Vail and Aspen, Colorado are towns synonymous with world-class skiing, where celebrities gather to experience some of the best snow on earth along with a festive apres ski scene that explodes after the downhill excitement ends for the day.
In addition, these two ski towns are also home to stunning art exhibits, gourmet cuisine, outstanding wine experiences and high-end fashion trends. The activities extend long after the ski season has ended resulting in two year-round vacation destinations.
Situated on the western slope of the Rockies, Aspen is bordered by two of Colorado’s most scenic and accessible mountain ranges. The surrounding peaks are some of Colorado’s most picturesque, and provide a massive playground for visitors throughout the year.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Gant Aspen, situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, boasts a distinct collection of upscale condominiums that afford guests access to skiing, outdoor excursions, exceptional cultural events and historic downtown Aspen. Travelers can visit Aspen with special resort offers including Countdown to Summer savings with 15% off summer stays when booked by April 30 and the Minimalist Package.
The Gant Aspen has partnered with trusted local outfitters and guides Nomad Inc. and Blazing Adventures to offer the following experiences for guests of the resort.
Heli-Canyoneering
Enjoy a day of outdoor excursions with a canyoneering trip to Bluejohn Canyon in Moab, Utah, made famous by the movie â127 Hours.â Led by an expert canyoneering guide, this adventure consists of rappels, tight slot canyons and down climbing for all age levels and abilities. Outside of canyoneering, guests will experience a round-trip helicopter ride from Aspen to Moab along with lunch provided during the excursion.
Sunrise Paddle Boarding
Experience a guided scenic sunrise paddle on a serene nature preserve, river or alpine lake with the location based on guestsâ ability and current water levels. This personalized excursion includes a paddle board, paddle, personal flotation device, photos captured during the session and van transportation to and from the destination.
Private Backcountry Jeeping
Venture deep into the Elk Mountains backcountry through aromatic forests of aspen and pine while climbing to wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows with sweeping views. Beyond magnificent sights, learn about Aspenâs unique geology, flora and fauna.
Paonia Wine Tasting Experience
Explore Colorado wine country in the neighboring North Fork Valley of Colorado. Guests will be guided through private tastings and tours throughout Paonia, Colorado at Azura Cellars and Gallery, Black Bridge Winery, Endless Endeavor Winery, Stone Cottage Cellars and others, along with lunch at a local eatery and a late afternoon return to Aspen.
As Vail celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail is the center of it all. Steps away from charming Lionshead Village, The Hythe offers the perfect home base for all travelers with signature events and bookable adventures hosted by professional athletes and local experts.
The Hythe is a scenic haven for exciting and desirable experiences in the Rocky Mountains and Vail Valley. Through the resortâs partnership with Adventure IO, guests can enjoy the great outdoors through world-class excursions and custom-curated adventures hosted by professional athletes, local experts and brand ambassadors.
Vail is the place to be for outdoor enthusiasts and also offers world-class hiking with 360 degree views. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, Vail has some of the most scenic hiking trails in Vail Valley. Booth Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Trailhead and Piney River Ranch are just some favorites in the area.
Wilderness Fly Fishing by Horseback
Horseback ride your way to a high country fly-fishing trip in the third largest wilderness area in Colorado. The best part is, youâll have ventured so far off into the wilderness there will be no other groups fishing on top of yours. Now thatâs isolation at its finest.
Mountain Bike with a Pro
Spend a weekend at The Hythe with one of the best freeride Enduro mountain bikers in the world, Yeti Team Rider Shawn Neer. Start the mornings off with a warm-up ride and ascent, then explore the incredible trails that Vail has to offer.
Find Your Flow: Hosted by a Lululemon Ambassador
Salute the Colorado sun with a custom awakening flow led by Lululemon ambassador and owner of Revolution Power Yoga, Julie Kiddoo and her team of expert yoga instructors.
Culinary and AprĂšs Offerings
Start with a guided tasting in the lobby of The Hythe, then be transported to the local distillery in Vail Village, nestled into the Rocky Mountains. Here, guests will enjoy a private cocktail hour, and VIP whiskey tasting as they learn more about the destinationâs history. The Hythe is also home to four food and beverage concepts each infusing an air of celebration and passion for gathering into every meal. Guests can look forward to delicious drinks on the aprĂšs deck, lounging by the pool enjoying signature beverages and crafted bites and winding down their dayâs adventures with hand-crafted cocktails and locally-inspired cuisine.
Vail AprĂšs Spring Series
Vail brings live music and festive theme parties to be enjoyed across town throughout the spring each year. Two-night music festival, AprĂšs at The Amp, will take place on April 7 and 8. See more on performers here.
The Taste of Vail will celebrate Vailâs world class dining scene and finest wines at several different venues throughout North America’s most popular mountain resort from April 5-8. The Taste of Vail is one of the nation’s only events that invites dozens of winemakers and owners from all over the world to pour wine and interact with participants.