Aspen Peak Magazine

Where to Entertain Outdoors

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Following a winter of hibernation, there’s nothing more cathartic than cleaning off the patio, retrieving the summer furniture, and spending time outdoors. With the change of seasons, the must-have amenity in Aspen homes shifts to a lavish outdoor entertainment spot. “Whether it’s a large wraparound deck or an expansive patio, the more useful the outdoor space, the better,” says Ben Roos, broker associate at Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty (970-925-6060).

Any residence can host guests under the stars by utilizing the area properly. For example, a small lot in the West End can accommodate a great open-air patio; “it just takes a little more imagination,” Roos says. “The best entertaining spaces flow well from one area to the next or have several spots where people can gather in smaller groups.”

Robert Sinclair of Robert G. Sinclair Architecture, Inc. (970-925-4269) agrees: “A space doesn’t have to be large to make the most of a view.” He is designing homes that connect interiors and exteriors using pocketed or partitioned doors and windows. With the addition of deep eaves, this method can double entertaining space. His firm designed the stately West Buttermilk Ranch with view-enhancing terraces that include a covered dining area and an outdoor fireplace.

These views make for an ideal backdrop for summer soirées. “People want nice lounging space but to be able to move furniture for parties,” says Barbara Mullen, co-owner and principal designer of Caroline-Edwards, Inc. Interior Architecture & Design (970-920-3331). Her go-to décor items are easy to move outdoor furniture in metal finishes; colorful throws and pillows in durable fabrics to offset the neutral surroundings; and large umbrellas on wheels for daytime versatility.

Additional outdoor amenities include stainless-steel grills and heating elements. Keeping stocked fridges or cabinets in outdoor dining areas is not advised (due to uninvited wildlife guests), but Roos says the most efficient spaces have easy access to the kitchen or pantry. For warmth, Sinclair suggests built-in radiant heaters, but fire pits are also popular.

Mullen often works with landscape architect Greg Mozian to better integrate the design of these spaces with nature. “The color, texture, and size of the plantings and materials can tie an outdoor room into both the environment and the interior spaces,” Mozian says. In Sotheby’s listing at 360 Eagle Pines Drive, a spacious indoor entertaining area connects to a deck, which extends across the rear of the home and a patio with a fire pit and covered area. The space flows effortlessly into the surrounding lawn, the swimming pool, and a cascading water feature.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MICHAEL BRANDS (360 EAGLE PINES); RGS ARCHITECTURE, INC. (BUTTERMILK RANCH)

Jet Set's European Athletic Wear

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Silk anorak, Kendy 2 ($800).

With summer in full bloom, our winter layers are officially out of sight and mind, leaving our daily wardrobes in need of some freshening up with new, season-appropriate activewear. Rather than resorting to the tired yoga brands of years past, Aspen’s athletically inclined are turning to Jet Set for its assortment of superior sportswear. Situated on East Hyman Avenue, the local boutique is the St. Moritz, Switzerland-based brand’s only stateside outpost, and it stocks exclusive items for men and women. For summer, the selection of womenswear that is especially noteworthy includes a covetable lineup of lightweight jersey and crepe de chine T-shirts, silk anoraks with chenille linings, and printed vichy nylon sport shorts in the most vibrant shades of coral, banana yellow, and plum, which are particularly on-trend this season. 433 E. Hyman Ave., 970-429-8336

Top Dishes for Patio Dining

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

LEFT: The patio at Pacifica is right in the heart of Aspen’s action; RIGHT: Esther Pearlstone

Ajax Tavern
The double cheeseburger with Parmesan-truffle fries is the way to go! 685 E. Durant Ave., 970-920-6334

Cache Cache
The French onion soup and the filet with peppercorn sauce are my longtime favorites. 205 S. Mill St., 970-925-3835

Caribou Club
This is a well-kept secret for summer dining. Great for a big group, as it looks stunning with a long table down the center. The seafood plateau is the ultimate summer indulgence. 411 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-925-2929

Ellina’s
My son, Remy, suggests the braised artichoke heart bruschetta, served with an organic poached egg, shaved truffles, and Parmesan. 430 E. Hyman Ave., 970-925-2976

Garden Terrace at the Hotel Jerome
I love the corn nuts in the barbecue chicken salad. 330 E. Main St., 970-920-1000

Matsuhisa
An urban Aspen experience. You can’t go wrong with the rock shrimp tempura and yellowtail jalapeño. 303 E. Main St., 970-544-6628

The Meatball Shack
It has an incredible meatball menu, among other delectables. Check out the crowds near the water fountain. 312 S. Mill St., 970-925-1349

Pacifica Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Try the fried calamari and all things seafood. 307 S. Mill St., 970-920-9775

Sundeck on Aspen Mountain
It has the ultimate view! I love the wok station. Order the black bean ginger garlic chicken or shrimp pad thai. 970-923-1227

The Wild Fig
It’s a Mediterranean jewel. Try the “Flavors of the Sun” plate (hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel) or fish in a bag. 315 E. Hyman Ave., 970-925-5160

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PACIFICA (PACIFICA); JEFF GALE (PEARLSTONE)

Classic Denim at the Blues Jean Bar

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Blues Jean Bar stocks some 40 brands in its 18 US stores and features a mobile jeans bar trunk show in Aspen.

Outfitted with a wooden bar, worn-in bar stools, and a staff of “jeantenders,” The Blues Jean Bar isn’t your typical watering hole. Founded by Aspen denizen Lady Fuller, the national retailer caters to men and women looking for the ultimate pair of blue jeans. “I wanted to create a store that was very different [and] that met people’s needs, but also felt warm and homey,” explains Fuller. “Being from New Orleans, I thought a blue jean bar was a fun play on a blues bar.”

Stocking more than 40 designer labels, including Genetic Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s, and MiH Jeans, the store features a “menu” above the bar, breaking down the well-edited merchandise by brand, wash, size, and style. “Every single body type is different, so a jean that fits one person won’t necessarily be right for another,” she says. “The perfect pair is the jean that complements your individual body type.” In addition to its 18 brick-and-mortar locations, The Blues Jean Bar now offers a BJB Express service, allowing online shoppers to receive five head-to-toe outfits based on their personal measurements and taste. And while there’s no store here in Aspen just yet, the retailer offers trunk shows in the form of a mobile jeans bar, which is rolling into town this summer so that locals can shop classic styles like boot cut, flare, and skinny, as well as a variety of contemporary offerings, including colored, printed, and embellished denim. Although Fuller continues to expand her reach, it is her local surroundings that most inspire her. “In Aspen, the world comes to you. Everyone passes through here,” she says. “Our small town’s transient lifestyle of having people like the Dalai Lama, Julia Roberts, and Bill Clinton in the same grocery store is something special. It’s the brain gain of all the different people who visit that inspires me.” 720 E. Durant Ave., Ste. E7, 970-429-8028

