The Ins And Outs Of Aspen: The Princess' X Games Guide

 

Ask a local Aspenite for directions and they’ll likely say something like, “it’s where so-and-so used to be.” When you explain that doesn’t help you, they’ll go, “oh, well before that it was blah-blah-blah.” That’s because what’s hip in Aspen changes as fast as the Colorado weather.

 

Aspen’s a small town with a big spirit—kind of like Madison Avenue packed into ten square blocks. With over 80 bars and restaurants not to mention some of the best shopping in the Rockies, it’s hard to know where to go.

 

Here’s what’s in and what’s out in Aspen for 2007:

 

 

OUT: Say avoir to French designer clothes, because Aspen’s Chanel store has flown back to Paris.

IN: A whole new wave of skate/snow/surf shops have rolled into Aspen, brining with them a long-awaited selection of affordable duds and the latest equipment. Swing by The Gallerie (533 East Hopkins Avenue, Suite B), a locally owned lifestyle-driven boutique with everything from streetwear and outdoor photography to high end mountain bikes and funky cruisers. Quiksilver  (428 E Hyman Ave; 970.544.2493) and Billabong have also made their way into the pedestrian mall lineup. Definitely stop by Radio (315 East Hyman, 970-925-7970), owned by former pro snowboarder and ESPN  X Games commentator Travis McClean.

 

OUT: Club No Name is no longer, after stripper scandals and liquor license violations shut down the underground club last year.

IN: The Speakeasy Lounge, situated adjacent to Club Chelsea (415 E. Hyman) is Aspen’s newest subterranean hot spot with DJ, dance floor, and swanky booths.

 

OUT: Bagel Bites downtown location has gone bye-bye.

IN: In its place, you can get your Euro on at Jour de Fête (next to City Market, 970.925.5055) for such French classics as quiche, chicken piccata, coissants and gourmet coffee.

 

OUT: La Cocina, Aspen’s favorite Mexican restaurant closed it’s doors after over 30 years and is now La Comida (308 East Hopkins Ave), still serving Mexican food under new ownership.

 

OUT: Overpriced sushi.

IN: Affordable sushi at ING Cuisine, owned by Sushi chef Henry Ng, formerly of Nobu Matshusia. Located at the Aspen Business Center in Mountain Naturals, just down the street from Buttermilk. (970.920.7266)

 

 

 

OUT: The long, leg-burning traverse out of Highlands Bowl.

IN: The new 1,700 vertical foot Deep Temerity triple chair at Aspen Highlands opened 180 acres of new terrain and doubled the length of most runs in the Deep Temerity and Steeplechase area.

 

OUT: The pain-in-the-butt lift system at Snowmass.

IN: The Village Express Six Pack will take you from the base of Fanny Hill all the way to Sam’s Nob, for easier, quicker access to the upper mountain. The new Sky Cab, a six-passenger gondola, takes passengers from the new base area to the Snowmass Village Mall in just two minutes.

 

 

OUT: Gonzo journalists: longtime Woody Creek resident Hunter S. Thompson committed suicide at 67 on February 20.

IN: Rock Stars: Jimmy Buffet and Seal played sold out shows in front of 400 lucky fans for up to $600 a ticket at the Belly Up Aspen.