Activities notes : It is impossible to do justice to the activities available. In the wintertime, of course skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating and shopping come to mind. But summer through mid-October is my favorite time. There are multiple options for every sport -- hiking trails that will challenge the experienced and others to seduce the beginner. Water rafting for the faint of heart and further upstream are rapids to excite the near-jaded. Bike paths connect all the towns and one favorite of mine is the 18 mile (slightly downhill) route from Aspen to Basalt and then to have a meal along the river at the downtown Basalt restaurant. But bike rentals can be found 4 mins away in Carbondale and a ride along the river toward Snowmass or marble is quite wonderful as well. The half hour drive to Bahr Ranch offers glorious ATV rides on a 1000 acre ranch high up in the mountains. And if you prefer to see the scenery on horseback, the Bahr family offers that as well. Great fishing (I'm told) can be found in Roaring Fork River (a mile and a half from our home) or the Colorado. Our caretaker would be the expert adviser re: where to catch the best fish. Photographers find endless opportunities to take prize-winning photos year-round. Given that Aspen and the surrounds have attracted not just millionaires but billionaires from all over the world, the secondhand stores are inimitable in the area. Extravagant and often international cast-offs one wouldn't see elsewhere can be had for great bargains. The art galleries and jewelers in Aspen could rank with the best anywhere. As could the broad array of restaurants throughout the valley named after the river that runs through it -- the Roaring Fork. For those who don't ski, there are opportunities for tubing locally and for horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowmobiling adventures.

Bedroom notes : Though the four rooms could house 10 people, we would prefer smaller groups of 2 - 5. This is negotiable.

Bathroom notes : The entry-level full bath is a spectacle of rain forest marble (each square foot surrounded by river pebbles is a piece of art in itself). Everything throughout the house is like new.

Other notes : We have a fireplace that serves both the living room and the family room with plenty of wood available in the garage or the woods out back. We also have a wooden table that seats 6 out on the patio along with several seating options (rocker, bouncing chairs, tilt back recliner type chairs) as well as an elliptical machine and outdoor propane heater for cool weather eating outside. Opening the windows in the summertime affords access to the lovely mountain breezes. Many head to the Rockies for the air quality.