Summer/Fall Charity Register

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Wince Gill and Amy Grant Golf Classic
What: Challenge Aspen is a nonprofit that has been providing adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to individuals with disabilities since 1995. The 10th annual golf classic will include an intimate dinner, a concert, and a gala at the St. Regis, followed by a day of golfing with PGA and celebrity players.
When: Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30
Where: Aspen Golf Club & Tennis Club, 1000 Truscott Pl., 970-923-0578

ARTCRUSH
What: The Aspen Art Museum’s annual ArtCrush summer benefit features three days of art-related events: WineCrush, hosted by John and Amy Phelan; PreviewCrush, a cocktail reception and sneak peek at the live-auction lots, held at the Baldwin Gallery; and finally, the main event, ArtCrush, which attracts 350 attendees to the Aspen Art Museum grounds. This festive gathering brings together a who’s who of the contemporary international art scene. In addition, Teresita Fernández will be honored with the Aspen Art Museum’s 2013 Aspen Award for Art.
When: Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
Where: Aspen Art Museum, 590 N. Mill St., 970-925-8050

ArtAspen
What: ArtAspen will feature 30 international galleries showing more than 1,000 pieces of contemporary art. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the “I Believe in Art” campaign to raise funds to build a new campus for the Aspen Community School, a public charter school known for its outstanding visual and performing arts programs that is housed in one of the state’s lowest-rated facilities.
When: Thursday, August 1–Sunday, August 4
Where: Aspen Ice Garden, 233 W. Hyman Ave., 970-920-5141

Areday
Who: American Renewable Energy Day presents its 10th anniversary gala, featuring speaker Ted Turner. The annual summit on renewable energy technology and policy focuses on America’s new clean-energy economy and solutions to the climate crisis.
When: Thursday, August 15–Sunday, August 18
Where: Doerr-Hosier Center at the Aspen Meadows Resort, 845 Meadows Road, 970-948-9929

Komen Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure
What: The Aspen affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure serves Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield Counties and plays a vital role in fighting breast cancer in our community. This bike race will raise awareness and funds to fight the disease. Participants can choose a century ride (100 miles), a metric century (62.5 miles), or a 30-mile course.
When: Saturday, August 17
Where: Wagner Park, S. Mill St., 970-920-0250

Weekend Recommender: May 24-27

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:00 -0400

Memorial Weekend: Ski Ajax!
Saturday-Monday May 25-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Just when you thought ski season was over the Aspen Skiing Company has decided to open Ajax Mountain for Memorial Day weekend. The top of the mountain has plenty of snow for fun in the sun, with 90 acres open to ski and ride, and the Silver Queen Gondola will operate from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., while the Ajax Express Chair will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take a break for lunch at the Sundeck restaurant or Ajax Tavern. Aspen Mountain, 970-923-1227

Wheeler Film Society Screening
Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 25, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The acclaimed film “No” will be screened at the historic Wheeler Opera House, a story on Chilean military director Augusto Pinochet. Featuring actor Gael Garcia Bernal, this tense drama retells an important political dilemma. Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., 970-920-5770

On Stage: Sons Of Fathers at Belly Up
Monday, May 27, 9 p.m.
This Memorial Day show will surely have town abuzz. Hailing from Texas, Sons of Fathers is known for its strong live act, and front men David Beck and Paul Cauthen have been tapped as emerging artists to watch. Expect a genre-bending mix of Americana folk, country, and rock. 450 S. Galena St., 970-544-9800

BY ERIN LENTZ

Precision Timekeeping Takes Center Stage

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

FROM LEFT: This Hermès Arceau Time Suspended watch ($19,400) is crafted in stainless steel. The time can be continuously displayed on the dial, or the wearer can opt to hide the time display with the push of a button. From Van Cleef & Arpels, this Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantée ($141,000) is crafted in 18k white gold and features a gold-sculpted and enamel-worked ballerina in the center whose tutu actually comprises the retrograde hands of the watch. With the push of a button the tutu hands rise to show the hours and minutes on either side of the ballerina, transforming her into a butterfly. The automatic Secret Hours watch from Franck Muller ($42,200) features hour and minute hands at 12:00 that indicate the time with the push of a button at 9:00 and then return to 12:00 when the button is released.

Life can be such a whirlwind that sometimes we wish we could somehow slow the pace. Luckily for us, a few timepieces have been developed that give the illusion of doing just that. On the heels of this year’s watch show in Switzerland, this newest crop of complex mechanical wonders are created by master watchmakers who rise creatively to the challenge of stopping the indication of time—or indeed, creating the impression that time itself is suspended.

“We are a house that produces beautiful objects, and the idea is to make people dream,” says Luc Perramond, CEO of La Montre Hermès S.A. “Time for us is a friend; it is not a factor of stress. We wanted to create a watch wherein time can be stopped at the push of a button.” The Hermès Arceau Time Suspended wristwatch, developed by well-known watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, was four years in the making and expresses the label’s concept of time as a dream. The wearer can push a button and stop the tracking of time, making the hour and minute hands rest at around 12:00, and, further, making the date indication disappear. The watch continues to track time internally, but the hands will not move until the wearer pushes the button again. At that point, the hands automatically position themselves to the proper time and continue on their journey. Featuring three retrograde functions, the watch allows the wearer to control whether time is displayed continually or is hidden, delighting watch lovers around the world.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerine Enchantée also allows women the wonder of stopping time while beguiling them with an eye-catching design. Part of the Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetic Complications” collection, this watch drew its inspiration from a quote by Anna Pavlova that echoes the imagery of the maison: “I’ve been dreaming that I was a ballerina, and that I was spending my whole life dancing as lightly as a butterfly.” The timepiece houses a Swiss mechanical movement with a double retrograde time-on-demand module developed for the brand.

It features a guilloché and translucent enamel dial picturing an enchanting ballerina wearing a colorful tutu. The tutu is split in half with each part being one of two retrograde hands that indicate the hours and the minutes. With the push of a button, the tutu comes to life—with each half rising on either side of the ballerina to indicate the time—transforming the spirited dancer into an exquisite butterfly. The hands trace an arc on either side of the graceful figure, pointing to the hours on the left side and the minutes on the right side before returning to their initial position to begin another cycle.

For men, Franck Muller has a similar concept with the Secret Hours Curvex watch: In this bold timepiece, both the hour and the minute hands remain at 12:00, moving only to indicate the time at the push of a button thanks to the intricate design of its 264—yes, 264—components. Because stopping time is impressive, of course it no simple thing to achieve.

Hublot LaFerrari Watch

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com

While in BaselWorld, ATimelyPerspective.com posted on our Facebook page about the new Hublot LaFerrari watch—created to celebrate the partnership between Hublot and the sleek and stealth Ferrari brand. As those who love cars and watches know, the Ferrari brand has partnered with other watch brands before Hublot: Girard-Perregaux and Panerai are among them.

However, the relationship with Hublot may have been made with the idea in mind by both parties to create as something bold and uniquely different. The LaFerrari being the first example therein—created with input from both the car and watch sides. The question is, does it deliver what car and watch lovers want?

