First Aspen Trip Advice Needed

I have only been to Aspen once but will try to answer your questions.

>I would like to go in to this with somewhat of a plan.  What would someone suggest for getting acclimated to Snowmass or Buttermilk.  Where should we start?

- either of those resorts would be fine.  You could take an intermediate run from the top to the bottom of Aspen Mt, but it is a bit funnel-like, not that wide, maybe consider after a couple days on Snowmass.

>Where would you go to introduce a powder type situation if the conditions arose?  I guess what I am asking is are there any intermediate type runs that would provide a good powder situation if new snow falls?

- If it is storming during the day they won't be groomed and you'll be able to experiment with powder just about anywhere.  Don't worry about that plan, take it as it comes.

>Are there any must go to restaurants in Aspen or Snowmass village?

there are tons for all budgets.  there is a good budget friendly barbecue ribs etc place that you could find.

>What are some of the better ski shops that both sell equipment or rent it?

i wouldn't think Aspen in prime season is a good place to buy equipment.

>Can someone tell me what to expect to pay for lunch type food (hot dog, hamburger, chix sandy) on the mountain.  I know its expensive but just trying to get a feel for what to expect.

if you are wondering how much a hot dog costs, don't buy equip at aspen!  on mtn food prices are comparable to other resorts, and kids good can be found

>Also, read that you can get on a mountain for first tracks if you call ahead of time.  Is this worth the time?

not worth it if you haven't skied powder before.  just have fun with what comes your way.  your chance of powder is less than 35%. 

enjoy your trip.

Well, I've skied Aspen many, many times (though I've never skied Buttermilk). I don't know the answers to quite all of your questions.  But I'll try:

1. I would like to go in to this with somewhat of a plan.  What would someone suggest for getting acclimated to Snowmass or Buttermilk.  Where should we start?

For greens and blues, Snowmass is pretty much perfect (double-blacks as well, but that is a different story).  The main runs coming down from the base area lifts (I think it's called Fanny Hill) are fine for warmups.  The Big Burn is superb blue cruising.

2. Where would you go to introduce a powder type situation if the conditions arose?  I guess what I am asking is are there any intermediate type runs that would provide a good powder situation if new snow falls?

The Big Burn at Snowmass is world-class on a powder day.  Wide-open, but it gets skied out after a couple of hours.

3. Are there any must go to restaurants in Aspen or Snowmass village?

In a word, no. Krabloonik's at Snowmass is very good for game, but it is expensive and you could leave the kids at home with a pizza.

4. What are some of the better ski shops that both sell equipment or rent it?

Christie's and Aspen Sports at Snowmass Mall are both OK, though neither is up to equipment-junkie standards.   I don't know any of the ski shops down in Aspen except Ute Mountaineer, which caters more to climbers and backcountry skiers. 

5. We have heard some talk of a sled dog excursion.  Does anyone have any experience in doing it?  What does it entail?  What does it cost?

I've never done it but it's supposed to be a blast. I believe it's run out of Krabloonik's, though I'm not sure. You could call them and ask.

6. Can someone tell me what to expect to pay for lunch type food (hot dog, hamburger, chix sandy) on the mountain.  I know its expensive but just trying to get a feel for what to expect.

~$15-20 per person for a burger, chips, soft drink, and dessert.

 7. Also, read that you can get on a mountain for first tracks if you call ahead of time.  Is this worth the time?

You are joking, right?  You want first tracks, you better be boot-packing at 6 AM with the Ski Patrol.  Otherwise, I believe most of the lifts open at 8:30 and you can try to be first in line.  Is it worth it?  Do you have to ask? 

Interesting. Try it and let us know.  When you live here, ski a lot, and can pretty much ski anything (especially backcountry), you don't have to get out of bed early to get "first tracks".

Wisco,

With the gang you're bringing up I would think staying on mountain in Snowmass a better option.  Ski school is right out your door.  Terrain parks all over the place.  If it snows the mountain (Snowmass) is so big that you can find fresh all morning; all day if it's mid week.  Have sandwiches made for lunch and eat in the condo...far cheaper!

I would recommend one day for the better skiers on Aspen Highlands during the week....you will have it all to yourself.  I have skied the Aspen/Snowmass area for over 9 years, at least twice a year.  Aspen mountain is small compared to the others, however if you like steeps and natural bumps you need to  give it a try.  If this is your first time in that area, Snowmass will give you everything you're looking for; you can't ski that whole mountain in a week.

