Getting to the Ganges

The Kumbh Mela or “great gathering” is held once every three to four years at four different locations (Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain) where several rivers sacred to Hindu religion meet. This year, the most significant Kumbh Mela for 144 years was held in Allahabad. Between the months of February and March an estimated 130 million Hindus, young and old, rich and poor, made their pilgrimage to bathe in the waters of the Ganges and cleanse themselves of their eternal sins.

We arrived in the early hours of the morning and were greeted with a world turned upside down. Stars were replaced with a universe of street lights stretching out in front of us as far as the eye could see…and further. Nothing could prepare us for the sheer scale of this so called “tented city”; to put it into perspective, the site is divided up into sectors, each containing around a million happy campers. This is over three Glastonburys in one sector. There are 28 sectors.

Meeting of Millions

That’s around 84 Glastonburys all going on at once over the course of not a weekend, but an entire month. And that only includes those who stayed for the entire festival. There would be an additional 100 million festival goers attending on the main bathing days. A bit like the entire population of Mexico deciding that they wanted to join in the fun.

But it was not the scale of it that makes Kumbh Mela so incredible; it was the unbridled hospitality and generosity of the people we met along the way. Travelling as three girls in India, people wanted to take care of us and we felt more and more welcomed with every cup of chai and tent we were ushered into.

Our time in Allahabad was a surreal yet eye-opening experience – meeting the sort of other-wordly characters that you might only expect an altered state of mind to have conjured up. One thing our new friends could not understand was why we had journeyed all the way from the UK, only to stand back and observe (a lot of the time through a camera lens) the inconceivable number of bathers along the banks of the Ganges. While we may not have immersed ourselves in their waters, we fully immersed ourselves in the lives and stories of the people who we met upon our stay at the Kumbh Mela.

Words by Megan Lambert

The construction was begun in 1634 by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to their 14^th child. Plainly they didn’t do things by halves in those days. His devotion to his wife drove him to spend the rest of his life concentrating on the construction of a magnificent memorial to her, so much so that he completely neglected the affairs of state. The resulting Taj Mahal is the world’s most romantic building that will bewilder visitors with its power and beauty for eternity.  The Indian poet Tagore captured its essence in the words of a poem:

“A teardrop on the face of humanity, a building to echo the cry ‘I have not forgotten, I have not forgotten, O beloved.’”

Rudyard Kipling called it “the embodiment of all things pure.”

To me, the outside edifice is undoubtedly the most stunning building I have ever seen and that it is in India is unsurprising because, at its best, India is a country that will surprise the visitor like no other. The French scholar Romaine Rolland said that India “is the one place on the face of the earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home” and although India provides an enormous canvas on which dreams can be painted enough humans of genius have left an indelible mark that require several visits of considerable length from an inquisitive traveller to experience all the wonders that are on offer.

The Taj Mahal is but one of many. The palaces of Rajasthan, the Lutyens designed government buildings in New Delhi, The Red Forts of the frontiers, the incomprehensible train system, The Chaminar in Hyderabad, The Buddhist temples of Ajanta, the Pearl Mosque in Agra are but a few more of the wonderful architectural creations that alone are worth the price of an air ticket. Most of the buildings have been constructed by conquerors in a display of power and wealth that reflects both the rich history of this extraordinary country and its ability to absorb outsiders in a fusion of contrasting traditions.

In fact India itself is a fusion of contrasts. Indeed, the only truth about India, as someone once said, is that no single statement about the country is wholly true. The general belief is that it is hot and steamy but I have frozen my whotsits off in the icy fastness of the Himalayas. If there are floods in Rajasthan there is a drought in Uttar Pradesh. It has a reputation for the manufacture of cutting edge technology but can’t provide a Wi-Fi connection. It is an ancient land but a young nation. If it is a land of mystery and spiritualism, it is also a land of material values and pragmatic realism.

In his book Shantaram, the Australian author Gregory David Roberts described his early arrival in India thus, “The contrast between the familiar and the exceptional was everywhere around me – the impression was of an indefatigable and distant past that had crashed intact through barriers of time into its own future.” Well said!  The living incarnation of this can be found in Delhi articulated in the contrasting bricks and mortar of the old and new cities. The new city is spacious and planned, with neoclassical architecture, wide boulevards, open spaces and sanitation. It is the essence of modernity and achievement. The old is an eclectic blend of ancient history, Mughal architecture, narrow alleyways, poverty, germs and chaos. Here you feel that time stopped still 100 years ago. Yet both are essentially India.