The new watch features a bold case shape that is designed to emulate the look of the stealth car. The materials used are high-tech, as is the technology. This watch holds a thus-far world record in the power reserve field. It offers a massive 50 days of power reserve—not 50 hours like many watches—50 days. Thus, one can wear this watch for just over a month and a half without having to wind it. The indication of power reserve is visible on a cylindrical readout.

The complex movement, which contains 637 pieces, includes 11 spring barrels lined up in the center of the watch and resembling a crank shaft; underscoring the automotive motif. With a full sapphire crystal, much of the movement is visible to the eye. Time (hour and minutes) is displayed on cylinders opposite the power reserve readout. The watch—which also houses a large 14.5mm flying tourbillon escapement—offers seconds on an aluminum cylinder attached to the tourbillon cage.

So, is the verdict in now? Is this what you expected from Hublot genius Jean-Claude Biver? Is this the new generation of Ferrari that everyone was waiting for? It should be noted that this world-first watch (remember 50 days of power reserve) created in a limited edition of 50 pieces retails for $345,000—certainly much less that the million-dollar car, but still a hefty figure.

Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.

Michael Kors Interviews Aerin Lauder

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:00 -0400

Having known Aerin Lauder for nearly 20 years, I was pleased to partner with her on this story; we spoke of new topics. Who knew such a glamour gal was the outdoorsy type, enjoying summer biking and hiking in Aspen? And although I surmised she always had a love of beauty pulsing through her veins, it was interesting to hear how her career has unfolded. When Aerin first started working at Prescriptives, one of her first jobs post-college, she was photographed by The New York Times in a little camel double-faced T-shirt minidress, a Michael Kors design. I love all things camel, and I remember thinking: Uh-huh, she’s a tawny girl, I’m a tawny boy; this is meant to happen. And we became fast friends.

Throughout the years, our memories involve dancing, shopping, and eating—dancing like crazy at a wedding until Aerin’s dress hem came down; partying on the beach in Wainscott at a chic AERIN party; sitting with her, Marilyn Manson, and Dita Von Teese at Bungalow 8 after the Met Ball one year; or going for late-night burgers (everyone ordered their own fries and no one would share!).

Our mutual admiration has blossomed into an enduring friendship, and I’m thrilled to see her evolve her successful career beyond beauty, incorporating accessories and home goods with her new brand, AERIN. With a penchant for fashion, style, and all things luxury, Aerin’s lifestyle brand seems a logical next step. Here, we discuss how her famous family and lineage in beauty informed her profession, why now was the time to expand her brand, and how her love of Aspen as a teen has only grown, culminating in the purchase of her first mountain home.

MICHAEL KORS: Let’s talk about Aspen. I can’t really ski. The only way for me to stop is to sit down. In my mind, unless I can be Audrey Hepburn in Charade, on a terrace, that’s my only skiing moment—only après, not during.
AERIN LAUDER: You would have loved skiing when I was in Aspen two weeks ago. It was so warm. You could sit outside in shorts and a T-shirt. It was perfect, from my point of view.

MK: When you were growing up, did you think you’d go into the family business and beauty?
AL: I always loved beauty and fashion. When I was a very little girl, I used to play with that Barbie doll that was only just the head. Remember that? It was this doll where you could do her hair, makeup, and jewelry. And it was probably my favorite toy. I always loved beauty and accessories, and it’s always something I was passionate about. So I think it was the next step. People always ask what I would have done if I weren’t doing what I’m doing. And I say I’d [still] be in fashion or in beauty. It’s such a dream come true now because I have the ability to go into home [goods] and accessories as well.

MK: When did you start working at Estée Lauder?
AL: Every summer during college, I would work in a different brand of the company—whether it was Clinique or Prescriptives. One summer I worked at Estée Lauder, and I really enjoyed the whole creative process. After college—I [studied] at the Annenberg School for Communication [at the University of Pennsylvania], which focused on visual communications such as advertising, film, and art history—I came to Prescriptives first for a few years, working with Jane Hudis. Then I went over to Estée Lauder, and I was there until just two years ago. Now I’m just a consultant, but it’s still been a brand that I’ve grown up with... Jane was an amazing role model because she taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and passion. Even today, when I have meetings with her, I realize that it’s so important to love what you do.

MK: You can’t do what we do unless you’re totally in love with it.
AL: How this whole concept started was that people would always ask, “What’s in your makeup bag? How do you get that sun-kissed look? How do you create that no-makeup makeup look? What are the items you can’t live without?” After being in the beauty business for so many years and having Estée be such an incredible role model in the sense of beauty—as well as working with amazing makeup artists and going to fashion shows and being friends with designers—it was a wonderful idea to create this capsule beauty collection that was edited and focused. And from there we conceptualized the other categories. As you know better than anyone, people love buying into a lifestyle and an overall concept. So when they buy a shell-colored lip gloss, they can also buy shells for their house, as well as sunglasses and [items in] other categories [in that shade] to create one consistent image.

MK: After being strictly in the beauty world for so long, what let you know it was time to spread your wings and try something new?
AL: People were always asking me home questions. It was something I’ve always loved. I’ve always—since a young age and still to this day—loved decorating, fabrics, furniture, antiques, and lighting. And for all the articles I’ve done, a lot have been about beauty and style, but a huge amount have been about my homes. So it was a wonderful next step to go into that world. I’m doing tabletop now. We have quite a large showroom [in High Point, North Carolina] that we’re doing with E.J. Victor and Visual Comfort for lighting and Lee Jofa for fabrics. So we’re doing [the décor for] multiple rooms.

MK: My idea of fun is not to edit the closet, but I love rearranging a room. I could move furniture for hours on end.
AL: I think it’s so much fun to create a space. As the world has gotten more and more hectic—with these horrible catastrophes [happening]—people are going out less, ordering in, [having guests over]. People love to be in their homes. I think to make your home as comfortable as possible is so important. There’s something really interesting about that as a trend, that whole idea of lifestyle and being happy in your surroundings.

MK: Who’s the AERIN brand customer?
AL: It’s probably the person who wears Michael Kors clothes. It’s someone who loves luxury and style and at the same time has a sense of ease. It’s not necessarily an age group. It’s a woman who’s busy. She loves the idea of everything being edited and focused. And the same goes for the other categories, such as the home. We did all the fabrics so they can be mixed and matched, and the same for the tabletop. All the plates can be used together or separately.

MK: Chic, chic, chic, but at the same time simplify it.
AL: Exactly. It’s like simple style. I was in your store yesterday, and everything was color coordinated. It’s easy. People still want style, and they still want luxury, but they want it made simple. When you ask women today what’s the one thing they wish they had more of, they always say time. So the idea of being able to shop cross-category to buy the beach bag, the summer lip gloss, and the pillows for your pool house makes it into this very focused, easy life.