Restaurants are everywhere in the Aspen area some are very good...and expensive.  I still prefer to eat in and take one night out splurging on a steak or sushi.  Aspen does have outstanding entertainment all year long.  Check out who's in town at the Wheeler Opera House or the Belly-Up.

You don't need a rental car.  Transportation is free on shuttle buses that run to all mountains along with service every 30 minutes to Aspen and Snowmass.  There is a very well stocked grocery in Snowmass that all condos run their private vans whenever you need them.

I  have my own equipment, however others in our party use Taylor's in the Snowmass mall.  Decent choice of equipment..mostly  K2 skis, Sally, Tech. boots.  Good, helpful employees along with good tuning shop.

With snow conditions really good this early you're in for a hell of a ski vacation!  Great family ski area with tons to do  if someone in your party doesn't ski.  Enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscoskier 

Hello Epic Community,

 

We have planned our first trip west to Aspen in March of 2011.  We are a family of five with kids ages 5, 7, 10.  The ten year old snowboards and enjoys the parks.  My other two are still beginners but can turn and stop reliably.  We will be staying at the base of Ajax.  However, I realize we will not be doing the majority of our skiing at Aspen Mountain.  I assume we will spend the most of our time at Snowmass and Buttermilk.  My questions are as follows for any one that has some time:

 

1. I would like to go in to this with somewhat of a plan.  What would someone suggest for getting acclimated to Snowmass or Buttermilk.  Where should we start?
2. Where would you go to introduce a powder type situation if the conditions arose?  I guess what I am asking is are there any intermediate type runs that would provide a good powder situation if new snow falls?
3. Are there any must go to restaurants in Aspen or Snowmass village?
4. What are some of the better ski shops that both sell equipment or rent it?
5. We have heard some talk of a sled dog excursion.  Does anyone have any experience in doing it?  What does it entail?  What does it cost?
6. Can someone tell me what to expect to pay for lunch type food (hot dog, hamburger, chix sandy) on the mountain.  I know its expensive but just trying to get a feel for what to expect.
7. Also, read that you can get on a mountain for first tracks if you call ahead of time.  Is this worth the time?
8. Ok I will stop.

 

Sorry for how long this is.  Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.

 

Brian

1.  Take the RFTA up to Snowmass on your first day with the family and get your ski legs.  Great family runs and the ski school is tops.

2.  I would ride Elk Camp Gondola (Snowmass), then Elk Camp chair to top then brief hike over to Longshot for an epic powder run.  A must do that is not too demanding.

3.  Sneaky's in Snowmass is quality, Pinon's in Aspen is the Best for adults.

4.  I would not buy there if possible.  The tax rate in the valley is high.  As for rentals, Four Mountain sports and D&E offer good discounts all year long.

5.  Dog sled excursions are done at Krabloonik and are very pricey.  I have heard good things though.

6.  $15 for kids, $20 for adults.

7.  Never done it.

8.  Ask more!!

Brett

Friends rented and I had some skis remounted for a 230 lb, expert skiing friend at Christy's in Snowmass- rentals were ok, but they left the DIN at 5 for the skis they remounted.  I wasn't skiing with him, but he apparently was flyout out a lot.  They were a used ski that I wanted to have the bindings release check done on (which must not have been if they left the DIN at 5) and the Christy's in Dillon wouldn't touch them after I explained what happened unless I paid a second time.

I think there are a lot of good restaurants in town, but none of them are what I would call cheap.  Don't remember the name, but one of the sushi places that I went to with some locals had a pretty reasonable bar menu that was very good.

I haven't skied it myself, but your son would probably like Buttermilk for the boarding action and it is suppose to have mostly easy slopes for the younger kids.  With that said, unless you are lock into or prefer staying in a town (better nightlife, more restaurant choices, etc), I agree with the idea of staying in Snowmass- something there for everyone without commuting the ~9 miles.  

If you do stay in town you could consider the Sky Bar for apres ski.  The crowd is mostly 20 somethings and you would have to be ok with the kids seeing the consumption of adult beverages and listening to some pop music, but I imagine the kids would enjoy the outdoor pool/hot tub and the parents might enjoy pretending they were care-free again...just a thought that may or may not work for your family.  Note- I haven't actually seen any kids in that pool, so it may be age restricted.

