If you blew it on Valentine's Day or need to earn some extra points with your snugglebuns, I have two words of advice: Aspen/Snowmass. My boyfriend Andrew and I recently splurged on a short-n-sweet weekend getaway and devised an excellent game plan, if I do say so myself. All you need is some cash, a phone to reserve a room, and a pact with the weather gods for a powder day. (Aspen just got a foot of fresh, and the season isn't over 'til April 11.) Godspeed.
Friday Night:
On your way in to Aspen (about 3.5 hours from Denver) stop in Carbondale for dinner at the “community bar” at (343 Main St.) If it's the first Friday of the month, be ready for a crowd of young, lively locals out for the town's monthly art walk. Do not miss the fresh ginger martini. Head straight to Snowmass and, if you're splurging, check in at the new, retro-cool ski-in/ski-out (from $275-$695 for a studio, 130 Wood Rd. in Snowmass Village). It has a youthful, friendly feel that is surprisingly (and thankfully) devoid of stuffiness, plus a ski valet, a spa, and eco credentials. (from $105, 333 East Durant Ave. in Aspen) is a less expensive option. The best time to hit the pool in most places, and certainly the Viceroy, is late night. Head down there in the evening for an al fresco hot tub dip.
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Wake up and pick up a pastry and coffee at The Nest in the bottom of the hotel. Check the conditions and discuss the plan of attack. To shred steep groomers, go to Aspen. For pipes and rails, head to Buttermilk, home of the Winter X Games. To ski the famed Highlands Bowl, go to, you guessed it, Aspen Highlands. (Save Snowmass for tomorrow for its ease of access.) Aspen Highlands is my favorite. If you go, hike to the top of the bowl and, at least once in your life, you need to have the raclette or fondue at Cloud Nine, an alpine bistro with stupidly pretty views over the mountains. (Reserve ahead of time on the weekends. Here's the number: 970-923-8715.) It is literally the big cheese.
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Ski right out of the front door to the lifts at Snowmass. The largest of Aspen/Snowmass's four mountains, it has 3,132 acres of skiable terrain and ridiculous variety. I love the tree skiing, but you can pretty much find whatever you'd like. You know the rest of the drill: catch lift, check out views, ski, repeat.
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