MK: Your whole family has been going to Aspen for a really long time. What’s your first memory of Aspen?
AL: I was in my early teens. I went to visit my aunt and uncle, and I absolutely fell in love with it then. There’s such a wonderful balance of outdoors and style—such a great energy, great restaurants, and shops. It has absolutely everything you could possibly want, from the most extreme skiing to the most luxurious stores to Nobu [Matsuhisa restaurant] and everything in between. It’s just the perfect destination for everyone. It’s wonderful because, unlike other ski resorts, it is beautiful all year round.

MK: Evelyn and Leonard [Lauder] went not just in the winter?
AL: No, they went for the whole summer. I love it there in the summertime. We go almost every summer for a week, but we don’t stay out there all summer. We go back and forth. It’s great because you do amazing hikes. The air is so fresh; it’s so sunny. [We go] white-water rafting and biking. It’s very sporty.

MK: But then you can get into town to get some miso cod! Perfect places are where you can have nature all day and then go shopping and have great food after.
AL: It’s paradise to us. I have two sons, ages 12 and 13. And everyone likes it for different reasons. I like it for Nobu [Matsuhisa], the beautiful scenery, the great shopping, and the easier trails. And my husband just did this insane Grand Traverse: a 40-mile ski race that starts at midnight. I know you’re dying to do that, Michael [laughs]. It was crazy. But that race was unbelievable because it shows that Aspen has so many different dimensions to it. That’s what makes it so unique.

MK: You like to tell stories with [the décor of] your homes. The house in Aspen feels very different than your apartment in New York or your Hamptons house. What do you love about the Aspen house?
AL: I love the view, and I love the simplicity of it. We have this beautiful Nakashima coffee table in our living room. I got it for my husband for our 10th wedding anniversary—before we even knew we would have a home in Aspen—because I loved the feeling of it, the style. It went into storage because we didn’t have a place for it for five years until we got this Aspen house. There’s always been a side of me that loves that simple, modern, mountain sensibility. And when I walked into the house and saw the view, I just knew immediately that it was perfect. And that’s why everything is very simple in the house. It’s all white and wood and fur blankets and throws because I just really wanted to focus on the views and the simplicity of nature.

MK: The Lauder family recently gave a generous contribution to the Aspen Valley Hospital [through The Lauder Foundation], and overall, your family has long been involved in philanthropy—both in Aspen and on a national level. Tell us about a cause that is close to your heart.
AL: I’m a huge supporter of First Book [a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that provides access to new books for children in need]. I have always loved books, and as a mother, I wanted to share my passion for reading with my children. For many children getting access to books isn’t easy. First Book understands how crucial books and reading are to a child’s life.

MK: Let’s be frank. We are Olympic shoppers. In what Aspen stores do you shop?
AL: My favorite store in Aspen is Kemo Sabe. You can get these amazing cowboy hats and branded belts and cowboy boots that have embroidered flowers on them. You walk in and you feel like you’re in this incredible Aspen experience.

MK: And your favorite restaurant?
AL: I love Ajax Tavern right at the base of the gondola. It has great food—delicious truffle french fries and cheeseburgers.

MK: So if you had to sum up Aspen in a few words, what does it mean to you?
AL: Mountains, fresh air, and style.

MK: That’s a pretty fabulous combo. Now the only thing I need to learn is how to ski like a normal human being.
AL: Come and visit. You don’t have to do anything. We could shop and eat truffle french fries.

USA Pro Challenge Returns to Colorado

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Take the world’s top pro cyclists, including Christian Vande Velde and Tejay van Garderen. Map out 599 miles of grueling terrain, tackled by less than one-inch rubber bicycle tires across the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains. As an extra test of endurance, add in the highest elevated climb in professional cycling race history, to 12,000 feet, over Independence Pass. And that’s the makings of the USA Pro Challenge, fast becoming the hottest event in biking and taking place this year August 19–25. A mix of big business, big-name riders, and big egos, this seven-stage, adrenaline-infused spin-off just so happens to kick off in downtown Aspen.

Sure, there’s the exceptional Le Tour de France, but Americans can now get in on the action instead of merely watching French cycling fanatics on TV. And considering last year’s USA Pro Challenge drew more than 1 million spectators to the state of Colorado over seven days, this anticipated competition is raising the profile of cycling in the US, as evidenced by the increasing number of recreational cyclists putting rubber to road. Nationally televised on NBC, the estimated economic impact to the state is $99.6 million, according to a study by global sports research firm IFM North America.

The man to beat this year is likely Christian Vande Velde, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge champion, who clenched last year’s title in a nail-biting Denver time trial during the final Stage 7. This August, two-time Pro Challenge rider and member of California-based BMC Racing Team Tejay van Garderen may just have a shot at the coveted final yellow jersey. “It’s not going to be an easy start,” says van Garderen. “At that elevation and on that kind of course, we won’t be easing into the race. It’s going to be straight from the gun, really hard racing. I’m a little nervous, but it should be fun.”

The seven-day race will begin on Monday, August 19 with a circuit race of three 22-mile laps, each one climbing 3,080 feet with hardly any recovery, that connect Aspen and Snowmass Village.

“Aspen is a community with a deep passion for cycling, and there’s great leadership,” says USA Pro Challenge CEO and Cochairman Shawn Hunter about why Aspen was chosen to host the start of America’s biggest cycling race. “It has hosted starts and finishes for the last two years. It was the next logical step to become the race start. Aspen has done a great job since day one.”

And perhaps van Garderen may have a slight advantage while in Aspen, considering many of his avid supporters will be cheering him on from the sidelines. “This is huge,” he says. “I have family and a lot of friends in Aspen, [and] I love the town. It’s going to be an incredible start to the race.”

Hunter adds, “It’s going to be intense from start to finish. This year, three of the stages include circuits—Aspen/Snowmass, Fort Collins, and Denver. It’s a challenging route for riders.”

It’s also the most fan-friendly race to date. Most host communities have both a finish and a start, and it’s a compact race—the two farthest distances are Aspen and Denver, separated by less than 200 miles.

The race begins with three “neutral” laps in Aspen before racers head to Main Street and Maroon Creek Road, cross the Tiehack pedestrian bridge, and then follow Tiehack Road out to Highway 82. Riders will traverse up Owl Creek Road to Snowmass Village, ride down Brush Creek Road to Medicine Bow Road, and then follow Lower Ranch Road. The race will parallel the highway before crossing at Smith Hill Way, continuing through the West End for the ride back to Main Street. Bike paths parallel most of the route, and there are multiple locations where spectators can see the peloton.

On August 20, Stage 2 starts in Aspen and then snakes up the dreaded yet incredibly scenic Independence Pass. At 12,000 feet, it’s the highest climb in the history of professional cycling races. Team Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda racer Peter Stetina, who’s a lifelong Boulderite, will acclimatize for the race by spending a block of time at a high-altitude location a week before the race starts. At high altitudes, there’s less oxygen in the air to push cyclist’s muscles and produce power.