This is a country where over one million people are millionaires and which boasts the second highest number of billionaires after the USA yet most of its people live on less than US$2 per day. According to the United Nations, 55% (representing 645 million souls) exist below the poverty line. It’s ridiculous but that’s why we want to come here.

Such is the paradox of India that many modern day Indians who live in the major metropolises are all but indistinguishable from their counterparts in other countries. Here is to be seen the urban sophistication of the west: businessmen and bureaucrats in sober suits who are highly educated and often more comfortable in English than in their mother tongues. There are college boys and girls in either jeans or the latest fashions, both western and Indian, their pattern of amusement much the same as in Europe or America; their mothers usually sticking tenaciously to their native dress but familiar with all the latest gadgets in their modern, up to date apartments. But cheek by jowl with them and as much part of the big city, will be seen the itinerant ironsmith or lohar, the saffron clad sadhu, the local fortune teller, the cobbler mending shoes on the pavement.

With such contrasts and contradictions it is well nigh impossible to describe India. Whether speaking about the good, bad or indifferent, one tends to run out of epithets. In the language of the cliché, it is a total experience, an assault on the senses, but what one needs to remember is that such an assault on the senses comes from the excitement and colour, the pageantry, the sense of history and above all the diversity that is India.

Words by James Suenson 

http://www.suensontaylor.com/travelblog/

Standing proudly in the center of town, Hotel Jerome’s stately presence is a gentle reminder of the town’s booming silver rush riches, and has recently undergone a complete renovation that has transformed it into one of the city’s hippest hotels. We caught up with Tony DiLucia, the hotel’s general manager, to get the insider’s view of this inspiring mountain town.

Q. How would you describe Aspen in one sentence?

A. It is amazing that so many people from around the world travel this amazing mining town we call Aspen.

Q. As the legendary Hotel Jerome’s General Manager, why do you think the hotel has become such a town institution?

A. The Jerome was the first hotel in Aspen. But since it was built in 1889, it served as the meeting place for everyone in the community as it is still today.  At various points in history, this is where you picked up your mail, where election results were announced and were elementary classes were held.  Boom or bust, this is where the locals would meet.

Q. Snow sports aside, what else do visitors like to do while they’re in town?

A. There is plenty of shopping , amazing art galleries,  and some outstanding restaurants.  Indoor exercise, yoga classes and spa days are quite popular.

Q. Aspen is obviously hugely popular as a winter destination, but what do you like about it in summer?

A. There is so much to do in Aspen in the summer.  For outdoor activities,  hiking, biking, white water rafting, fly fishing, horseback riding… For the arts,  The Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Jazz Aspen/Snowmass, Food and Wine Classic, Aspen Ideas Festival to just name a few.

Q. How would your ideal day in Aspen go from sunrise to sunset?

A. In winter, I’d start with some sort of stretching activity, hearty breakfast and hit the slopes at Highlands. Lunch at Cloud Nine around 12:30, ski for another hour, massage, nap, dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and a night cap at the Jerome Living Room.

Q. Here seems to be quite a popular destination for summer festivals – which is your favourite?

A. They are all great, and I participate in as many as I can.

Q. What is the one thing that every visitor to the hotel or Aspen should do while they’re here?

A. Visit the J-Bar and feel the fun history of the hotel, and take a gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain, even if you don’t ski, and the gondola runs all summer as well.

Q. What’s your favourite restaurant or bar in town?

A. After Prospect, the Living Room and the J-Bar at the Jerome, my favorite restaurant is Cache Cache.  The food, service, scene and energy is outstanding.

Arriving at the Juvet, we’re greeted by Knut Slinning – the owner and visionary behind what is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted in the area.  A local lad through and through, Knut is the very image of a Nordic adventurer; the kind of man that us weedy, city-dwelling types find just a touch intimidating. After being warmly welcomed inside the restored farmhouse barn, which forms the central hub of social activity at the hotel, we set off in search of our cabin.

