Elite Traveler September-October 2017

EXPLORE ASPEN GUIDE TO ASPEN

BEST PLACE TO HAVE…

For an extraordinary Colorado Rocky Mountain experience, head to Aspen and discover its pristine peaks, towering trees, flowing rivers and sprawling meadowlands. The 1880s mining town has transformed into a sophisticated mini-metropolis, swank ski resort and chic year-round destination. In winter, you can ski from atop an 11,775ft summit on a black-diamond ski run; in warmer weather, you can hike, bike or do sun salutations atop the peak. After dark, savor fine food, including freshly-flown-in seafood, sip world-class wines, attend ballet, concert and jazz performances or simply hang out at a local pub. Culture gives a splendid sense of place to this environmentally caring, intellectually curious and ever-active community. Since 1899, when Jerome Wheeler launched a grand hotel and opera house, there’s been a vibrant cultural ambiance; in the mid-20th century, it expanded to a core value when Elizabeth andWalter Paepcke founded the “Aspen idea” dedicated to the mind, body and spirit and inaugurated the Aspen Institute.

A VIEWOF ASPEN MOUNTAIN Bosq

Enjoy the intimate, sleek, gray-washed contemporary space, or dine on a patio overlooking Wagner Park and Aspen Mountain. Local chef/owner Barclay Dodge was influenced by acclaimed chef Ferran Adrià at el Bulli and at Restaurant Gaig in Barcelona. His restaurant highlights creative new world dishes, and a great Peking duck. bosqaspen.com Arrive within a traditional — albeit blue — Aspen cottage to enjoy sushi and sashimi favorites in the ground floor lounge, with no reservations needed. Or book a table downstairs (there’s an elevator), where the bar has a bamboo “roof,” the huge dining room extends under high ceilings and the creative menu features Nobu specialties, including lobster in a spicy garlic sauce. matsuhisarestaurants.com/aspen SUPERLATIVE ASIAN CUISINE Matsuhisa

SPECIAL DRINKS AND SOLID AMERICAN FARE Jimmy’s

by Irvina Lew

Step up to a fun bar filled with beer, whiskey, mezcal and wine- sipping folks who appreciate the beverages that Jersey-raised owner, Jimmy Yeager, wine and beverage director, Greg Van Wagner, and Jimmy’s traveling team have discovered during their annual treks. Order authentic crab cakes or super steaks. jimmysaspen.com

WINE PAIRING GASTRONOMY Element 47

Savor Patrick Dunn’s five-star New American fare, which features Colorado trout, beef and lamb plus ingredients from his chef’s garden and a nearby farm. Ask one of the nearly 50 wine professionals of varying degrees of certification to select bottles from the 20,000-plus cellar, which you can tour. Or dine amidst the bins in the wood-paneled wine room. thelittlenell.com/dining

The Silver Queen Gondola Ride the Silver Queen Gondola, an iconic experience inside a clear-topped bubble, for the scenic (and scary)

IF YOU DO ONE THING…

to lunch on the Sundeck restaurant and simply stare at the wonderful wilderness. Summer activities include hiking, disc golf, nature walks and concerts.

18-minute ride to Aspen Mountain’s 11,212ft summit. Whether it’s to ski the peak also known as Ajax, snowshoe Richmond Ridge or hike the trails, it’s always fun

Photos Emily Chaplin, Gibeon Photography, Zach Mahone