“It’s a lot more lung-based,” Stetina says. “Your heart rate is much higher. Your legs might not hurt, but your heart rate is sky-high before you know it. It’s easy to go to the point of no return. It has to be a measured effort. Every time you train, you push that barrier. You’re trying to push yourself into a mild state of suffocation. The person who can do that the longest, wins.”

After “Indy” Pass is summited, the riders barely get any reprieve before ascending Hoosier Pass on the way to Breckenridge, with a lung-busting, 15 percent grade climb in the heart of Breckenridge prior to a wild ride down Boreas Pass. From there, Stage 3 of the race routes to Steamboat Springs, with Stage 4 finishing in Beaver Creek and Stage 5 in Vail (for the individual time trial on August 23). Stage 6 introduces two new host cities, as racers ride from Loveland to Fort Collins. The race culminates with a circuit in Denver on August 25.

“The greatest thing I’ve heard is the positive feedback from the riders,” says Hunter. “They love competing in front of the big crowds. Everyone says the only race with crowds bigger than here is Le Tour de France.”

“It’s my favorite race of the year,” adds Stetina. “It’s the Wild West. I love the big rural roads, the alpine vistas, and the mountain peaks. Cycling is inherently a scenery sport. You go from point A to point B, and that’s the biking, but once you make recreation out of it, you take the scenic route. That’s a no-brainer in Colorado. A lot of mountain bikers say [road racing] is not as much fun, but wait until you get into a stage race. Once you learn the tactics and mind games, it’s a chess match at 30 mph.”

For those of us mere cycling mortals, Aspen locals have always known what the world is now discovering, thanks in large part to the additional exposure of the Pro Challenge—the Roaring Fork Valley is a world-class cycling destination. Aspen’s mountain roads are some of the most scenic in the state and, for the most part, traffic-free. Hundreds of miles of single track challenge mountain bikers in every corner of the Valley, and Snowmass offers lift-accessed downhill mountain biking. Van Garderen’s favorite training rides are Independence Pass, Maroon Bells, Castle Creek, and a variety of routes downvalley.

In addition to following the action-packed peloton, weekend events surrounding the USA Pro Challenge include group rides, clinics, and more. VIP tickets for the Aspen/Snowmass stages benefit Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and grant access to a VIP tent at the finish on Monday, August 19 and at the start the next day. The USA Pro Challenge is held August 19–25, with the race start in Aspen August 19, and Stage 2, from Aspen to Breckenridge, held on August 20. 888- 223-3351

A Vintage-Chic Stay at Hotel Jerome

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Jerome B. Wheeler’s prescient vision for Aspen, the Hotel Jerome, has hit a new era—and to much applause. In 1889, Wheeler, a former co-owner of Macy’s, gleaned that Aspen was in need of Rocky Mountain hospitality and built one of the town’s most celebrated landmarks. Since its inception, the “Jerome” has been a hub of Aspen society. With its classic Victorian redbrick exterior and prime Main Street locale, the property, one of the first buildings west of the Mississippi to claim electricity, has been headquarters for silver miners and skiers, celebrities and socialites, residents and tourists. After undergoing an extensive remodel and reopening in December 2012, this grande dame of hospitality has never looked so good.

Operated by Auberge Resorts, the hotel’s face-lift involved a handpicked team helmed by Vegas-based Todd-Avery Lenahan, whose TAL-Studio is known for its elegant, playful designs. Additionally, Aspen-based Rowland & Broughton Architecture & Urban Design worked on the extensive overhaul. With Auberge Resorts Chief Operating Officer Eric Calderon (formerly of The Little Nell) and General Manager Tony DiLucia on board, too, the Jerome remains a local favorite, with its precious history preserved.

Home to galas and ghosts, from the refined to the raucous, such Jerome quirks and claims (the “Aspen Crud,” a famous milkshake spiked with smuggled bourbon, originated at the J-Bar during Prohibition) remain decidedly intact, while its modern makeover lends a new, chic vibe. The Prospect restaurant, featuring Colorado-inspired cuisine by chef Rob Zack; the new Auberge Spa; the buzz-worthy Living Room lounge; and the venerable J-Bar all offer unique “only in Aspen” moments—just like Wheeler would have wanted. Rates start at $695. 330 E. Main St., 970-920-1000

Exclusive: Pete McBride and Andy Mill Cast Their Lines

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Standing knee-deep in the icy, emerald-green water careening over a kaleidoscope of polished rocks, I am once again reminded of the magic of rivers. It’s early spring, and I’m a few yards upstream from longtime Aspenite and friend Andy Mill. We’re both quietly studying a deep trough in a “secret spot” near the Woody Creek Tavern. The current is folding upon itself in mesmerizing repetition, while eddies on either side dance a ballet with ripples and bubbles. The afternoon sun beams through the water, but the channel in front of us hides in the shadow of evergreens on the far bank. The only sound is the consistent gurgle of snowmelt moving downstream, and we both know there are some “lunkers” lurking before us. It’s the ideal afternoon at a sweet fishing hole on our childhood river—the Roaring Fork.

“See him, right there, by the rock?” Andy asks over the cigar clenched in his teeth. He quickly points with the end of his fly rod, his eyes laser-focused on the shadow line.

“Got him,” I respond softly, seeing the pink flash of a rainbow trout 15 feet in front of us. “Old Sam,” I mutter under my breath. “Get him.”

Andy casts his line slightly upstream. The two flies—a blue wing emerger and a prince nymph, tied 16 inches apart and roughly a foot below a small lead weight—disappear into the crystal, burbling water. Our eyes follow the line as it drifts with the current.

“Come on… come on, baby. Bam! There ya go!” Andy exclaims, grinning, teeth still clenching his half-smoked cigar. “Gotcha!”

The water in front of us quivers and then explodes. The fly rod arcs skyward and a fat fish leaps from the shadows, its belly plump with a bright streak of rust red, pink, and sapphire green. Black freckles cloak its back. Fish on!

Andy Mill and Pete McBride: "Just two souls fishing"
In the world of fly-fishing, Andy Mill is somewhat of a legend. He made a name for himself not on the Gold Medal water in which we stand, but producing TV fishing shows around the world and in competitive saltwater fishing tournaments chasing trophy fish: tarpon, bonefish, and permit. And some fishing enthusiasts dream, as I do, of catching one of each (the wily permit continues to elude me). Andy, however, calls such species to his fly like a siren. He is the only fisherman in the world to win major fly-fishing tournaments for all three—tarpon, bonefish, and, yes, the permit fish.

I’m a guy with a fish story. He’s the guy with the big fish story and the trophy to back it up.

He has landed tarpons the size of surfboards (his largest weighed about 170 pounds) and even hooked a 500-pound blue marlin with a fly rod. “The reel was screaming like an ex-wife,” he says, laughing. He landed an 800-pound marlin that was the biggest eye-opener of his life on conventional tackle. Throughout his fishing career, Andy has fished more secret holes in secret seas than most, perhaps even Hemingway’s Old Man. Off the shores of Panama, he fished with big-league enthusiasts like former President George H.W. Bush and the Panamanian and Spanish presidents, to boot.

