by Michele Kadison

With its four world-class ski mountains, its abundant snow falls, its range of activities, its cultural heft, and its aura of exclusivity, Aspen, Colorado is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world. With its designer shops, trendy hotels, and hopping nightlife, this Colorado Rocky town is more than just another ski resort in the Colorado Rockies. It is a place to be seen and to hobnob with residents and vacationers who know how to enjoy luxury and culture while experiencing the majesty of the great outdoors.

History of Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s modern history began way back in the 1880’s when Smuggler Mine was discovered by local prospectors to have a motherload of silver within its ore. Aspen was still a wilderness outpost, but within short order it became a boom town with typical western gunfights, saloons, and brothels. The boom was a short one, terminated by the Silver Bust of 1893 when almost all 12,000 of Aspen’s residents relocated as fast as they could, looking for more solid opportunities.

Fifty years went by until the ski soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division discovered Aspen just before World War II. The soldiers would spend their weekends here, enjoying the slopes and the small town charm that allowed them to relax and unwind. Slowly word spread, and more people arrived to enjoy the quaint feel of this gorgeously placed Colorado Rocky town. It was during this time that Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, a wealthy industrialist couple who fell in love with the spot, began spend some of their fortune on Aspen, turning the town into a year-round mountain destination for the wealthy, the artistic, the glamorous, and the flamboyant.

Happily, Aspen has retained many of its original architecture, with its beautiful Victorian buildings housing concert halls, designer boutiques, five-star restaurants, and world-class cultural institutions.

Transportation to and from Aspen, Colorado
If you are traveling by air, Aspen Airport is conveniently located just three miles from Aspen, Colorado and eight miles from Snowmass Village. Here you will find carriers such as United Express, America West Express, and Northwest Jet Airlink. With 126 flights per week and same-day connections to and from a wide range of cities around the world, flying in and out of Aspen is as easy as can be. Note to traveler: make sure you pre-book your flight. The airport also accommodates private planes at Aspen Base Operations.

Notes on carriers:
United Express offers travelers daily and year round nonstop BAE-146 jet service from Denver International Airport (13 to 18 trips per day), plus winter seasonal daily nonstop service from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Connections are available from over 200 cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe (via Chicago or Washington), Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim (via Los Angeles).

America West Express offers ear round nonstop service between Phoenix, Arizona and Aspen, Colorado. Operated by Mesa Airlines, the carrier offers convenient connections from cities throughout the West Coast, Southwest, and five cities in Mexico, including Mexico City.

Northwest Jet Airlink offers seasonal nonstop jet service from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis, Tennessee. These flights include well timed connections from more than 100 cities throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. An alliance with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Northwest allow the airline to offer two-stop connections from many cities throughout Europe via their Amsterdam hum. Operated by Mesaba Airlines the airlink boasts British aerospace RJ-85 jet aircraft, 69 seats, and a two-cabin interior. Only first-class flights are available with Northwest Jet Airlink into Aspen.

Other Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located only three and a half hours away from Aspen and Snowmass Village. Here you will find airport limo service, non-stop shuttle service, and car rentals, making it easy to get to your destination.

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is situated just 70 miles from Aspen and Snowmass Village. Airport limo service and car rentals are easy obtain.

Grand Junction’s Walker Field (GJT) is only a two hour drive from Aspen and Snowmass Village. Rent a car and drive to Aspen from this small and convenient airfield.

Traveling by Car
If you are traveling by car, make sure to check road conditions, including restrictions, driving alerts, and lane closures. Make sure you check out the CDOT website.

The 2008 Games
As host to the ESPN Winter X Games, Aspen, Colorado will celebrate 2008 as its sixth consecutive year presenting athletes from all over the world. This winter sport competition includes four days and nights filled with ski, snowboard, and snowmobile competitions that are free and open to the general public. The Winter X Games will continue to be hosted in Aspen/Snowmass through 2010, so if you don’t get your reservation in for 2008, there’s hope for another year!

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