Let’s be honest, nobody likes these constantly changing health and safety measures. However, we all like the idea of being healthy and safe, so what if we just pivot a little this season? Yes, you can ski/snowboard and be socially distant as I’m sure a lot of you will do. But what else can you do with your friends and family while you’re in Aspen this winter and have peace of mind? Well, it just so happens that we specialize in “what else can I do?”

Here are some of our ideas:

PRIVATE SNOWMOBILE TOUR

Have fun, learn a lot, and enjoy this quintessential winter experience from T-Lazy 7 Ranch. You can choose from 2 unique snowmobile tours: Maroon Bells Tour (the most scenic) to picturesque Maroon Bells or the Klondike Lunch Tour for a view of fourteener Pyramid Peak (comes with lunch–wagyu burgers–and is most suitable for families and groups). Best part about snowmobiles? No experience is necessary! You just need to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to drive and at least 4 years old to ride. Fun for all!

 *Tours book up quickly, so let your concierge know if this sounds like your kind of adventure right away! 

PRIVATE CAT SKIING

Everyone loves to ski powder, and we know where to find it. Rent a full snowcat (10 people max, $5,500) and ride up the back of Aspen Mountain to the prime ungroomed areas. Two knowledgeable guides plus a gourmet lunch–we can’t think of a better way to spend the day.

PRIVATE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

If you’re looking for a ski activity that doesn’t require you to stand in line for the gondola, you might want to consider a private guided cross-country skiing adventure at Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System. From Aspen Golf Course, you can cross-country ski with the whole family through 60+ miles of groomed trails varying from beginner to expert. 

*Don’t forget to ask a concierge about cross-country ski rentals!

PRIVATE SNOWSHOEING TOUR

Combine a leisurely snowshoe walk through Aspen Mountain’s Richmond Ridge with an educational experience with a Naturalist from ACES (Aspen Center For Environmental Studies) and you get two hours of unforgettable memories. Snowshoeing is fun for the entire family (7 years and up) and includes a snack, a warm drink, and snowshoes.

*Tours also available at Snowmass.

PRIVATE DOG SLEDDING

Dogs and the backcountry–what could be better? Let 8-10 Alaskan Husky sled dogs twist and turn you through the Snowmass backcountry morning, afternoon, or at twilight. Each sled can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. 

BLUEBIRD IN A BOX

COVID-19 doesn’t have to ruin everything! With our preferred partner Bluebird In A Box, you can turn any night into a private party. This season, you might choose the Merry + Bright or Game Night box. No matter which you decide upon, rest assured that the hard work will be done for you. For instance, the Game Night box not only comes with curated menus (with recipes and grocery lists), suggestive cocktail pairings, and fun accessories but it also comes with plenty of games! A night at home never sounded so good. 

Ready to book? Click here!

If we’ve gotten used to anything this year, it’s probably change, consistent change. Ultimately that may not be such a bad thing, but goodness it’s exhausting trying to keep up sometimes, isn’t it?  

Even before 2020 and COVID-19, Aspen Luxury Concierge made it our mission to keep you informed on the upcoming seasons, but this year, it is more important than ever. 

ALC is following every bit of information regarding the health and safety guidelines, lift tickets, ski passes, and what will be open/closed this season. And of course, as we receive updates, we will update this post accordingly. 

COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES FOR SKI AREAS

Your health and safety is most likely at the top of mind these days, and it is the same here in Colorado. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment just released its guidance for all Colorado ski areas, and here is what you should know so far: 

• Social distancing and mask-wearing will be required in all public indoor and outdoor areas, with the exception of dining and while you’re actively skiing, riding, or partaking in other distanced activities. 
• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 while in Colorado will be required to extend their stay at their own expense to complete isolation or quarantine requirements.

• While in line and riding the gondolas, you will be required to wear a mask and parties will be 6 feet from each other in all directions. Additionally, ski area guests will not be required to share a chairlift or gondola with someone outside their party. (Chairlifts are allowed to have two people from different parties as long as there is a minimum of one seat between, but it is encouraged to separate parties as much as possible.)

• Gondolas will be required to keep windows open, even in inclement weather.

• Mountaintop restaurants will have reduced capacity. 

• Ski school groups will be limited to no more than 10 people, not including instructors, and are not allowed to mix with other cohorts in their free time. 

