Cloud 9, a restaurant on the side of a slope on Highlands mountain, serves great food with amazing views. It has a certain alpine feel and is famous for its raclette and fondue.
On a perfect day, you can score a table outside, looking out at skiers and the gorgeous surrounding mountains and listening to the great music. Later in the afternoon, if things get a little crazy, skiers get on tables and dance before heading down the mountain.
Inside the actual restaurant though, its very crowded and small yet cozy, fitting the theme.
The menu changes per day and is limited to a couple select dishes, each with their own rich taste. Fondue and raclette are what Cloud 9 is known for and are definitely the best items to order. Raclette, is a Swiss dish typically served with cheese, vegetables, and meats.
It makes the meal more fun since each person can make his or her own plate. A small stove like appliance is put in the middle of the table and loaded with vegetables and butter set to cook. Once those are ready, every one takes his or her own small pan and creates a tiny dish with the potatoes, peppers, garlic, cheese, and meat. Then it is placed under the stove where it can cook for a while until the cheese is melted, combining all the elements together.
Aside from the incredible restaurants all over Aspen, there are many other great aspects of this popular ski town. Ajax, is a smaller mountain but my favorite since its located right in the center of the town. Also there is a gondola, making it much quicker and warmer to get to the top of the mountain!
The difficulty ranges from blues to double blacks and has some awesome runs all over the mountain. Some of my favorites are Copper, Walsh's or any on Bell mountain.
For a wider range of difficulty and larger selection of ski runs go to Highlands mountain. There are tons of endlessly long double black trails through the trees. The only negative side is there is not a gondola, so on cold windy mornings the chair lifts are not fun!
After a long day of skiing, the town of Aspen is my favorite place to hang out. The busy streets filled with high end designer stores or small local boutiques are always fun to go to. One shop, P.E 101 is barely bigger than a closet but is jammed packed with amazing clothes and great employees to help find something perfect for you.
There is always something fun going on in the town, especially during the holiday season. From horse carriages to ice skating to crazy rides in the ultimate taxi there are endless things to do here!
-Rana
http://aspenwebcam.com/live-webcams/aspen-mountain-gondola-plaza
*a link to a video cam looking at Ajax mountain and the town
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