(Blogger's note: This week, we conclude a two-part series on winter activities.) Looking for the top 5 things to do besides slide downhill in Aspen this winter? Tired of that same old up and down the hill? Want something different? Well, don’t fret. Aspen, Colorado, is a winter wonderland full of multiple adventures, so you won’t have to look far to find a variety of activities. This week our blog team offers up their top two picks for outdoor fun! Let's wrap up the countdown:
#2 Snowcat Dinner Rides - Travel via snowcat to and from the Lynn Britt Cabin for an exquisite Western mountain dinner prepared by an executive chef. Enjoy live music and breathtaking views. Snowcats pick up slope-side at Base Village outside Sneaky’s Tavern. The per person price includes the snowcat ride, a 4-course meal and live entertainment. This family-friendly event is every Tuesday and Thursday night during the winter. Cost is $99 for adults, $57 for children (ages 3-11) and free for children age 2 and under. Cost does not include beverages, tax or gratuity. (Approximate length of the event is 3 hours, returning to Base Village around 9 or 9:30 p.m.). Reservations required. For more information, contact the Frias Properties concierge desk at 970-925-9075 or e-mail Concierge@FriasProperties.com. Or ... Travel via snowcat to and from the Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, a legendary restaurant on Aspen Highlands with a real authentic mountain feel. Enjoy iconic views of Maroon Bells and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Meet at 5:30 at the Aspen Highlands base area. The snowcat departs at 6 p.m. and arrives at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro around 6:30 p.m. Cost is $130 per person, $85 for children (ages 3-11). Beverages, tax and gratuity not included. For more information, contact the Frias Properties concierge desk at 970-925-9075
#1 Powder Tours - Ready to feel the power of the powder? If you love powder, take a Powder Tour. Ride in a luxury snowcat as it takes to the prime, untracked honey holes on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks guaranteed! Snowboarders welcome! No lift lines, no crowds - only the exhilaration of skiing the Rocky Mountains’ finest powder snow amid breathtaking scenery. As part of a 12-person snowcat group, you will have a driver and two professional guides leading you to select terrain, based on that day’s snow report and the group’s expertise. Powder Tours meets at 8:15 a.m. in the lower level of the Silver Queen Gondola Building at the base of Aspen Mountain. After a gondola ride to the top, the group participates in an orientation with the guides before heading out for some backcountry skiing and riding. A gourmet lunch is served in a cozy wood-stove heated cabin in the heart of the Elk Mountains. (Snacks and drinks provided throughout the day.) Normal ski/snowboard clothing is OK. Powder tours are on a reservation-only basis and require a credit card to hold the booking. For more information, contact the Frias Properties concierge desk at 970-925-9075 or e-mail Concierge@FriasProperties.com.