Aspen Nightlife

Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the

day isn’t difficult – get out on the slopes and ski or

enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love.

At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with

Aspen nightlife! No matter how old or young you are,

there is something to do in Aspen twenty-four hours

a day, seven days a week.

Music and dancing are the biggest Aspen nightlife

attractions, but there is more to do than just that –

so if you aren’t quite old enough to get into the

various bars and clubs in the area, don’t think that

you will be bored at night – you won’t be! Start by

finding out what activities are planned for the

evening at your lodge or hotel. Most lodges and

hotels have events planned throughout the season

– and this is a good place to start finding things to

do after the slopes have closed for the day.

Shopping in Aspen is another highlight. There are

many galleries and specialty shops that you won’t

find in your own hometown. Take advantage of this.

Most shops are open after the slopes have closed

for the day, and many stay open late because they

understand that you want to spend your daylight

hours out on the slopes.

If you aren’t old enough for the club scene, take

advantage of the teen nights that are offered by many

of the resorts. These are safe fun nights for teens,

which parents will approve of. Teens also enjoy the

offerings at many of the spas. Spas aren’t just for

adults. Enjoy the skin treatments, massages,

saunas, and hot tubs. Some resorts also have game

rooms for the teens and younger kids.

If you are old enough for the bars and clubs – finding

something to do won’t be hard at all. Again, find out

what is happening in the evening at your lodge or

hotel first. If you aren’t interested, hit the streets.

Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen,

and anything that is out of walking distance is

accessible by bus or taxi. If you will be drinking,

do not drive your car to the bar or club – find

alternate transportation.

The Aspen Recreation center has many planned

events throughout the season that are appropriate for

adults and kids. However, if you are planning to bring

the kids, but you want to enjoy some adult Aspen

nightlife as well, child care may be available through

Christmas In Aspen – Aspen Nightlife

Aspen, Colorado is a great place to spend your

Christmas vacation. You can spend your days

on the slopes, and your nights taking advantage

of all of the planned Christmas activities, as

well as the usual Aspen nightlife. No matter

what your interests are, there is always

something to do in Aspen.

During the Christmas season,

“Its A Wonderful Life” is presented at the

Wheeler Opera House. Santa’s Village can be

found in Snowmass Village and you will hear

carolers there as well. White Elephant Parties

are common Christmas activities, and you can

even enjoy the Aspen Film festival.

The Holiday Torchlight Parade in Snowmass

village is a sight to behold. Make sure that you

don’t miss this! You can even participate in

this parade! There are many Christmas arts

and crafts programs offered around Aspen

that your children will love to participate in as

well. Make plans to attend the Winter

Wonderland Christmas Party at the Aspen

Recreation Center also.

For the ultimate Christmas adventure, make

sure that you get in on the sledding and hot

chocolate festivities and go for a sleigh ride as

well. Christmas in Aspen is a very magical time

of the year, and you should plan to spend at

least one Christmas vacation here. Plan to

Aspen Nightlife – Winterskol

Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so

many people, it is only fitting that everyone in

Aspen during the month of January participates

in Winterskol. This is literally a celebration of

winter, cold, and snow – which is a great deal

of what makes Aspen, well, Aspen! Winterskol

is the ultimate Aspen party.

Winterskol is held during the month of January

each year, and it is the wildest winter

celebration you will ever experience. The

highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion

Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy

clothing, such as miniature bridal gowns.

Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for

more than fifty years – and it will continue for

at least another fifty! The first Winterskol

celebration was held in 1951.

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are

scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen

Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk

Mountain, and Snowmass Mountain. The

entire area gets involved in the activities.

Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic

ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter.

While most events are scheduled in advance,

Winterskol also brings several surprises as

well. You just never know what you will find at

the Winterskol celebration – until you are there.

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine

Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk

Uphill Race, and Snowmass Splash. Don’t

miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks

display over Aspen Mountain. Don’t miss the

unique competitions happening all over town.

There is constant live entertainment all around

town as well. If you are planning a ski vacation,

and you want to have the time of your life –

your destination should be Aspen, and your

arrival date should coincide with the start of

Winterskol.