• Students 11 years of age and older will be required to wear masks and all students will receive symptom and exposure screenings/questionnaires upon arrival for ski school. If symptoms are detected, they will be sent home. 

• For contact tracing purposes, the ski areas will collect and maintain contact information for all students. 

*We will update this information as soon Ski Co (Aspen Snowmass) releases its plan in accordance with the state guidance.

ASPEN SNOWMASS SEASON PASSES & LIFT TICKETS

• Season passes are on sale right now. See below to get a sense of the pricing or click here.

• Unused 2020-202021 season pass refunds are fully refundable through November 20, 2020. However, you may purchase multi-event insurance through Travel Guard.
• If Aspen Snowmass is shut down due to COVID-19 for 10 or more days of the season, you will receive a prorated refund for each day they are fully shut down. (This extends to all Aspen Snowmass passes except the Valley 7-Pack and Classic Pass.) 

• Reservations may be required depending on state and local COVID-19 metrics. If the rate of community spread initiates additional restrictions, you can probably expect reservations to be required across the board, which will not guarantee every passholder the reservations they want. (This is a big reason to pick Aspen Snowmass as most Colorado ski resorts are already requiring reservations.)

• If you would like to uphill on Buttermilk, Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands during operating hours, you will be required to stay on the designated routes. Additionally, there will be no uphilling allowed during Holiday blackout periods and closures on the uphilling routes may be possible due to capacity challenges. *You can check the Aspen Snowmass App before heading out to make sure you’re good to go!

• Lift tickets are currently not available, but according to Aspen Snowmass, they will go on sale “late October”. Of course we will update you as soon as we know the date. Aspen Snowmass is offering a 15% discount to those who plan and purchase lift tickets, group lessons, and equipment rentals before December 4, 2020. (Blackout dates apply.) See below for the most up-to-date pricing. 

MOUNTAIN OPENING DATES

Aspen Mountain: November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)

Snowmass: November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)

Aspen Highlands: December 12, 2020

Buttermilk: December 18, 2020

HOW ALC CAN HELP

In terms of your lift tickets, we will book your tickets, pick them up, and have them ready for you on the day of your arrival. Ski rentals? We will schedule your in-home ski and snowboard fitting with our preferred ski valet. That way you don’t have to wait in a socially distant line at the ski shop or be around more people than you have to. (Every vendor we work is complaint with the Colorado state and Pitkin County health guidelines.)

If you’re ready to get started, so are we! Might we suggest thinking about a place to stay first? Click here to learn more about how ALC can arrange your luxury accommodations.

As Pitkin County (Aspen) shifts from the mandatory Stay at Home Health order to Colorado’s Safer at Home order this week, we can’t help but see a glimmer of hope for summer. This being said, your safety and health are our community’s top priority. All Aspen businesses are required to submit a proposal to open safely.

Here are some of Aspen’s top summer activities that you can still enjoy while social distancing. 

1. BIKING – Bike shops in the Roaring Fork Valley remain an essential business. We can arrange for your bikes to be delivered, tuned and sanitized before you arrive so you can click in and ride. 

2. HIKING & ROCK CLIMBING – Our local experts will recommend trails that are less populated so you can keep 6 feet apart. Our guide partners will ensure your health and safety is their number one priority by enforcing new protocols that both guides and guests must follow. Your Aspen Luxury Concierge will ensure you have the details you need before you hit the trail.

3. GOLFING – Golf courses in the Roaring Fork Valley are open, but with new protocol. Your personal concierge will help you navigate the new rules and arrange your preferred tee time.

4. FLY FISHING – Our fly fishing partners will have their guides meet you at the fishing location so you do not have to ride in the same vehicle as they do. ALC will arrange a private vehicle to take you to and from the fishing. We can also arrange a delicious sandwich from Butchers Block to take with you to enjoy by the river. 

5. PRIVATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCES –  Allow us to arrange a private shopping experience at one of your favorite Aspen shops for you and your loved ones. 

6. PRIVATE IN-HOME  EVENTS – Groups of up to 10 people are now permitted in the City of Aspen. Why not host an intimate al fresco dinner or brunch with your friends or family? Our team will beautifully design and execute your in-home event.  