Masterminded by architectural firm Jenson & Skodvin, the Juvet’s seven stand-alone cabins are scattered across the mountainside in a seemingly random manner. As it turns out, their individual layouts and locations are entirely deliberate. Each cabin has been created in and around the environment – if there was a tree in the way, the architects simply alerted the design to accommodate it, building the rooms around the landscape as if they were little more than visitors which would one day up and leave. Indeed, the building work was done without any heavy machinery when there was still snow on the ground to ensure as little lasting damage to the landscape as possible. Inside our room we’re faced with one enormous glass wall looking out over the fast-flowing Valldøla River. There are also a couple of stylish chairs, a small coffee table, a king-sized bed topped with the thickest of duvets, and absolutely nothing else. There are no pictures on the wall and no curtains; meaning when the sun rises, so do you. This may sound a little too military for your liking, but the scenery is the star here and nothing in the world could beat waking up to that view.

Back in the barn, we tuck into a delicious dinner of local specialities like bacalao (salt cod), while Knut and Erik take us through the various sporting opportunities available in the area under their expert guidance. Nicknamed “the Norwegian Big Five”, there are a few key activities which form part of the Juvet experience; including winter sports such as skiing trips, hiking expeditions, rafting on the Valldøla River, camping out in the mountain wilderness, and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Geirangerfjord. Knut is particularly partial to skiing, and perhaps unsurprisingly, has two daughters who are themselves award-winning professional skiers. As we discuss their formidable achievements over a bottle of wine, dog Lucy and cat Lucifer (we never quite got to the bottom of the cat’s intriguing name) sleep by the fire.

But this hotel is more than simply an adventure playground for the active traveller. For us the wow factor lies in the unexpected harmony created between such a striking example of contemporary design and the ancient landscapes that surround it. Whether relaxing in the riverside hot tub, beer in hand, or watching the sun fade through the glass in your cabin, the Juvet forces guests to interact with the environment in an incredibly intimate manner.

Words by Katie Manning (@kt_saramanning)

Festivals

Songkran may be one of the best-known Thai festivals but practically every couple of weeks delivers a fresh reason to celebrate, always accompanied by signature colourful revelry, an abundance of incredible street food and photo opportunities a-plenty. Whether it’s street-pounding buffalo racing in Chonburi or launching rockets to summon the rains in the Bun Bang Fai festival, the Thai people know how to throw a mean party and here, there’s no such thing as gate-crashing – everyone can get stuck in.

Cookery schools

The souvenir that keeps on giving, a crash course on Thai cuisine in one of the country’s many cookery schools is an excellent way to spend an afternoon, even for a rookie cook. Nowhere else perfects the balance of spicy, sweet and sour like Thai kitchens and just a day-long class with a local to impart the knowledge will give your cooking back-catalogue some serious kudos.

Spas

Perhaps it’s their age-old traditions of restoration through massage and meditation, or the distinctive Thai hospitality, or the zen-inducing surroundings of towering palm trees and dreamy beaches – we’re not sure why the country’s spas are just so good and when there, it’s hard to care…or think, worry or do anything except take a deep breath and feel the real world ebb away with every serene sleepy second.

Words by Hannah Quinn

Seychelles

For Laurent Ajas, Executive Chef at Raffles Praslin, the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Seychelles are his biggest influence – the plentiful flora and fauna alone provide quality local produce to stock the kitchen’s larder, leading to a strong presence of seafood and tropical fruits on the hotel’s menus. The Chef’s native France comes through in the subtleties and nuances of his dishes, fused with the exoticism of the Indian Ocean and the rich flavours of the Mediterranean, resulting in varied and exciting food inspired by the diverse heritage of the Seychelles themselves.

Try: Pan-fried foie gras scented with La Digue vanilla and carambola chutney

Singapore

Raffles Singapore’s Executive Chef Pierre Burgade’s passion for food stems from his homeland of France and has led to an impressive international culinary career, working in many prestigious kitchens across the world in America, Asia, Africa and Australia. With this global depth and dimension evident in his dishes, along with splashes of Singaporean influence and a constant desire to test new flavours and texture, the food is earning a reputation as legendary as Raffles Singapore’s famed cocktail the Singapore Sling.