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with

something for everyone. Amusement,

entertainment, parties, and celebration are top

priorities during the week of Winterskol. You

have to experience Winterskol at least once in

your lifetime – and after you have been once,

you will be back. Winterskol is a celebration

that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New

Orleans – but a lot safer, and in many

opinions, more enjoyable.

As they do for Mardi Gras, people come from

all over the world for Winterskol. Event

packages are available, but all of the lodges,

hotels, motels, condos, cabins, and

campgrounds sell out early. Make sure that you

book lodging for Winterskol well in advance,

and take advantage of the packages that the

various lodges offer. Packages typically

include lodging, airfare, rental cars, and

other things that you may require as well.

Aspen Nightlife – Art Galleries

Aspen is famous for more than skiing. There are

currently more than thirty art galleries in and around

the Aspen area, where art created by famous artists

around the world resides. Visiting the art galleries in

Aspen is a must, and no Aspen vacation will be

complete without this taste of culture.

Most of the art galleries are within walking distance

of each other, arranged in a three by four block area.

This area is located between Spring Street and

Monarch Street, and Hopkins Avenue and Durant

Street.

You will find everything from vintage poster art at the

Omnibus Gallery to Impressionism art at the Galerie

Du Bois. Visit the Highline Gallery for glass art and

the Pam Driscol Gallery for bronze sculpture art.

Contemporary collections can be found at the

Baldwin Gallery.

While some galleries are open after hours, many

close around 5pm. It is important to find out the

operating hours of the galleries that you want to visit

ahead of time. Many shows and events are planned

at the galleries for the evening hours as well.

Aspen Nightlife – US Comedy Arts Festival

If you can visit Aspen in March, make sure that you

catch the US Comedy Arts Festival that is held in

various venues throughout Aspen. This is one of the

major events for comedians all over the country –

and it is some of the best entertainment you will

ever experience.

The US Comedy Arts Festival features every type of

comedy you can imagine, including Stand-up

comedy, film shorts, alternative comedy, and sketch

comedy. Tribute is given to some of the greatest

comedians from the past, such as Rodney

Dangerfield, Monty Python, and George Carlin. You

will also have the opportunity to enjoy many of

today’s famous comedians, and hear some unknown

or up and coming comedians as well.

Make sure that you don’t miss this festival – and

make sure that you make your plans and reservations

very early. The lodges and hotels will fill up fast for

this festival, and according to locals, this is the

hardest time of the year to find lodging in Aspen –

which is a good indication of how good the

Aspen Nightlife – The Sneaker Ball

You may have been to many balls in your

lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,

and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t

been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado,

you are missing out on all the fun! Known as

‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is

held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East

Dean Street every March.

Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was

held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine

Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a

celebration of Reebok shares trading on the

stock market for the very first time. This black

tie event was much like other balls – but

everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first

Sneaker Ball was born.

The following year, Al Gross decided that this

was the kind of party that people really liked –

but instead of being limited to white Reeboks,

the idea would be for the guests to wear formal

gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis

shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where

people know how to party – and thousands of

people from all over the world fly into Aspen to

attend.

One of the nicest things guests like about the

Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All

of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a

program designed to help inner-city kids. These

kids are brought to Aspen to experience what

life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t

even realize that places like Aspen really exist.

Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too

bad considering that the money is for a good

cause.

People from diverse backgrounds attend the

Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are

there, infamous people, and people who are

neither famous nor infamous attend – and

every one has a fantastic time. The party gets

started at about 9:30pm and ends around

1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in

various locations throughout Aspen.

If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those

glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your

chance! You will rub elbows with the famous,

show off your custom designed sneakers

along with your formal wear, and dance the

night away – and all for a very good cause.

This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the

Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out

when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and

purchase your tickets right away. Also check

with the various hotels and lodges to inquire

about package deals and get your

reservations set before everything is sold out!

Aspen Nightlife – Harris Concert Hal

There is always something going on in Aspen,

Colorado and the Aspen nightlife is very active.

You can find a wide variety of things to do – but

if you want a little culture, you should definitely

find out what events are planned at the Harris

Concert Hall.

At the Harris Concert Hall, you will find

everything from Piano Recitals to Rock-n-Roll

Concerts. Events are planned well in advance,

so you should be able to find out what concerts

and events are scheduled to coincide with your

Aspen vacation.