7. PRIVATE CHEF & CATERING – Chefs are busy as ever as they pre-prepare meals for clients or cook in-home meals. Our chefs are committed to the highest safety and health standards.

8. TAKEOUT & DELIVERY –  Aspen restaurants are getting creative, and although they are only allowed to offer takeout and delivery at this time, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite local Aspen cuisine! Contact us to find out who is open. *To be updated as we obtain new information.

9. PICNIC IN THE PARK – Our team will arrange a beautiful picnic meal for you to enjoy in one of Aspen’s parks. We will set up and breakdown so all you have to do is show up and enjoy a lovely meal al fresco.

10. SPA SERVICES – Depending on the institution, spa services are becoming readily available so you can feel fabulous again. West End Med Spa is now seeing clients for spa services such as massage, facials, and waxing. Contact us to book your next appointment.

We know it would be more fun if this pandemic hadn’t happened. It seems like just yesterday when we walked around town on our through the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning, when we made our own picnic outside of the Music Tent to hear the most exquisite sounds under the quaking aspens, when we watched the Fourth of July parade wind through the streets, when nothing was canceled, nothing postponed, nothing closed or six feet apart.

We know. We are there with you.

But here’s the thing. The beauty of Aspen hasn’t gone anywhere at all. In fact, like the rest of the world, it’s probably grown more breathtaking since we let it breathe. We can attest, having had the chance to experience for ourselves during a time when we wouldn’t have been able to take the long hikes and walks during a high season. 

If you have the means to come to Aspen this summer and fall, you will want to book your stay with us, as soon as it becomes available (which of course, we are happy to keep you updated on!)

Just imagine! Your private jet lands at the airport, where you are picked up by your private driver, who whisks you and your fellow guests away to your private vacation rental. Everything and everyone you come in contact with have taken all the necessary health and safety precautions provided by the City (and trust us, we are checking). You instantly feel enveloped by the fresh mountain air. The views are unbelievable, the beds are heavenly, and your entire kitchen is already stocked with your favorite wine and cheese to celebrate your return. You can still relax, you can still be surrounded by those you love, you can still play and you can still enjoy nature.

Not bad, huh? 

Aspen might not look and feel the same, but it may be the only opportunity to experience our town a bit differently. And from a local perspective, it’s really not a bad thing! It’s why we chose Aspen to call home. 

After your arrival, you can expect the same tailored service from us at ALC. With our White Glove Service, we are happy to continue to shop for and deliver your groceries, run your errands, order and deliver your dinner takeout, prep your meals, and coordinate any and all your activities. Yes, there are still activities! (Biking, hiking, fly-fishing, camping, picnics in the park, or even a nice stroll down the Rio Grande trail) 

We know you would rather it be different. And again, we would, too. But we are totally going to make the most of this summer because it’s still Aspen! It’s still the most beautiful place to stay close and yet feel far away. It’s still the place you can come to for a reset, a change of pace and altitude–it’s just that this time, it’s after a long quarantine.

Come see us. And let us give you a chance to forget the stress the year has brought for just a little while. We think you deserve at least that. 

We hope you’re staying home out there, and while you hunker down in your city,  we wanted to share what some of our favorite Aspen locals and businesses are up to during this time of uncertainty and how you can support our small community. 

SKIPPY MESIROW-COUNCILMAN

Although Skippy doesn’t have many non-work activities at the moment as he’s basically on the phone from morning till night, when he does have a break he tries to fit in a run or skin outside. He recently took his motorcycle out of storage yesterday with hopes that he can get some rides in soon. And because his days can be fairly unstable, he still takes time for his daily meditation and journaling.

We asked Skippy for ways we could help our city. Here is what he said:

“Right now it is difficult because we can’t leave our homes. However, certainly if businesses are in the digital space, you can purchase items from them there. If you have money the city is accepting private donations through the Aspen Community Foundation to support local and small businesses.” 

And lastly, we asked if he thought anything positive could come out of this mess:  

“It absolutely can. Every moment of struggle is a moment for growth and learning. The world we left behind three weeks ago, we loved much of it and it’s worth supporting, but there is a lot of it that we didn’t like and we were already wanting to change. Let this be a catalyst and opportunity to do this. Is it uncertain? Yeah. Is it scary? Yeah. Is there a lot of risk? Yes.

