The Upside of Downhill in Aspen

Aspen Essentials

By Francesca Stanfill

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The area code for all phone numbers listed below is 970.

HOTELS

The Little Nell In a class by itself for location, service and luxury. Manager Eric Calderon is the man to know. 920-4600; thelittlenell.com.

Hotel Jerome Classic Aspen, in town. 920-1000; hoteljerome.com.

Sky Hotel Younger ambience, offbeat decor. 925-6760; theskyhotel.com.

RESTAURANTS

Mezzaluna Perfect thin-crust pizza, salads, pasta. 925-5882.

Cache Cache Continental food, Aspen-style. 925-3835.

Piñons The place for game. 920-2021.

Rustique Bistro fare. 920-2555.

Cloud Nine (at Aspen Highlands). Cozy, with delicious food for lunch. Advance reservations a must. 544-3063.

SHOPS

Gorsuch Ltd. For the classics and charming Austrian clothes. 920-9388.

Performance Ski Owner Lee Keating always has the most advanced and sleekest gear. 925-8657.

Explore Booksellers and Bistro All the latest best sellers as well as time-honored favorites. 925-5336.

SKI SERVICES

Private Lessons Lynn Phillips coordinates private lessons for Aspen Mountain. 920-0740.

First Tracks Appointments for the first run before lifts open. 920-0744.

Guided Tours Bob Perlmutter, of Aspen Mountain Powder Tours. 920-0755.

Adult Racing Taché Racing. Renowned ski guru Mike Taché (and, sometimes, former U.S. Ski Team member Dave Stapleton) will improve your form as you ski the gates. 925-1227.

Cross-Country Aspen Alpine Guides. 925-6618.

FAVORITE RUNS

Copper Run and Spar Gulch Early morning, when the sun is still coming up, there's nothing better than these top-to-bottom high-speed "groomers."

Blondies Steep enough, good for bumps.

Buckhorn Lovely late in the day.

Midnight (off Buckhorn). "Ego bumps," good for practice.

Face of Bell Afternoon skiing.

Strawpile Off the beaten track.

Walsh's, then to Gentleman's Ridge and Jackpot For a challenge.