Aspen Mountain Lodge and a Great Aspen Colorado Review

Craig, Danielle and friends stayed at the Aspen Mountain Lodge for the X-Games, Jan 28 - 31, 2011   then traveled to Breckenridge

 

1)       your accommodations: 

We were all quite impressed with our accommodations right from the start.  The Aspen Mountain Lodge was a great location, and exactly as described - right on the main route in town, it was very easy to find.  Just a minute from the bus stop, and a short walk to all of the village shops, stores and restaurants, this cozy spot was great for everyone in our group whether going riding or shopping!  This quaint little ski lodge offered a killer complimentary breakfast every morning, a great spread to begin any day around the giant, cozy fireplace.  The afternoon experience began the minute we checked in: once we settled into our room, we threw on our slippers and joined our neighbors for the regular PM wine and cheese in the common area, which also proved to be more than welcoming to wind down to after a long day on the mountain.  The staff was knowledgeable and happy to help with any questions we had about the area.  Our room was just enough for the four of us, but would have been a bit more comfortable had we been able to store our riding equipment elsewhere.  We were plenty warm each night, and though the facilities were nice and clean there was no exhaust for the massage-worthy shower, which made for a few refreshing, but cold mornings.  

 

2)       the skiing

We boarded both Aspen Highlands & Snowmass during our visit, which were equally great mountains to ride.  Both good sized ski-areas, they offered a wide variety of terrain good for all levels of skiers & boarders but also have a great selection for the more experienced riders.  Highlands has a great, challenging bowl area accessible by hiking or a short ride on the snowcat, and some stunning 360 views from the summit.  The appropriately named Snowmass, also offers a great variety for the more experienced skier - with huge, wide open runs that had something for everyone.  Whether you like to ride fast turns, trees or bumps, it seemed so easy to find your pleasure just about anywhere on the mountain.  Both mountains had little-to-no lift lines on any of their lifts, which if you've ridden back east is quite the treat, especially at base lifts!  Finding food was always easy, and though a bit pricey they had plenty of atmosphere - I highly recommend the Nacho's at Venga Venga at Snowmass base lodge!

 

3)       restaurants, ski rental, car rental and activities that you enjoyed

Bad Billy's - though it is to be changing locations in the near future, was a great spot for pitchers, wings & pool!
Eric's/Cigar Bar - for the sheik and fashionable, this has a very modern-mountain feel to it.
Oy Vey Cafe - interesting cafe-style menu with creative, tasty dishes, laid back atmosphere and reasonable prices

Rental Car - Budget Rental, upon landing in Denver we were informed by our customer service rep that our small SUV was not going to be sufficient for four of us with bags and ski-gear.  Though I usually have little patience for up-selling (sometimes pushy) salesman, we worked a great deal for a larger 7-seater SUV (Nissan Frontier, nicknamed the Tank for the remainder of our trip).  Driving a compact car regularly, I was sure we would be all be able to fit in a Subaru Forester (or equivalent), but after a week of driving through the Rockies, I highly recommend going a size larger than you think you'll need.  Not only did we benefit from the extra room in this upgrade, but the larger motor helped climb the 4 hour haul with little effort.

 

4)       my service, documents received

All of confirmation documents were clear, correct  and easy to use. We referred to our emails (via cell phone) for everything, which was great not having to carry a bagful of printed documents through airports, etc.  

 

5)       anything else that you enjoyed or disliked about your travels

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our Aspen experience, and though the 4+ hour drive (after the flight) is a bit taxing, if your schedule allows, I recommend planning a half-way, lunch stop - Frisco is a great little town right off of Route 9, with plenty of great restaurants to break for a bite.