On the Ski Slopes of Colorado: Between Luxury and Alpine Ease

Winter sports enthusiasts find optimal conditions in the U.S. state of Colorado, with 30 ski resorts nestled under the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. This isn't just any snow; this is 'Champagne Powder.' Yet there's also plenty to discover off the slopes.

The thermometer reads minus 10 degrees Celsius as John Wiltgen sinks into one of the leather-upholstered chairs. With a practiced hand, he pulls down the metal bar, and the ski lift jolts into motion. On the way to the summit, his gaze drifts over snow-covered slopes and treetops that seem almost surreal in the sea of white.

There is hardly any hustle on the slopes, only sporadic skiing enthusiasts gliding downhill. And yet, the season's end is nowhere in sight.

'It usually starts at the end of November. The lifts run, depending on the weather, until mid or late April. As a winter sports enthusiast, you definitely get your money's worth here,' Wiltgen laughs as he prepares to disembark. Gloves on, helmet adjusted. His heart has been passionate about skiing for decades. In one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. state of Colorado, he turned his hobby into a profession.

About 250 kilometers from the capital Denver, over 300 runs at elevations up to 12,500 feet await discovery on gliding blades. Ski guide Wiltgen knows them all. For him, the slopes are his second living room.

'The first run in the morning is always my personal highlight. Especially on days like today, a so-called powder day,' he enthuses, gliding effortlessly toward Grey Wolf - a blue trail whose difficulty is nowhere near as intimidating as its name suggests.

Thanks to its dry climate, the region is known for its powder snow. Locals call it 'Champagne Powder.' It's got quite the reputation. Like running on cotton, winter sports enthusiasts rush downhill. The Alps can't offer a comparable skiing experience.

Once a silver mining capital, today a glamour hotspot of the Rocky Mountains: Aspen has a storied past. After the silver rush at the end of the 19th century, the Roaring Folk Valley fell silent. When the mines closed, people left the city in droves, turning Aspen into a ghost town for some time.

Things changed when industrialists Walter and Elizabeth Paepke took an interest in the town in the 1940s, with a clear vision. They started with a Goethe symposium that brought intellectuals from around the world, established a music festival, and founded the Aspen Institute, an internationally significant think tank. The launch of Aspen's rise to a winter sports paradise came in 1947 when the Aspen Skiing Company opened its first lift.

Even today, the charming city center is marked by historic brick buildings whose Victorian-style facades recall long-gone times. Cozy cafés and trendy bars meet hip boutiques and colorful galleries. The streets breathe history, while the scent of modernity is in the air.

At Bleeker Street awaits the Wheeler Stallard Museum. Amid floral wallpapers, antique furniture, and black-and-white portraits of former residents, guests take a journey back to the late 1880s. Jane Click is the heart and soul of the house. 'I love history,' the senior lady exclaims as she climbs the steep stairs to the first floor. Aspen is a place of contrasts for her.

'Yes, you find Hollywood celebrities and high-priced luxury here, but Aspen is so much more than that,' Click emphasizes. 'We invite you to see the region through different eyes. And those who look closely can discover the anecdotes hidden behind the glitzy facade.'

Some anecdotes could surely also be told by the walls of the wine cellar in the five-star hotel The Little Nell. Thousands of bottles filled with fine wines from renowned regions have accumulated here over the years. Wine crates stack to the ceiling, with around $48,000 required for the most exclusive vintage.

'Indeed, there is the occasional legend on our menu,' explains Sommelier Adam Darlington, reaching for the shelf next to him and uncorking a full-bodied rosé. He has already welcomed famous wine aficionados within these hallowed halls.

Exactly who has toasted in these well-tempered rooms remains a mystery. 'Discretion is of utmost importance to us,' Darlington says with a smile. He also emphasizes the city's diversity: 'Aspen can do luxury and laid-back at the same time.'

Scene change, back to the summit of Aspen Mountain. One can explore it not only on skis or snowboard, as Stella Favaro from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies knows. 'We will explore the winter wonderland around us in a special way over the next two hours,' the conservation expert announces, checking the fit of her snowshoes one last time before saying, 'Let's go, follow me!'

She vanishes into the thicket of trees on her left, the group following silently. After a few hundred meters, the hiking participants are accustomed to the means of movement. With steady steps, they make their way through the deep snow.

'We are in the middle of a very sensitive ecosystem. If things here go out of balance, it affects the entire state,' Favaro explains at the first stop of the tour. 'We must be aware of how human presence impacts this area. Tourism can only work long-term if it is in harmony with nature. And that's exactly what we aim to raise awareness for.'

Snow-covered slopes, treetops swaying gently in the wind, a sea of white - only a few more steps to the summit.

Traveling there: Various airlines - such as Lufthansa or United Airlines - offer connections from Germany to Denver in Colorado. From there, it's with a rental car onward to Aspen.

Entry: Germans must apply online for an Esta entry permit at least 72 hours before traveling online. Cost: 21 US dollars.

Best time to travel: The winter sports season begins in November and ends depending on snow conditions in April.

Destination: On-site, four ski areas await, connected by a shuttle bus. Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass offer diverse slopes for beginners to experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

Attractions: Wheeler Stallard Museum: 620 West Bleeker Street, open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 5 PM. Free admission.

Tour operators: Various operators offer ski trips to the USA. For instance, at Faszination Ski, you can book a seven-day trip to Aspen including flight, transfer, and ski pass starting at 2,399 Euros per person.

The trip was supported by Faszination Ski, Brand USA, and Colorado Tourism. The editorial team alone decides on the selection and focus of the content.

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