» TOP TEN REASONS TO VISIT ASPEN THIS SUMMER «
Summer in Aspen is when this mountain paradise really struts its stuff. So pack your bags and come enjoy the many activities Aspen has to offer. Following are ten top reasons to visit Aspen this summer:
1. Let’s Talk About the Weather
Sunny days and cool nights. Aspen boasts an average of 300 days of sunshineannually, equal to that of Miami. Visitors enjoy low humidity, blue skies and intense sunshine during the day followedby breezy, cool evenings. Summer weather is typically warm and dry with temperatures occasionally as high as 85degrees during the day. At night temperatures drop for a comfortable and cool evening.
2. Shop ‘til You Drop
Shopping in Aspen rivals the best, with irresistible retail offerings from peaches to Prada andeverything in between. Aspen is home to many of the world’s top high-fashion shops plus there are plenty ofhomegrown stores and boutiques. Aspen boasts more than 225 retail shops including sports and adventure, coutureand jewels, children’s fashion, art galleries and home decor.
3. Adventure
Everybody knows that “extreme” sports are the trend of the moment. But in Aspen, they’ve been away of life for decades. That’s why the ESPN Winter X Games chose Aspen as their annual venue through 2007. And it’s why some of the world’s top adventure athletes call Aspen home. But this natural amusement park isn’t justfor the pros. Everyone can get in on the action, from summiting Colorado’s “Fourteeners” (peaks higher than 14,000 feet), rock climbing on Independence Pass, hiking to wildflower meadows and beautiful alpine lakes, and mountainbiking and road biking. Or, raft, kayak, and fly fish Gold-medal rivers. Paragliding and handgliding are also among the favorite ways to explore Aspen’s peaks.
4. Remède Spa at St. Regis Resort, Aspen
Guests of this grand resort will experience a $37 million renovationincluding completely new guest rooms, the luxurious Remède Spa, and the new St. Regis Residence Club, Aspen.This is the flagship of the new Remède Spa brand, created for St. Regis hotels and resorts. The 15,000-square-footresort spa includes a fitness room yoga/Pilates room, and 15 treatment rooms. The spa offers Remède treatmentsand signature treatments incorporating Aspen’s alpine and mineral environment. Remède Spa offers complimentaryoxygen in the post-treatment oxygen rooms, as well as other amenities such as chilled champagne, truffles and otherluxurious treats.
5. Al Fresco Dining
Aspen has been called the best little food town in America between Los Angeles and NewYork. Over 80 restaurants can be found in a one-mile radius. Offerings include the Japanese/South American fusionof Nobu Matsuhia, northern Italian, French, refined American, Southwestern, or vegetarian cuisine at ExplorerBookseller’s and Bistro. Many restaurants offer al fresco dining with a view. Aspen truly is a dining destination, withover 80 restaurants offering cuisine for every craving and budget.
6. Music on High
Other mountain towns have incepted musical festivals, but Aspen is the original. For over 55years, the hills and the streets have been alive with music in Aspen. From outdoor festivals to mountain topperformances, music aficionados are treated to jazz, classical, bluegrass, rock, and reggae. Major musicalhappenings include the June and September festivals of Jazz Aspen Snowmass, nine weeks of classical music at theAspen Music Festival & School, bluegrass Sundays on top of Aspen Mountain, and live music in town weekly.
7. Free Stuff
Some of the best things in Aspen are free – hiking among the wildflowers, watching the sun set behind the mountains or listening to a classical music quartet on an Aspen street corner. Other free activities include FREE Thursday night wine and cheese receptions and FREE Friday admission at the Aspen Art Museum, FREEAspen Music Festival concerts on the lawn, FREE blues, jazz, rock and world beat concerts every Thursday night inSnowmass, FREE guided nature hikes atop of Aspen Mountain, FREE classical music concerts (Saturdays) andbluegrass performances (Sundays) atop Aspen Mountain, and FREE tours and lectures at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village
8. Aspen’s Backcountry
Trek through vast wilderness in Aspen’s beautiful backcountry and stay at the TenthMountain Division Hut System. Twenty-nine backcountry huts sprinkle the Colorado Rocky Mountains—many witheasy access to Aspen, most accessible by 4-wheel drive, mountain bikes or hiking. Huts are equipped withfireplaces, cooking materials, and water. Spend a night or a week.
9. Family Fun
A vacation is a vacation if the kids are happy. In Aspen, tots and teens will find endless ways tohave a fun and enriching vacation, from art, music, dance and theatre classes to nature hikes, skateboarding, biking,river rafting, or even cooking classes. Aspen offers mountain-top activities too. Ride the gondola up Aspen Mountainfor a host of activities and entertainment including arts & crafts, obstacle courses, games, a mini climbing wall and more.
10. Aspen’s Got Soul
Aspen is a mountain town like no other. Unlike other ski resorts, Aspen was a community before it was a ski town. Aspen is rich in history and personality, is a modern culture capital, and offers activities and adrenaline for all ages and activities. Stroll along the pedestrian malls, play in the Hyman Avenue fountain, grab anice cream cone and listen to music students, catch a rugby game in Wagner park, browse an art gallery or simply sit back and enjoy the view.