THIS WINTER WAS ACTION-PACKED IN ASPEN. The Farmer’s Almanac forecasted a bountiful season, and snow it did. When Denver gets a fresh foot of powder, the city slows down. In Aspen, we rejoice and race for the slopes.

But even as longtime locals, there’s always something new to discover in our bustling mountain town, and the Aspen Peak team set out on diverse adventures this winter. We skied runs we’ve yet to master, went dog sledding at Krabloonik, hit Aspen’s latest restaurants and boutiques, and attended festive Snowmass Base Village concerts—including a stellar evening with Sam Bush. (Look for more musical acts at Base Village this summer.) We also treated friends to melt-in-your-mouth Topcakes from Topper’s Aspen.

Aspen loves its fashion, and Aspen Peak proudly sponsored the first Aspen Fashion Week, which focused on town’s fashionistas and high-end winter-resort wear. Kudos to AFW founder Lisa Johnson, who brought us the premiere of Matt Tyrnauer’s poignant documentary, Valentino: The Last Emperor. The film was screened at our historic Wheeler Opera House, and its stars, Valentino and partner Giancarlo Giametti, made a special appearance and saluted a standing ovation—truly an imperial moment.

Speaking of stars, our winter issue’s cover girl, Elle Macpherson, helped launch René van Ass’s Aspen One watch. She donated her timepiece to Challenge Aspen and the Aspen Valley Ski Club prior to an elegant evening atop Aspen Mountain. Additionally, John Oates staged creative entertainment at the Wheeler Opera House with a spectacular singer-songwriter series. Oates is expanding the series next year, so music buffs, take note.

Looking ahead, this summer marks the 60th anniversary of Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke’s Goethe Bicentennial Convocation, the launch of Aspen’s cultural gravitas and the catalyst for town’s most influential organizations, including the Aspen Institute and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Town will be celebrating all summer long, and we’re particularly excited about the AMFS event on August 6, which features a performance by soprano sensation Deborah Voigt and concludes with an anniversary affair attended by members of the Paepcke progeny.

In Aspen, we all perpetuate the Paepcke’s vision to nourish the mind, body and spirit. From the epic snowstorms of winter come summer walks through wildflowers. Cherish the lifestyle that is Aspen.

See you around town,

ALEXANDRIA HALPERIN PUBLISHER	JASON BINN	KATHERINE NICHOLLS