The crew started rolling into the new home of the Winter X Games, Aspen, Colo., in early October and it has been ON ever since. The arrival of the Winter X Games staff marked the beginning of a Jenny Jones style makeover for the town of Aspen. Don't worry, there was nothing we could do about the insane percentage of townies/vacationers that sport floor-length mink coats so bring yours along and rock it at Winter X VI. We have spent the past few months getting ready for the big event and learning our way around town. Upon the first snowfall, we learned the terrain is amazing and there is tons of it……..prepare to ride. If you are on the way out or wondering what life in Aspen, Colo is really all about check out this first hand description of what is perceived as the zsasziest town around.
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| A view of the Maroon Bells overlooking Buttermilk Mountain. |
The bottom line is if you are planning on hanging in Aspen get ready to throw down. Here is the low down on the nightlife scene (first because, hey, it's the most important). Everyone here likes to have fun and knows how! Aspen has all the options depending on your mood, an instant staff pleaser after the dismal choices of the last winter stop. The best way to avoid the mayhem is probably to head underground to the Roaring Fork Tavern where a beer can be enjoyed in relative peace to the tune of the classic locals story. To assure mania head to the largest venue in town, the Double Diamond, where you may find everything from a retro ski party one night to a variety of rock star parties during the Winter X Games. Eric's cigar bar is a sure stop with comfortable seating, great drinks, styli décor, and a fancy pool hall to boot. Don't be surprised if you glance at your watch realizing it is early in the morning and you are dancing away with a Red Bull and Vodka at Shooters because it has happened to us almost every night out on the town. Watch out, because Shooters at that hour can make for an ugly next day.
Speaking of the morning, there are a couple of great breakfast spots to cure the damage from the night before. In my opinion the best breakfast in town is at Poppycocks but you could easily get a different opinion from others in the crew. Some swear by the breakfast burritos at the Big Wrap located conveniently across from the Ajax gondola. The Hickory House has a classic greasy breakfast and can seat a ton of people, which is a huge help with the amount of people that generally need them. For those who need a good spicy bloody mary to get moving, you can count on Cooper Street Bar to serve them up. The others who need coffee make sure to go to Ink, the best coffee in town by far.
Avoiding the mountain base lodge for lodge is essential in this town as in all. The Aspen Underground has a selection of lunchtime items for everyone and is located across from the acclaimed Aspen concrete skate park but you can't enjoy it this time of year unless your ready to get your shovel on. Little Annie's has a great lunch with daily specials if you are ready to sit down. The Big Wrap is another lunch favorite with filling wraps for the hungry. New York Pizza serves good slices all the time. Finding a cheap dinner is not an easy task but there are a variety of great options for those willing to spend the money. Takah sushi serves it proper if you are looking for Japanese flavor in the mountains. The favorite margarita and Mexican spot is La Cantina but beware of how many margs you have because they have been known to knock some folks down. The upscale dinners are easy to find and we have enjoyed some classy meals at both Cache Cache and Fiora de Campo but make sure you are not picking up the tab cause it could be deadly.
The question remains to be answered; is Aspen ready to handle the chaos of the Winter X Games? After spending the past few months here, you can rest assured that this thing is going to go off. The receptions we have received from everyone in town were amazing and prepare to expect the same. Forget that impression you have of Aspen because this town has everything you could ask for and then some. If you space your gear for the mountains or for pimping the town and leave it at home don't worry because you can count on Aspen's newest shop, Polar Revolution, to provide the freshest of both. The arrival of winter sports finest athletes and the hoopla that comes with them for the Winter X Games VI is just the beginning of the change-over that Aspen is going to receive as the host town for action sports main winter event.
Related Photos:
Aspen Preview Gallery
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