The Harris Concert Hall is located in the West

end of Aspen, in a quaint residential

neighborhood. Due to parking and traffic

problems, you should strongly consider

walking to the concert hall. It is a short ten

minute walk from the downtown area. Other

transportation options include biking or taking

the bus. When there are events at the concert,

it is very difficult to find parking.

The Aspen Music Festival and School were

founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth

Paepcke from Chicago. Many music

professionals train here and all of the school

and festival performances take place in the

Harris Concert Hall, which seats over 2000

people.

You should definitely try to visit Aspen during

the Music Festival. This takes place over a nine

week period in the summer, and there are

usually more than 200 planned events. People

from all over the world come to the Aspen

Music Festival, so be sure that you make your

plans and reservations early!

Another exciting event that takes place at the

Harris Concert Hall is the Aspen Film Festival.

This festival takes place three times each year.

The Aspen Shortsfest is held in the Spring. The

Aspen Filmfest is held during the Fall, and the

Aspen Academy Screenings are held during the

Winter. Again, people come from all over the

world for these events, so make your plans

early.

The Harris Concert Hall is full of history, even

though the newest section of it wasn’t built

until recently. This is a major part of Aspen’s

history and culture, and you should try to attend

at least one event at the Harris Concert Hall

while you are in Aspen. Most events take place

in the evening; however there are also events

that take place during the day. You can check

with your lodge or hotel to find out what events

are planned at the Concert Hall each day. Also

inquire about the need to purchase advance

tickets for specific events.

Aspen Nightlife – The Caribou Club

According to The New York Post, the Caribou

Club is the absolute best private club in

America. This is a member’s only private club,

and the membership fee is quite high – but the

ambiance is top-notch!

The Caribou Club is located in Aspen,

Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue. The club

is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day, and

you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in

the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with

a fine cigar. The wine cellar houses over 5000

wines from around the world.

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine

dining and dancing, however. When you enter

the club, you are entering a world of elegance

that can only be experienced here. The walls

are covered with 19th century paintings. There

is a coat room, where your coat will be taken

from you, and you are made to feel like a very

welcome houseguest. You can then go to the

bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner

– the choice is yours.

The Caribou Club has only been open for about

ten years, but it has become an integral part of

Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous – and

even for those who are not famous, nor rich,

but who can afford to pay the membership

fees. When you enter the Great Room at The

Caribou Club, you will probably see faces that

you know – even if you don’t know these

famous people on a personal level.

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the

cuisine offered by The Caribou Club. Your

event can be catered by the club, no matter

how large or small it is, or where it is located.

You can have your event catered anywhere

in the world! Private parties can also be held

at The Caribou Club.

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime

membership for a couple is $10,000. Individual

membership for two people is $3000 for the

first year, and $1000 for each additional year,

paid annually. Family membership for up to five

people costs $4000 per year. A temporary

membership is available for one week. The cost

is $500 and covers one couple. However, during

Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is

$1000.

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite

exclusive – but depending on the type of

nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is

well worth it – even if you only visit once a year.

Aspen Nightlife – Aspen Recreation Center

While the Aspen Recreation Center closes just

before 9pm, there is quite a bit of enjoyment to be

had here after a day on the slopes. If you get there

right after leaving the slopes, and eat a late dinner

– after the center closes – you will have plenty of

time to enjoy what the ARC has to offer.

The climbing walls at the center are the biggest

attraction. The ARC features approximately 3100 feet

of climbing walls for your enjoyment. There is also a

3-D climbing tower with more than 25 routes and four

auto belays.

Another nice feature at the Aspen Recreation Center

is the pool area. The James E. Moore Pool area

features two pools. One pool is 25 yards in length

and features six lanes, while the other pool is for

recreation and has a two story slide, a lazy river, and

spray features. You will also find a dry sauna, a steam

room, and hot tubs in the pool area.

The Lewis Ice Arena is also located at the Aspen

Recreation Center. Completed in the Spring of 2003,

the arena features an NHL regulation size skating

surface, grandstand seating for 450, a skate shop,

locker rooms, and shower rooms. Public skating,

skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult

hockey, and skating shows are available. You can

also host private parties at the arena. High altitude

training is also offered here.

