Ok, I dont have much time to research on what to do in aspen because im in finals now and the day after finals i go to europe to visit family for couple weeks. Right when i get back a friend has invited a bunch of us to go to aspen and stay at her house and what not. Im going with a bunch of richies...but im not. Especially after being in europe for couple weeks. So im asking what else is there to do besides ski? I normally ski in utah or canada so im pretty lost with what is cool in the town after skiing. I know there are probably a bunch of baller bars... are there cool places that dont absolutely kill you pocket? Any info on the town is much appreciated. Thanks fellow clutch friends and fans.
It's been a few years since I was there, but I don't remember anything cheap, so my advice is... Stop somewhere way before you get to Aspen and stock up on food at a local grocery store. Pretend you're on EST and meals accordingly... that way, you eat the stuff you bought and when you go out with the richies to a fancy restaurant, you can just sip on a drink or get soup knowing you are fully sated from the microwave burritos you consumed a couple of hours ago. If you do spend money, spend it on skiing. Nightlife is everywhere and in Aspen, you can catch the flavor just by walking around. However, skiing is not everywhere and if you have a chance to ski (I love Snowmass) do it. Just make sure you buy or borrow appropriate clothing before you get there because you don't want to buy a ski jacket or bib in Aspen. If downhill is too expensive, rent some skis and take off Xcountry... you can ski in the White River National Forest for free while experiencing nature and solitude as it is impossible to do on the slopes... just stick to known routes and let people know where you are. Also, I think there are some movie houses, theaters, a decent little bookstore, and a museum or two that shouldn't kill you financially.
i know its hard not to make a dumb and dumber joke about aspen...because thats the first thing that comes to my mind. I think i will try the ol stuff a burrito in my mouth before going out to eat. hopefully i wont have to pay as much to get drunk there because of the altitude.
Well, in Colorado it's absolutely mandatory to buy some six packs and hit the outdoor jacuzzi or pool before and/or after the bars. Economical too! Member of the Polar Bear club yet?
Well, since I have family in Aspen (my parents also live in Snowmass half the year), I've been there off and on pretty much my entire life (I'll be back there in January). I guess that makes me qualified to help. Things to do in Aspen... besides skiing (of which there ain't a lot, unless it's the summer): - Rent some snowmobiles - Go to the Maroon Bells (the path might not be open, though) - Take a drive over Independence Pass - Head over to the Krabloonik restaurant in Snowmass and see the ridiculous amount of dogs they have for dog sledding - Celebrity watching (but for God's sake, don't bother them!) - Go shopping in town - Find a random hill and go sledding (a favorite of mine) - Drive around and look at the humongous, $$$$$$ houses - Head over to the J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome (nightlife) - Stand outside the Caribou Club and look for celebrities - If you have the money, I highly, highly recommend going to the Crystal Palace for dinner and a show; you won't be disappointed! Places to eat at that might not be too expensive (good luck): - Little Annie's (awesome hamburgers) - Boogie's Diner (and you can shop there, too!) - Wienerstube (if you like German food) - Big Wrap (for cheap and good wraps) - La Cocina (always a long wait, though) - McDonald's (no, seriously, there's one in town) - Bistro Basalt (it's in Basalt, though) - New York Pizza (meh, it's just okay) - The Popcorn Wagon (kind of like a kiosk - has fantastic crepes, though) - Woody Creek Tavern (the "locals" place - watch out for the Harley bikers...)
btw, if you're 'with' someone, some of the resorts have hay/sleigh rides available. a group of us took one through a snow-covered valley (that dropped us off at a secluded cabin-restaurant), but before that they have tons of blankets and hot chocolate (you may need your own additive like schnapps, baileys or frangelica) and our guide parked the sleigh for a while on a small bridge over a trickling stream at dusk... sun setting behind the peaks. sweet.
