Family Skiing Vacations p. 2
Aspen: Not Just for the Glitterati
Aspen Colorado: Most people think of it as a destination resort for the rich, beautiful and famous. A select few realize that it is also a fantastic family destination. Aspen is actually comprised of four mountains.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain, which is also known as Ajax, rises majestically out of downtown Aspen. This area is most suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. The Aspen Recreation Center features a skating rink, where the entire family can take skating or Hockey Lessons. At mealtime, Aspen will love Boogie's Diner, which is a 1950s retro establishment where you can do two things: eat and shop for jeans. Boogie's is owned by Lenny Boogie Weinglass, who was the character portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the movie, Diner. It features comfort food such as burgers, hot open turkey sandwiches, macaroni and cheese and ice cream sodas.
Photo: Aspen Family Courtesy Beige Jones
Snowmass:
Wide-open trails and the daily "Noon Groom" make Snowmass Mountain a cruiser's paradise. With a 25,000 square foot kid’s facility, Snowmass is the most popular area for families. The ski school takes kids to trails that feature reindeer roaming through the aspen groves. Teens will appreciate the "Too Cool for School" ski and snowboard lessons. Tube Town, which is located on Assay Hill, gives kids, and kids at heart the chance to zip down the slopes on inflated inner tubes. In the evening, the Snowmass Family Zone features storytelling and marshmallow roasting by the campfire.
Buttermilk:
Buttermilk has a variety of wide-open green trails, as well as an excellent kids ski school. Here, you will find the Power Pandas program, for kids ages 3 to 6. Located near the base of Buttermilk this area has its own Magic Carpet.
Aspen Highlands
This expert area is the place people go when they have a craving for humble pie. However, there are a few beginner/intermediate trails on the mountain, and the winter Maroon Bells Festival makes it a great place for off-slope family activities.
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