You will also find cardio and weight rooms at the

center, and many fitness classes are also offered.

The Aspen Recreation Center hosts many off-site

activities in the Aspen area as well, such as golf,

tennis, climbing, aquatics, sailing, skateboarding,

ceramics classes, baseball, softball, soccer,

hockey, and various camps.

Babysitting services are available at the center as

well. This place is a great way to wrap up a day of

activity and wind down before your evening meal.

Again, the Aspen Recreation Center closes just

before 9pm, so make sure you head there right after

leaving the slopes for the day.

Admission for guests is $13 for youths and $15 for

adults. Admission includes access to the climbing

towers, swimming pool area, ice skating rink, weight

room, cardio room, adult fitness classes, water

aerobics, climbing wall and playhouse, and tennis

courts. The Aspen Recreation Center is a great place

for every member of the family. Call ahead to find out

about any planned events that are going on for even

more entertainment options.

Aspen Nightlife – The Ultimate Taxi

This isn’t your ordinary taxi ride! The Ultimate Taxi

is actually entertainment that is not to be missed.

This is a thirty to forty minute musical ride around

Aspen – but it’s not like any other ride you will take

in your lifetime.

The taxi you will be riding in is a 1978 Checker cab.

It has been greatly modified and boasts four red

lasers, a laser projector, black light effects, light

washers, light orbs, mini-strobes, color changing fiber

optics, a sound system, stage lights, a mirror ball, a

fog machine, a keyboard, digital drums, a digital

camera, a DV cam, a notebook computer, a printer,

and much, much more.

Your driver will be Jon Barnes, and he has been

driving tourists around Aspen since 1984. He throws

in a pair of 3-D glasses, so you can view Aspen as

you never have before. Featured online, in radio

interviews, magazines, and newspapers, the Ultimate

Taxi has become very popular. Many famous people

have taken this cab ride as well, including Clint

Eastwood and Jerry Seinfeld.

Get ready for a wild ride! Jon plays the keyboard

and the horn while driving! With your 3-D glasses

and the other toys that are included in the ride,

combined with the psychedelic lighting effects, this

is one ride that you will never forget! In fact, Jon

makes sure of it, because there will be pictures to

help you remember the event.

Make sure you buy some souvenirs before you leave.

The Ultimate Taxi gift store is located right outside

the doors, in the trunk. You will also have a web page

memory of your ride in the Ultimate Taxi hosted on

Jon’s server for all time. Take your toys and 3-D

glasses home with you as well.

The Ultimate Taxi is not a ‘normal’ taxi ride. You

don’t call Jon Barnes to take you where you want to

go. The Ultimate Taxi is more of a musical show

and adventure. It has been called the world’s

smallest recording studio.

Make sure that you get your Ultimate Taxi ride while

you are in Aspen, and join the ranks of Ivana, Kevin

Costner, George Hamilton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dudley

Moore, the Beatles, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Seinfeld,

and even Regis Philbin! Due to the popularity of the

Ultimate Taxi, it is probably best to call in advance

for a reservation. The Ultimate Taxi is in operation

from 7pm to 10pm most nights.

Aspen Nightlife – The Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House has been an

integral part of Aspen nightlife, history, and

culture since 1889 when Mr. J.B Wheeler and

the Conried Company presented The King’s

Fool. While the building started out as an

Opera House, it was only used for town

meetings and such by 1893, when the silver

mines had played out.

The Wheeler Opera House remained open until

1912 when it was gutted by not one, but two

fires in one week! The Opera House did not

open again until June of 1946 when it was

leased by the Aspen Company. The total

restoration went on until 1960. Between the

years of 1912 and 1946 the Wheeler Opera

House remained empty, and it was used as

a playground by the local children.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, The Wheeler

Opera House was mainly used as a movie

theater. However, in 1979, the city decided to

restore the Opera House to its original

grandeur, and this restoration was completed

in 1984. The cost was 4.5 million dollars.

Today, the Wheeler Opera House is on the

National Registrar of Historical Places.

