One thing we really need to get our heads around is the dates of the US public holidays. For the second time this year we had discovered an approaching public holiday less than two weeks before the day in question. Deciding this time we weren't going to let the opportunity for a weekend away pass, we booked a last minute five day trip. Against all odds, the cheapest package available at any of the Colorado mountains was in Aspen. Nice!
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| In the park across the road from our ski lodge (in background) |
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| The view from our hotel room |
For those that aren't familiar with Nat's experience on the mountain, let's just say that an attempt to snow board in Lake Tahoe in 2009 was an abysmal failure. So, it was time to give skiing a go. After all, as one of our friends said, "it is more debonair!" After three days of beginners lessons and thanks to an awesome instructor, skiing ability was achieved. In fact with some blue runs mastered it could possibly be declared a success!
We were able to ski/board together on our final and fourth day on the mountain, sticking to the runs at Buttermilk mountain which Nat had learnt on the three days prior. After lunch we took the gondola up Aspen mountain to check out the view.
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| My first blue run! |
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| Allegedly the most photographed mountain in the USA |
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| The crazy hikers who walk up Buttermilk for exercise! |
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| Together on the chairlift |
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| Looking back at Aspen from the gondola |
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| A ski in/out only lodge viewed from the gondola |
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| View from the top of Aspen mountain |
There's not much more to say about Aspen as the photos say it for us... and better. The scenery and town were both stunningly beautiful, the restaurants were varied in cuisine and price range and those that we tried were great. I will add a recommendation that anyone going to Aspen check out the Limelight Lodge. They've recently pulled down their old building and replaced it with a fabulous, new hotel but kept the prices reasonable. It's situated next to the mountain, across the road from a park and is only two blocks from the Aspen mountain gondola. They also offer all the services one would expect from a ski lodge and most importantly have a gorgeous hot tub!
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| Vince demonstrating the correct usage of hot tub |
The only disappointing part of the trip was we failed to rub shoulders with anyone rich or famous!