I'll be in Aspen this coming week and may be able to offer more insight after I get back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscoskier 

Hello Epic Community,

 

We have planned our first trip west to Aspen in March of 2011.  We are a family of five with kids ages 5, 7, 10.  The ten year old snowboards and enjoys the parks.  My other two are still beginners but can turn and stop reliably.  We will be staying at the base of Ajax.  However, I realize we will not be doing the majority of our skiing at Aspen Mountain.  I assume we will spend the most of our time at Snowmass and Buttermilk.  My questions are as follows for any one that has some time:

 

1. I would like to go in to this with somewhat of a plan.  What would someone suggest for getting acclimated to Snowmass or Buttermilk.  Where should we start?
2. Where would you go to introduce a powder type situation if the conditions arose?  I guess what I am asking is are there any intermediate type runs that would provide a good powder situation if new snow falls?
3. Are there any must go to restaurants in Aspen or Snowmass village?
4. What are some of the better ski shops that both sell equipment or rent it?
5. We have heard some talk of a sled dog excursion.  Does anyone have any experience in doing it?  What does it entail?  What does it cost?
6. Can someone tell me what to expect to pay for lunch type food (hot dog, hamburger, chix sandy) on the mountain.  I know its expensive but just trying to get a feel for what to expect.
7. Also, read that you can get on a mountain for first tracks if you call ahead of time.  Is this worth the time?
8. Ok I will stop.

 

Sorry for how long this is.  Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.

 

Brian

1.  Either would be fine, but I really like Buttermilk for  beginners or 1st timers to the valley.  Will you have a car?  You don't need one in Aspen, but if you already have one, it can give you a few more options. Parking is free at all the area's with 4 or more.   Park at Buttermilk west and your 2 feet from the slopes with picnic tables right next to your car.  It's a very nice spring picnic spot with your own private lift.

2. Tiehack, the expert side of Buttermilk is empty and you can get freshies at 3pm.

3. There are a ton of great places in the valley.  For family dinning I would try Little Annie's or the Hickory House.

4. Lot's of great shops. Depending on the season, most start to blow out gear at the end of March.  Gorsuch's midnight madness sale is usually really good!

5.  Krabloonik's dog sled trips are really popular, but expensive.  Your kid's would probably love it.

6. The food on all the mountains is really high quality. You can spend as much as you want.  Soup or a slice of pizza is $6.  Burger, fries, dessert, candy bar & a Red Bull =$$$$.

7.  Actually, first tracks is a fantastic deal, it's FREE!  Contact the mountain concierge the day before.  I don't know how they do it on the other hills, but on Aspen Mountain, you board the gondola at 8: 15 with an instructor.  They don't let you schralp the gnar, but you'll get perfect groomers and a little untracked fresh next to the run. It might be a good way to get an introduction to Aspen Mountain later in your trip.   Aspen is a pretty tough hill, make sure your kids can ski all the groomers at Buttermilk/Snowmass before venturing to Aspen or Highlands for that matter.

Your going to have a great time!

Welcome to Epic,

I'm sure there are plenty of others who are better suited to helping out and know the mountain better than I do, but I have at least a few things that I can probably share. I've been doing a short trip to ASE for each of the last few years.
 

Have fun Brian -- I'll be there too around the first or second weekend of March. Keep your fingers crossed that the snow keeps falling.

Hi!
We were just in Aspen for a movie premiere and to our suprise...the World Cup event... didn't ski...but we watched and ate. :)   Also tooled around town for a bit.

As far as food goes... we went to the Pitkin County Tavern for dinner (they had a prime rib sand special for $5 including fries).  The Red Onion was highly recommended too for good food and affordable (for Aspen) eats.

Our Innkeeper at the Annabelle Inn was great at suggesting restaurants.

Or you can check this link....http://www.eataspen.com/aspenrestaurants.php?cat=kids  for kid friendly restaurants.

Has anyone mentioned getting altitude ready?  Maybe you already know how to do this...but I've had friends get really sick when they came here unprepared, under-hydrated and hit the slopes their first day in town.  http://www.travelmuse.com/articles/general-features/how-to-prevent-altitude-sickness

Sounds like you have a a great trip planned for your family!

As you most likely know Ajax has no green runs-stay at Snowmass instead

The advice above about the altitude is excellent and should definitely be heeded. I live in Boulder, at about 5400 ft., and even I feel it sometimes that first night or two in town. I hydrate compulsively, though, and that really helps. If you have the space in your schedule to do it, it's not a bad idea to skip skiing the first full day you're in the area to acclimatize to the altitude. Some people have no problem with it at all, and some people have their entire trip derailed by altitude sickness.

I'm pretty much parrotting what a lot of people here have already said, but Hickory House is great eats for families. If you do make it to Ajax, Bonnie's is where it's at for food. Their soups will warm your soul on a cold day.

Enjoy your trip. I'm headed to Aspen in about 2 weeks, and cannot wait. That valley is a little slice of heaven. 

