When you make plans to get away during the coldbrmonths, don't just settle for a ski lodge and hot cocoa.brAlthough a weekend winter escape could call forbrsnow, it doesn't have to. You might find just what you were looking for in a quick three- or four-day jaunt this season whetherbryou strap on your skis or not.
Located in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range,brAspen just might be the quintessential winter destination in Colorado.brOriginally settled as a silver-mining town, Aspen has grown up to bebrquite classy. A little bit artsy and a little bit homegrown, the city hasbrmore to offer than just supreme skiing and people watching.
Enjoy galleries that feature works of art from all over the world inbrevery media imaginable. And the city isn't short on dance, music and theater arts either. Add to your weekend agenda watchingbra performance by the contemporary Aspen Santa Fe BalletbrCompany. The artistic side of Aspen flows into the restaurantbrand hospitality industry as well. Within the community's onlybrfive-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell, you'll find originalbrabstract works of art by internationally recognized painters,brsculptors and photographers. In fact, the hotel has weaved artbrinto its accommodations and dining experiences.
Stay the weekend in one of The Little Nell's six luxurybrsuites each named for a notable Aspen figure or location oozing with contemporary charm and lavish amenities. ThebrRoch Suite, named for Swiss mountaineer and skiing championbrAndré Roch, is a 1,250-square-foot, one-bedroom space thatbrincludes two stone-clad gas fireplaces, wool carpeting and abrsteam shower and soaking tub.br
If looking for a palate-pleasing dining experience to matchbrthe hotel's tone, a guest must only walk to The Little Nell'sbrsignature restaurant, element 47 (as in the 47th element on thebrperiodic table, silver). With a relaxed “Aspen casual” dress code,bras locals call it, and a long wine list, the restaurant's cuisine andbratmosphere won't disappoint.
Aspen's Art Scene