It’s a gorgeous fall morning as I write this, whispering of winter, and a reminder of when I first moved to our Valley. It was 15 years ago, autumn 1996, when I glimpsed Aspen for the first time. Growing up in Florida, the ocean has always been my anchor, but I’ll never forget my first impression of the Colorado Rockies. En route from Crested Butte, and nearing the end of a cross-country road trip taken two weeks after college graduation, my dear friend and I snaked our way down the majestic Crystal River Valley, awestruck by our first glimpse of Mount Sopris. We snapped photos, cranked the music, and waved our hands through the open sunroof, high on Colorado’s fall colors and the anticipation of what lay ahead.
Our drive up Highway 82 was sprinkled with more gasps, additional pictures, further excitement. When we got to Main Street, we pulled over, sat in Paepcke Park, and stared at Ajax Mountain, silently. But it was the following day, on a Jeep ride over Pearl Pass that I was properly introduced to our backyard—a “pinch-me day,” I remember telling my dad that night on the phone. This ocean girl fell hard for the mountains, and by the time ski season rolled around, my only coat, an L.L. Bean barn jacket, was replaced by Patagonia down; a love of swimming replaced by a love for the slopes.
I recently called my dad to tell him of another “pinch-me day,” this time from my Aspen Peak office. I had to share how excited I was about the stories and cover of these pages. He was quick to remind me how fortunate I am to love what I do. I hope it shows in this issue, which I consider our finest. You’ll find a new design and a polished voice; yet our commitment to connecting you with the best of Aspen remains. At the very least, I hope something within these pages reminds you of your own “pinch-me” Aspen moment, or inspires you to get out there and create one. See you on the slopes.
ERIN LENTZ
Aspen Peak and Bing Snow Polo Party Aspen Peak and Bing hosted the Snow Polo Holiday Party at the St. Regis Resort Aspen.
