Insider, local knowledge is key if you’re looking to tick off all the must-do activities, see all the highlights and have an authentic experience on your next ski trip. Locals are chock full of ideas and inspiration to make your ski trip unforgettable, so who better to tap for insider guidance, than the local lodging concierges or staff? That’s why we’ve created a new Ski.com Blog series: Concierge Conversations, where you can glean great destination-based tips and recommendations and learn a bit more about some of the area’s top lodging options.
We tapped Director of Sales and Marketing, Shaun Cagley, who’s been at the Crestwood Condominiums in Snowmass, Colorado for 10 years, to answer a couple questions about his favorite aspects of his homebase and place of work.
Some of Shaun’s Favorite Things
Ski.com: What drew you to the destination originally and what has kept you there?
SC: I came to Aspen Snowmass without ever visiting the area. I was in search of the ski-town lifestyle that I had been dreaming about since my senior year of high school. Little did I know, I had found the best year-round mountain town in the country. The four ski mountains surrounding Aspen Snowmass are what drew me here, but all the additional events and amenities throughout the Roaring Fork Valley that have kept me from ever leaving.
Ski.com: What are your three favorite things to do at Aspen Snowmass in the winter?
SC: 1.)Après-ski at Cloud 9 on Aspen Highlands. It is the perfect way to end a day of hiking and skiing Highlands Bowl. 2.) Catch a free outdoor concert in the spring. Aspen Snowmass always throws a good party and they continue bring in great music every season with the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series. 3.) Two sport day, i.e. ski in the morning and fly-fish in the afternoon.
Ski.com: In your opinion, what are some secrets or lesser known facts/attributes about Snowmass that visitors should know?
SC: There are only two skiers per acre on Snowmass! That statistic is pretty impressive. Snowmass is a massive mountain and without the crowds you will typically experience at resorts closer to the Front Range, you often feel like you have the mountain all to yourself. This also means no lift lines!
Ski.com: What are some secrets or lesser known facts/attributes about the Crestwood?
SC: We provide guests with complimentary grocery shopping and delivery. Guests can send a list prior to arrival or drop a list of before skiing and we will have the items shopped and delivered to the condo. The cost is posted to the room and paid at checkout.
We have 28 unit types at our property. With eight different condominium layouts and three different rating categories, we are able to accommodate a wide range of family sizes and budgets at one property.
Guests can ski back in to The Crestwood from anywhere on Snowmass Mountain. No matter where you are when your legs start to burn, you can head down hill and will end up at The Crestwood.
Ski.com: If you could only ski or ride one run at Snowmass for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
SC: Hanging Valley Glades. This one “run” offers up so much different terrain to choose from, you can find new lines you have never skied before when you start to explore the terrain. It never gets old!
Ski.com: When guests ask you for the local’s scoop on après-ski/dining/nightlife what do you recommend and why?
SC: My après-ski go-to is Zane’s Tavern [in the Snowmass Mall] for wings! They have a great après wing special and some of the best wings I have ever had. I also always tell people they need to go eat at Woody Creek Tavern if they have never been [which is a short drive from the Brush Creek entrance to Snowmass]. This no frills spot is off the beaten path and has a funky vibe that you cannot find anywhere else in Aspen. Nightlife is always best when accompanied by live music, which is why Belly Up is my go-to for a night out on the town.
Ski.com: When guests ask you for recommendations for family experiences what’s your go-to itinerary and don’t-miss spots/restaurants and why?
SC: The go-to for families is Ullr Nights held at the Elk Camp Restaurant on Snowmass Mountain every Friday night. You get to take the gondola up the mountain at night, where they have great family-oriented events and great food.
Ski.com: When guests ask you for recommendations for upscale experiences what’s your go-to itinerary and don’t-miss spots/restaurants and why?
SC: Sushi. It may be hard to believe, but Aspen has some of the best sushi I have had, especially in a mountain destination. There are three different restaurants to choose from and they all have fresh fish flown in daily! If you can find your way into the Caribou Club, you will be rubbing elbows with the Aspen elite in the infamous private club’s downstairs quarters.
Ski.com: What winter event or time of ski season do you look forward to most and why?
SC: I feel like early March is one of the best times to take a ski vacation. The snow is always great after already getting snow for the last four months, you miss the crowds during Presidents’ week and Spring Break and March is typically the snowiest month of the season.
Ski.com: What do you think makes the Crestwood popular?
SC: The major selling points of The Crestwood are our location, the variety of accommodations and the ski in ski out convenience of our property. We have the best location in Snowmass. The Base Village is right across the street and you can ski down to either base lift to start your day. It also provides easy access to ski school, making it easy to drop off and pick up the kids. The variety of accommodations is another important feature, because we have something for everyone. From a couple up to a family of ten, we can accommodate them. The convenient location of our slopeside skier service center and concierge provides guests with complimentary ski and boot storage right on the slope. This prevents guests from having to carry their skis and walk in their ski boots, which is a huge win after a long day on the slopes.
Ready to experience the Crestwood Condominiums in Snowmass, Colorado this winter? Call one of our 70+ Mountain Travel Experts. They’re standing by for your call at 800-610-8911.
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