Probably the most famous skiing area in the world, Aspen, Colorado, in America's Rocky Mountains, is a haven for the rich and famous to come and enjoy time on the slopes in luxurious surroundings.
That is not to say that the resort is unaffordable for the ordinary folk, indeed it is quite popular with the general public, who hope to bump into movie stars, politicians and even royalty as they walk the streets.
The area is good for its challenging runs, and any skier wishing to pit himself against the slopes would enjoy Aspen. There are some slopes that are more suitable for beginners though, so don't be put off if you are not too happy on steep gradients. Aspen includes four mountains in its pass - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk (great for beginners) and Snowmass - which togther make up 200km of runs. Snowboarders have plenty of choice with with half-pipes and specialist boardparks.
A new welcome addition to the resort is 22,000 square foot sun deck on top of Aspen Mountain, built at a cost of $14million (£8.3 million) and linking ski facilities, restaurants and shops.
Aspen is in fact a lot more than just skiing, with superb restaurants, shopping, panoramic views and sporting facilities of all types, you don't have to be a ski enthusiast to enjoy the resort.
If skiing is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy, including white water rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and even paragliding!
Après ski is varied and plentiful, as you might well imagine, with anything from five-star restaurants to more rustic bars where beer and shooters are the name of the game. Members' bars offer week-long membership, so you can carry on partying till the early hours if you want to.
The best time for skiing is between November and April most seasons, though this has been varying more and more in recent years. 490 snow cannons ensure that snow is more than abundant.
In terms of costs, a night in a hotel in Aspen could cost you anything from $60 (£35) to $5,000 (£2,700), depending on your tastes. It's not the cheapest of resorts, so bear that in mind.
Aspen Snow website
Aspen Tourist Office, P.O. Box 1248 Aspen, CO 81612, USA
Tel: 001 970 925 1220
Fax: 001 970 920 0771
Email: info@aspensnowmass.com
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