Keeping up with the Kimptons: A Photo Tour of Kimpton Hotels

advertisement

Aspen was a real community long before it was a ski—and celebrity—mecca. Technically four ski areas (Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk), Aspen has a cachet few other towns can claim. But you don't have to be rich and famous to enjoy the place. And, as you'll discover, there's just as much to do in Aspen when the ground is sans snow.

Whether on the way in from Denver (220 miles east) or as a morning outing from Aspen, travel up 12,095-foot Independence Pass, one of Colorado and the country's most spectacular drives. At the top, take in the view, but bring a jacket as it could snow—even in July (conditions that keep the pass closed during the winter).

Also be sure to pack your hiking boots; Aspen has every kind of two-footed terrain, from easy Hunter Creek Trail to the breathtaking (literally) challenge of Ute Trail, which climbs 1,700 feet in the first mile. Got bikes? It's worth every hard-earned pedal stroke to cycle to Maroon Bells Scenic Area, dominated by the most photographed peaks in all of North America (or drive out and hike in the not-to-be-missed scenery). Experienced mountain bikers of all ages will have a blast on gnarly Government Trail traversing Snowmass and Buttermilk mountains.

When the warm air of summer moves into the mountains, some special music events arrive as well. The venerable Aspen Music Festival, with nine weeks of performances, enters its 57th season this June. Music on the Mountain also starts in June with free classical Saturdays and bluegrass Sundays, 3,000 vertical feet above town on Aspen Mountain. If music doesn't draw you there, the disc golf, climbing wall, yoga, guided hikes, and family obstacle course will.

Head to Snowmass to get inspired at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a stellar place for kids of all ages to stretch their creative spirits. Children's workshops this summer include sculpture, photography, painting, beading, and mask-making.

Summer's weekly Snowmass Rodeo pits professional cowboys against broncos and bulls, but there are events for kids, too, from a petting zoo to mechanical bull riding to mutton bustin' (riding sheep).

In winter, Aspen is all about powder and chic winter garb. All of the slopes and ski schools are superb, but Snowmass, nine miles from downtown Aspen, is the top all-around mountain for families. No doubt, your kids will also want to spend at least one day at Buttermilk, home of the Crazy T'rain Park and X Games superpipe.

As for lodging, Snowmass Club has its own kids club (and golf course), while the condos at The Gant and Aspen Square are walking distance from downtown Aspen.

Tip: Boogie's Diner, serving burgers and malts with a side of '50s schmaltz, is Aspen's most kid-friendly restaurant—but lines often wind out the door, so go early.

Recommended Side Trips: Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, Summit County