Aspen, Snowmass
Colorado

2007

The weather cooperated for the flight out to Denver on the 3rd of February, as 56 anxious club members were on their way to Snowmass/Aspen!

The whole group met up at the Denver Airport as we had two members coming from Florida and four coming out of Minnesota. Once everyone collected their luggage, the buses were called up (we did manage to get two big buses for the ride up!) and loaded for the trip up into the mountains. There was supposed to be a half-hour stop for a quick grocery/spirit stop but it managed to become an hour. This delayed our arrival to the condos but we all got to see some beautiful lights as well as stars on the way up.

Once we arrived, the hotel staff was there to carry all of the luggage up to the condos. This was a lifesaver after arriving so late in the evening! Lots of other amenities were available, such as the condo shuttle on call for travel around Snowmass Village, discount cards for shops, lessons, equipment and food on the mountain, a great pool and Jacuzzi spot, very nice condo’s and, of course, great snow.

We could not have asked for better weather. We were skiing comfortably out west while the east was in a deep freeze. The sun was out most days and with four mountains to ski, it was amazing that we ran into other club members on the mountains. Each mountain had it’s own particular appeal. Snowmass was a favorite with its wide open groomers, while Aspen offered some steeper runs for the more adventurous. Buttermilk was a cruiser’s paradise, with no crowds anywhere. Aspen Highlands offered still more slopes & views, as if the other three mountains weren’t enough.

Activities included the Super Bowl Party where we had great seats, a large screen and plenty of cheering! Unfortunately the Ravens weren’t playing but everyone picked a team to cheer for! There was also a wine and cheese party provided by the Top of The Village Condos with the rowdy crowd hitting the Jacuzzi afterwards! Everyone who went on the trip also received a T-Shirt from the Club!

The favorite happy hour spot seemed to be Margaritaville. Many also went down to Aspen to shop, sight see and eat. Some ate at the Red Onion for the last time since it was scheduled to be closed after decades of operating in Aspen. A lot of Condos did some grilling, as the weather was great to be sitting out on the porch/balcony. The Agostini/Vandrey condo had a local keep showing up for dinner - a fox kept inviting himself to dinner!

Everyone had a great week with no major injuries. I am still amazed by some of the crowd at Buttermilk Mountain that could ski faster backwards down the mountain that I could ski forward. They were there for a competition going on the weekend we were leaving.

As the week ended, we all got back on the buses to head back to Denver to catch flights home. One condo group was determined to finish all the alcohol from the trip before we hit the airport. It was a good thing we had 3 hours before the plane was ready to board!

It was a great trip with a great group!

Editorial Note:
The trip leader was also great!
Thanks, Candy!
(And also our assistant leader, Bob Jones)