Lipstick Lifestyle

This winter, don’t hide from the below zero temperatures outside. Embrace your inner snow bunny and take to the slopes!

Here are three suggestions for a winter getaway in ski country, on both sides of the border:

Aspen
Locale: Found northwest of Denver, this tiny Colorado town with a big rep is the one of the favoured spots for skiing in North America. It boasts four resorts in one: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. A three-hour drive from Denver, and direct air connections to Aspen.

Day plan: With ski hill open from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and complimentary shuttles between each mountain, skiers and boarders have a multitude of options. The average snowfall during the season is 300 inches; yet last year’s record breaking snowfalls will adjust those numbers higher. Once you’ve picked your mountain, head to the base lodges for casual lunch offerings like sandwiches and pizza, and consider the Ski and Snowboard Schools to improve skills. Pick from a variety of accommodation in Aspen, from the historic five star Little Nell Hotel, classic Hotel Aspen, ski in/ski out condos and affordable bed and breakfast inns.

Shop: Splurge – Aspen boasts a population of less than 6,000, but the shopping district featuring Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Fendi, Tod’s, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

Apres-ski: Cuddle up with the locals at the Little Nell Pub, which boasts an adjacent outdoor jacuzzi as a reward after a day on the mountaintop. Indulge in the Remede Spa at the St. Regis Hotel, with its complimentary snacks and champagne, restorative treatments and relaxing post-treatment room. For dining, consider fine dining at Zocalito Bistro, Messaluna and L’Hostaria, or go casual at The Cantina, Texas Red’s BBQ or Boogie’s Diner. For special treat, take a sleigh ride up mountain to the Pine Creek Cookhouse, for fine dining in a cabin.

Notable: Beginners and boarders can congregate at Buttermilk, while families should hang out at Snowmass, and experts/wannabe ski bums should focus on Aspen and Aspen Highlands.

Aspen
www.aspensnowmass.com
Photo: Daniel Bayer

Panorama Mountain Village
Locale: Nestled in the Kootenays, in The Rockies of British Columbia, this ski resort boasts 120 runs and bowls, and an average temperature during the winter of -5C / 25 F. Approximately a three-hour drive from Calgary, Alberta, and air connections are available via Calgary to Panorama.

Day plan: With ski runs open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., there’s plenty of time for skiing and snowboarding every day, but leave some time to enjoy the quaint village. Fuel up during the day at The Great Hall, where you’ll find your faves from pizza to pasta, or stop higher up on the mountain at the historic Elkhorn Cabin, or go for broke at the highest dining spot, The Summit Hut. There is a variety of accommodation from ski in/ski out lux condo rentals to the affordable Pine Inn, located in the heart of the village.

Shop: For new skiing accessories check out Can-Ski and for a wee souvenir, head to Bavin Glass Cabin for BC artisan crafts.

Apres-ski: Rest your weary bones in the largest slope side hot pools in Canada to relax pre-dining. Several dinner options are available from the Jackpine Pub for casual gathering to the family friendly Choppers Landing Restaurant & Lounge or Wildfire Grill to the elegant Greys Restaurant, with Chef Mark LeBlanc creating a new menu each evening.

Notable: Beginners welcome – 20 percent of the runs are just for you as well as a new lift and learn to ski programs. And girls – for those looking for a girlfriend getaway – there are packages that range from spa nights to heliskiing.

Panorama Mountain Village
www.panoramaresort.com
Photo courtesy of the Panorama Mountain Village

Blue Mountain
Locale: Ninety minutes north of Toronto, this resort is part of the Collingwood region of Ontario, with plenty of downhill, cross-country and snowboarding trails. An easy day trip from the big city, this mountain allows a combination of urban offerings and winter resort.

Day plan: From 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. the majority of runs are open, and with conditions permitting, night skiing happens until 10 p.m.; shuttles run every 15 minutes to get around the resort area. The Village at Blue has fun spots for breakfast, lunch and snacks like the infamous Beaver Tails, Copper Blues Bar & Grill or Espresso Bar Bakery. Staying at The Westin at Blue puts you close to the chair lifts and ahead of the lineup for reservations at the in-house Oliver Bonacini Restaurant.

Shop: Look for mountain-inspired décor at Terase Art & Home at Blue or Canadian crafts at The Great Canadian Gift Company. Improve your ski wardrobe at Columbia Sportswear or Badlands Sports. Find a quick pick me up at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Apres-ski: Book in advance to attend Le Scandinave Spa, for its wide range of European therapies and then head to casual Firehall Pizza Co. for tasty eats, Twist Martini & Wine Lounge for cocktails or dining and dj on weekends at Kaytoo Restaurant and Bar.

Notable: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures provide snowshoeing and deep bush cross-country skiing or check out www.blueactivities.com for fun options like beading classes, historical tours of the area, dog sledding, or winter horseback riding.

Blue Mountain
www.bluemountain.ca
Photo courtesy of the Village at Blue Mountain