Taylor Family Winter Vacation 2022
Welcome to Aspen
We embarked on our family adventure from our home in sunny California, trading palm trees for snow-capped mountains. Arriving in Aspen, we were greeted by the majestic sight of the Rockies.
Our first day was packed with awe, especially when we hit Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. This cozy little spot isn't just any restaurant; it's a ski-in, ski-out haven accessible only by a couple of chairlifts.
Sitting outside, draped in cozy blankets, we savored hot drinks while marveling at the view. We're not talking about just any view but a breathtaking panorama that had us pinching ourselves.
The place had this old-world charm, with everyone sipping champagne and munching on Swiss goodies. And yes, the journey up those lifts? Totally worth it.
First Ski Day
Ski day one was epic. Decked out in our snazziest gear, we hit the slopes. The kids, especially Stacy and her cousin Lily, were fearless, taking on the runs like pros. Mikey, though a bit hesitant on his first ski lift ride, soon found his groove and was all smiles.
Later, we discovered snow tubing. Picture this: all of us in red tubes, sliding down a snowy hill, laughing our heads off. It was like a rollercoaster without the tracks. Absolute chaos, but in the best way.
Our Snowy Home
Our lodge was straight out of a fairy tale. Stepping into the cozy warmth of our cabin after the chilly outdoors was bliss. We were all about that steaming outdoor pool and hot tub. Imagine swimming with snowflakes fluttering around - surreal! And the inside? Thanks to a virtual tour, we knew every nook and cranny, but experiencing that fireplace warmth firsthand? Nothing beats that. We huddled around for games, making memories we'd never forget.
A Toasty Retreat
The kitchen became our culinary playground, where Stacy showed off her pancake-flipping skills one morning, claiming her secret ingredient was "a dash of snow." Dad tried to keep up, but let's just say, his specialty remains toast and coffee.
Our bedroom was a cozy retreat after long days in the snow, often invaded by Cousin Lily, who insisted on "quality control" for our pillow forts. Uncle Joe's bedtime stories were legendary, turning "just one more chapter" into an hour-long saga with voices for every character.
The living room, with its roaring fireplace, hosted our most memorable moments—like the night we all played charades, and Uncle Joe's attempt to mime "ski lift" somehow resembled a dancing flamingo, leaving us in stitches. We're so glad we caught that on video; it's a hilarious moment we'll always look back on and laugh. Between competitive board games that Aunt Jen swore were rigged and cozy movie nights where Lily dubbed herself the "Best Snack Critic," it felt like we were living in a winter postcard, making memories we'd treasure long after the snow melted.
More Outdoor Magic
Outside the lodge, our adventures continued. We had a winter picnic that would make anyone jealous, complete with hot chocolate that tasted like heaven. Nights by the outdoor fire became our thing, swapping stories under the twinkling stars. And, of course, we had evening hot tub sessions to both thaw out and plan the next day's activities.
Eating Our Way Through Aspen
Our meals here? Think less "feast for the senses" and more "stuffing our faces with the best comfort food ever." That fondue with the mountain view? Killer. And the seafood? Mikey, our little critic, gave it two thumbs up.
New Years Eve
The highlight though had to be the New Years Eve ski event with food, music, and fireworks. Imagine skiing with glow sticks, then watching fireworks light up the sky. Yep, it was as cool as it sounds.
The ski lifts became our second home, whisking us up the mountain for more snowy fun. Stacy and her brothers were unstoppable, racing each other down the slopes. And that first ski lift ride for Mikey? He went from "I'm not sure about this" to "Again! Again!" real quick. We made sure to snap tons of photos, capturing every laugh, every fall, and every triumph.
Ski Lifts and Slope Adventures
Cold Memories to Warm Our Hearts
As our Aspen adventure came to a close, we couldn't help but laugh over our collection of inside jokes, epic wipeouts, and the warmth of family dinners that somehow felt more special in the mountain air.
We learned that Stacy's "secret ingredient" might just be an extra scoop of sugar, and Mikey believes everything tastes better with ketchup. Even fondue. Yes, fondue.
But watching them bond, creating chaos and laughter in equal measure, was the sweetest recipe for family time. Plus, the simple joy of reuniting with our cousins warmed our hearts.
As we waved goodbye to the snow-capped peaks of Aspen, Dad said: "You know, they say what happens in Aspen stays in Aspen, but I hope that's not true for the memories."
55 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto, ON M4P1G8