danny9948

We are 2 couples planning on going to Aspen from Dallas. We are landing at Denver from where we would be renting a car to Carbondale CO.

Since we booked our stuff last week, we couldnt find affordable hotels near Aspen, so we got a Comfort Inn near Carbondale. Anybody been to that hotel?Any suggestions or ideas are most welcome and appreciated.

We plan on driving early morning to Aspen to avoid paying exhorbitantly for hotels there.

Since none of us have skied before we dont plan on skiing a lot. Maybe one day.
Any ideas about where can we get discounted lift tickets? or rentals.

Staying in Texas, we dont plan on owning any ski clothing.

I am also looking forward to other siteseeing ideas.

Thanks a lot.

danny9948

I forgot to mention - our trip is from 24th -28th

danny9948

I forgot to mention our trip is from 24th -28th DEC 06

MaureenB

They were just saying on the news last night that Aspen is 96 percent sold out for the Christmas season, so you're lucky you've found a room close by. Carbondale is a very simple town, where lots of Aspen workers live. It's not far to drive to Aspen, and an easy, flat drive, too. Probably a lot less expensive to eat in Carbondale, and maybe to rent equipment. Don't know what to tell you about getting ski clothing, but do bring layers of the warmest clothes you've got. And warm, waterproof footwear.

I haven't heard of any discounts at Aspen, except for a four-pack ski pass they were offering in the Fall. But, I believe it was good for one skier, four days, and probably is blacked out during the holidays anyway. Not many deals to be found when the resort is booked solid. But try Aspen Central Reservations' website and see if you can find anything. During the summer Aspen offers a $50 gasoline voucher if you drive to town, but that's probably expired now.

Aspen is so beautiful, and such a wonderful Christmas destination. Its Victorian heritage will be gorgeous, all lit up for the season. If you can visit the Maroon Bells, it's spectacular scenery, if the road is open.

Go to the Jerome Bar, for an authentic old Aspen feeling with the locals, in the Hotel Jerome. Dining is expensive in town, but the barbecue place on Main street as you enter town is family style and affordable. Also good Mexican restaurants in town, that are reasonable.

Have fun!
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danny9948

Maureen,

Thanks a lot for your info. I am seeing all the good info all you guys share here and I am feeling sorry for myself that I didn't ask the questions here earlier.

I have one more question though. None of us have ever skied in our life. All our knowledge is that we need to rent ski stuff. Do you think I should sign up for a beginners class there?Is skiing that easy that in a couple of hours you can ski decently?

Again, thanks a lot for your response.

wtm003

South of Carbondale, is the town of Redstone and the Redstone Inn. I hesitate to mention it because it would add about 30 minutes to your drive to Aspen, but the Inn is very charming and I think it would be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. Check out their website www.redstoneinn.com for sleigh ride information and stay Redstone/ski Aspen packages.

Also, the Molly Gibson Lodge in Aspen had rooms available a few weeks ago. The prices were reasonable for Aspen.

And yes, yes, yes I beg you to sign up for a beginner ski lesson. It will make your whole experience much better.

Have fun! I'm jealous.

Gretchen

If you have never skiied before Aspen/Ajax is NOT going to be your mountain of choice. You will want to ski Buttermilk which is about half way to Aspen from Carbondale. You'll have a good time. I seriously doubt there will be ANY discounts for this high season. If you are going to ski, you really must take a lesson or you'll kill yourself or someone else. ;o)
Rentals can be had in Carbondale--or at the ski mountain.
There will probably be some nice fire works on Aspen mountain during that time.

islandhopperz

Most definitely take a lesson! You will have your share of falls, but on the beginner slope you should learn to turn and STOP (most important word in skiing)by the end of your lesson. There are several 2nd hand stores in Aspen (one right next to the fire station) where you may be able to pick up an extra jacket or sweater, and also there is a Walmart near Glenwood for any additional stuff you may need to keep you toasty inexpensively. In Apsen there are not many reasonable restaurants, but the Double Dog is a pub style place for good burgers and appetizers. Go next door and up your bill, but the food's great.

