Aspen Nightlife – Aspen Recreation Center

While the Aspen Recreation Center closes just
before 9pm, there is quite a bit of enjoyment to be
had here after a day on the slopes. If you get there
right after leaving the slopes, and eat a late dinner
– after the center closes – you will have plenty of
time to enjoy what the ARC has to offer.

The climbing walls at the center are the biggest
attraction. The ARC features approximately 3100 feet
of climbing walls for your enjoyment. There is also a
3-D climbing tower with more than 25 routes and four
auto belays.

Another nice feature at the Aspen Recreation Center
is the pool area. The James E. Moore Pool area
features two pools. One pool is 25 yards in length
and features six lanes, while the other pool is for
recreation and has a two story slide, a lazy river, and
spray features. You will also find a dry sauna, a steam
room, and hot tubs in the pool area.

The Lewis Ice Arena is also located at the Aspen
Recreation Center. Completed in the Spring of 2003,
the arena features an NHL regulation size skating
surface, grandstand seating for 450, a skate shop,
locker rooms, and shower rooms. Public skating,
skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult
hockey, and skating shows are available. You can
also host private parties at the arena. High altitude
training is also offered here.

You will also find cardio and weight rooms at the
center, and many fitness classes are also offered.
The Aspen Recreation Center hosts many off-site
activities in the Aspen area as well, such as golf,
tennis, climbing, aquatics, sailing, skateboarding,
ceramics classes, baseball, softball, soccer,
hockey, and various camps.

Babysitting services are available at the center as
well. This place is a great way to wrap up a day of
activity and wind down before your evening meal.
Again, the Aspen Recreation Center closes just
before 9pm, so make sure you head there right after
leaving the slopes for the day.

Admission for guests is $13 for youths and $15 for
adults. Admission includes access to the climbing
towers, swimming pool area, ice skating rink, weight
room, cardio room, adult fitness classes, water
aerobics, climbing wall and playhouse, and tennis
courts. The Aspen Recreation Center is a great place
for every member of the family. Call ahead to find out
about any planned events that are going on for even
more entertainment options.

Aspen Nightlife – Aspen Dance Fest

If you have the opportunity to visit Aspen during
July and August, you absolutely must use the
opportunity to see many of the performances
that are part of the Aspen Dance Fest. The
Aspen Dance Fest features critically acclaimed
contemporary dance companies from around
the United States.

The Aspen Dance fest runs for five consecutive
weeks each summer. The Aspen Santa Fe
Ballet Company hosts and performs in the
Aspen Dance Fest. The company is made up
of eleven dancers who were all classically
trained. The school was founded in 1995 by
Bebe Schweppe. The company’s debut was
in 1996 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts.

All performances for The Aspen Dance Fest
are held at the Aspen District Theatre, which is
located inside the Aspen Elementary School on
Maroon Creek Road. For a wonderful evening of
entertainment and culture, be sure to catch at
least one performance during the Aspen Dance
Fest – even if you have to make a special
summer trip to Aspen to do it. You may also catch
performances by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Company closer to home when they go on tour
each year.

Aspen Nightlife – Art Galleries

Aspen is famous for more than skiing. There are
currently more than thirty art galleries in and around
the Aspen area, where art created by famous artists
around the world resides. Visiting the art galleries in
Aspen is a must, and no Aspen vacation will be
complete without this taste of culture.

Most of the art galleries are within walking distance
of each other, arranged in a three by four block area.
This area is located between Spring Street and
Monarch Street, and Hopkins Avenue and Durant
Street.

You will find everything from vintage poster art at the
Omnibus Gallery to Impressionism art at the Galerie
Du Bois. Visit the Highline Gallery for glass art and
the Pam Driscol Gallery for bronze sculpture art.
Contemporary collections can be found at the
Baldwin Gallery.

While some galleries are open after hours, many
close around 5pm. It is important to find out the
operating hours of the galleries that you want to visit
ahead of time. Many shows and events are planned
at the galleries for the evening hours as well.

