Aspen Attractions

Outdoor ice skating with Aspen Mountain serving as a backdrop can be found at the Silver Circle Ice Rink (which is free for guests staying at the Hyatt Grand Aspen). The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Indoor ice skating is offered year-round at the Aspen Ice Garden (970-920-5141).

Touting itself as the "Power of Four," Aspen is actually better defined as Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Although Aspen Mountain offers a ski school for ages 5 to 17, the most family-friendly ski school and mountain are Snowmass, which provides lessons for as young as two and a half, as well as daycare programs so mom and dad can ski while the little ones play.

Another great way to see the mountains is comfortably perched on a motorized snow vehicle, although your teens may find the exhilaration of speed the best part of the trip. T-Lazy-7 is a snowmobile tour company offering a variety of tours. The most popular is one through the country's most photographed mountains, the Maroon Bells. Tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and last for two hours with a stop along Maroon Lake with hot cocoa. Lunch tours include all-you-can-eat burgers from local ranches. Drivers must be 18 but passengers can ride as long as they are 3 and older. $200 for single rider; $300 for double riders.

At the base of the new Snowmass Village awaits the most kid-friendly attraction available at any U.S. ski destination. The 25,000-square-foot complex features themed rooms for ages 8 weeks and up, with special activities for preschoolers, gradeschoolers, 'tweens and teens. For skiers, free ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes of Snowmass is offered, including lessons for the little ones as mom and dad hit the slopes. Family-friendly climbing gyms are available indoors, and the whole clan can reunite for family-friendly apres ski when the slopes close. Evening activities are also available, as well as summer camp programs.

Aspen is not just for skiing, the summer months offer a plethora of fun, as well. The raging waters of the Arkansas and Fork Rivers provide Class II (mild) through Class V (extreme) rides. Minimum ages begin at 6 with half- and full-day programs available running May through September. Prices start at $74 adults, $64 child.