The Aspen Ski Resort is made up of four different parts. Known together as Aspen Snowmass is comprised of four mountains: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Together they possess over 5,300 acres of terrain for Andrew Rivkin and skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

Andrew Rivkin loves skiing Aspen, a resort that features some of the most beautiful slopes in North America

With so many choices, the task to plan a day on the mountain can seem daunting, but with a little effort a day on the mountain, any mountain, can be crafted to suit your needs and desires. Each of the four peaks offer visitors options in terms of difficulty, while maintaining their own unique quality; be sure to check out the trail maps before heading to the slopes.

The peak that Andrew frequents the most is Aspen Mountain, famous for its black-diamond terrain, dating back to the early days of the mountain in 1947. Inbounds you’ll get a variety of glades, bumps and steeps. For an out-of-bounds experience, Aspen Mountain Powder Tours will hook you up with fresh tracks on the backside. While the mountain hasn’t changed much, there is a new gondola with great views & food at the Sundeck at the summit, where après rivals the skiing and snowboarding. Novices beware as there isn’t much in the way of easy this part of Aspen.

Snowmass meanwhile, offers some beginner trails as well as expert runs, but is best suited for intermediates. Snowmass reaches a height of 4,406 vertical feet, with 3,132 acres of terrain, 91 trails, 21 chairlifts and access to your choice of cruisers, glades, steeps, terrain parks and halfpipes. Snowmass also offers a lengthy trail of 8.5 kilometers down and around the mountain.

Aspen Highlands offers some of the most majestic views, and is great for skiers of all levels. With breathtaking 360-degree views of the Maroon Bells and an abundance of expert terrain as well as groomed cruisers, the Highlands have been a locals’ favorite for over 50 years. Hike the 12,392 feet to the summit of Highland Bowl for the ultimate inbounds backcountry rush. Or take the Deep Temerity lift to access the recently-added 237 skiable acres. It all adds up to some of the most challenging big-mountain terrain in North America.

Lastly, be sure to check out Buttermilk, showcasing some of the best wide open runs, and is an ideal location for beginners and intermediates. Rivkin loves the wide-open and gently rolling trails that cater to newbies and families, and it a perfect way to end a long day of skiing. Today it’s famous for hosting the ESPN Winter X Games through 2012 and being voted #1 by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s Poll for best park and pipe. The 22-foot superpipe in the legendary terrain park does not disappoint, as many X Games winners, Olympians and up-and-comers can attest.

Aspen truly has everything to offer skiers and snowboarders, and as often as Andrew Rivkin has visited, it always seems there is more to discover and enjoy upon each successive visit.

There is something for everyone, whether you are traveling as a family, alone, or like Andrew often does, with a group of friends. The varied accommodations include inns, guesthouses, private establishments, “Garni” hotels and specific theme hotels. Search & book easily online amid the many choices. Visiting a foreign country can be tricky, but The Paznaun-Ischgl Tourism Association can help as the interface for travel businesses and service providers, possessing the invaluable local knowledge. With Paznaun’s 20,000 guest beds, ranging from classic Tyrolean guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels, there is a place to suit your specific needs and wishes.

The Hotel Trofana at Ischgl is among the favourites of Andrew Rivkin

One of Andrew’s favourite places to stay is also one of the highest rated hotels in the area, the Hotel Sonne. The 4-star superior Hotel Sonne is located in the centre of Ischgl, only a 2-minute walk away from the cable cars. It is a perfect place to relax after a long day on the slopes, as it features a spa area with an indoor pool, a waterfall, and a tea bar. Moreover, facilities include a cosy lounge, a vinotheque, and a newly designed lobby with a big hotel bar. It’s also a great place to start the morning not only because of the convenience of the slopes nearby, but the Sunnalm restaurant has an extensive breakfast buffet with a great atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something particularly luxurious, check out the Hotel Trofana, one of the most award winning hotels in Europe. It is Austria’s only five-star superior hotel to have 3 Gault-Millau ‘toques’, one Michelin star and 2 Relax-Guide ‘Lillies’. It was also awarded by SSI (Ski-resort Service International) as the best Ski hotel in the world. The hotel features 112 beautiful rooms, a gourmet chef running a fine dining restaurant, and an exquisite wine cellar with over 25, 000 bottles.

