Make a Splash This Summer

Climb a mountain, taste what's new, catch a show, savor the scenery: even a dog's life in Aspen is pretty sweet.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

See & Hear

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Reinvents Itself

Amid a changing cultural landscape, the celebrated arts organization refocuses on education and supporting dance within a broader framework.

07/05/2021 By Catherine Lutz

See & Hear

The Aspen Music Festival Aims for a Resounding Season

After an unprecedented hiatus last summer, one of town’s most beloved institutions welcomes audiences in person with innovative programming.

07/05/2021 By Courtney Holden

Contemporary Cool

Basalt Gets a Great New Arts Venue

The midvalley’s live entertainment scene amps up with its first permanent, dedicated performance space.

07/05/2021 By Todd Hartley

Is September the New June?

Late Summer in Aspen Has the Happenings

This year, it’s all about delayed gratification, as many annual events take place later than usual.

07/05/2021 By Courtney Holden

Call & Response

A Q&A with Tony Award–Nominated Broadway Star Beth Malone

When the lights went out during the pandemic, this charismatic performer retreated to her Roaring Fork Valley home.

07/05/2021 By Naomi Havlen Photography by Karl Wolfgang

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Alpine Liqueurs Are Perfect for Mountain Summers

Crafted from herbs, flowers, and more, these European spirits make for satisfying sips.

07/05/2021 By Laurel Miller

Small-town flavor

New Owners Spiff Up Redstone’s General Store

The town’s beloved hub reopens with an enticing selection of fresh, local goods.

07/05/2021 By Manasseh Franklin

Next at the Plate

The Roaring Fork Valley’s Dining Scene Gets Some New—and Reinvented—Players

Aspen newcomer Catch Steak joins a Snowmass outpost of local fave Kenichi and an expanded menu at Carbondale’s Batch Provisions, plus other tasty bits.

07/05/2021 By Sarah Kuta Photography by Sarah Overbeck

Home & Real Estate

Habitat

A Snowmass Retreat Goes from Merely Functional to Fabulous

The mountain access was perfect—now the home is, too.

07/05/2021 By Catherine Lutz Photography by Brent Moss

Lodging

Privacy, please

Two New Aspen Lodging Properties Offer Enviable Retreats

Live the luxe life with family and friends at these exclusive compounds.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

News & Profiles

On Target

Axd Babe Brings a Newly Popular Sport to Carbondale

Try axe throwing at the valley’s sharpest social spot.

07/05/2021 By Todd Hartley

Altitude Adjustment

Dear Meredith: Is Aspen Really That Different from a Couple of Years Ago?

Your only-in-Aspen questions, answered

07/05/2021 By Meredith C. Carroll

Community Table

From Labor Day Headliner Stevie Nicks to Local Columnist Lo Semple, Our Fantasy Guest List

Here’s whom we’d invite if we could entertain this season’s most interesting visitors, locals, and newsmakers.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld Illustrations by Matty Newton

Party Pictures

People & Places

House of Hart 2021

07/05/2021 Photography by Nancy M. Mayer

People & Places

Patrick Guyton Gallery Grand Opening 2021

07/05/2021 Photography by Nancy M. Mayer

People & Places

Sip, Shop & Support 2021

07/05/2021 Photography by Nancy M. Mayer

People & Places

Jazz Aspen Snowmass 30th Anniversary 2021

07/05/2021 Photography by Nancy M. Mayer

People & Places

Action in Africa 2021

07/05/2021 Photography by Nancy M. Mayer

Style & Shopping

Objects of Desire

Achieve the Aspen Nomad Look

Glamming up is back, with travel-inspired textures, prints, and accessories blazing the way.

07/05/2021 Photography by Karl Wolfgang Styled by Britta Briscoe

Travel & Outdoors

Dog Days in Aspen

The Best Ways to “Ruff It” in Aspen with Your Pooch

Where pups can stay, hike, swim, frolic off leash, and more in one of Colorado’s dog-friendliest towns.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

How to Be on Your Best Behavior as a Dog Visiting Aspen

Answers to all of the questions your pooch may have when visiting the Roaring Fork Valley

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

5 Off-Leash Areas Around Aspen

Fido can romp to his heart’s content at these parks that allow supervised, untethered play.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

4 Great Aspen-Area Swimming Spots for Pooches

Hot under the collar? Cool off at one of these places perfect for doggie-paddling.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

Four Local Dogs and Their Humans Who Share Extra-Strong Bonds

Whether cheering up patients, working rescues, inspiring books, or serving as a special companion, these pups deserve a big paws up.

07/05/2021 By Sarah Kuta

Dog Days in Aspen

What Are the Best Canine Breeds for Aspen Adventuring?

Town’s most popular dogs may not be the ones best suited to active outings.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

6 Tips on Keeping Your Dog Safe and Sound in the Mountains

Read this advice from veterinarian Dr. Anne Cooley of the Aspen Animal Hospital before heading out.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

10 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley

These close-to-town routes come recommended by local pups and their owners.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Dog Days in Aspen

Aspen’s Most Dog-Friendly Hotels

Many places just accept pets, but these local lodges openly embrace them with dog-centric amenities and accommodating service.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Explore Five of Aspen’s Adventurous 13ers

Get off the beaten path by hiking and scrambling up these rewarding 13,000-foot peaks.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Get the Gear for a High-Altitude Summit

Everything you need for peak performance

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Williams Mountain South C

The ponderous name belies an accessible peak.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Tabor Peak

A dramatic knife-edge walk and a blazing blue high-alpine tarn

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Petroleum Peak

Bag a summit far more scenic than the oily moniker implies.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: UN 13,001 "Lost Man Lake Peak"

Test your scrambling skills on Colorado's lowest ranked 13er.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Blooms Day

Five Reasons to Visit Vail’s Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

The only nationally accredited collection of Colorado alpine plants delivers glorious displays.

07/05/2021 By Sarah Chase Shaw

Explore Aspen's 13ers

High-Altitude Hiking Preparedness Basics

What to know before you go

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Cycle Ops

Three New Mountain-Bike Clothing Lines Supply Trail-Worthy Style

Check out the latest offerings from Ripton & Co., Pit Viper, and Rapha.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: East Geissler Mountain

A full day’s worth of scenery in a compact outing

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Your Perfect Day

Where to Trail Run in the Roaring Fork Valley

Hit the dirt with well-suited terrain and epic views on these local routes.

07/05/2021 By Elinor Fish