Many events, such as lectures, concerts, plays,

films, and musicals are held at The Wheeler

Opera House today. You can see Broadway

shows, jazz concerts, country and rock

concerts, and even children’s theater here.

Any type of cultural event you can imagine

is held here – and shows are scheduled

throughout the year. Locals consider the

Wheeler Opera House the ‘crown jewel of Aspen.

’ Nationwide, it is considered a world class theater

– and with the detailed woodwork it is certainly a

sight to behold!

The Opera House is still in its original location

on Hyman Avenue, in the heart of downtown

Aspen. You can call to find out what events are

planned, and to purchase tickets. Remember

that this is a popular place, and shows do sell

out quickly – so purchase your tickets as early

as possible. You should also be aware that

children under the age of three years old are

not permitted for live performances, unless the

performance is for children specifically.

Cameras and recording devices are not

permitted for performances.

The Wheeler Opera House can also be rented

for a variety of special occasions and events,

such as parties, receptions, weddings,

conferences, and seminars. Events such as

these are usually held on the second floor,

where guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of

Aspen Mountain, as well as the city.

Aspen Nightlife – Theatre in the Park

Founded in 1983 by Kent Reed, Theatre in the Park

has become an Aspen tradition that adds to the

delight of Aspen nightlife. Theatre in the Park once

actually was theatre that was performed in a tent in

the park. Now, however, Theatre in the Park has

changed its name to Theatre Aspen, and a new

permanent structure is in development. This will

allow Theatre in the Park to hold year-round

performances, instead of summer-only performances.

Contemporary and classical plays are all presented

by the theatre. If you are in Aspen around Christmas

time, make sure that you see the theatre’s

presentation of “Its A Wonderful Life.” As a summer-

only venue, sixty shows are performed each year.

Once the company has its permanent structure, we

can expect many more each year.

The Theatre Aspen also has many training programs

for adults and children. Currently, performances are

held between June and August. The Theatre in the

Park is located in the Rio Grande Park. Heat is

provided on chilly nights, and there is an area to enjoy

cocktails during intermissions, as well as before and

Aspen Nightlife – Syzygy

Syzygy, which is located on East Hyman Avenue in

Aspen, Colorado, has repeatedly won awards for

being one of the best restaurants in this ski town.

Featuring outstanding jazz music and food that is

out of this world, Syzygy is the place to be when it

comes to Aspen nightlife and fine dining. This is an

Aspen landmark that is not to be missed.

The chef at Syzygy combines European and Asian

dishes, and presents them in a modern American

way. These combinations are what set the cuisine

at Syzygy apart from the food you find at most

restaurants. Along with this outstanding fare, you

can select wine from a list of over 300 Italian,

American, and French wines. If you aren’t sure

which wine will work with the fine food you have

ordered – simply ask your waiter. They always

seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the

flavor of the food the best.

One of the nice touches about the service at

Syzygy’s is that the Chef likes to send gifts to the

table, such as goat cheese, potato crisps, and

osemary bread. Syzygy is famous for their

atmosphere as well. The glass enclosed waterfalls

inside the restaurant are talked about all over the

world – and they are really something to see! Every

part of the interior of this Aspen landmark works

well together to create a mood that makes the

food, the wine, the music, and the company

absolutely enjoyable.

You may be overwhelmed with all of the wonderful

menu choices, and all of the delicious smells

coming from nearby tables. You may not be able to

make a choice! Syzygy’s has you covered. Simply

order the Tasting Menu, and sample everything.

Enjoy the music while you are eating – and after

your meal as well. Some of the finest jazz artists in

the world have performed at Syzygy’s. Call ahead

to find out who will be performing – you will be glad

that you did.

Syzygy’s is closed on Monday’s and Tuesdays

during the off-season. During the season, they are

open from 6pm to 10pm each day, and you should

definitely call ahead for a reservation. Remember,

this is an integral part of experiencing Aspen

nightlife, so make sure you get by Syzygy’s at

least once while you are in Aspen – the chances

are very good that your first visit will not be your

last! If possible, try to make it to the Sunday Jazz

Aspen Nightlife – How to Find the Entertainment

No matter what time of year it is when you visit

Aspen, there is always something going on –

even in the off season. The town is small, but

there are usually several types of entertainment

offered each evening in different parts of the

small town. Generally, you won’t have to search

too hard to find some entertainment – but it is

better to know exactly what is going on all over

town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife

that best suits your interests.