Aspen Nightlife and the Altitude

There is more to do in Aspen than ski! The
Aspen nightlife is like nothing you will
experience elsewhere. The warmth and
camaraderie of all of the skiers, from all of the
different lodges is quite special, and remarkable.
You will have a good time in Aspen, no matter
what you choose to do, but there is one thing
that you should be very aware of before you
start your party – the altitude.

Aspen sits about 8000 feet above sea level.
Unless you live in a high altitude area, you will
need to adjust to this altitude. You may find
yourself feeling dizzy or light headed, and you
may even find it a bit difficult to breath. Altitude
Sickness is a serious problem, and if your
symptoms become extreme, you should seek
medical attention.

If you will be drinking, you need to know that the
altitude will have a large impact on the way your
body handles the alcohol. Many people who are
not used to such a high altitude find that they
become drunker on much less alcohol, in a very
short period of time. It is best that you avoid
drinking alcohol at all until you have adjusted
to the altitude.

It is also important to recognize the signs of
both Altitude sickness and Acute Mountain
Sickness (AMS). Altitude sickness can be
recognized by hyperventilation, shortness of
breath during exertion, increased urination,
changed breathing patterns at night, strange
dreams, and frequently waking from sleep
during the night. Acute Mountain Sickness, on
the other hand, is recognized by loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness,
dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty sleeping,
confusion, and a staggering gait. 

As you can see, the symptoms of both Altitude
Sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness
somewhat resemble the symptoms of drinking
too much alcohol. The only way to rule out being
drunk is to not drink for at least 48 hours after
your arrival in the higher altitude. You should
also seek medical attention if your symptoms
last more than 48 hours, or if you show signs
of Acute Mountain Sickness. AMS can be
deadly if it is not treated.

Health care professionals suggest that you
avoid drinking alcohol because the effects are
magnified at a high altitude. Avoid strenuous
activity for the first couple of days after arriving
at the higher altitude. Drink extra fluid and visit
a doctor if you have symptoms of AMS
immediately for treatment.

Aspen Nightlife

Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the
day isn’t difficult – get out on the slopes and ski or
enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love.
At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with
Aspen nightlife! No matter how old or young you are,
there is something to do in Aspen twenty-four hours
a day, seven days a week.

Music and dancing are the biggest Aspen nightlife
attractions, but there is more to do than just that –
so if you aren’t quite old enough to get into the
various bars and clubs in the area, don’t think that
you will be bored at night – you won’t be! Start by
finding out what activities are planned for the
evening at your lodge or hotel. Most lodges and
hotels have events planned throughout the season
– and this is a good place to start finding things to
do after the slopes have closed for the day.

Shopping in Aspen is another highlight. There are
many galleries and specialty shops that you won’t
find in your own hometown. Take advantage of this.
Most shops are open after the slopes have closed
for the day, and many stay open late because they
understand that you want to spend your daylight
hours out on the slopes.

If you aren’t old enough for the club scene, take
advantage of the teen nights that are offered by many
of the resorts. These are safe fun nights for teens,
which parents will approve of.  Teens also enjoy the
offerings at many of the spas. Spas aren’t just for
adults. Enjoy the skin treatments, massages,
saunas, and hot tubs. Some resorts also have game
rooms for the teens and younger kids.

If you are old enough for the bars and clubs – finding
something to do won’t be hard at all. Again, find out
what is happening in the evening at your lodge or
hotel first. If you aren’t interested, hit the streets.
Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen,
and anything that is out of walking distance is
accessible by bus or taxi. If you will be drinking,
do not drive your car to the bar or club – find
alternate transportation.

The Aspen Recreation center has many planned
events throughout the season that are appropriate for
adults and kids. However, if you are planning to bring
the kids, but you want to enjoy some adult Aspen
nightlife as well, child care may be available through
your lodge or hotel.