Climb every mountain
Go Glamping? Luxe camping in Aspen a high-altitude alternative to all thoseglitzy cocktail parties
Leave it to the creative minds of Aspen to come up with a ritzy wilderness experience that is so in tune with the lifestyles of the rich and famous who play there that rather than luxury camping, they've dubbed this overnight under the stars as "glamping."
Summer visitors in the Rocky Mountain playpen can put away their Chanel and Hermés labels for a night of wilderness lite thanks to the Aspen Skiing Co.
Dinner is served at 8 p.m., followed by what organizers call "campfire activities." Lights out whenever the last ember or final member of the troupe craters.
The party begins at 4:30 in the afternoon in Snowmass Base Village, where participants are met by professional outfitters who load up the overnight gear and drive up the mountain to a private campsite high in the Snowmass Ski Area. At the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, to be exact.
On arrival, guests are given a site orientation and join in a nature talk. Then it's an hour of fishing in the Rayburn Pond. Dinner is served at 8 p.m., followed by what organizers call "campfire activities." Lights out whenever the last ember or final member of the troupe craters.
A cookout breakfast is served at 8 the next morning, then it's pack your bags and head down the mountain. The "Private Camping Adventures" promo material adds that the day can be extended by purchasing additional private adventure packages.
Tariff for the overnight is $825 for up to six people. Add $150 for each extra adult and $100 for each additional child. Maximum allowed per trip is a dozen. Make reservations here for "glamping," offered now till September.
Of course, if you prefer your camping more on the rustic side, the area offers at least eight various authorized locations for pitching your tent.