Crown Endorsements
On this particular occasion, Paula Crown’s bestowal takes the form of 10 Aspen must-dos.
1. POWDER TOUR ON THE BACK OF
ASPEN MOUNTAIN
The tours provide a
thigh-high, daylong indulgence in deep powder
with ace guides Murray and Pearl. We try for the
latest slot at the Lunch Cabin (yes, that’s its real
name) for homemade soup and salads, as it’s
harder to get back on skis after a full day of searching
for the perfect line. Visit aspensnowmass.com.
2. FIRST TRACKS
There’s something about
doing the first run on Ajax Mountain before the
lifts open for business that starts the day off right.
The peace, solitude, and corduroy are an extraordinary
combination, and it’s personally satisfying
after making it to the gondola at 7:45 A.M. following
a festive night in Aspen. Visit aspensnowmass.com.
3. THE LITTLE NELL
After first tracks, lemon
soufflé pancakes and a skim latte are well-deserved.
An assortment of daily papers is available at the
entrance. Although I’m revealing bias here, I
would recommend lunch and dinner at the Nell’s
Montagna, too. Visit thelittlenell.com.
4. HIGHLAND BOWL
A favorite family activity
is hiking to the top of the Bowl, remembering
to bring the ski straps, and then skiing down one
of the G zones. Visit aspensnowmass.com.
5. ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL
A trip to Harris Concert Hall to attend the winter
music artist series or a summer day on the lawn
is cognitively and spiritually nourishing. Visit aspenmusicfestival.com.
6. CLOUD NINE ALPINE BISTRO
On
Highlands, Andreas Fischbacher prepares the
consummate alpine meal with raclette and chocolate
fondue.Visit aspensnowmass.com.
7. PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE
The Wilcox
family creates an incomparable Nordic ski
experience in Upper Castle Creek, approximately
12 miles from Aspen. Start at the historical mining
town of Ashcroft, where guides will outfit you
with boots, skis, poles, and a Petzl headlamp
(after dark) and cross-country ski to the fabulous
restaurant for dinner. Skiing back down with a
clear night sky and full moon overhead is magical. Visit pinecreekcookhouse.com.
8. MAROON BELLS
Road biking to scenic
Maroon Lake is challenging but—thankfully—
short. This really makes me feel virtuous and
happy when it’s over. Visit aspenchamber.org.
9. TRAINING WITH BILL FABROCINI
He’s
a physical therapist, trainer, and motivator who’s
extremely knowledgeable about his field and
perceptive about an individual’s specific needs.
Jim [Crown] and I have greatly benefited from
Bill’s custom fitness programs and his ability to
tune out my whining. Visit aspenclub.com.
10. ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER
Internationally acclaimed artists teach here in an
idyllic setting. Last summer I took a class in
encaustic techniques and solar-plate printing. Visit andersonranch.org.
| The complete article appears on page 152 in the Winter 2008/Spring 2009 issue of Aspen Peak. SUBSCRIBE NOW and get Aspen Peak delivered direct. |
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