THE FACTS ABOUT ASPEN

USA Aspen

THE RESORT Groom yourself as carefully as Aspen grooms its slopes - you could find yourself sharing a gondola with Kevin Costner or Melanie Griffith. The Victorian mining town has been authentically refurbished with considerable panache and no loss of charm THE SKIING Aspen has 39 lifts split between four different mountains, connected by an efficient ski-bus system. Ajax is for advanced skiers and snowboarders; Buttermilk is for beginners; Snowmass and Aspen Highlands offer a full range of terrain THE NON-SKIING Aspen is a true all-rounder with alternatives such as dog-sledging and hot-air ballooning. Some 200 shops and art galleries provide retail therapy of Bond Street calibre. The hedonistic Aspen Club and Spa (00 1 970 925 8900) offers acupuncture and 'body polish' among its treatments THE KNOWLEDGE Fly to Aspen's own airport, 10 minutes from town, and avoid the tedious road journey from Denver. Recommended tour operator: Elegant Resorts (01244 897333). For more information go to www.elegantresorts.co.uk