Have fun! Wish we could be there too!

virginia

driving up from denver you will be on I70. you will turn towards carbondale/aspen at glenwood springs. glenwood might be a great place for non skiers to spend a day. they have a world famous hot springs with a huge pool. i know texans have bathing suits! the town is fun too, has a little history, some shopping, etc.
YES! for lessons. go to buttermilk mtn as it has the easiest terrain (35% easy runs as opposed to say aspen mtn which has 0% easy runs). the aspen ski school system is outstanding. imho no one should try skiing without a couple lessons. and yes after a morning lesson you will be able to play on your own a bit. you might be able to purchase a package including your lesson instructor and lift ticket and rentals. you might try to book this online now as i imagine it will be pretty busy.
as for clothes: loose fitting, layers topped with rain/wind jackets and pants should work. you definetly need waterproof pants your first time skiing.

you might be able to find sled dog trips or a snow mobile tours. loads of shopping. if you can still get a reservation? you should go for a ride one night in the fairly famous www.ultimatetaxi.com trust me it's a hoot! a ride around to look at xmas lights should be beautiful. it should be peak season for celeb spotting. seal is doing a concert the 27th. on the 28th there is a carolling thing at the jerome at 5pm. also the 28th in carbondale at dos gringos burritos at 6pm is a bluegrass jam. see others: http://www.aspentimes.com/apps/pbcs....ategory=AGENDA

MaureenB

As everyone else has already said, skiing is one sport for which you definitely need to take lessons to start. Otherwise you can hurt yourself or others, in addition to create some very bad habits that would be hard to break in the future.

Also, try Snowmass for lessons. Can you borrow clothing from friends in Texas? It seems a waste of precious time in Aspen to be searching for clothing.

Or, maybe stop on your way up from Denver. There's a Wal-Mart just south of I-70 on Quebec, and a Target just north on Quebec at I-70. Or Costco always has decent snow jackets, but I haven't seen snow pants there lately. And you'll want to protect your caboose!

Have fun. Aspen is one of my all-time favorites, in any season.
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historytraveler

Just curious. Does anyone know if the Sunlight Ski area near Glenwood Springs is still operating? If so this might be a good alternative to Aspen/Buttwrmilk/ Snowmass. It has very good terrain for beginners and I'm certain it has to be cheaper than the Aspen alternatives.

halbo49

Sunlight is open as of Dec. 1
I booked a snowmobile tour Today at the resort for Christmas week.
They do have a website

BLYVAIL

Downtown Carbondale is actually pretty cute. Not sure where the Comfort Inn is though.

From DIA, take I70 west to Glenwood. As noted, the hot springs are fun in the winter in Glenwood. Take Hwy 82 toward Aspen. A couple miles from downtown Glenwood is the Walmart - its a left turn at a light and McDonalds.
They will have relatively cheap snow pants, jackets, hats, gloves and goggles.

Carbondale has 2 exits - check with the hotel to see which one to use to get to the hotel.

You should be able to rent equipment either at the resort or in Carbondale. Don't get the rentals along I70 or in Denver as they'll rent for the entire time and if something breaks, you won't be able to get it fixed.

Definitely take lessons. Definitely go to Buttermilk. You are going at the most crowded time of the year - No discounts!! The resort may have a lift lesson package though.

BLYVAIL

You may need to acclimate - drink lots of water, take it easy on the alcohol. Eat lightly.

I'm not sure about Aspen, but Vail ticket rates go up Dec 26-Jan 1st. So you may want to weigh the more expensive rates vs. acclimation as to when to go skiing.

Ski Sunlight is still in operation.

danny9948

thank you all for you excellent info..I am truely grateful.

I will post my day planner soon for your review ;-)

danny9948

Hi,

We are thinking of taking either s sleigh ride or a snowmobile tour during our stay (preferably to Maroon bells as recommended.) any other ideas?

Its our 2nd anniversary day on the 26th Dec.

Thanks,
Danny

danny9948

with all the things happening in Denver..I think we should still be good on Sunday 24th when we fly. I-70 W too looks ok on the webcams I am seeing...

Gretchen

It's open now. Just be ready for the heavy traffic and just be patient.

droolpatrol

Carbondale is a great little town. As for skiing, there are 4 main ski areas around Aspen: Aspen Mtn, (which is probably the one right in town), Aspen Highlands (probably not for beginners), Snowmass, and Buttermilk, which is where you should start. Absolutely take lessons. After a day or two on Buttermilk, you may want to try Snowmass next. You can rent skis right at the mountain. Here's more into: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/

danny9948

We came back on the 28th and missed both the snowstorms...what luck..!!!

It was an amazing place far away from the plains of Texas...

We had a ball in Aspen, Carbondale and snowmasss..will post a trip report soon.

Many many thanks to all of you for making our trip a memorable one..

YES - we did take ski lessons...worth it. I dont regret a bit. In all an amazing experience.