For One Wild Aspen Weekend, Start at The Sky Hotel
Extreme skiers and partiers headed to Aspen needs to look no further than the Sky Hotel for lodging and the Highlands for backcountry bowls. The party at the hotels onsite bar, 39 degrees, matches the craziness at Cloud 9 where champagne showers are a common afternoon occurrence. Come morning, continue the vibes with Thug Yoga, a new craze that has hit the city and pairs local brew and beats for a new type of flow.
At 39 Degrees, the party is always a go, so it’s no wonder this spot consistently ranks as one of the best après ski scenes that carries through to a late night party. Here, you will find a nightclub atmosphere with edgy décor and lounge style seating built for conversation—at least until the music starts bumping. The social environment continues with an outdoor heated pool overlooking Aspen Mountain. Find small plates like the organic kale salad (butternut squash, house smoked bacon, apple puree and blue cheese) light bites such as the grilled cheese served with tomato soup and meals for carb seeking skiers with pulled short ribs and cheesy grits. Cocktails get crazy with flavors like the Aspen Slush, made with Grand Marnier, Stranahan’s Whiskey, apricot puree and orange bitters.
Cozy sized rooms take on more of a modern mountain feel with high beam wooded ceilings, animal print robes and plenty of pops of color mixed into the design. When it comes to getting outside, you are less than a block away from Aspen Mountain. Gear rentals can be found at 4 Mountain Sports in the basement of the hotel. If you need to switch out boots or adjust gear, you can head to any of their shops, which are set up at the base of each mountain: Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Records are saved in their system, making it easy to keep consistent with rentals.
All mountains are a go with their own unique terrain but for some backcountry fun, Highlands is the spot. Put your skills to the test at the Highlands Bowl, which is for experts only. After hiking to the top, find rugged terrain flowing off the narrow Ridge of Highland Peak. Inbounds, there are plenty of runs covering all skill levels. Even with a full day skiing, you are sure to hit new trails all day. Come lunch, head to Cloud 9, where it’s right on par with the party vibe at the Sky Hotel. You may come for fondue and raclette but will find yourself in the midst of one of the wildest parties in the valley. Expect champagne showers, loud pop and electronic music along with a rowdy crowd that is not shy to stand up and dance on tables. If you are looking for a quieter spot, sit in the back or the restaurant past the kitchen.
The Sky Hotel has all the bases covered, even when it comes to yoga and those needing to stretch it out after carving on the mountain. But this isn’t your ordinary yoga class. The name gives it all away: Thug Yoga. Courtney Smith masterminded the idea after hearing snowboarders complain they needed yoga but felt intimidated by it. But when Aspen Brewing Company is serving beer that can be enjoyed during the class and sometimes sleepy tunes are swapped out for mixes from local DJ Berkel Beats, it’s all in for dudes. Traditional yoga poses like downward dog are renamed to Snoop Downward Dog, upward dog to what’s up dog and Chair pose becomes barstool. It’s a humorous mix while still getting in a full flow- or shred salutations as Smith refers to them. Classes are offered Saturday mornings. If you can’t make it, head over to Shakti Shala, just a few blocks from the hotel, where Thug Yoga is taught as well as other classes like Après Ski Stretch and DJ Flow Yoga. Check online for the schedule.
