When Friedl Pfeifer saw the light of day in St. Anton am Arlberg in 1911, no one imagined that the farmer's son would later lay the foundation for the most important ski resort in the USA. In 1938, the excellent skier emigrated to the United States. He introduced winter sports to the Americans and succeeded in breathing tourist life into a small town in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The Tyrolean built lifts and opened a ski school: the Aspen Ski Academy, now one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world, was born. For decades, A-list celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Kevin Costner and Mariah Carey have flocked here every winter. By the way, skiing is also excellent in the now four ski regions of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. The typical powder snow of this region, called "Champagne Powder", is soft, dry and very cold. Most of the runs are easy and smooth, experienced skiers can be found on the many short and steep slopes as well as in the snow parks.

Adrenaline and shopping rush

Aspen Snowmass is not only by far the largest of the four resorts, but also the most family-friendly. For the 75th anniversary, there are a number of events and activities to celebrate both the history and the future of the winter sports resort. In Aspen, there is a wide range of leisure activities to choose from: you can relax at the Aspen Wellness Center, for example, or get an adrenaline rush with heliskiing. Or you can book a tour with the Snowcat. With the exclusive snowcat, off-piste skiers can reach untracked and lonely mountain slopes. Après-ski in Aspen, on the other hand, is celebrated in a slightly different way than in the Alps, as it is comparatively dignified here. For a beer or a glass of champagne, the town offers a variety of bars and western pubs. When it comes to shopping, however, you can't fool little Aspen with its 7500 inhabitants: Prada, Zegna and Dior in a very small space? You'll only find that on Rodeo Drive. The town in the Rocky Mountains is also clearly proving itself to be a ski resort of the future: for years the Aspen Skiing Company has been working hard on climate protection and sustainability.

Best of Aspen: Good to Know

Perfect for ...

Fashionistas (the density of luxury labels is extremely high), discerning travelers (large selection of five-star hotels) and families with small children - most departures are easy.

Route network and lifts

Snowmass ski area is the largest ski area in Aspen with 241 kilometers of slopes, Aspen Highlands has 106, Aspen Mountain has 103 and Buttermilk Mountain has 34 kilometers of slopes.

Duration of the ski season

With its location at up to 3813 meters, the ski area is extremely snow-sure, the ski season lasts from November to April. If necessary, modern snow-making equipment is used.

Route tip

Aspen Mountain is famous for its forest runs. All in all, there are many steep slopes here: more than half of the routes on the "Ajax" - as the elevation is called by the locals - are marked "difficult".

Hotel tips

The Little Nell

From the design hotel directly into the mountain world of the Rocky Mountains

Designers such as Luis Bustamante and Holly Hunt have given free rein to their creativity in the artistic rooms. But it's not just the eyes that get their money's worth here, but also the taste buds: in the morning, you shouldn't miss the "47 Element Bed and Breakfast Special" before the mountains call. These are particularly close to Aspen's only "ski in, ski out" five-star hotel. Guests are drawn directly from the hotel up into the Rocky Mountains - those who want to take a more relaxed approach head to the Health Center, where spa and massages promise relaxation. Double room with breakfast from € 588 per person.

The Little Nell*****, thelittlenell.com
E. Durant Avenue 675, Aspen, 81611 Colorado, USA
T: +1 855 920 4600

St. Regis Aspen

Rustic Colorado flair meets elegant coziness

Walking past the hotel in the evening, with its large illuminated windows and red brick walls, you feel transported to a winter wonderland - a fairy tale that is retold at the resort: The "St. Regis" is known for its award-winning "Remède Spa" with heated outdoor pool, umpteen treatments and fitness center for exercise enthusiasts. Culinary-wise, the resort tells palate-pleasing stories of rustic "Colorado Mountain" cuisine. Don't miss the après-ski scene at the Mountain Social Bar & Lounge! Afterwards, if you settle into the comfort of your room's bed with its elegant leather furnishings and dark wood, you probably wouldn't leave in a hurry if it weren't for Aspen and the nearby mountain scenery. They entice you on shopping and snow tours out into the crystal-clear mountain air. Double room from € 596,- per person.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort*****, mariott.com.
315 East Dean Street, Aspen, 81611 Colorado, USA
T: +1 970 920 3300

Shopping highlights

Kemo Sabe

Cowboy hats, belt buckles and riding boots: Western style has never been more refined than at Kemo Sabe, where you can also find custom-made models - and a VIP bar for regulars on the top floor. There are also shops in Vail and Las Vegas. The boots (picture) are available for about € 900,-. kemosabe.com

Kith

As a teenager, Ronnie Fieg started in his cousin's shoe business and outfitted rappers like Jay-Z. In 2011 he founded a streetwear label; first he made men's sneakers, now there is men's and women's wear (the hoodie in the picture costs € 185,-) with own stores in Aspen, among others. kith.com

Spa Tip

Glenwood Springs

About 40 miles northwest of Aspen are Glenwood Springs, world-famous hot springs. The bubbling pools have once hosted such legendary visitors as President Theodore Roosevelt and notorious outlaw Al Capone. visitglenwood.com

Best restaurant

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

On "cloud nine"! The bistro of the same name with a view of the Maroon Bells mountains wants to bring European Alpine culture and après-ski to the mountains of North America with raclette, fondue and apple strudel. aspenchamber.org

Well insured

The desire to travel has been awakened, but the pandemic is making many holidaymakers hold off on booking - the fear of being stuck with the costs due to quarantine or illness is too great. However, with Europäische Reiseversicherung's hotel cancellation insurance, travellers can relax and plan and book their holiday: In the event of a Covid 19 illness, the cancellation insurance fully covers the costs - regardless of the pandemic status! Regardless of whether you yourself or your immediate family have fallen ill or you are classified as a contact person and therefore have to go into quarantine: With Europäische Reiseversicherung, existing and new customers are insured against a corona-related cancellation.

• Insured despite pandemic status

Although Corona is still classified as a pandemic by the WHO and the Austrian Health Authority, the cancellation insurance takes effect.

• No hidden costs

In the event of a claim, there is no rude awakening for the insured due to costs hidden in the contract.

• Free cancellation at any time

The insurance covers a wide range of cancellation reasons, not only in the event of a corona, but also for spontaneous professional events or other incidents. This also applies to the cancellation of a trip at short notice.

• Coverage not only for new customers

Not only new customers of Europäische Reiseversicherung enjoy the additional protection - existing customers are also pleased about the extended cancellation regulation.

Europäische Reiseversicherung AG
european.at
Kratochwjlestraße 4, 1220 Vienna,
Austria, T: +43 1 317 2500