Nadia "Sparkle" Henry
We often chat about going to warm, sunny spots, but have you thought about heading somewhere cold and snowy? I hadn't really considered a winter getaway until Carly Cox, the director of global leisure for the Salamander Collection, introduced me to Aspen Snowmass.
I'm a huge fan of Salamander, which is owned by Sheila Johnson, who manages resorts in the U.S. and abroad. One such resort, Aspen Meadows in Colorado, just had to be on my list. After I mentioned this to Carly, she connected me with Sarah Gessele, the account director at Aspen Snowmass.
During our chat, Sarah shared all the exciting winter activities at Aspen and Snowmass. I was amazed that these places weren't just fun for adults but perfect for kids, too. This conversation convinced me to take a trip to Aspen.
Just days before heading there, I led a group of 25 clients on a trip to Tanzania. Feeling guilty for leaving my 10-year-old daughter behind, I planned the six-day trip to Colorado, bringing her along as well as my 25-year-old son, cousins and my colleague Andrea from Exquisite Vacations. What was initially planned as a girls' business trip to explore the area turned into a family and friends adventure due to my travel guilt.
We kicked off our trip with two nights at the Viceroy Snowmass, a 5-star hotel offering ski-in, ski-out convenience. Just 20 to 25 minutes from Aspen, Snowmass provides a family-friendly ski area with free ice skating, daily s'mores and The Collective games lounge.
Snowmass is lively, especially its alpine coaster and snow-tubing. Snowmass Village is vibrant with bars and shops. The Viceroy is within walking distance of the village, which makes cars unnecessary. I truly enjoyed my three days there, thanks to a variety of activities and comfy accommodations.
After the Viceroy, I moved to Aspen Meadows. The Salamander resort is great for families, with separate living rooms and bedrooms and a pullout sofa in the living room; all of the rooms are suites. Aspen Meadows offers shuttles to Aspen and Buttermilk Mountain; Buttermilk offers a pleasant ski experience, with dining spots along the mountain. Aspen's bus system is excellent and free, making exploring the area a breeze.
My final stop was at The Little Nell, right in the heart of Aspen. This 5-star hotel provides easy ski access to Aspen Mountain and is practically the center of attention with its famed Ajax Tavern and Element 47 restaurant. It's known for its delicious hot chocolate and upscale accommodations, with a cozy lounge and an outdoor, heated pool -- not to mention many shops and dining options just beyond the doorstep.
We didn't just ski during our getaway, we also tried snowmobiling, which I highly recommend for families. We took T-Lazy-7's Maroon Bells Tour, a winter wonderland ride to Maroon Lake offering breathtaking views. The snowmobile tour was packed with history lessons and a tasty lunch in a cozy log cabin. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
At Aspen and Snowmass, a lift ticket grants access to all four mountains: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen and Aspen Highlands. I visited in March, so I was able to enjoy the snow without any significant lift lines. There's even an Aspen/Snowmass app for updates on weather, activities, lodging and ski lessons.
If you're seeking a domestic getaway with beautiful scenery, Aspen is a must-see. I've heard summer is just as beautiful, and I plan to return to give you all the details.