I've got to admit I've a soft spot for Aspen. I'm not sure what it is, the name, the mystique, the history. Either way, there's just something about this town, something hanging in the air that transforms it into everything that's great about skiing. And no matter how much you try it's just impossible to put your finger on why.

At the heart of Aspen lies the original Victorian centre, caringly restored in all its splendor. Slightly to the north stands the Silver Queen Gondola, and 13 minutes later you're atop Ajax, looking down on it all. Residential neighborhoods fan out to the south and west, to the east Ruthies Ridge extends a protective arm sheltering the town from the rest of the Valley. The centre is fairly compact and easy to explore – the main mix of shops and restaurants is located within 20 square blocks and comfortable walking distance of the free shuttle bus drop off points.

What really makes Aspen Aspen is the people who live and visit. From the locals who work two jobs to make ends meet and ski hard on their days off to the billionaires checking their portfolios on the gondola between runs, Aspen is home to an eclectic mix that complements and contradicts, creating an atmosphere and facilities that, for a town of its size, amaze.