BTW dos: Read my entry again - and thought it did apply to those who could handle intermediate runs - but good to be extra explicit, eh?

"And on the last day or next to the last day - after they have some ski-legs - the skiers that are comfortable intermediate level might try Ruthie's run - which really is a cruising type run (fun to let 'em rip)- assuming good snow. "

Wow: 8 less than helpful, repetitious posts on one thread. A record?

I think some have repeated because Justyn has not seemed to be aware of the layout of Aspen mountains, and how ski schools are arranged. I think ALL have tried to be helpful--sorry you don't agree.
And to comment on "trails off Ruthie's run to help you get down"--I call these "catwalks" and some of my most hair raising moments have been on these (at the beginning level) when they get crowded and icy!!

Tomsd on Nov 30, 12 at 7:29am-
Never took a lesson at Aspen (we had too much powder that week) - but assuming they are like the other Colorado ski schools - they should be very good.

Yet on Nov 30, 12 at 11:04am -the Colordo ski schools are all good
_____

I never had Chinese food in Buffalo, but it is really good in Flushing, Queens and they are in the same state, so it must be good. Imepecable logic.

gretchen, I referred solely to Tom's posts.

"<i>I think ALL have tried to be helpful -- sorry you don't agree.</i>"

And ALL <i>have</i> been . . . except for you know who.

<B>Justyna:</B> It sounds like you are getting frustrated - which is understandable since you are so far away, want everything to be perfect, and don't know who to listen to. IMO listen to everyone who gave you useful/concrete advice about the Aspen ski school and how it operates - not to tom who has a habit of posting about experiences that are 30+ years old.

Thank you for all advices.
Tomsd - yes I uderstand!!

You're welcome Justyna, and agree Gretchen. And just to visualize a bit more - there are 4 main ski areas in the greater Aspen Valley - starting with Aspen Mountain, then Ajax (Ajax is particularly challenging) - then Buttermilk (probably the easiest mountain but they do get untracked powder) - and Snowmass, which is huge - and has a lot of intermediate and beginning terrain see: http://www.skisnowboard.com/aspen/layout.html

and http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/c...es/coaspen.htm
and http://www.aspenexplorer.com/aspen_accommodations.shtml

And they are all inter-connected/served by a good transportation system - none more than 20? minutes away from each other.

As for the Aspen Ski School (which I think is basically the same on all 4 mountains) - anybody who knows anything about skiing knows the Colorado ski schools are very good. Did take a lesson at Vail - and Copper Mtn - and as far as I have always understood/read/heard - they are all top rate. (BTW - not sure if one of the women commenting here even skis?).

In the end - if you are in doubt about where to ski - or what type runs/levels those in your group are comfortable with - do ask your ski instructors. They know the areas the best. :)

I was at Aspen last year and it is like all the major ski resorts, the resort has plenty of instructors that you sign up for, whether group or private. You cn do it in advance online if you want and that makes sure you have a place. I did it in advance last year online, I think you might get some discount. But you don't need to know a specific person. I prefer group lessons, but I'm no expert.

I might be wrong, but last year I think I took a lesson at Buttermilk (I'm not that great, but not a total beginner), and I think someone told me the best instructors are not at the mountain, perhaps because it has more beginners. I think he said Snowmass might be a better bet (I think I was sayiing the instructor I had was okay but not that great, don't remember exactly). I did learn at Buttermilk my very first time and that was great. It is good for beginners.

I think you can manage everything on here
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/ski-...wboard-schools

Forgot to mention that there is often a special camaraderie in group ski lessons - especially the initial beginner groups. Everybody is looking challenged at times and as one starts to get it - all seem to get an upward lift/shot of confidence to keep on learning. :)

IMO - using an individual ski instructor - one on one for beginning beginners is a waste/overkill - as you also learn from seeing what others in your group are doing, plus you don't feel so discouraged (silly) - as everybody takes some tumbles, etc.

tom - before jumping in w/ both feet and responding two MORE times, you just <i>might</i> have wanted to clarify exactly what Justyna meant by >>Tomsd - yes I uderstand!!<<

Wouldn't you be embarrassed if that means >>Yes I understand what was said about tomsd.<< ???

Nah . . .

Janis - why are you even commenting? Your knee jerk reaction missed what Justyna was responding to - "OK? Rozumiesz?" - and btw - do you even ski, and even if - have you ever skied at Aspen, or Ajax or Snowmass?

And please tell - just what value did your "comments" offer to the initial questions posed?

And just for the record - Aspen Mountain ("Ajax") - IMO - is the 2nd most challenging mountain. The next one over - Aspen Highlands - has some great chutes - but you better really jump on the first turn and keep 'em turning down the hill. :)

After that Buttermilk is the easiest (but some of the "powder hounds" still go there on the 2nd/3rd day after a big drop - as there is still some untracked powder - and it may be the best for entry level beginners - and Snowmass - is HUGE - with a lot of terrain - and also - has "beaucoup" accommodations. :)

http://www.snowmassvillage.com/index.html

12

and counting...

Tom, give it a rest. You and your harrassers are really messing up this thread. We GOT it--you know the terrain. STOP.

Justyna, contact the Aspen Company ski school and make your arrangements/reservations.
In spite of all the static on this thread you DO have good advice.
To reiterate.
NO NO NO NO private instructor for all people skiing
Contact Ski school and make reservations
You can come to your hotel in Aspen, and your people needing ski lessons can go to "wherever" via the shuttle system.

Thank you Gretchen. I contacted The Aspen Company and they are going to prepare an offer to me. Certainly I will snatch the opportunity and reserve in advance an instructor.

:-) was researching Colorado and couldn't stop reading this thread. very entertaining.