I found a better way of getting altitude acclimation for trips. It is to drink 8 oz of water in one hour and the next hour to drink 8oz of Gatorade to where you are done you have drunk 64ozs of fluid. I use this for all low land friends that come to visit they come out without  a problem for skiing visits. Also I would recommend for first visit to Aspen to  ski either Buttermilk or Snowmass more variety of terrain at both places for the intermediates and beginners in the family. For food I can not remember the prices but Hickory House BBQ restaurant was reasonable and tasty. I have seen the sled dog trip but not done and it looks interesting. The other thrill option is the paraglide trip with an instructor at snowmass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscoskier 

Thanks for the info on the altitude acclimation.  I had heard to hydrate as much as possible and will definitely heed the advice of all.  Thanks again.

 

Brian

Being physically fit helps, too

I would consider staying in snowmass. check tripadvisor for recs on both lodging and restaurants. (I stayed at snowmass mountain chalet which was ski in/out with breakfast included)

Snowmass is the largest and has the best variety of terrain in my opinion. Skiers of all ability levels will love it. I've always thought that the lift system is great as well. It's easy to get pretty much anywhere on the mountain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHREDHEAD 

 

Quote:

1.  Either would be fine, but I really like Buttermilk for  beginners or 1st timers to the valley.  Will you have a car?  You don't need one in Aspen, but if you already have one, it can give you a few more options. Parking is free at all the area's with 4 or more.   Park at Buttermilk west and your 2 feet from the slopes with picnic tables right next to your car.  It's a very nice spring picnic spot with your own private lift.

 

2. Tiehack, the expert side of Buttermilk is empty and you can get freshies at 3pm.

 

3. There are a ton of great places in the valley.  For family dinning I would try Little Annie's or the Hickory House.

 

4. Lot's of great shops. Depending on the season, most start to blow out gear at the end of March.  Gorsuch's midnight madness sale is usually really good!

 

5.  Krabloonik's dog sled trips are really popular, but expensive.  Your kid's would probably love it.

 

6. The food on all the mountains is really high quality. You can spend as much as you want.  Soup or a slice of pizza is $6.  Burger, fries, dessert, candy bar & a Red Bull =$$$$.

 

7.  Actually, first tracks is a fantastic deal, it's FREE!  Contact the mountain concierge the day before.  I don't know how they do it on the other hills, but on Aspen Mountain, you board the gondola at 8: 15 with an instructor.  They don't let you schralp the gnar, but you'll get perfect groomers and a little untracked fresh next to the run. It might be a good way to get an introduction to Aspen Mountain later in your trip.   Aspen is a pretty tough hill, make sure your kids can ski all the groomers at Buttermilk/Snowmass before venturing to Aspen or Highlands for that matter.

 

 

Your going to have a great time!

+ 1

The ribs at Rusty's (Hickory House) are beyond awesome.  Get a stack of paper napkins though.  They deliver too!

Stay in Snowmass.  The Stonebridge is an excellent location.   The free Snowmass area shuttle system will get you everywhere.  If you walk to the end of the Snowmass Mall you can catch a RFTA bus.

The pizza joint at the end of the Snowmass Mall (next to snow) gives big slices and is pretty cheap.   The cheesesteaks at the Philly joint at the other end of the mall are good too but you might have to wait a bit to get it.  It's worth the wait though. 

In Aspen go to the very family oriented Boogie's Diner.  Get the open-face turkey sandwich.

You might want to start out at Buttermilk.

I feel a Snowmass trip coming up after the holidays.  I'm going to kidnap a ski bike and head west. 

The Stew Pot in Snowmass Village is really really good. They have some of the best stew I've eaten.

Just returned from 4 nights in Aspen- had a great time and wanted to thank JFC again for the Hyatt hook-up. 

It is possible to save a bit of money (10%?) buying multi-day tickets online- they give you a 10 day window to use them (for the 3/4 ticket I got).  Early and late season, they ran/are running a buy 3 and get 4 day special, but this won't work for your dates.

I ate at the following at thought all were very good to excellent:

     Base Camp (Snowmass)- fantastic Portobello & crab cake sands. (~$12 or $14)

     Specialty Foods of Aspen/Cheese Shope- order at counter for nice salads and paninis (mostly $10)  

     Kenichi- excellent sushi.  Try the fresh wasabi.  (starting at $8 & up but can get pricey.  Bar menu sometimes)

     Gisella's- Italian.  Everything we had was very good.  Loved my Salmon cooked to order.  (Mains are $25-$36, but they are/were? running a fall special of 3 courses for $29 or $36)

     Campo de Fiori- Same owners and Gisella's.  Very reasonable bar menu with $10 pasta and $15 mains.  I liked my pasta, but friend did not love his Salmon (too salty).

