Baby, It's Warm Out There

Just in time for the New Year 2012, the weather warms up in the Aspen-Snowmass ski areas.  Neither the temps nor the snowfall are conducive to great skiing. It was colder in early December than it is right now. But there are still lots of fun to be had.

If you want to keep exercising, you can always just strap on boots and stablizers or a pair of snowshoes and hike up the mountain.  It's a great way to get your heart pumping and still enjoy the scenery.  Both the Aspen and Snowmass ski areas hold nature walks for the entire family, which allow for some exercise as well as a chance to learn about the wildlife in the area.  If you are interested in environmental studies, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is a must. For more, see www.aspennature.org and www.snowmassvillage.com.

Aspen offers a couple of historical walking tours.  There is a day tour on Aspen history and a Friday night tour with stories of ghosts, murder and mayhem.  Both cost $20 per person. For more information, go to www.aspenwalkingtours.com.

For a more relaxing afternoon, frequent the spa at Aspen Club & Spa or the Snowmass Club.  Both offer a variety of services and are conveniently located in Aspen or Snowmass Village. The steamrooms and saunas will warm your bones and bring a glow to your cheeks. See http://www.aspenclub.com and http://www.snowmassclub.com.

Shopping opportunities abound from Aspen to Basalt. We've found some of our favorite outfits for adults and kids in downtown Basalt at small locally-owned stores. Several major designer shops, such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren, James Perse, and Frette, are peppered among local clothing and accessory shops, and retail chains including the Gap and J.Crew. Both Aspen and Snowmass have several ski and outdoor activities stores where you can find almost any equipment you need to enjoy your stay in the valley.

Aspen has a thriving art market, and its streets host several interesting art galleries. Even if you aren't in the market to purchase the fabulous art, it's fun to roam around.  Aspen Institute Galleries is currently showing Michael Fain Photography until March 15, 2012.  LivAspenArt Gallery and the Christopher Martin (one of our favorites and just incidentally, another Dallas native - see www.christophermartin.com ) are new this year, both showing contemporary art. Aspen Grove Fine Art (www.aspengroveart.com), another of our favorites, always has great works by local and national artists including Earl Biss, James Scoppettone and James Jensen.

People watching is always entertaining at the Little Nell in Aspen or the Viceroy in Snowmass Village.  Both are great après ski venues, and often have celebrities hanging around the bar.

So, even if the weather isn't what you expect, Aspen and Snowmass Village are great travel destinations. But be sure to bring your ski equipment just in case we get the snow we are praying for. For up to date information on ski conditions, see www.aspensnowmass.com.