You know you’re in a great place when the phrase “we come back year after year” keeps popping up in conversations.  That is what you’ll find in Aspen, Colorado when you visit and stay at Mountain Chalet http://www.mountainchaletaspen.com 

(see related article under resorts) and the village of Aspen in general.  (see photo:  James & Dawne Andrieu – frequent guests).  

“Old Aspen – New Style” the new catch phrase for Mountain Chalet,  while many changes have taken place over the years, Mountain Chalet is still considered to be one of the best locations in Aspen.  Easily accessed for handicap individuals, an elevator opens out to street level.   Located just two blocks from Aspen Mountain lifts and across the street from Wagner Park, seniors will get a good cardiovascular workout strolling park side down to the square.  During the summer months you’ll find much to do and see at the square.  June is the month for music.  All along the streets and corners, you’ll hear a solo, duet, or ensemble of musicians playing popular music of all styles.  I even came across a teenage duo of keyboard player and clown juggler.  Aspen is the place for relaxing, sitting on the well placed benches to enjoy whatever the month has to offer. The Mountain Chalet is the place to call your “home away from home.”

While in Aspen, take a guided tour to Maroon Bells, these famously photographed mountains, are awe-inspiring.  (see photo)  You’ll be happy you brought along a camera.  Weather conditions can create exquisite opportunities for a one of a kind photo.  Upon the guided tour, you’ll receive valuable information regarding the geological history of the area, updates on wildlife, and get the opportunity to explore at your physical level ability through the Maroon Lake area.  I met quite a few seniors who were able to hike the trail up towards Crater Lake.  This trail is a moderate incline of about 500 ft in elevation.  The path is narrow and rocky in some places.  If you are a brave heart, take a walking stick, and extra water, and get ready for an “energy test.”  During the summer months the altitude and exertion can be overwhelming if you are not physically prepared to hiking or walking in the mountains.

Snowmass Village is another “don’t miss” place to visit while in the Aspen area.  This village dotted with condos and residences throughout the mountain sides is a senior’s paradise.  Golfing is great here (see related golfing article in this issue) www.snowmassclub.com.

Along with the Snowmass Golf Club, Snowmass Village offers quality shopping and restaurants.  During the month of June, Snowmass Village hosts a fantastic chili cook-off and music festival “under the tent.”  The “Chili Pepper and Brew Fest” allows guests to taste unique and varied chili all cooked by local business owners and residents.  Since chili requires beer, the microbrews are available to be taste tested as well.  While sampling your choice of chili, salsa, or beer, listen to the music on Fanny Hill.  Local groups as well as out of town bands spend the day entertaining in the open mountain air.  Seniors will also enjoy mountain rodeo.  Wednesdays, June through August, a rodeo is held on the Snowmass Village rodeo grounds www.snowmassrodeo.org .  Food and beverages, rodeo events, and afterwards an opportunity to visit around a campfire singing and roasting marshmallows lend to the atmosphere the mountain surroundings offer.  When you visit Snowmass Village during 2005-2008, you’ll see a new Snowmass!  Coming to Snowmass is a 25,000 square-foot children’s facility offering programs for ages two – eighteen.  Interactive interior designs include climbing structures, reading caves, sound systems, mobiles, aquariums, and more.  What a great place for grandma and grandpa to let the kids romp free!  Other new facilities will be modified lifts, eleven new restaurants, live outdoor music and dance patios, conference space for 300 – a great place for a wedding anniversary celebration, village arrival transportation center, a community aquatic center with lap pool, and flagship hotels and condos making available for purchase more than 600 residential units.  Snowmass is idea for retirement or at least a summer home! 

Check out these other interests in the Aspen-Snowmass Village area:  Crystal Palace Dinner Theatre – www.cpalace.net, Guided Trout Fishing – www.aspentroutguides.com, Aspen Music Festival – www.aspenmusicfestival.com, and Food and Wine Festival www.foodandwine.com .

What more could a senior want?  Comforts like home, good food, entertainment, dancing and fine wine!  Happy Traveling!

(Photos copyright Rhonda Pipkin, Mountain Chalet photos courtesy of Mountain Chalet Website)