Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/417540
photography by C2 photography Alpine Adventure to really see aspen, you need to get out of town: experience the bounty of the roaring fork valley in its rivers, its backcountry—or with an airborne perspective... What goes down must come up: Snowshoe Aspen Mountain's ski trails (with a head-on view of Red Mountain). See the full scope of the Valley's beauty with a hot air balloon ride at dawn. AlAsk AN ReNdezvous As the premier provider of Alaskan big-mountain heli-skiing, Alaska Rendezvous Heli-Guides invites guests to explore the Chugach Range (named for the native people who lived there) surrounding Valdez, Alaska. The touring company was founded by Theo Meiners, who moved back to Aspen in the early '70s and was one of the first to ski the Highland Bowl. In 1973, Meiners, now an Aspen legend, created a cache tree on Aspen Highlands (dubbed "Meiners Tree" by the Ski Patrol in 2013), where he kept medical provisions in the event they were needed on-mountain. Pay tribute to Meiners at his tree and in the Alaskan backcountry! arlinc.com WINTER FLY-FISHING Aspen Fly Fishing Guided tours that pick you up at your door. 601 E. Dean St., 970-920-6886; aspenfly fishing.com Aspen OutFitting With the leases it holds on the area's largest selection of private water, Aspen Outfitting's knowledgeable guides can lead you to the most exclusive fishing spots. 315 E. Dean St., 970-925- 3406; aspenoutfitting.com tAylOr Creek Fly shOp Western Colorado's oldest and most experienced fishing guides offer both wade and f loat fishing on more than 60 miles of gold-medal water. 183 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt, 970-927-4374; taylorcreek.com BIRD'S-EYE VIEW AbOve it All bAllOOn CO. Take an hour-long sunrise f loat over the Elk Mountain Range and indulge in a Champagne brunch upon landing. 85 Parkside Lane, Carbondale, 970-963-6148; aboveitallballoon.com Aspen heli ChArter Helicopter flights get you right into the action—onto mountain peaks, in between canyon walls, and over remote rivers or meadows. 970-948- 4354; aspenhelicharter.com Aspen pArAgliding Savor town's stunning panoramic vistas by jumping off Aspen Mountain (with a certified tandem pilot, of course). No experience necessary. 426 S. Spring St., 970-925- 6975; aspenparagliding.com SNOWSHOE WALKS Aspen Center FOr envirOnmentAl studies Enjoy a guide-led half-day tour through pristine Castle Creek Valley (geology and ecology lessons included). 100 Puppy Smith St., 970-925- 5756; aspennature.org the little nell Adventures Starting at The Nell, explore 50 miles of cross- country trails, or test your mettle in the backcountry. 675 E. Durant Ave., 970- 920-4600; thelittlenell.com 212 aspenpeak-magazine.com BesT oF THe WesT Adventure