     Ajax Tavern- Good food right at base of Gondi (Mains $17-25)

All prices are without tips, taxes, drinks, etc.  In my opinion, Aspen is like New York- bad food and bad service is not tolerated for very long, so those without the quality disappear sooner rather than later. 

I skied at 2 days at Snowmass and 1 day each at Ajax and Highlands.  While they had a bit less snow than Vail, Breck or Copper Mountain, all had excellent early season conditions that seemed much more like mid January than early December.  While ski conditions vary day to day, this is really setting up to be a fantastic season.  The highlight of my skiing was getting the 2nd set of fresh tracks down the Mushroom off the Deep Temerity lift.  7" of fresh powder on opening day is hard to beat!

Above is edited from http://blog.skilodgingrental.com/2010/12/12/aspen-december-7-11-2010.aspx

Regarding my early post, they do allow kids in the Sky Bar/39 Degrees Pool/Hot Tub.  It wasn't overly crowded outside with cloudy skies, but there was a 4 year old having a great time with his mom (and a handful of others).

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEfree30 

 The highlight of my skiing was getting the 2nd set of fresh tracks down the Mushroom off the Deep Temerity lift.  7" of fresh powder on opening day is hard to beat!

 

 

 

 

 

Dude:  You should have called.  I was first chair and first skier down to DT.

Wiscoskier:

Were are you staying?   I usually recommend families stay in Snowmass and adults in town.  But I can understand wanting to stay in town,  since there are much more activities.  If you are in fact on Aspen, then yes I would ski at least one day on Aspen Mtn.  Make sure to get up early or take the first tracks program.  Ski the top and at the end of the day ski down Ruthies side.  

Both Copper and Spar are great steep groomers early in the morning.  But by late day they get cut up and there is a lot of high speed experts bombing them to get back to the gondi and they aren't a good place for little kids.
 

Lots of great information in this thread.  Thanks all!

Some more questions from me though.  I'm going to be in Aspen for the weekend during the X Games.  I'm a more advanced skier than the two guys that I'll be traveling with.  I think they will stick to blue cruisers while I'll explore the entire mtn. 

It's my understanding that all of the X Games events are located at Buttermilk and that all of the usual parking lots at Buttermilk are closed to the public Thurs - Sun.  I think our game plan is going to be ski Ajax on Saturday then shuttle over to Buttermilk to see some of the events in the evening.  Sunday skiing at Snowmass.  We will have our own car, but realize that we'll need to park and ride to get around.

1.  any suggestions on where to park

2.  any insight into how impactful the X Games is to wait times and lines, and parking.

3.  anything else that we should know?

I'm not organizing the trip, I'm crashing my buddies trip since I happen to be in Denver on biz during the week before.  I think they said the hotel room was in Glenwood.

Thanks in advance.

Just remember there will be lots of X Games traffic on I-70 when they end.  I'm talking massive traffic jam around the tunnel.  Wait a day before heading back to Denver if you plan on going that way.

There are pay parking lots around Snowmass.  Personally I park my SUV and just take the free ski shuttles.  Just way less hassle. You meet some really interesting people that way too.  There is a RFTA Express Bus from Glenwood Springs to Aspen in the AM and PM.   Try to get the one that Linda drives.  It's a nice bus and Linda's pretty nice too.  The bus fare from Glenwood is something like $6.

Traffic around Buttermilk will be a zoo.  The slopes everywhere will be empty.  Cheap restaurants in town will be packed, expensive places will be empty.

The X Games used to be really a neat event to attend.  I use park at Tiehack and ski over to main Buttermilk.  You could ski up to all the courses, get up close and really see how extreme some of these events are.  Now they've turned it into a TV event. Security's tight and it's hard to get close.

 I think some of the practice days are actually better than the main events. 

I would ski Ajax early and then still park at Tiehack.  I think they may have a shuttle from there to main.  If not, you will have to catch the last chair at main and ski back to the Tiehack side.  Or just park in town and shuttle back and forth from Buttermilk.  South Aspen Street at the base of the Shadow Mountain lift is 2 hour without a sticker. But most of my friends that drive, park there and never get tickets, but all bets are off during X Games.

I would just pop for a cheap room in Aspen.  Try the St. Moritz. 

Town will be rockin and the cops do not tolerate DWAI.  Buttermilk is supposedly dry during the games, unless of course, your a VIP/Sponsor.  But as long as your drink is in a cup, your good to go in town.