Lauren Sakin, concierge at Viceroy Snowmass, offers her suggestions in both Aspen and Snowmass for families who are ready to explore.
Morning Routine
For a family affair, Sakin recommends starting with Sunday brunch at BB’s. The eatery offers a picturesque backdrop and creative menu with options such as heirloom tomato bisque with mini grilled cheese sandwiches, farm-fresh egg omelets and caprese sandwiches with prosciutto, arugula pesto and mozzarella on multigrain ciabatta. Bold diners can also sample the “DLT,” a sandwich of duck confit, duck bacon, lettuce and tomato with avocado spread on brioche. (525 E. Cooper Ave.; 970-429-8284; bbskitchen.com)
Mountain Magic
“In the summer, you can still ride to the top of the gondola,” Sakin says. “It’s beautiful up there with great mountain views [and] a patio to sit on.” Parents can partake in yoga classes and mountain biking, and the whole family can behold live bluegrass concerts on the weekends. Take the Elk Camp Gondola to an elevation of 11,325 feet or the Snow Queen Gondola to 11,200 feet. A $20 ticket includes a ride up either one, as well as the on-mountain activities. (aspensnowmass.com)
Hike to New Heights
After a full morning on the mountain, Sakin recommends a hike up Hunter Creek Trail, which snakes 6.5 miles up to Hunter Valley. “It can be as long or as short as you want it,” Sakin says. “You walk through a wooded area with a stream that runs through it, and as you go up, it opens up to a large field of wildflowers. It’s family-friendly. … It can be as difficult as you make it but it’s still very easy for children to go on as well.” For a shorter hike, access the upper section of the trail by driving north on Mill Street, veering left onto Red Mountain Road for 1.1 miles, then turning right on Hunter Creek Road until the trail parking lot. (aspenchamber.org)
Relaxing Renewal
Some family members may want to take a nap after an afternoon of hiking, so Sakin recommends a trip to The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass. The spa offers six treatment rooms, a meditative relaxation lounge and in-room services. “We have traditional treatments and lots of treatments that are influenced by the Native Americans that inhabited this area,” Sakin adds. Contemporary beauty rituals as well as Ute Indian-inspired therapies include a purifying sun dance ritual, black lava exfoliation, herbal compress massage and customized bath soaks. (130 Wood Rd.; 970-923-8000; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com)
Out to Dinner
Wrap up a busy day at Ricard Brasserie and Liquor Bar, a French restaurant just a few minutes away from the Viceroy at the base of Snowmass Mountain. “The patio is wonderful, and they have heat lamps in case it gets cold,” Sarkin says, noting the excellence of the fried chicken. “They do a good charcuterie board and …. they have all sorts of ways they cook mussels in different broths.” Open Wednesday through Sunday, Ricard’s menu features a section devoted solely to mussels. The restaurant also keeps a pastry chef on staff for delectable desserts like Grand Marnier creme brulee and roasted apple bread pudding. Executive Chef Will Nolan’s flair for New Orleans fare fuses with mountain cuisine at this brasserie-style restaurant with a patio facing the Village Express chairlift. (110 Carriage Way; 970-429-4163; ricardsnowmass.com)
—Written by Kristin Lee Jensen
