Aspen is a winter wonderland. As well as serious alpine sports, the restaurants, people watching and shops are world class. There is also a vibrant art scene anchored by the Aspen Art Museum. This is a town that has something for every visitor.

Of all the spots towarm up on Aspen Mountain, **Cloud Nine** Alpine Bistro, is a favorite with movers and shakers. A 2.00 pm lunch reservation can turn into a serious party complete with DJ. Booking advised

Aspen is a winter wonderland with a constantly changing scene.

This weekend preparations are underway for a big send off for the seven local athletes bound for PyeongChang to represent the US in the Winter Olympics. There are plans for al fresco dining under the full moon on January 31st, and more snow is forecast.

Here are some highlights and ideas on the Aspen food, apres ski and a vibrant art scene.

Traveling in style. I felt lke a Czarina wrapped in blankets being drawn by this matched pair of horses through the snow. Horse and carriage is also the way to go around town.

**Pine Creek Cookhouse** is at the base of the spectacular Elk Mountain Range. From the end of the road it is a little over a mile either snow-shoeing or cross country ski-ing to reach the lodge. There is also the horses drawn sleigh The lodge has welcoming roaring log fires and serves delicious locally sourced trout, elk and game. It was hard to leave, to go back out into the snow. At night groups can cross-country in following a leader with a miners lamp. A reminder of Aspen’s historic past.

Snow-shoeing uphill to Pine Creek Cookhouse. The warm lodge with its roaring fires was very welcome and hard to leave.

Followyour dreams — Aspen’s art scene is vibrant and ever changing. Clustered around the stunning downtown **Aspen Art Museum** designed by Pritzker prizewinner architect **Shigeru Ban,** are galleries such as **Cha Cha.** There a collection of works by Mr. Brainwash includes the one above which could be inspiration for the Aspen Olympic althetes. In 2010 Mr. Brainwash made an Oscar nominated movie about street art with **Banksey**

Aspen is a Winter Wonderland. On "Restaurant Row" French Alpine Bistro is a favorite. — On restaurant row in downtown Aspen the cozy **French Alpine Bistro** is a favorite for fondu and crepes. For sushi, Nobu chef **Matsuhisa** creates the best. My favorite for lunch and dinner is **Meat and Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop**

Downtown at night — At night lights twinkle and shop windows sparkle as the likes of Prada and Dior vie for attention.

Aspen is a Winter Wonderland – Go Team USA!

Aspen Winter Wonderland

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