467 35 29) are among the best hotels. My favorite restaurants in Beavercreek include Splendido, Spago, Northside and Coffee Kitchen.