But what is more special for me than hearing his stories or witnessing his fishing magic is revisiting our home river—together. It is an old-school reunion of sorts. “I learned to fish here when I was 9,” Andy says. “I’ve come home.”

So have I. I too grew up on the river before us—swimming, fishing, rafting. We both were raised in Aspen, where we spent our winter months ski racing—chasing speed and gates down the snowpack that transforms every spring into the flow we fish and float to this day.

When I was 9, I watched Andy in a World Cup ski race and mouthed, “I want to do that.” A generation before me, Andy paved the way for many ski racers who craved the rush of going 70 mph down a mountain. He competed in two world championships and two Olympics, inspiring scores of us. Like many, he also “ran out of body,” having shattered many joints and bones in his career. It’s one reason he was lured to competitive fishing.

As for me, my ski-racing career plateaued at a Division I college back east. My drive and talent were limited. Later, the call of exotic adventures and storytelling replaced my need for speed. For two decades, photography took me around the globe—from Everest to Antarctica and even fishing in Cuba—for magazine assignments.

Despite our diverse, peripatetic paths, it is immediately obvious that Andy and I have grown to realize one thing as we stand together, just two souls fishing: We are remarkably lucky to have such spectacular rivers in our intertwined childhood histories, at the doorsteps of our homes, and in view of world-class skiing. My appreciation grew when I saw the degradation of many foreign rivers while working abroad. It solidified, however, when I focused my cameras closer to home, on a two-year project following the length of the Colorado, source to sea. The goal was to witness firsthand what becomes of our shared watershed, that lifeline in the American West. And at the Colorado’s source, of course, there are two worldfamous Gold Medal fly-fishing rivers: the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan.

Both of these flowing gems earn their medal status from the high quality of their fisheries and thus have catch-and-release restrictions placed upon much of their runs. And each is fed by the runoff from ski areas and 14,000-foot peaks, essentially all the snow on the western side of the Continental Divide. But despite their picturesque, clear-water beauty, both are dammed and heavily diverted. In fact, more than 40 percent of the water in both rivers is sucked off before either one passes Aspen or Basalt.

Threats to Our Rivers
Water in the West is a precious commodity, and it’s no different in the Roaring Fork Valley. As snowpacks have dwindled under the heat of drought and the impact of climate change, river flows have dropped consistently throughout Colorado and the Southwest over the last two decades. Last summer, the Crystal River ran dry by Carbondale, and the upper Roaring Fork River ran through Aspen at levels just above a trickle. Meanwhile, the lion’s share of the Roaring Fork’s flow was siphoned off in tunnels to eastern Colorado, fulfilling the prior demands of an equally thirsty Front Range.

The tailwater from Ruedi Reservoir creates the world-class fishing on the Frying Pan. It meets the Roaring Fork in downtown Basalt, and from there their waters move northwest, pick up the Crystal’s flow (if any), and join the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs

While people flock from around the world to play on our local rivers, few realize that the rivers are changing and that, downstream, the mighty Colorado—the river that shaped the Grand Canyon and continues to shape the lives of 35 million people across seven states and Mexico—runs completely dry. For 6 million years it didn’t. It ran to the Sea of Cortez, but in the late ’90s it stopped entirely. Not a single drop of its flow, the same flow that originates above Aspen and Basalt, has kissed the sea since.

VIDEO: The Colorado River - The Most Endangered River in America

Recent water shortages have heightened awareness of the problem throughout the West, and solutions for restoring the Colorado’s delta flow are being explored. New laws have even been signed, but the river remains tapped out. A recent study of the Colorado River Basin says greater shortages can be expected.

For some, a dry river delta downstream is too far away from our watery havens to be a concern. But good fishing needs good water. And the demands for that fresh water are becoming greater, not just downstream but on every mile of every Western river. If there were ever a time for the old Western adage “Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting” to be proved true, today could be it.

A Resource Worth Saving
Last fall, Aspen endured a toxic debate over a proposed hydroelectric plant that pitted environmentalists against themselves and neighbor against neighbor. Water shortages and the politics of water fracked the community in two. As demand continues to grow, more such conflicts will most definitely follow.

But on this one sunny afternoon in April, Andy and I remain focused on a challenge simpler yet often equally daunting. We are not trying to figure out Western water. We are just trying to convince Old Sam—the mythical, ever-wise, and ever-growing brown or rainbow trout—to bite our prince nymph and its miniature barbless hook.

After seeing the explosion of water and color before us, I am thinking we might have actually finally done it. The fat rainbow on Andy’s line is fighting like an old bull. I walk downstream, clumsily weaving and stumbling like a drunkard thanks to the wet rocks (we saved the beers for after fishing). I am hoping to position myself for an underwater photo of this monster.

As the battle grows in intensity, the line quivers. “Don’t lose him!” I holler. The fish is a beast. If anyone can get Old Sam, it’s Andy.

Then, just as I’m ready to look Old Sam in the eye, pop! The line suddenly snaps. The drama ends. My trout legend will live to swim another day. I am sure Andy, the fishing legend, will fish another day, too.

I listen to the orchestra of water flowing all around me and watch Andy go back to work, tying a fly and then casting again. There are always more fish to catch in these waters. I’m inspired once again to stop and watch this pro, not on skis going downhill at 80 mph as I did as a boy, but on the river, going zero.

Catching fish is fun. That’s the point. And, most argue, bigger fish equal more fun, but neither of us frets too much about the fish count. The act of fishing itself isn’t half bad. Andy reminds me when explaining why he quit competitive fishing: “I got bored with only chasing big fish. Now I like coming here, to my roots. It’s about being on the river and listening to the water tumble over the rocks.”

“I don’t catch as many fish as you, so I must listen to a lot more water,” I quip. We laugh.

But for those who spend long hours by moving water, there is some truth to the power of rivers. Any excuse to sit by one, or stand in one, is good. It clears the head and makes you feel young. After just a few hours, Andy and I joke about feeling like kids again.

A recent study calculated the economic value of recreation on the entire Colorado River, including all its tributaries, like the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan. The number was staggering. These flowing rivers produce $26 billion annually from fishing licenses, rafting trips, picnics, and more. Apparently folks are willing to pay a lot to feel like kids. For perspective, if the Colorado River were a company, that number would put it on the Forbes Top 200 list, ahead of Progressive Insurance and US Airways.

In light of the many demands for water—irrigation, consumption, storage, and energy—that our rivers fulfill, it’s good to remember the value they offer when they simply flow.

“Ya know, Pete,” Andy says, as much to himself as to me, between casts, “all the great decisions I’ve made in life….” He pauses, then casts again. “They’ve happened on the water…. It’s the best place to hear your inner voice.”

I let the thought float downstream a bit and glide over a rapid.

“When we’re both back in June, let’s fish again, then drink beers at the Tavern,” I say, looking downstream.

