Aspen: The Sassy Mama Guide By Andrea McTamaney

Andrea McTamaney reveals the Aspen magic that captures her family summer and winter.

Describe Aspen in 3 words:
Spectacular, charming, small town

Best hotel/ place to stay in Aspen when travelling with kids:
Little Nell or rent a house in town – so many fab ones available.

Your favourite place to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner? Why?
Morning coffee: Victoria’s and ink!
Breakfast: Peach’s and Main St. Bakery a must.
Lunch: AJAX Tavern, Little Nell, Main St. Bakery, Boogie’s Diner, and Peach’s.
Dinner: Brunelleschi’s Pizza or Cache Cache (without kiddies).

What is your favourite thing to do with kids in Aspen ?
Winter: SKIING!, snowboarding, and the X Games in January are WOW for kids to see.

Summer: White water rafting, hiking, biking, horse riding, enjoying the mountains, fishing, hot-air-ballooning…it never ends. There are wonderful kids summer camps too.

Kid friendly location?
Fountain in the middle of town and ice skating rink in winter.

Best places to eat with kids?
Brunelleschi’s Pizza and Boogie’s Diner.

Best outdoor activity?
Skiing, but we also love hiking and exploring the natural beauty in summer.

Favourite spa?
St Regis Remede Spa

Best place to rent gear?
Aspen Sports – they’re located all over and offer free transfer of skis to different mountains.

I get my hair done at…
…hmmm too busy skiing!

The three shops I can’t live without are…
The Little Bird – upscale consignment store – wonderful finds, Explore Booksellers – an amazing bookstore on Main Street, and Carl’s Pharmacy.

Who I have on my Aspen speed dial and why…
Ski instructors

Best place for yoga?
O2, but there are many other choices…

Your favourite souvenirs…
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chocolates.

An unforgettable moment?
Children skiing/flying down the half pipe…

Can’t live without…
ARC – Aspen Recreation Center for kids – amazing pool, rock climbing walls and full size hockey arena, and only 5 minutes from Aspen core. Aspen Art Museum is an amazing collection of contemporary art from around the world. Gorgeous setting too near the Rio Grande Trail.

Don’t miss…
All the usual designers: Fendi, Prada, Burberry, Zegna, Dior etc…. The town is also always promoting arts and culture and the heritage of Aspen. There are lots of non profits here too.

Favourite time of year in Aspen, why and what do you love to do?
Skiing during winter and choosing which mountain we will pick for the day – Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain (a.k.a AJAX), Snowmass or Buttermilk for kids.

What advice would you give families visiting Aspen?
Explore the different mountains and beauty of the area.

Winter: For young children try Powder Pandas for group or private ski lessons. They are wonderful programs in Buttermilk and Snowmass.

Summer: Explore and enjoy; get the kids to the mountains and venture out. Also the Food and Wine Festival, Farmer’s Market, Theatre Aspen is fab with its Hurst Tent, and the Snowmass Rodeo is always fun.

Tell us one thing about Aspen we don’t know
The world class find: Ice Age fossils found in Snowmass this year. It is a once in a lifetime discovery, with 10 mastodons, 4 mammoths and many more……