Earning unforgettable experiences
All Photos by Andrew Muse and Ashley LaMarre

When it comes to VIP experiences in the mountains, it’s hard to top a place whose population is simultaneously glamorous and true to its roots.

And after getting to meet some of the Roaring Fork’s most vibrant personalities between Snowmass Village and the town of Aspen this January, the Ski.com Dream Job hires, Andrew Muse, Ashley LaMarre, and Kicker the Dog can testify: there’s just something special about this Colorado destination.

The four mountain experience at Aspen Snowmass offers unparalleled variety to those visiting the Roaring Fork Valley for the first time. Ashley, a relative newcomer to the sport of skiing, said she couldn’t imagine a better place to progress her skills from beginner to intermediate and finally, all the way the top of the Highland Bowl. On the other side of the coin, Andrew was never short on supply of interesting terrain, which he says easily rivals that of the Wasatch Mountains. Off the hill, the hospitable staff at the Viceroy Snowmass and Limelight Aspen made Andrew, Ashley, and most importantly, their dog Kicker feel right at home during their stay.

Between the skiing, lodging, and all-time meals, here are just a few of Andrew and Ashley’s most memorable moments from their week on the Dream Job.

ANDREW AND ASHLEY’S MOST MEMORABLE DREAM JOB MOMENTS – ASPEN SNOWMASS

Ripping first tracks with Aspen Legend, Ted Mahon

Andrew attempts to hide his excitement upon meeting the third man to have skied all of Colorado’s 14k+ foot peaks

For a long time, I’ve watched Ted Mahon from a distance and it’s been awesome to see what he’s been able to accomplish in the world of ski mountaineering. Snagging first tracks on Aspen Mountain with him is something I’ll never forget. – Andrew Muse

Finding out Aspen is anything BUT experts only

Ashley clearly not upset with the pace of skiing @Snowmass

Before we got [to Aspen], I was worried that everyone would be experts and wouldn’t want to wait for me on the mountain but that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Everyone at Ski.com and Aspen Snowmass encouraged me and I truly feel like I made huge improvements in my technique after just a week on the slopes. – Ashley 

Walking Kicker Dog around downtown Aspen

Who’s a good boy?

Normally, Ashley, Kicker and I are all housed in the MUSEROAMER, so it was really nice to stop in a town that was so dog friendly. I’ll definitely remember walking Kicker through Aspen’s magical downtown after a long day of skiing and letting him play with other doggos in the park. – Andrew

Earning turns in one of the most picturesque locales in North America

Andrew and Ashley celebrate their arrival at the top of Highlands Bowl

My favorite moment of the entire trip was hiking those last few steps up Highland Bowl and looking out over the mountains. It truly brought tears to my eyes that I get to experience Aspen in the way we have, surrounded by some of the coolest locals. – Ashley

There’s just something special about the Aspen community

Classic Aspen culture

The sense of community here can’t be beat. At our last dinner at L’Hostaria, we sat next to some older men at the bar who’ve lived in Aspen since the 70’s. They were so happy to hear about what we did and where we went, it made us feel right at home. – Ashley


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