Try: Maine lobster fricassee with foie gras

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is fast becoming a destination for its up-and-coming restaurant scene alone, boasting Khmer and international cuisine alike, and Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands proud among the top spots offering excellent Cambodian fare. Motivated by the locals’ passion and enthusiasm when it comes to food, Executive Chef Steve Van Remoortel draws a fine balance between modern Khmer and classic French cuisine, taking advantage of local ingredients and imported produce that is carefully selected and often exclusively available to Le Royal.

Try: Colorado lamb baked in salt crust

Siem Reap

The local markets of Siem Reap are a source not only of fantastic organic produce but of inspiration for Wade James, Executive Chef at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. The fresh and colourful ingredients are highlighted in the restaurant’s Khmer dishes, which give new meaning to the word ‘authentic’: Raffles’ kitchens are the only ones granted permission by the late King Father Norodom to use the Royal Palace of Cambodia’s classified recipes.

Try: The breakfast buffet like no other – breakfast is the new dinner, haven’t you heard?

Paris

Trained by two legendary French chefs, Alain Ducasse and Alain Chapel, Laurent André is the Executive Chef at Raffles Paris, where the traditional French cuisine is treated to a contemporary makeover. André cites seasonality as his primary influence, wherein one prime ingredient can give rise to a whole dish, rich in colour and flavour. It would be a challenge to not take inspiration from the endless Parisian culture – André finds his in the shapes and colours of art deco, visible in the presentation of Raffles Paris’ food that has recently earned the establishment two Michelin stars.

Try: Roasted seabass with tapenade and fried chanterelles

Dubai

Head chef of Raffles hotel Dubai is a pretty big accolade to hold in a destination where food is life, and the local culture is expertly weaved into the dishes. When drawing inspiration for the menu the Head Chef, Andrew Whiffen, focuses on the guests needs, quality and seasonal produce. Staying true to Arabic flavours, tradition & originality is a key aspect of any dish at Raffles Dubai, “if chefs have been making a recipe for decades than why change it just for the sake of ‘creativity”.

Try: Raffles Dubai’s signature Restaurant Fire & Ice, a sophisticated grill featuring over 700 wines.

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Ethiopia is unique in our modern world, ideal for travellers seeking to discover another cultural realm in which to uncoil from the constrictions of contemporary life. Its luxury is not the plush, glitzy splendour of other, more trekked destinations, but the priceless sense of freedom you get from traipsing its often undiscovered plains.

It is also a land of wonders, from the “smoking water” and paralysing beautiful Blue Nile Falls, to the local’s surprising affinity for Italian cooking and the traditional tribe’s people of the south eastern Omo Valley, you will have a truly authentic encounter with what is still a revered and sacred way of Ethiopian Life.

A popular Ethiopian proverb says, “There is no better witness than your own eyes” and luckily for us, Abbi Kemp’s lens is an accurate and truly beautiful alternative:

If you are looking for a real adventure, by real I mean a genuine, authentic, not to be taken lightly travel experience, then get yourself booked on a plane to Ethiopia. Head straight to the Southern Omo Valley to witness what National Geographic have called ‘Africa’s Last Frontier’ and meet the incredible tribes of the Omo Valley.

A piece of wisdom to pack is that Faranji’s (foreigners) command a lot of attention, so take a deep breath and try and avoid treating the locals like a human zoo by making the effort to interact and not watch from the safety of your jeep window.

While I’m taking counsel, my top three recommendations would be:

Float a boat

Any animal lovers should hire a boat and float on Lake Chamo to witness one of the largest gatherings of crocodiles on earth. Not for the faint hearted.

Take the time

If you can, time your trip to witness one of the local tribal ceremonies. My picks would be either the bull jumping of the Hamer Tribe or Suri’s tribe’s stick fighting.

Up the steaks

In the capital, Adidas Abba (which means new flower), eat one of the best steaks of your life at Ristorante Castelli.

www.abbikemp.com

British sculptor Anish Kapoor has been pushing the limits of gallery spaces for much of his career. Winner of the 1991 Turner Prize and receiving the 2002 Unilever Commission for the expansive Turbine Hall in the Tate Modern, Kapoor’s vocabulary of space and scale makes his relationship with public sculpture decidedly more evocative. To Kapoor, “scale is a tool of sculpture” and public art opens up works to a scale that cannot be obtained within galleries. With essentially infinite space and scale at Kapoor’s disposal, what would he create?

