Aspen Shopping

Aspen is truly a world class destination. I was aware of this fact, but I did not realize just how good the shopping was until walking around the town one evening. The stores I was seeing quickly reminded me of 5th Avenue in New York. Aspen is home to designers such as Moncler, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade. The great names of fashion are represented in this ski town. 

Prada Boutique, Aspen

If you are into smaller boutiques, Aspen is filled with those as well. Walking around town I saw little boutiques carrying furs, celine bags, and Cartier Tank watches covered in diamonds. Considering the size of Aspen, the shopping is quite amazing and you can find anything you may be looking for from ultra luxurious to souvenirs. 

So if you forget something in your luggage or just want to update your look, Aspen shopping has everything you need to look fabulous on and off the slopes. 

Winding Down a Ski Trip

My week in beautiful Aspen is almost over. I am always so surprised at how quickly a week goes by when traveling. It feels like just yesterday my plane was landing on the snow covered runway of the Aspen airport. I was a week of firsts for me- first winter resort, and more importantly my first time ever skiing. 

I now love skiing, and my instructor mentioned that I have a natural talent for it. I was doing blue runs on my 4th day of skiing in my life. Quite impressed with myself I must admit! Days of skiing turned into afternoons in the hot tubs, après ski wine, and dinner and sitting by the fire in the evening. Everything is quite beautiful here in the mountains. As I get ready to leave this chic resort town, what better way to wind down than with a glass of rosé and a mountain view?

I hope to see you again soon, Aspen.

Natural Beauty

Aspen is filled with so much beauty. Wherever you look, there is a beautiful snowcapped mountain, forest, or patch of Aspen Trees. Seeing the continental divide, and peaks that are 14,000 feet really made me realize just how vast and beautiful this country truly is. 

There are no mountain peaks in the city, so it has been quite refreshing. A snow covered mountain is the perfect backdrop for a dip in the jacuzzi.

Aspen Mountain. The Residences at Little Nell

Down the Slopes

Greetings from Aspen! I am all about trying new things and this week is no exception. I came on this trip having never skied in my life, ever. I could not pass up the opportunity to learn how to ski on the mountains of Aspen. Thus, I booked myself into a 3 day school ski with day 1 already completed.
I chose to ski Buttermilk Mountain which is one of the best beginner mountains out there. My instructor told me about the well groomed and forgiving snow. Buttermilk is also home to the X-Games which will be getting underway in late January. Its pretty awesome skiing next to the half-pipe where Shaun White wins gold medals.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when I clipped into my skis and was about to head down the virtually slope-less starting point. My instructor taught me how to properly make turns and I practiced on this very low slope run until I became more comfortable. We then moved to the chair lift and the "powder panda" slope which was a bit larger to continue to work on my turns. Yes, I did fall quite a few times! All in all I fell less than I expected.
By the end of the day, however, I was riding on the chair lift that goes to the top of the mountain and skiing on a green run down the mountain. I couldn't believe it! After only one day and never having skied before, I was at the top of the mountain....I was impressed with myself :)
Is skiing my new calling? Perhaps, but it is definitely something I would like to add to my hobby list!

View from the top of Buttermilk Mountain

Winter Holiday in the Mountains

Source: google.it via Tam on Pinterest

Im off to have some fun in the snow in Aspen, CO. I have never traveled to a winter destination so this trip will have a lot of firsts for me. I am planning on skiing, but will look nothing like the photo above seeing as I have never clipped my foot in a ski before! Lets hope that I am just standing more than I will be falling. 

It will be nice to reconvene with friends after the holidays for a little getaway before we find ourselves trapped in the library for another semester. I have my bright red ski pants packed, as well as all my intarsia and fair isle Ralph Lauren sweaters. And of course, my Moncler Jacket will definitely be coming to Aspen with me. 

I am very excited to try skiing, and might try out some other winter activities such a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well. There will also be lots of eating, and hopefully some champagne drinking! See you all at the bottom of the slopes