Destinations

It took me 6 days to hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as “Africa’s Roof.” The Marangu Hotel in Moshi, the closest town to the mountain, was our Outfitter and we spent three nights there taking care of jetlag and getting ready for the trip. By choosing the longer Machame Route, and not the popular Marangu Route, we had more time to acclimatize and a greater chance for success.

We hiked from the equatorial rain forest, moors and beautiful high alpine desert to finally reach the frigid summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,340 feet.

On summit day at 15,000 feet we woke up to a blizzard. So instead of hiking in the scree we hiked in snow the whole way! It was an arduous adventure. So for something different - I highly recommend it. And going on a Safari after the climb would be an added treat when visiting beautiful Tanzania.

I recently spent a week in Aspen experiencing its glamour, cuisine and lots of snow! There’s still time for Spring skiing! For the non-skiers there are snowshoe expeditions and dog sled rides, sleigh and snowmobile rides, fly-fishing and cross country skiing. For those who are not adventurous there are numerous shops, and art galleries Aspen is not only a wonderful winter destination, but locals think summer is even better with its music festivals, food and wine events, and hiking and biking excursions.

Skiing:

• Aspen Mountain elevation 7945 ft. – is known as much for its social scene as for it terrain. You might share a ski lift with Michael Douglas. For a light lunch try Bonnie’s on the mountain or the Sundeck. Slope side the best people watching is at The Tavern at The Little Nell.
• Aspen Highlands has the most backcountry style in-bounds skiing you’ll find anywhere. Base elevation 8040 ft. On the mountain dining try the Merry-Go-Ground.
• Buttermilk elevation 7870 ft. is considered one of the best learning mountains in the world. For lunch try Bumps at the base area or The Clifhouse at the top of the Summit Express lift.

Luxury Accommodations:

• The Little Nell blends the virtues of a country inn with the indulgences of a grand hotel. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. There are 92 rooms and suites featuring contemporary architecture and a private heated pool, located at the base of Aspen Mountain.
• The St. Regis Resort delivers a benchmark of personalized service and unending attention to detail. There are 179 guestrooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool, and the 15,000 sq ft Remède Spa that offers a comprehensive menu of spa treatments. A treatment includes a glass of champagne and the opportunity to experience the relaxation room equipped with oxygen machines.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Olives – St. Regis – Chef Todd English brings his award-winning cuisine to Aspen with hearty portions of Mediterranean-inspired delights. The Taglitelli Bolognese is delicious.
• Social – Small plates with delicious flavors from Asia, Europe and the Americas.
• D19 – Chef Deana Marino is known for Italian flavors and top quality ingredients.
• Elevation – American Cuisine. Modern and chic with warm atmosphere.
• Montagna –The Little Nell Hotel – Serving contemporary farmhouse cuisine and an award winning wine list.
• Pinons – 20 years old and still going strong. A favorite for locals.
• Brunelleschi’s – pizza and pasta’s.
• La Cantina – Traditional Mexican cuisine including tacos and enchiladas as well as fish and meats.

Kebnekaise is Sweden’s highest peak at 2111 meters (6,926 feet), located above the Arctic Circle and is sometimes referred to as Europe’s last wilderness. I recommend staying at the Kebnekaise Mountain Lodge, with all the major conveniences, and take daytrips, or hike hut to hut. You hike over vast mountain heaths and down into deep valleys. The scenery is spectacular with many rivers and lakes. There is no need to carry water, it’s all drinkable. Most huts can be reached within 5-6 hours and are situated in great natural beauty. They are self catering with a simple but cozy standard. The kitchens have a gas stove, cooking equipment, plates, mugs and cutlery. There is no electricity - the huts are heated by wood or gas. Multi-bedded rooms (most often 4 beds) come with mattresses, pillows and a duvet. Guests bring their own sheets or sleeping bags. There is water at each hut. To get to the Lodge you can fly to Kiruna from Stockholm or take the train, which is a 36 hour ride. From there, you take the bus to the trail head and hike 6-7 hours into the Lodge. There is also a helicopter that will take you from the trail head to the Lodge.