Cloud Gate – USA, 2004-2006

In its short tenure as the crowning jewel in Chicago’s Millennium Park project, Cloud Gate has found its way into the lexicon of Chicago icons and has even been given a loving nickname (the bean) by the local residents. The 110-tonne sculpture is constructed of highly polished stainless steel, a medium that has become Kapoor’s signature through the years. This sculpture manages to tread the line of existence and non-existence, blending into the skyline with its highly reflective surface while at the same time utterly imposing with its sheer size and seemingly solid mass. Taking full advantage of its positioning in the middle of a public square, the sculpture’s curved shape acts as an archway inviting the public to cross underneath for an up-close and interactive look. It’s hard to argue Cloud Gate as anything other than an absolute success and in many ways it represents a model example of what public sculpture can and should achieve.

Turning the world upside down – Israel, 2012

Working in the same highly polished stainless steel as Cloud Gate, Kapoor’s commission for the Israel Museum’s public plaza can loosely be defined as a giant metallic hourglass. The sculpture stands on the highest point of the museum’s newly renovated grounds and measures five-metres in height and circumference. True to its name, the unique shape of the sculpture acts to create a reversed reflection of the earth and the sky, with the earth displayed above and sky reflected below. Its organic curved shape draws inspiration from the peaked dome found on the neighbouring Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls – another example of Kapoor drawing inspiration from his surroundings and truly brilliant in its simplicity and execution.

Earth Cinema – Italy, 2009

Located in Pollino National Park, the largest national park in Italy, Earth Cinema finds itself uniquely above and below ground both integrated and completely separate from nature. The sculpture’s structural form, bleached concrete texture and smooth, clean lines oppose the organic shapes and colours of its surroundings and cuts right through a mound of earth to create an imposing crevice in the middle of the landscape. Although commanding, the piece is also fully integrated with nature appearing, from some angles, to be no more than a mound of earth. Walking within the crevice you are surrounded by walls of smooth, white concrete and as you descend, a large window is revealed appearing like a cinema screen staring straight into a void of dark earth. Drawing again from unique surroundings, Kapoor maybe speaking directly to his audience, those who have come to the national park to see nature, but have ventured to Kapoor’s’ Earth Cinema expecting some sort of multimedia piece. Instead they are presented with earth – nature at its purest.

Words by Alex Chan

A new breed

Our Nordic neighbours have always been known for their creativity and design flair. Within the realms of music, architecture and interior design, Scandinavia has reigned supreme with its supercool minimalist and functional aesthetics (think IKEA and you get the picture). However, there is more to this fashion movement then just clean lines and practicality—a new breed of designer is propelling this fashion take over.

“Generally Scandinavian fashion is quite sleek, and it’s known to be minimal and simplistic. But a lot of the new designers have studied at the best schools in London so they’re more extreme and more focused on details than before” explains Danish style guru and fashion writer Dorothean Gundtoft, who also curated the Scandinavian Showcase. Traditionally, the Scandi look has always meant simple lines, plain details and a distinctly monochrome colour palette (likely due to the fact that most of Scandinavia is locked in winter for half the year with only six hours of sunlight). But this new crop of fashion talent isn’t afraid of breaking from the norm. Danish designer Peter Jensen, one of the fashion pack favourites, is known for his playful and often eccentric prints that pop with colour. He has already clocked up collaborations with Topshop and counts Rhianna, Nicole Kidman and Maggie Gyllenhaal in his following.

Back to the old school

That is not to say that Scandinavian fashion is losing touch with its roots. Another Danish designer causing waves is Gudrun & Gudrun. The label gained international cult success when one of their jumpers was worn by Sarah Lund in hit Danish TV series The Killing. Hailing from the tiny islands of Faroe, where knitting is akin to that of a cigarette break in London, Gudrun & Gudrun have given their knitwear heritage a modern twist. Jumpers and cardigans employing ancient Nordic techniques are given a new lease of life with splashes of neon pink that seem to scream both ‘ultramodern’ and ‘heritage’ simultaneously.

