EDITOR'S LETTER

The first time I had to ride a rope tow in St. Anton, Austria, in a sea of fog, I was slightly terrified. I didn’t grow up skiing; I learned as an adult in Taos and Aspen, and I took chairlifts. I love gondolas, especially on a stormy, cold day.

But I still have a love affair with chairlifts. What’s more iconic, more romantic, even, than riding a lift before schussing down your favorite run?

 

That’s why we photographed for our cover the Temerity chairlift at one of our favorite mountains, Aspen Highlands. And we chose a couple who typify the best of Aspen, locals Samantha (Sam) and Craig Cordts-Pearce, owners of three restaurants, Lulu Wilson, The Wild Fig, and Brexi.

In this issue we celebrate, with you, dear reader, our love affair with Aspen, a singular place on the planet. We acknowledge that our town has always been in the eye of the beholder: One person sees terror when imagining skiing the Face of Bell, another exuberance. But there are certain experiences, certain things, we all adore.

Over the years, I’ve often been quoted as saying there are lots of beautiful places in the world— and Aspen and Snowmass and this valley are certainly among the most beautiful— but what draws us here, and keeps us here, are the amazing people who create our distinct culture. Every year we select individuals — some in the headlines, others not — whose lives and work inspire us(page 63). Their work is making a difference, either on a local stage or beyond, or sometimes both. 

Aspen Magazine, almost 40 years old, is one of America’s original niche brands. Our focus was, and is, always local—though never provincial. But Aspen is global and cosmopolitan as well. We exist for enthusiasts of Aspen, and enthusiasts of living well, no matter where you are on the planet.

The Aspen Magazine brand came out of my love affair with Aspen, and the love affair our staff, contributors, and readers have always had with this paradoxical place. It doesn’t mean we haven’t romped and grumped on these pages over the years. Importantly, Aspen Magazine is essential, trusted reading by full and part-time residents, visitors, and the merely curious. We have earned a reputation for quality and relevance, issue after issue.

 

On mY radar

1. The Little Nell’s Cellar Tasting Dinners throughout the winter; won’t miss Pork + Pinot, February 24, or Italian Wines, March 20.

2. Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s jazz club at the Nell; starts January 29-30 with Kim Nalley’s tribute to Billie Holiday; ends with one of my favorites, Cuban great Chucito Valdes, March 26-27.  

3. For a mini-vacation in my backyard: The Viceroy Club card; gives you discounts at its restaurants, spa, and store.

4. We’re excited to be a sponsor of the X Games kickoff bash to benefit Boarding for Breast Cancer and The V Foundation for Cancer Research, January 27 at the St. Regis.

5. Hosting a Veuve Clicquot dinner, pairing the house’s best with a five-course dinner by the St Regis’s chef Adam Tanner, February 12.

6. The new Marmot concept store in downtown Aspen; I just bought the down coat I have on with the cool collar. Function with style.

7.  A special evening with Yefim Bronfman at music lover Michael Goldberg’s home, February 17.

8. I love Mark Bradford’s

work, opening at the Aspen Art Museum, February 11.