Our man George asked Aspen local pros Chris Davenport (skiing and ESPN on-air talent) and Gretchen Bleiler (snowboarder) where to go and what to do when in Aspen.
What's there to do at night in Aspen besides hitting the bar circuit?
Davenport: There's eight movie screens in town, so catching a flick is always a good option, especially for those not 21. Also, hanging out at New York Pizza or the Popcorn Wagon can provide some entertaining people watching.
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| If Chris Davenport is wearing a helmet, then you know it's steep in Aspen. |
Bleiler: Well, there are many options; you just need to get creative. There are two different movie theaters in Aspen, Stage Three and The ISIS. Stage Three
plays three different movies and the ISIS, I believe plays six. So, you can
go have a movie marathon. Or, if you want to do something that you really
can't do in too many other places, go sledding at TubeTown in Snowmass.
TubeTown is a sled course with a pulley that brings you right back up to the
top, so you don't have to get tired hiking. Get dressed in your warmest gear
and head out into the elements, I think its open pretty late. Or, you could
just go and have a nice dinner somewhere. Aspen has the best restaurants;
you really can't go wrong no matter where you decide to go.
What are some cool things to do in Aspen for families when not out riding/skiing?
Davenport: Take a ride in the high country on a snowmobile tour from T-Lazy 7 Ranch- they go up to the world famous Maroon Bells for a lunch and gorgeous views. Take the sleigh ride or cross country ski up to the Pine Creek Cookhouse for lunch. This funky restaurant has amazing eats and a true backcountry feel. The Aspen Historical Society has a great exhibit in a grand old Aspen Victorian. Take a tour of the amazing Compromise or Smuggler Silver mines.
Bleiler: Well, if, you like the outdoors, I would recommend snow shoeing up Independence Pass. The views up there are unbelievable; don't forget to bring a camera. If you like to shop, I would recommend you go to Polar Revolution. This place has all the best snowboard gear, anything you need you'll find at Polar. But,
Polar Revolution not only specializes in technical, but also in fashion. Go
to Polar to find really styley clothes for everyday, and for not so everyday
(you know what I mean). If you're tired and sore from riding, I would
recommend you go find a hot tub to soak in. It will revive your body so
you'll be amped to ride the next day.
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| Gretchen Bleiler rips pipe but she can also rip through the trees at Snowmass. |
Since you are an Aspen Loc, can you recommend some activities for the kids to do if they are not too tired from shredding?
Davenport: Kids should first check in with the Aspen Youth Center, down by Rio Grande Park, because that's the zone for all things cool for kids. The skatepark is off the hook if it's dry, and the tubing hill at Snowmass is insane for kids and adults. I think Snowmass has a teen night each week with movies, music, and dancing.
Bleiler: Go ice skating, that's always fun. Or just walk around town and check out all the cool stores, there's lots to see.
Out of the four Aspen Mountains where do you like to ride for freeskiing? pow? trees?
Davenport: I ride Aspen Mountain wicked glades on good powder days, Aspen highlands for Steeps and hiking the amazing Highlands Bowl, and Snowmass for the sick Superpipe and the freeskiing (cliffs) terrain!!!!!!
How about you Gretchen for park and freeriding?
Bleiler: For park and pipe I would say both Snowmass and Buttermilk
are good choices. If you are only looking to ride park then I would
recommend Buttermilk. Buttermilk has the biggest park with more rails and
jumps. But, Snowmass has a couple different parks and there is really good
freeriding here as well. Both mountains have superpipes so you can't really
go wrong. I would recommend Snowmass Mountain, for all you freeriders. It
has the widest variety of terrain out of any mountain, my personal favorite!
Anything you can think of for X Games fans to help them dig their visit to Aspen?
Davenport: Aspen has so much to offer, don't blow yourself up on the first night. Get some rest; drink a lot of water, and you'll feel better when you're outside all day at this altitude and in the dry air. Definitely check the film schedule at the historical Wheeler Opera House, which airs classic and hard to find films of all genres. The live music scene rocks pretty hard, so if you see an act you want to check out, make sure you get your tix early, as they usually sell out.
Bleiler: Come watch all of the events. There are some really crazy people at
this event doing really crazy things, don't miss it! Take time to just
wonder around town. Aspen is my favorite place in all of the world, go find
out why.