It’s sustainable, darling

However, what really makes Scandi design stand out from its fashion elders is its commitment to high quality and sustainable materials. Responsible fashion is steadily becoming more and more prominent and it is Scandinavia leading the way. From Mads Nørgaard’s 100% organic underwear line for men (the first of its kind), to the hand-spun yarns and natural fibres of Swedish label Maska, Scandinavia is keeping the rest of the fashion industry on its toes with its ethical inspirations.

Whether you are a fan of the design, the ethos or both, Scandinavia is a fashion force that is inspiring the entire industry: one-to-watch for any fashion aficionado.

Words by Nicole Harley

Aspen was founded on a vision for a community based on principles of Mind, Body and Spirit instilled by its modern day founders, Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke and embodied in the so called ‘Aspen Idea’.  This notion runs through the fabric of the landscape and community mentality and creates a healthy and stimulating outlook on life.  Indeed, it is an invigorating place to be, not only for its pristine alpine landscapes that transform even the laziest of couch potatoes into spritely outdoorsy types- but also for the fact that it has a reputed flair for art and culture and is home to a host of varied festivals, exhibitions, concerts and events- attracting people from all around the globe.

FOOD

Aspen has a celebrated restaurant scene- with many of its residents full on foodies themselves. This is a place where the pace of life is decidedly relaxed, and people here know how to appreciate a good thing when they see it.  Without a doubt, it is the local’s appreciation and passion for food that perhaps elevates Aspen above the rest of Colorado’s mountain towns as a reputed restaurant hot-spot. The abundance of excellent restaurants is rife, either in the town centre, or dotted around the surrounding mountainscapes. Summertime in Aspen is when the restaurant scene really comes alive, with the warm temperatures bringing tables and chairs out onto the pavements where residents and visitors alike revel in alfresco dining and make the most of the long summer days.

The annual June Aspen Food & Wine Classic, sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine, brings Aspen to the culinary forefront, with foodies from all around the globe travelling here to enjoy a 3-day food and wine extravaganza. The festival includes info on the newest food trends, celebrity chefs, renowned wine experts, cooking demonstrations and competitions, sumptuous meals and an always eagerly anticipated dessert ‘grande finale.’

MUSIC

Aspen has a vibrant music scene that truly drums life into the summer months. The Aspen Music School, founded in 1949, has given rise to the hugely popular Aspen Music Festival, a classical music fest that attracts high-class professional musicians and spans more than 350 musical events in its 8 week period. The festival acts as a summer retreat for many of the world’s best musicians who come together for the occasion, creating a festive and electric atmosphere.

As well as classical music, Aspen is also home to the historic Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 and now one of Aspen’s historic landmarks. This venue offers so much more than opera, hosting rock gigs with the likes of Sheryl Crow gracing its main stage, as well as stand-up comedy, film and a songwriter’s festival. The Wheeler Opera House in effect hosts all types of entertainment and can be described as the cornerstone of Aspen’s cultural scene.

Additionally, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass, now in its 23rd season, is one of Colorado’s most eagerly anticipated music festivals, attracting revellers from all around the world and featuring an outstanding line-up of featured artists. This summer’s line up includes Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Keith Urban and Train to name a few.  The backdrop of the Elk Mountain Range and the Colorado Rockies is truly spectacular, elevating the experience of live music to a different stratosphere.

OUTDOORS

Aspen enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and balmy summer temperatures that are not overly stifling. Unjustly pigeon-holed as a skiing destination, Aspen’s pristine mountain landscapes transform in the summer months with the great outdoors beckoning with a host of outdoor activities. Whether you choose to go rafting, fly fishing, zip-lining or climbing, there is something for everyone.

Seeing Aspen via bicycle is a great way of connecting with the landscape, and you don’t have to be a pro to do so. There are countless bike trails to choose from according to your level, so you can be as hard-core or chilled out as you like. The Rio Grande Trail, the Maroon Bells area and Castle Creek Valley are all spectacular locations to explore. Aspen holds several biking events throughout the summer months, and hosts the Aspen Cycling Festival which includes the ever-popular”Ride for the Pass” which takes cyclists to the top of Independence Pass.

As well as cycling, there are some incredible climbing experiences to be had, including beginner bouldering, rope climbing as well as expert routes. For a more leisurely approach to the great outdoors, there are countless trails for hiking and strolling, enabling you to really get in touch with nature.

So brush off your old preconceptions of Aspen and go experience “The Aspen Idea” for yourself.