The hotel is also ideal for skiing. In addition to a state of the art gym, the wellness area features a luxury indoor pool, baths, saunas, massage rooms, and beauty rooms where you can be taken care of even further.

Another great place to check out is the Hotel Alpvita Piz Tasna. The Four Star hotel is centrally located in quiet surroundings. It is located conveniently next to the Silvretta Arena for easy access to the slopes, but still in a cosy and quaint area that offers peace and relaxation. Also perfect for skiing, it features place to rejuvenate with sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, wellness shower and much more.

As Andrew Rivkin has found, it is hard to go wrong when finding a place to stay in Ischgl. There are many opportunities to find a place near the slopes that offers the best in skiing comforts.

Andrew Rivkin loves to stay at the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel, located across the street from the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain, in the heart of downtown Aspen. Aspen Square is a condominium property with full hotel services, and the most convenient place to stay; two of the many reasons Andrew loves to stay here. With a great location, it is close to the unique shops, art galleries and outstanding restaurants.

Moreover, larger condominiums for bigger groups include a full kitchen, fireplace, comfortable living-room seating area, and outside deck. Facilities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, both open all year; and our new indoor Fitness Center.

Another great place to stay is the Aspen Mountain Lodge, one of Aspen’s most popular and affordable lodges, located next to the skier shuttles. The rooms are comfortable and versatile; each room has two or more beds with one queen. And all include a wet bar with small refrigerator, in-room coffee, bathrobes, and many have balconies with mountain views and Jacuzzi whirlpool baths. You can enjoy complimentary mountain breakfast and daily après ski parties in the central atrium lobby. The dramatic four-story stone fireplace creates a warm and romantic atmosphere. One thing Rivkin is sure to take advantage of when he stays is the outdoor Jacuzzi and pool.

For those looking to spend more time at Snowmass, the Crestwood Condominiums offers the best in service and convenience. The Crestwood offers condominium comfort at the base of Snowmass with
excellent ski-in/ski-out convenience, breathtaking scenery and unmatched hospitality.  Deluxe one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums feature fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, a bath for every bedroom, private balconies with gas BBQ grills, and a dataport line in all rooms.

Facilities include an outdoor heated pool, two therapy pools, a sauna and an exercise room. The Crestwood has two spacious conference rooms available for meetings, banquets or social events. Our services include daily housekeeping, full-service front desk, grocery/liquor shopping, dinner reservations, and complimentary Snowmass Village and Aspen airport shuttle service. Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in all of Aspen, it is perfect for the family or those intent skiers looking for a great day on the slopes with plenty of relaxation later on.

For something a little different, there is the beautiful Sanctuary at Snowmass Club. Setting new standards in chartered ownership, Sanctuary offers unparalleled services and country club amenities. From exclusive on-mountain privileges in winter to unlimited access to our outstanding new Jim Engh golf course in summer, Sanctuary is a true year-round resort. Other amenities include a 19,000 square-foot athletic club, 11 outdoor and 2 indoor tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, on-mountain privileges, pilates, massage, physical therapy and yoga.

One of the many reasons Aspen is successful, and why Andrew Rivkin seeks to return so often, is the comfort and convenience that so many hotels, lodges, and condos offer guests at Aspen Snowmass.

Dynastar Speed Limited Skis

The Dynastar Speed Limited Carbon is one truly superior ski. Wood core, Titanal and Carbon make up a serious “weapon” for experts who crave total performance with no excuses. Andrew Rivkin recommends these skis for skiers that ignore speed limits. The shovel initiates with authority, while the generous taper angle (18mm) provides the expert with the ability to choose turns of any radius without prejudice. Very interesting skis that deliver top performance and high speed capabilities that rival race skis.

