Colorado Vacations
Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids
Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids
Skiing Aspen, Colorado with the Kids
Going skiing in Colorado with your kids may be one of the best vacations you'll ever have.
| Did You Know? The town of Aspen, Colorado was first famous for its richly producing silver mines. |
Article: Colorado's Luxury Lodging
Photo: The Little Nell, in Aspen, is one of two Five-Star hotels in Colorado.
Photo Credit: The Little Nell
Photo: The Little Nell, in Aspen, is one of two Five-Star hotels in Colorado.
Photo Credit: The Little Nell
It
felt like we were floating in a bubble as our gondola rose smoothly
above Victorian homes and grand ski lodges. The town shrank to 
the size
of doll houses, and our attention was drawn by the ever-expanding
view of the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness and the Roaring Fork River
Valley.
Before we knew it, the door to our bubble was sliding open, and an attendant was helping the kids jump the gap onto the platform at the top of Aspen Mountain.
As we stepped onto the sun deck, the soaring, jagged skyline of the Elk Mountain Range smacked us in the eyes.
Located about five hours driving time west and south of Denver, the village of Aspen, Colorado snuggles amidst 14,000-foot peaks. Four ski areas are associated with Aspen.
• Aspen Mountain, itself, is known for its steep runs and difficult terrain, (it has no beginner runs). However families can find fine plenty of groomed intermediate skiing there when the kids (or mom and dad) are up to it.
• Snowmass also has a high percentage of intermediate runs, plus a few beginner runs. A cluster of family-friendly condominium complexes cozies up to its base.
• Meanwhile, skiers treat themselves to spectacular views of the Maroon Bells from the slopes of Aspen Highlands.
Beginner and intermediate runs grace the middle of the mountain, with plenty of harder terrain to graduate up to as skills improve.
• Easy runs for little schuss-bombers flow down the mountainsides at Buttermilk ski area. This is the place for families who understand that when the kids have fun, everybody has fun.
Vistas from the deck of Buttermilk's Cliff House snack bar aren't too bad, either.
A Pretty Penny
The cost of vacationing in Aspen is legendary. And it is true that if you want, you can spend a bundle there. However, no other ski area has the same cachet as Aspen.
And if you are sick of pretentious neighbors and overdone architecture, then Aspen may be exactly the destination for you. At many establishments, we found the staff to be relaxed, genuine, and warm.
You get the feeling they just want to get you what you need and help you have a good time. In fact it is the locals who seem the least impressed by status – and more intent on enjoying the fun and beauty their town has to offer.
And with four mountains to choose from, families won’t find better skiing in the West.
Related Articles:
The Town of Aspen, Colorado
Ski Area Roundup
Ski Gear Checklist
the size
of doll houses, and our attention was drawn by the ever-expanding
view of the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness and the Roaring Fork River
Valley. Before we knew it, the door to our bubble was sliding open, and an attendant was helping the kids jump the gap onto the platform at the top of Aspen Mountain.
As we stepped onto the sun deck, the soaring, jagged skyline of the Elk Mountain Range smacked us in the eyes.
Located about five hours driving time west and south of Denver, the village of Aspen, Colorado snuggles amidst 14,000-foot peaks. Four ski areas are associated with Aspen.
• Aspen Mountain, itself, is known for its steep runs and difficult terrain, (it has no beginner runs). However families can find fine plenty of groomed intermediate skiing there when the kids (or mom and dad) are up to it.
• Snowmass also has a high percentage of intermediate runs, plus a few beginner runs. A cluster of family-friendly condominium complexes cozies up to its base.
• Meanwhile, skiers treat themselves to spectacular views of the Maroon Bells from the slopes of Aspen Highlands.
Beginner and intermediate runs grace the middle of the mountain, with plenty of harder terrain to graduate up to as skills improve.
• Easy runs for little schuss-bombers flow down the mountainsides at Buttermilk ski area. This is the place for families who understand that when the kids have fun, everybody has fun.
Vistas from the deck of Buttermilk's Cliff House snack bar aren't too bad, either.
A Pretty Penny
The cost of vacationing in Aspen is legendary. And it is true that if you want, you can spend a bundle there. However, no other ski area has the same cachet as Aspen.
And if you are sick of pretentious neighbors and overdone architecture, then Aspen may be exactly the destination for you. At many establishments, we found the staff to be relaxed, genuine, and warm.
You get the feeling they just want to get you what you need and help you have a good time. In fact it is the locals who seem the least impressed by status – and more intent on enjoying the fun and beauty their town has to offer.
And with four mountains to choose from, families won’t find better skiing in the West.
Related Articles:
The Town of Aspen, Colorado
Ski Area Roundup
Ski Gear Checklist