| Three hundred inches of snow per year, four | | | | kinds. Twelve blocks of eclectic shops |
| resorts to choose from, and enough bumps, | | | | scattered with trees and bronze statues make |
| trails, and thrills to make each ski run | | | | up the central business district, so |
| different from the last, Aspen is the place | | | | hopefully you'll have room in your luggage to |
| to satisfy your need to speed down the | | | | bring home a western-themed souvenir or a |
| mountainside. You'll be especially | | | | purse imported from Italy. From kids wear to |
| well-suited to this vacation destination if | | | | sports equipment, Aspen shops will |
| you have a taste for luxury, because while | | | | doubtlessly reveal whatever it is that your |
| it's not required to go all out, Aspen | | | | heart truly desires. |
| certainly has a way of inspiring you to live | | | | |
| life to the fullest. | | | | While you're in pleasure mode, be sure to |
| | | | take advantage of the many spa offerings in |
| If you have mountains on your mind, Aspen | | | | the area. From pedicures to cutting edge |
| Mountain, Aspen Highland, Snowmass, and | | | | beauty techniques, you'll be sure to return |
| Buttermilk are all within 12 miles of the | | | | home looking gorgeous and feeling relaxed. |
| town of Aspen and offer some of the finest | | | | This might not be everyone's cup of tea, so |
| skiing and snowboarding conditions to be | | | | just send the spa-fearful members of your |
| found. This region also contains much of the | | | | traveling party off to the tennis courts or |
| White River National Forest and other | | | | the golf courses while you undergo your |
| designated wilderness areas, so all you | | | | well-deserved pampering session. |
| city-folk will feel the odd sensation of | | | | |
| being immersed in nature while you're here | | | | So as not to neglect your artistic side while |
| (that's a good thing). As you forget what | | | | in Aspen, try to visit one of the festivals |
| it's like to hear the traffic of the city, | | | | that will be going on while you're here. The |
| you'll find yourself becoming newly aware of | | | | Food and Wine Magazine Classic attracts the |
| stunning alpine profiles, swaying branches, | | | | very brightest culinary stars to showcase |
| and the blinding brilliance of the sun | | | | their talents and advise the attendants on |
| glinting from the snow. | | | | how to cook, pour, and entertain like |
| | | | champions. The Aspen Arts Festival brings |
| If you're more of a flatlander, then consider | | | | together the works of over 200 painters, |
| cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, | | | | sculptors, and jewelry makers in a gallery |
| snowmobiling, or snow camping to get your | | | | setting like none other. If neither of these |
| fill of the winter wonderland. And don't | | | | strikes a chord, then just wait a few days |
| forget that skiers and non-skiers alike will | | | | for the next big event. Be it music, |
| appreciate coming in out of the cold, warming | | | | fireworks, or theatre related, there is |
| frosty fingers by the fire, and sipping a cup | | | | something that everyone will be interested |
| of cocoa to chase away the final nip of the | | | | in. |
| outdoors. Small pleasures like this make up | | | | |
| an important part of a cold-weather vacation, | | | | From your perch in the mountains of Aspen, |
| so don't overlook the small things. | | | | you'll feel lucky to be alive and motivated |
| | | | to experience and appreciate everything that |
| Of course, Aspen doesn't become undesirable | | | | you can. The final way to ensure a stellar |
| in the summer when the snow has melted, in | | | | vacation for you and yours is to reserve a |
| fact it doesn't lose much luster at all. The | | | | vacation rental that will complement all that |
| white gives way to vibrant green, punctuated | | | | you plan to see and do while in this heavenly |
| with a few cheery wildflowers. Ski trails are | | | | spot. A condo steps away from a ski lift |
| gone, and hiking and biking trails take the | | | | would be ideal during the winter, and a quiet |
| spotlight. If adrenaline is still what you're | | | | little cottage within earshot of a babbling |
| after, then raft or kayak down a raging river | | | | brook would make your summer visit |
| or search for footholds on a sheer rock face. | | | | postcard-perfect. |
| Take to the skies in a hot air balloon, or | | | | |
| settle down near a cool stream for the most | | | | The amenities contained within most vacation |
| picturesque picnic you'll ever have. | | | | homes far outdo standard hotel |
| | | | accommodations, so if you really are planning |
| When you feel the need to venture back to | | | | to take the vacation of a lifetime, go online |
| civilization, Aspen is filled to the brim | | | | to reserve the Aspen Vacation Rental that |
| with fine cuisine, live music, special | | | | will make your trip the best you've ever had. |
| events, and family-friendly offerings of all | | | | |