First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen

a few months before your trip if possible. Ask

them what events are planned for the time

period that you will be there. Events are usually

scheduled well in advance, and finding out

about these events well in advance will not only

help you to better make your plans, but it will

also allow you to purchase needed tickets in

advance. Nothing will be more disappointing

than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your

favorite band is in town for a sold out show!

Events can come up at the last minute as well.

Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the

concierge about events that will be taking place

during your stay. If you have already contacted

the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most

of what is going on around town – but there may

be a few surprises in store for you.

Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of

Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages!

Snowmass is a village that almost seems to

be a part of Aspen – but it isn’t. Contact the

Snowmass town hall to find out what events

are scheduled in the village during your visit.

Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen. Use

Internet resources, as well as the information

that you learn from the various Chambers of

Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime

and night time activities while you will be in

Aspen. Again, there is always something to do

in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will

waste a lot of time trying to decide what you

want to do.

While you want to go in with a plan, leave a

day or two open – with no plans. Use these

days for shopping expeditions or simply take a

quiet walk through the quiet Victorian

neighborhoods. Go to a restaurant that isn’t in

your plans, or spend some time in the Great

Room at your lodge. There is always

something to do…but sometimes, it is nice to

have nothing to do as well!

Aspen Nightlife – Aspen Center for

Environmental Studies

Aspen Nightlife isn’t always about music and

dancing. The Aspen Center for Environmental

Studies is a great place to go at night! There

are many planned activities related to

environmental studies, and you shouldn’t miss

the weekly Potbelly Perspective Series.

The Potbelly Perspective Series takes place

one night each week, usually starting about 7pm.

This is a lecture series presented by local

people, as well as visiting guests. Adventures,

pictures and stories are presented that are very

interesting to anyone who has a love of nature

or the environment. This series is not only

interesting; it is also a very inexpensive way to

spend an evening. Admission for adults is only

$3.

Naturalist’s nights are also offered once each

week. Here, you will learn facts about the

natural world, and issues concerning the

natural world. With expert speakers, many

topics are covered, and these nights are planned

in advance. This is a wonderful learning

experience, and a great way to spend an evening

in Aspen.

Many daytime programs are also offered

through the Aspen Center for Environmental

Studies, including ski tours and snowshoe tours.

Call ahead to find out what events are planned,

and to make reservations as necessary.

Aspen Nightlife – The Crystal Palace

If you like comedy, you should visit The Crystal

Palace. This Aspen landmark was established

in 1957, and has been offering quality dining

with satire comedy ever since. The interior of

the restaurant is done in a Victorian style, with

beautiful stained glass windows, sparkling

chandeliers, and vintage furnishings.

If you take politics very seriously, this may not

be the type of comedy you enjoy. The majority

of the comedy acts and musicals have a

political slant to them, and the staff performs

most of the acts. The Crystal Palace is located

in the heart of downtown Aspen, on Hyman

Avenue.

The food is the best you can find anywhere.

Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Fish, Seafood, and

Roast Duckling are served. Don’t make the

mistake of just showing up – call ahead for

reservations. The Crystal Palace is open

Tuesday through Sunday in the evening for

dinner and a show. You should definitely make

it a point to eat here at least once while you

are on your Aspen vacation, as this is a

traditional part of Aspen nightlife for locals and

Aspen Nightlife – Country & Western Dancing

Believe it or not, there is only one place in

Aspen where you can scoot a boot across the

dance floor to the sounds of George Strait, and

other Country & Western favorites – Shooter’s

Salon. Shooter’s Salon is located on South

Galena Street, and they are open from 6:30pm

to 2am every day, and again, this club has the

distinction of being the only Country & Western

club in the whole town of Aspen, Colorado.

Here, cowboy hats, creased jeans, and boots

are the expected attire. During the week, the

music is provided by a DJ, and on weekends

live bands provide the tunes. If you don’t know

how to do the Texas Two-Step, you can learn

how on any Thursday night which is when

Shooter’s offers free Country dance lessons.

