Aspen, Snowmass and Backcountry Savory Getaway through Colorado's High Country!
In recent years, the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado has become an epicenter for a shifting culinary scene in the Rocky Mountains. While many restaurants have featured local game and fish from the surrounding mountains and rivers for years, a myriad of organic farms, dairies and wineries have popped up in recent years throughout this awe-inspiring landscape. Further, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado are widely considered the birthplace of the American craft beer movement. Your culinary experience will be based in Snowmass, Colorado, located in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. Visits to the famous Maroon Bells, Backcountry Jeep tours, a walking food tour, silver mine tour and even a sunset barbeque with bonfire are all on the agenda. But that's not all...this culinary experience will feature a side dish of adventure! So hang on for a thrilling getaway in Colorado's High Country!
Colorado High Country Culinary Getaway
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•3 Nights Mountainside Accommodations
•Daily Breakfast at the Lodge
•Gentle Maroon Bells Hike
•Picnic Lunch
•Hybrid Cruiser Bike Tour to Aspen
•(Alternate Transfers Provided if Required)
•Multi-Course, Locally-Sourced Dinner
•Aspen Food Tour with Lunch
•Backcountry Jeep Tour
•Tour of Ashcroft
•Smuggler Silver Mine Tour
•Sunset BBQ Dinner & Bonfire
•Craft Brew & Spirits Tasting
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Select seasonal dates including August 14 - 17; September 18 - 21; September 25 - 28, 2024.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Arrival | Smuggler Mine | Aspen Mountain | Taylor Pass | Multi-Course Dinner in AspenArrive and check into your mountainside accommodations. Your special getaway kicks off quickly with a scenic Jeep tour that is sure to take your breath away. The trip will begin with a short tour of the Smuggler Mine before we head up Aspen Mountain and out to the Ghost town of Ashcroft. Our four-wheel drive Jeeps will take you up the front side of Aspen Mountain and out Richmond Ridge towards Taylor Pass, a high country road that traverses terrain above 11,000 feet. The Jeeps will then drop into the Castle Creek Valley, where we will take a short tour of Ashcroft, a ghost town that had a population larger than Aspen during the silver boom of the late 1800's. This evening we'll get to know each other a little better over a locally-sourced, multi-course dinner in downtown Aspen.. (Note: Please plan to be at your hotel in Snowmass by 11:30 AM on your first day to ensure you can join the Backcountry Jeep tour that departs at 12 Noon.)
Day 2
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High Country BreakfastDelicious and unique omelets, waffles, French toast and pancakes are on the menu for your breakfasts, as well as great egg dishes. Fuel up before your exciting adventures ahead!
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Backcountry Tour | Mi Chola | Aspen Foodie TourA trip to Colorado would not be complete without enjoying some of the high-country terrain the state is known for. This morning we will head out for a scenic drive into the backcountry of Lenado. Wildlife is rich in the Backcountry, so keep your eyes open! This trip will take you up into the high country with expansive views of the Elk Mountains. Now that you've worked up an appetite, it's time to switch our focus back to food and drink. This afternoon you will enjoy a local gems food tour which highlights culinary hotspots in Aspen that only locals know about. Our guide will take you to 4 or 5 locations for tastings of local delights and short talks by the chefs who take great pride in what they do. You will have enough tastings to serve as your lunch today. This evening you are free to explore a little more of downtown Aspen, and choose whichever well-known eating establishment fits your mood for dinner on your own.
Day 3
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High Country BreakfastDelicious and unique omelets, waffles, French toast and pancakes are on the menu for your breakfasts, as well as great egg dishes. Fuel up before your exciting adventures ahead!
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Maroon Bells Hike | Picnic Lunch | Hybrid Cruiser Bike Tour to Aspen | BBQ Sunset Dinner | Brew & Spirits Tasting | BonfireNo visit to Aspen/Snowmass is complete without a visit to the Maroon Bells. Known as the most photographed peaks in North America, you would be hard pressed to find a more scenic location to spend the day. After arriving at the Maroon Bells, you will have an opportunity to explore this famous area and grab some incredible photos. Soak in the scenery on a gentle stroll around the lake, or take a short hike to stretch your legs before enjoying a light lunch consisting of local foods at a picnic spot along Maroon Creek. You will then get on hybrid cruiser bikes and follow your guide on a gentle downhill ride into Aspen. The cruise on paved surfaces is a great way to see black bear or moose hanging out in the Maroon Creek Valley. (Note: For those who prefer, alternate transfers can be provided at no additional cost rather than biking). After some time to relax back at your hotel, we will climb into our Jeeps and head up Snowmass Mountain for a backcountry sunset dinner. This rustic, BBQ dinner begins by climbing to the Coney Glade overlook. Here we will be treated to a local brew and spirits tasting onsite with the crafters themselves, who explain a little about each of their creations. Dinner will be outside of a historic sheep herders cabin and include a musical serenade around a raging bonfire. A true Colorado experience!
Day 4
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High Country BreakfastDelicious and unique omelets, waffles, French toast and pancakes are on the menu for your breakfasts, as well as great egg dishes. Fuel up before your exciting adventures ahead!
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Check-Out and DepartureTime flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, high country paradise. Remember, you can always extend your stay based on availability. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
The Stonebridge Inn
Relax and enjoy an elevated Colorado mountain experience at the Stonebridge Inn. This full service hotel features 93 spaciously designed guest rooms and suites, a convenient slope side location and renowned reputation for outstanding guest service. The historic mountain lodge offers comfortable accommodations with picturesque mountain views, WiFi Internet access, as well as year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. Warm up to the fire at The Artisan Restaurant and Bar, consistently the place to be for breakfast, après ski or dinner featuring chef's award-winning culinary creations.
Snowmass Village, Colorado•Aspen, Colorado
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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