“Good thinking,” he agrees.

Watches for Race Car Enthusiasts

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Auto racing is not just about speed; it encompasses high-tech mechanics, top performance, and state-of-the-art design—just like high-end watchmaking. As racecar enthusiasts of Aspen (established as the cradle of sports car racing in the Rocky Mountains in the 1950s) and the international auto racing circuit prepare to kick into high gear this summer, the world of haute horlogerie continues to be inspired by the sport. In fact, wristwatches and cars have been inextricably bound since the first recorded auto race, from Paris to Rouen in 1894. The two arenas share a need for precision timing and excellence in engineering.

Automotive-inspired watches mirror their motorized muses in that they are high-performance machines that adhere to the strictest standards of excellence and typically are crafted of the finest materials, including high-tech carbon fiber, steel, and titanium. For collectors, the inner workings of these watches are as important as what’s under the hood of the coolest cars. Hence, the movements are of a powerful caliber and offer a host of extra timing functions. To cultivate partnerships with automobile makers, some watchmakers create timepieces that recall interior and exterior features of cars with masterful excellence, whereas other watch brands choose to sponsor drivers or serve as the official timers of racing events.

In the 1950s, when drag racing took place through the unpaved streets of Aspen, TAG Heuer and Rolex were among the first on the racing scene. Heuer (today TAG Heuer) timed events such as the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The brand unveiled the Carrera in 1963 and then the Monaco, named for the Monaco Grand Prix and made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie Le Mans. The Monaco made news as the first automatic, square-cased chronograph, and the renowned Carrera celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

After Colorado Governor Edwin C. Johnson banned racing on public thoroughfares in 1955, Aspenites united to build the state’s second racetrack, a 1.1-mile course now called Aspen Motorsports Park, and held the first race there in 1963. In that same year, as the racecar craze swept across the nation, Rolex created the Cosmograph Daytona watch in honor of the race at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. Since then, the presence of the Rolex brand in automobile racing has steadily increased. Rolex has been the title sponsor of the Rolex 24 At Daytona in North America since 1992 and has been the official timekeeper for 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001.

Similarly, IWC Schaffhausen has an ongoing partnership with Mercedes AMG, recently announcing that for the next three years it will be the official engineering partner of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team. As such, IWC Schaffhausen has revamped its famed Ingeniuer Collection of timepieces (first unveiled in the ’70s) with automotive- inspired designs and high-tech auto-racing materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium.

A relative newcomer to the scene, Richard Mille moves deftly in this stealth arena, with several brand ambassadors on board from the racing scene (including Ferrari Formula One driver Felipe Massa and French multiwinning champion Sébastien Loeb) and with some of the most high-tech, cutting-edge, lightweight, automotive-inspired watches in the world.

Front Range Restaurant Picks

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:06:00 -0400

Denver's The Green Russell

Now that the off-season has arrived and many Aspen restaurants are taking well-deserved off season breaks, there’s no better time for exploring some of the standout dining options on the Front Range. Denver and Boulder have become an emerging destination for varied cuisine with continued homeruns by a handful of proven professionals, and young, experimental chefs. Taking the family on a Front Range culinary adventure may just be the oft-needed cure for those off-season blues.

Osteria Marco
Set in a historic building, the patio of Osteria Marco is abuzz during spring and summer. I’ve eaten here several times—with and without kids—and have yet to be disappointed. The setting is only second to the menu: Delightful Italian classics, burrata with grilled Italian bread, bistecca with grilled asparagus, and the best rabbit dish I have ever had, served over a parmesan carrot brood broth. Best seat in the house: On the patio or in the window seats overlooking Larimer Square. 1453 Larimer, Denver

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen
With a rousing bar scene and exceptionally crafted fare, Euclid Hall serves causal, elevated pub food, such as fresh, hand-cranked sausage, poutine, and beef marrow bones. Led by celebrated chef Jennifer Jasinski (also of nearby Rioja and Bistro Vendome), Euclid pedals fresh ingredients with innovative preparations, an incredible cocktail and beer menu, and its daily special is always worth a try. Great portions, laid back atmosphere. 1317 14th Street at Larimer

The Kitchen (Upstairs)
The Kitchen has fast become a Front Range dining juggernaut. With two fine dining locations—one in Boulder, which includes “Upstairs” (the lounge) and “Next Door” (the pub), and another location in Denver at 1530 16th Street (the entrance is on Wazee Street)—this was my favorite dining experience on a recent Denver and Boulder trip. Everything on the menu is new, fresh, and exciting, served on small share plates. They, too, feature an amazing wine, beer, and cocktail menu, which isn’t all that surprising, but the servers’ culinary knowledge makes you want to pull up a bar stool and start conversing. The Upstairs locale in Boulder has an inviting community space and an exciting, unpretentious vibe. With my two kids in tow, I sat at the community table and met several locals who gave us great recommendations and enticed my children to try an array of pickled vegetables, flat bread with la quercia prosciutto and burrata (who can resist more cheese!), and freshly made tomato soup, among other bites. I could have spent the entire night nibbling, toasting, and talking away. With large windows that overlook the bustle of Pearl Street it was the perfect dose of city life. 1039 Pearl St., Boulder

The Green Russell
On the hunt for a custom cocktail? This underground joint—another of Frank Bonanno’s empiric locations—is about as cool as they come. When I walked in jazz was being played, while vested and mustacioed attendants scrambled behind the bar as they traded freshly squeezed juices. Classic cocktail glasses lined the bar. It’s underground, it’s experimental, and while it could use a little more creativity in the spirit selection itself (it’s no Justice Snow’s in terms of originality) the ambiance is anything but boring. 1422 Larimer, Denver

The Ultimate Spring Skincare Regimen

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:52:00 -0400

Maintain the results of a pro skincare treatment with SK-II's Essential Power Cream

Come May, most Aspenites are in search of an off-season pick-me-up for the face and body. Cold air and elevation wreak havoc on our skin during ski season, but luckily town is home to a bevy of talented estheticians. And with the Cos Bar as our go-to for the latest and greatest in skincare treatments and cosmetics, say goodbye to dull, dry skin.

First up, a visit to the Red Spa and Heaven on Earth Day Spa, both housed in the same locale (205 S. Mill St., Suite 223). Kick-start your summer look with a Micro-dermabrasian Facial (starting at $100) and Sonic Youth Facial ($100) courtesy of Colleen Delia, proprietor of the Red Spa. A longtime local, Delia is well known for nail service, waxing, and massage, yet her recent medi-spa additions are quickly garnering attention. The Micro-dermabrasian is a non-invasive procedure that gently sloughs the outer, dead, and damaged layer of the skin, paving the way for additional treatments to take immediate effect. The Sonic Youth treatment employs an anti-aging sound machine to inject Cellex-C product deeply into the skin, ideal after the Micro-dermabrasian.