We have the opportunity to lean into that scariness and vulnerability and emerge out the other side stronger, more connected, more grounded and more focused on the things that matter. This is our cocoon and whether we want to emerge as a butterfly or not is entirely up to us.“

Follow Skippy on Instagram @skippymesirow

BOSQ-NEW AMERICAN RESTAURANT

“During this time of “chill” we have been filling our days with a 15 hour drive to St. Louis, 2+ hour walks (since we are in nice weather), taking the dog to the many open parks around town and enjoying family time with my parents and brothers. We have also been spending many hours preparing meals! Cooking and baking has been a wonderful past-time activity. The thing that’s taking up most of our time, however, is thinking of many ways to save our family business.  We are applying for any loan possible, accepting gift certificates, we’ve started a GoFundMe and talking with our banker daily. Oh, and lots of Hail Mary’s.”

-Molly & Barclay Dodge, owners of Bosq

You can donate to Bosq through GoFundMe at Bosq (@bosqaspen)

ASPEN OUTFITTING CO.-FLY FISHING & RETAIL SHOP

“Fly fishing is perfect for social distancing. We have been getting the licensing/sizing done in advance over the phone and then having guests drive themselves to a rendezvous point on the river where they meet their guide. In terms of ways we can be supported, we don’t have an online store, but we can deliver fishing gear flies, and gift certificates for retail or activities.”

-Jarrod Hollinger, owner Aspen Outfitting Co. 

ASPEN SHAKTI-YOGA STUDIO & RETAIL SHOP 

“Upon closing our doors temporarily for the safety of everyone,  the core Shakti team wanted to put something out there, from the heart, that would serve to keep our community connected as well as strengthen peoples nervous systems and capacity to find their center & surrender in these uncertain times, instead of spinning out into fear and panic. We also wanted to keep our wonderful teaching staff engaged, supported & connected. 

While we deeply miss our students, we are excited at the opportunities now presented to us to innovate. We are continually working on new creative and revolutionary ideas and offerings that span a wide range of platforms to make it as easy as possible for anyone to join!

Check out our website or instagram for the latest updates and invitations!”

-Jayne Gottlieb, owner Aspen Shakti

ASPEN ELEVATED HEALTH-HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTICE

Brittany Buffalino, Chinese Medical Practitioner and owner of Aspen Elevated Health, is passionate about educating her clients on the premise that “food is medicine”. During this slow time, while her office is closed, she has been creating custom herbal blends for clients that they can add to their homemade soups and broths in effort to make it easy for them to create comforting and nourishing meals and keep their immune systems strong. She has also been delivering immune boosting and stress relieving herbal and vitamin supplements to clients up and down the Valley. In her spare time she has been enjoying skinning and exploring on her mountain bike. 

-Brittany Buffalino, owner Aspen Elevated Health (@aspenelevatedhealth)

BUNDLES GIFT CO.-CUSTOM GIFTING

“This ski season I had decided that it was my year to try and ski 100 days. Well when the lifts stopped on March 14th, I only had 82 in the bag. While devastated for so many reasons, I decided that the lift closure wouldn’t stop me from hitting my goal, and that I would uphill the remaining 18 days. As I write this I have just finished my 97th day, and plan to reach my goal this following week. Having a goal has helped me stay focused and feel like I am achieving something during this slow work period.” 

Wesley Brown is the owner and creative designer at Bundles Gift Co. who specializes in custom gifting for large events and weddings. Pictured is her new Altitude Kits for the 2020 season.

CAMPO DE FIORI-ITALIAN RESTAURANT & CATERING

We asked Elizabeth Plotke, owner of one of our favorite restaurants in Aspen, Campo de Fiori, how they were getting on during this time. She said they were getting outdoors as much as they could to hike or skin up the mountain, as well as making it a priority to meditate each day.  And listen to this, Elizabeth is making big batches of super nourishing and healthy bone broths to take to those who are in need and are sick. How wonderful is that!

-Elizabeth Plotke, owner of Campo De Fiori (@campo_aspen)

For the most up-to-date information on these businesses, please go to their Instagram accounts listed in this blog.

ALC is passionate about supporting our local businesses and preserving our vibrant mountain community. Please contact us directly if you would like to learn more on how to support our businesses.