A Romance in Aspen

Aspen is a ski resort in the state of Colorado in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. Its little sister is the family-friendly Snowmass Village, which is about 10 miles from downtown Aspen.

In the winter, visitors can ski at the four city’s ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk. You can also hobnob with celebrities and jetsetters as Aspen also is known for its ability to attract both. Other family-friendly winter activities include sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

There’s plenty to do in summer as well: mountain bike, hike, golf, take the chair lifts for scenic views, whitewater rafting, fly fishing or hot air ballooning. Visitors can also take in a rodeo, or one of the area’s many outdoor concerts and festivals.

Uniquely situated at the base of Aspen Mountain-The Little Nell is Aspens only ski-in-ski-out property and is regarded as Colorados premier luxury resort. The Little Nell blends the virtues of a small country inn with the personalized services and amenities of a grand hotel. With only 92 accommodations decorated in a warm comfortable motif-luxury abounds at every nook-from the cozy gas-burning fireplaces to the deluxe goose-down stuffed sofas and oversized beds with fluffy down duvets and pillows. The Little Nell has been awarded the Mobil 5 Star resort for 9 years and has had the AAA 5 Diamond award for 11 years.

If you want to summit a mountain, but do not want to huff-and-puff up a hiking trail to do so, this gondola ride provides a muscle-happy alternative. It silently glides above tall stands of pine and affords spectacular mountain views as it ascends to the summit of Ajax Mountain at 11,212 feet. The views from up top are stunning, especially during late July when the optic-amazing wildflowers bloom. Pack accordingly because the summit temperature will be cool.

This Aspen landmark has the lofty distinction of being the town's oldest bar and restaurant dating back to the 1890s. The long wooden bar, its most prominent feature, retains the look and feel of an old mining saloon. Locals are always hunkered along it, especially during the day, reading newspapers and watching TV. Chimichangas, fajitas and combo plates, all of which come with chips and salsa, dominate the menu. There are also a host of salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches including grilled cheese.

This family-friendly environmental center is an ideal sojourn for those who are outdoor-curious, but backcountry shy. Located in the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, which is right in town, it is a perfect introduction to the great outdoors. A self-guided nature trail snakes around the preserve's 25 acres and is a favorite with bird-watchers. You can also check out its resident birds of prey, which include golden eagles and screech owls. The visitor center features an indoor trout stream swarming with native cutthroats, as well as an environmental library and a gift shop full of books, gifts and toys. For a true outdoor education, look for its weekly lecture series, which varies from season to season.

You do not need directions to this bakery. All you have to do is look for a line of people, or follow the sweet scent that tauntingly lingers outside its doorway. From the moment this bakery opens to the moment it closes it always has a throng of customers. Its always-fresh muffins, cookies, and croissants are popular especially with an accompanying espresso, latté or cappuccino. The greatness of its Gelati and frozen yogurt can be attested by almost always seeing someone outside the doors licking a cone no matter how bitter the weather.

The jewel of Aspen's four ski mountains, Aspen Mountain spills right into the streets, making it very convenient for in-town lodgers. Eight lifts, including the Silver Queen Gondola, service 76 trails, most of which cater to experts and intermediates;this is not a mountain for beginners. If you ski down Little Nell, the main finishing run, make sure to bring your A-game for the whole town will be watching. Three on-mountain restaurants can handle hunger needs, or opt for the Tavern at the base for a prime people watching seat. Lessons are available.

Situated at 10,740 ft, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro serves the best alpine dishes made from locally available ingredients. Formally known as the highlands ski patrol hut, part of the hut is a dining restaurant and the other half is an open seating area known as Cloud Nine Soup Bowl. Placed on top of the Aspen Highlands, it provides a beautiful view of the peaks and forests of the Maroon Bells wilderness. Though the restaurant serves only lunch (dinner by appointment), the awesome food that changes each day of the week and the scenic beauty makes this place worth your visit.

Steamboat Springs is known as “Ski Town U.S.A.” for its reputation as a breeding ground for U.S. Winter Olympic Athletes, but its also just as popular for its family-friendly hotels, slopes and activities. The town is about three to four hours away from Denver by car in good winter conditions.

The town of Steamboat Springs is essentially separated into several areas. One is the mountain area (known simply as “the mountain” or “the base area”) surrounding the base of the Steamboat Ski Area on Mt. Werner. There are multiple shops as well as dining and nightlife, though the area is currently undergoing a major renovation and reconstruction. The area also includes many hotels, condominiums and rental homes.

In summer, try hiking Fishcreek Falls, Mt. Werner, Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears pass. Or visit the Yampa River for kayaking, rafting, tubing or fly-fishing.

Steamboat Resorts Cimarron Townhomes are located within walking distance of the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort. Complimentary shuttle service to the resort is also offered. The resort is located one block from the Steamboat Ski Area base, two miles from downtown Steamboat Springs and golfing, 30 minutes from Hayden Airport and three and a half hours from Denver International Airport. Cimarron consists of brand new super luxury five bedroom plus loft townhomes in the log post and beam style, built in 2007. The property features a private guest shuttle to skiing, shopping and entertainment (ski season), an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, exercise amenities area, bell staff and concierge services, free parking, free local calls, daily housekeeping during ski season, and every other day in the summer. Each 3,000 square foot townhome offers five baths, a king, four queens, queen sofa, a two car garage, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces in great room and master bedroom, granite slab kitchen countertops, in unit washers/dryers, Aveda bath products, terry cloth bathrobes, irons/ironing boards, DVD/VCR players, CD player/Stereos, dishes and utensils, hairdryers, complimentary in-unit coffee and complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival in ski season. Townhomes can accommodate up to 12 guests.

If you've never explored Southwestern cooking, here's a good reason to start. Vail's answer to great cooking, Southwestern style, is La Montana. The restaurant serves well-known dishes, such as Guacamole dip, Fajitas and a menu full of Tex-Mex dishes, such as Enchiladas, Burritos and Tacos. Visitors should look out for the Signature Southwestern dishes on the menu, which is a great place to start your education on this region's cuisine. Grab a bite of the Stuffed Chicken breast, the Southwestern Enchilada (whose claim to fame is being featured in Gourmet Magazine) and the exotic sounding Scallop Veracruz made from glazed scallops. La Montana also has a full stock of Tequila made from 100% blue agave - so you know it's the real McCoy.

Steamboat Springs is known as “Ski Town U.S.A.” for its reputation as a breeding ground for U.S. Winter Olympic Athletes, but its also just as popular for its family-friendly hotels, slopes and activities. The town is about three to four hours away from Denver by car in good winter conditions.

The town of Steamboat Springs is essentially separated into several areas. One is the mountain area (known simply as “the mountain” or “the base area”) surrounding the base of the Steamboat Ski Area on Mt. Werner. There are multiple shops as well as dining and nightlife, though the area is currently undergoing a major renovation and reconstruction. The area also includes many hotels, condominiums and rental homes.

In summer, try hiking Fishcreek Falls, Mt. Werner, Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears pass. Or visit the Yampa River for kayaking, rafting, tubing or fly-fishing.