Next on tap: The 75-minute Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial ($175) by Pila Xian, owner of Heaven on Earth High Altitude Day Spa. Xian has been working in the Roaring Fork Valley for years (formerly at the Viceroy Snowmass Spa) and her diverse experience in massage, facials, and body rituals packs a results-driven punch. Combine any of her facials with a 30-minute cranial massage for a rejuvenating spa journey. The Oxygen Facial alone leaves skin visibly tightened and renewed, but when applied after Delia’s Micro-dermabrasion, the results are surprisingly noticeable. Xian’s Oxygen Facial features the Aussie-derived Intraceuticals line, loaded with Vitamins E, C, and antioxidants, which deeply penetrate the surface of the skin. She utilizes a cooling oxygen wand that is applied with light pressure, allowing the chosen brightening, clarifying, or hydrating serum to take effect. Expect immediate results with this treatment; we received inquiries from friends and colleagues as to “what we’ve been doing.”

Now that your skin is radiant, two potent skincare lines will extend your refreshed look. Founded by former Aspenite Julie Macklowe, vbeautés “It Kit” is essential for off-season travel. Housed in a chic gunmetal case, five on-the-go sized products feature her patented vComplex, an effective cellular concentrate derived from Swiss Alpine Rose botanical technology. The result? Effective antioxidant, anti-aging products that help restore a youthful glow. The It Kit ($165) features the Undercover Agent Anti-Wrinkle DNA Protection Serum, Rub Off Facial Exfoliator, Evidence Eraser Foaming Cleanser, Buying Time Everyday Cream, and our personal favorite, the Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream. And if that weren’t enough, Macklowe’s new anti-age, hydrating Lip Spreads work wonders at high-altitude and come in an array of spunky spring shades ($28.50; Cos Bar, 418 E. Cooper Ave.)

Lastly, we’ve long been a fan of SK-II, and the luxe line recently launched two new moisturizers: The Essential Power Cream ($205) and Essential Power Rich Cream ($250). Both are an Aspenite’s anti-altitude skin soldiers. Packed with extract from the Siberian Ginseng root, a plant-derived powerhouse culled from South Korea’s JeJe Island, both of these creams work wonders on dry skin, and will get you ready for town’s busy summer event circuit in no time. The new moisturizers are thick (which we like here in the mountains) but not overly so, and both battle fine lines, too.

Weekend Recommender: May 16-19

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:04:00 -0400

Special Appearance: Colorado Lt. Governor Joe Garcia
Friday, May 17, 8 a.m.
Colorado’s Lt. Governor Joe Garcia will kick off the weekend at the Basalt Elementary School in celebration of local education foundation Summit 54, Summer Advantage, and the RE-1 School District. The organizations are being honored for their contributions toward early literacy. Locals Tony and Terri Caine founded Summit 54 to bring educational opportunities to the underserved, and Governor John Hickenlooper has declared May 17 as “Summer Learning Access Day.” Refreshments will be served at 8 a.m.; presentation follows at 8:30 a.m. Basalt Elementary School, 151 East Cottonwood Drive, Basalt, 970-384-5800

Family Fun at the ARC
Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the Aspen Recreation Center is hosting the “Aspen Free Family Fun Fair,” an afternoon of clowns, face painting, Sumo wrestling, magicians, bouncy houses, batting cages, and more. Don’t miss the 2:30 p.m. prize giveaway. Aspen Recreation Center, 0861 Maroon Creek Rd., 970-925-5776

Ride for the Pass
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.
The anticipated early season kick-off to Aspen’s summer, the 19th annual Ride for the Pass will lure 600 local and visiting riders to our beautiful backyard. A fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation, the steep yet gorgeous ride gains 2000 vertical feet (from 9,400 to 11,400 feet), and takes participants from the winter access gate to the ghost town of Independence. A festive after party includes myriad giveaways, including a free bike. Race starts at Colorado Hwy. 82, Mile Marker 48. To register, visit independencepass.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN BAYER

Tissot Celebrates 160 Years with the Powermatic 80

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com

This year marks the 160th anniversary of Swiss watch brand, Tissot. To honor the milestone, the brand has been very busy, and this year unveils multiple new movements and a host of really cool new timepieces that move it to the next level of sophistication.

Among the new pieces is the Powermatic 80—an automatic watch with 80 hours of power reserve. The watch was made possible thanks to the revolutionary new caliber, the Powermatic 80 movement. To achieve this technical prowess, Tissot strongly reduces the consumption of energy of the watch. The oscillation frequency of the Powermatic 80 is therefore brought down from 4 to 3 Hz. A high-performance synthetic material is used in the construction of the escapement to reduce friction. Thanks to a reduction of the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core, the mainspring is stretched, thereby increasing the power reserve even further. Finally, the precision is increased with a new and innovative balance.

Making the watch even better is the fact that it is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is available in two sizes appropriate for men and women—33mm and 41mm—and is crafted in steel, steel, and gold-plated, and in versions with diamond adornments. The watch, which looks great and offers superb craftsmanship and precision, retails for a wow price of $1,075 to $1,575 depending on the model.

Glow in the Dark Watches by de Grisogono

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Tondo by Night, de Grisogono ($9,400– $17,500).

As glamour-loving women know, not every timepiece is serious and conservative. Some are downright whimsical, such as the hit Tondo by Night watches from de Grisogono. Unveiled last year, the collection has just begun to make its way into luxury jewelry stores in the last few months. In addition to being mechanical works of art, these timepieces possess an unusual quality in the luxury watch world that begs them to be worn.

Designed by Fawaz Gruosi, the founder and president of de Grisogono, the Tondo by Night is intended to be a capricious, playful timepiece that stores light during the day and then frees it after the sun goes down. The case is created from a pearly photoluminescent fiberglass composite—with pieces of mother-of-pearl blended into the fiberglass for extra shimmer—then further bedecked with color-coordinated gemstones.

“It has such wide appeal because it is fashionable, hefty, and different from everything else on the market,” Gruosi says. “Still, I never dreamed Tondo by Night would be such an amazing success. The demand is much higher than what I produced, which was extremely unexpected.”

Each Tondo by Night watch is equipped with an exclusive in-house mechanical movement, specially developed to display the gem-set oscillating weight on the front side. Built in collaboration with an outside lab, the Tondo by Night timepieces are offered in an array of colors, each with a row of 48 gemstones on the bezel, plus another 60 on the dial (and a black diamond on the crown). The colors include white with white diamonds, yellow with yellow sapphires, pink with pink sapphires, green with tsavorites, purple with amethysts, and orange with orange sapphires. And three new shades were unveiled at the Baselworld show in April: a vivid green case with a tourmaline bezel, a blue case with a blue sapphire bezel, and a coral case with a spinel bezel. The most expensive watch in the collection is currently the white (diamond) version, which retails for $17,500.

“I dedicate this watch to happy summer days and glamorous nightlife,” Gruosi says. “It’s not only a luxury timepiece but also can be worn as a magnificent jewelry piece, with a twist.”