Good beer, good music, great dancing, friendly

games of pool or darts – Shooter’s is a place

where all cowboy’s and cowgirl’s will feel right

at home. If you want to let your hair down,

without having to worry about breaking any of

the rules set by ‘polite society’ in the other fine

establishments located in Aspen, Shooter’s is

Aspen Nightlife – World Link Cafй

While on your wonderful vacation in Aspen, you will

enjoy many of the finer things in life – including fresh

open air and natural surroundings. It is wonderful

and peaceful – but since we have become a

technical society, you might start having email

withdrawals. The World Link Cafй in Aspen has a

solution.

This wonderful Internet Cafй is located in the heart

of downtown Aspen on Hyman Avenue. It is open

until 10pm each day, and serves wonderful

cappuccinos, mochas, and lattes, as well as

pastries, cookies, sausage rolls and meat pies. The

Internet is also served with a bank of computers with

Internet Access – where you can access your email.

Of course, there are fees for using the computers,

and it isn’t cheap. It costs about $10 per hour – but

if you are having Internet or email withdrawals, it may

be well worth it to spend twenty bucks or so for a

couple of hours of computer time. Then, get right back

out there and enjoy more of the fresh air and peace

that Aspen has to offer you.

Aspen Nightlife and the Altitude

There is more to do in Aspen than ski! The

Aspen nightlife is like nothing you will

experience elsewhere. The warmth and

camaraderie of all of the skiers, from all of the

different lodges is quite special, and remarkable.

You will have a good time in Aspen, no matter

what you choose to do, but there is one thing

that you should be very aware of before you

start your party – the altitude.

Aspen sits about 8000 feet above sea level.

Unless you live in a high altitude area, you will

need to adjust to this altitude. You may find

yourself feeling dizzy or light headed, and you

may even find it a bit difficult to breath. Altitude

Sickness is a serious problem, and if your

symptoms become extreme, you should seek

medical attention.

If you will be drinking, you need to know that the

altitude will have a large impact on the way your

body handles the alcohol. Many people who are

not used to such a high altitude find that they

become drunker on much less alcohol, in a very

short period of time. It is best that you avoid

drinking alcohol at all until you have adjusted

to the altitude.

It is also important to recognize the signs of

both Altitude sickness and Acute Mountain

Sickness (AMS). Altitude sickness can be

recognized by hyperventilation, shortness of

breath during exertion, increased urination,

changed breathing patterns at night, strange

dreams, and frequently waking from sleep

during the night. Acute Mountain Sickness, on

the other hand, is recognized by loss of appetite,

nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness,

dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty sleeping,

confusion, and a staggering gait.

As you can see, the symptoms of both Altitude

Sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness

somewhat resemble the symptoms of drinking

too much alcohol. The only way to rule out being

drunk is to not drink for at least 48 hours after

your arrival in the higher altitude. You should

also seek medical attention if your symptoms

last more than 48 hours, or if you show signs

of Acute Mountain Sickness. AMS can be

deadly if it is not treated.

Health care professionals suggest that you

avoid drinking alcohol because the effects are

magnified at a high altitude. Avoid strenuous

activity for the first couple of days after arriving

at the higher altitude. Drink extra fluid and visit

a doctor if you have symptoms of AMS

immediately for treatment.

Aspen Nightlife – The Club Scene

After a day on the slopes in Aspen, Colorado, you

are probably ready to do some partying. The Aspen

club scene starts hopping shortly before the slopes

close. Many of the clubs have planned events – and

some are just free-for-alls with music and dancing all

night long. No matter what kind of music you are into,

you will find it in Aspen.

Most of the lodges and hotels in Aspen have bars or

clubs. Some have multiple bars, clubs, or lounges –

so start your search for Aspen nighttime

entertainment at your lodge or hotel. You can

usually find a friendly game of pool in almost any bar

before the music and dancing begin.

The easiest way to find the type of music and dancing

that is most enjoyable to you is to pick up a copy of

Aspen Magazine’s Traveler’s Guide. This guide will

provide you with a list of Aspen hotspots, and let you

know what you can expect at each club or bar. If you

will be drinking, make sure that you don’t drive your

car. Walk or take advantage of the public transportation

or taxi services in the Aspen area.