Winter's majesty is at your fingertips right now. Feeling up for an elevated January mini-adventure? Take in the snow-dolloped peaks and frosted solitude of the Castle Creek Valley on a snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Your excursion begins at the King Cabin at Ashcroft Ski Touring Center, where your guide will lead you through glistening spruce and fir forest while sharing their expertise on the valley's geology, wildlife, winter habitats, and more. Break for a well-earned gourmet lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse (think elk bratwurst on a butter-toasted challah roll or the knife burger with bourbon bacon jam) before returning via gentle winding trails through the aspens. It's a special, only-in-the-valley kind of experience that's perfect for wowing your out-of-town guests or savoring with your significant other. For full details, see AspenNature.org.
Ashcroft Snowshoe Tour
Presented through a partnership between ACES, the Pine Creek Cookhouse, and the White River National Forest
- Tours offered daily at 10 a.m.
- 3.5 miles round-trip at leisurely pace (approximately four hours)
- $165 standard ticket includes tour, snowshoe rental, trail pass, and prix fixe lunch (holiday rates vary)
- Reservations required. Call ACES at 970.925.5756