Dynastar Speed Limited Skis

 

Black Diamond Guru Skis

The lightest ski Black Diamond makes, the Guru leads the pack on the climbs while rewarding your efforts with a solid edge hold and stable carves on the way down. Andrew Rivkin recommends these skis for epic expedition-style ski tours. Beyond its lightweight-but torsionally stiff-construction, the Guru further reduces weight by maximizing running length with a shorter tip and flat tail. This allows you to run a shorter overall size, which saves weight without sacrificing skiing performance.

Black Diamond Guru Skis

2011/2012 Winter Temperature Outlook for Canada

For Andrew Rivkin this is the type of forecast he wants to hear. This weather pattern should provide for excellent skiing conditions at Ontario ski hills including Blue Mountain Resort, Horseshoe Resort and Craigleith Ski Club.

With a preview this past weekend, the major cities of the Northeast United States are forecast to get above average amounts of snow. If Rivkin recalls correctly, this past winter was characterized with similar conditions for cities on the Eastern Seaboard, which received more snow than places further North and inland. Hopefully this pattern changes a bit to give residents of Ontario a more authentic winter season. If his busy work-schedule permits, Rivkin is aiming to head up to several of the ski hills in Ontario on weekends and get in as much as skiing as he can.

Despite the “average” weather forecast for the upcoming winter season, Andrew Rivkin is taking no chances. He recently purchased the Troy-Bilt Powermore OHV Snowthrower and is excited to put it to good use. It was the following review that sold Rivkin on the Powermore: “this snow blower can thrower anything the Alberta winter can give it from 3 inches of snow to 5 foot snow drifts.” If it is good enough for an Alberta winter, it is more than suitable for an Ontario winter.

Check out the Troy-Bilt Powermore OHV Snowthrower below:

Troy-Bilt 420 cc / 45-in Powermore® OHV Snowthrower

Andrew Rivkin notes the proximity of the ski hills to Georgian Bay. This allows for an abundance of lake-effect snow to drop-down onto the hills. The snow creates the ideal ski conditions. In the summer the remote location of this town allows for an ideal weekend getaway. Andrew Rivkin enjoys challenging bike-rides in the morning and a relaxing horseback ride in the afternoon.

A night view of Blue Mountain Resort

The largest resort in the area is the Blue Mountain Resort. The resort offers year-round accommodations and activities. Andrew Rivkin enjoys staying at Blue Mountain because of the luxurious accommodations and abundance of outdoor activities. Among the several lodging places available at Blue Mountain, Andrew Rivkin enjoys staying at the Seasons of Blue. The accommodations at Seasons of Blue remind him of the luxurious ski resorts in places like Switzerland.

Blue Mountain has one of the largest snowmaking machines in Canada. This ensures top-quality ski conditions even when it has not snowed for several days. A new introduction to the ski resort this past winter was the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. It is Ontario’s first mountain coaster! A cool feature on the Ridge Runner is the ability to control your own speed. To experience the full excitement of a roller coaster, you can travel at speeds up to 42 kilometers per hour. If you wish to take-in the magnificent view of Georgian Bay and the surrounding Niagara Escarpment you can also slow it down.

While Andrew Rivkin enjoys the extravagant ski trips to Europe and the Rocky Mountains, being able to decide last-minute to get away for a weekend is nice. After a long week of work driving north to Collingwood to enjoy the beautiful outdoors helps take the mind off of work. With a bunch of friends it can be an amazing weekend.

Check out some of the activities available at Blue Mountain below!

Take a look at them below.

So its summer here in Toronto, have not skied in a few months. This year I hit Aspen, check out www.aspensnowmass.com. Been doing plenty of wakeboarding and waterskiing! Here is a picture of my brand new wakeboard boat! 

Andrew Rivkin is a frequent writer/blogger/photographer and so you can expect ton of Andrew’s live updates on this site. The 2009/2010 ski season is fast approaching as summer quickly comes to an end.