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Aspen,
Colorado |
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Aspen, at an elevation of of 7,908 feet, is one of the premier resort towns in the country. It has a fascinating history, great architecture, and beautiful mountain scenery. Between the galleries, museums, music festivals, and numerous social events, there is never a dull moment. Once you take a break from all of the site seeing, Aspen is still a great place to ski.
Originally called Ute City, Aspen was founded in the late 1870’s when miners from nearby Leadville discovered silver. When the Smuggler Mine produced the world’s largest silver nugget (1,840 lb.), prospectors started rushing to Aspen in droves. One of the earliest residents was Jerome Wheeler, who opened two of Aspen’s lasting landmarks, the Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House. The silver market crashed in 1893 and Aspen’s population quickly dropped to less than 300 people. It took almost 50 years for Aspen to begin it’s comeback. Thanks to Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth, Aspen was reborn as a cultural mecca. In 1949 they helped to establish the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies and the Aspen Music Festival and School.
Winter activities revolve around Aspen’s four distinctive ski areas. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can easily find the perfect run. Cross-country skiing is also excellent in the area. And for the adventurous spectator, check out the annual ESPN Winter X Games on Buttermilk Mountain. Once the snow melts, there are plenty of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, four–wheeling, fishing and camping opportunities throughout the White River National Forest. The colorful peaks, thanks to mineral streaking, are also some of the most photographed mountains in Colorado. |
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Aspen/Snowmass — The power of four! Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk provide variety and fun for the whole family — winter and summer.
Aspen Filmfest — Several events throughout the year bring in movie stars from around the world.
Aspen Music Festival and School — Each summer the worlds most accomplished and promising musicians make their way to Aspen. In 2006, the AFMS will celebrate the birthdays of music director David Zinman, and composers Mozart and Shostakovich.
U.S. Comedy Arts Festival — The HBO–sponsored U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, in late February and early March, attracts all kinds of comedians, from twenty–something stand–ups to Steve Martin.
Pine Creek Cookhouse— The Pine Creek Cookhouse is the premier Aspen dining experience for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, nature lovers and gourmands. In winter or summer, try for a seat on the deck for breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains.
The Century Room— Featuring masterful culinary creations amidst a comfortably elegant setting in the Hotel Jerome, The Century Room is a mainstay on Aspen's lively dining scene. Representative of classic Western opulence, the dining room's palpable vitality is complemented by its timeless sophistication.
Takah Sushi— For more than 20 years, Takah Sushi has been a favorite among Aspen locals. The fun and lively sushi bar seats customers on a first come first served basis.
The 48 miles of maintained trails in the Roaring Fork Valley, make up the largest free groomed Nordic–trail system in North America.
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