Getting there (Area code 970)

By air: Aspen's Sardy Field, 3 miles from Aspen and 8 miles from Snowmass, is served by regular flights from four cities: Denver (United Express), Memphis and Minneapolis/St.Paul (Northwest Jet Airlink) and Los Angeles (United Express) and Salt Lake City (Delta). Don't make the mistake our staff has: One year we were booked on the Sunday that ended Christmas vacation, just as some 150 private jets were stacked up waiting to fly out. Some of our staff was able to fly in, but with no luggage; others had to be bused from Denver and Glenwood Springs. It was a mess. The city and the FAA are working on a solution, but if you fly on major holidays, expect delays and try to carry on emergency supplies.

Eagle County airport, about 70 miles away, is becoming the best-served airport for this resort. It hosts flights from Northwest, American, Continental, United, U.S. Airways and Delta. American has daily flights arriving from Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago and Saturday flights from New York and Miami. Continental has daily service from Houston and weekend flights from Newark. Delta flies from Atlanta. Northwest flies from Minneapolis daily with Saturday flights from Detroit. United flies daily from Denver, San Francisco and LA and on weekends from Chicago and New York La Guardia. Colorado Mountain Express (800-525-6363) takes skiers from Eagle to Aspen.

If you find yourself in Aspen without your gear or outdoor clothing, make sure to ask the airlines for a voucher to rent what you need until they show up with your luggage. All the airlines hand out coupons for equipment in case yours is delayed. These vouchers are accepted at virtually every sports shop in town.

If your luggage gets waylaid, call Lorenzo Semple at Suit Yourself (920-0295). He will be at your door with a van full of ski and snowboard clothing for you to rent during your stay. His wide inventory includes one-piece ski suits, jackets and pants, and accessories. He takes airline vouchers.

Regular ground transportation also leaves the Denver International Airport for Aspen, but it's about a four- to five-hour drive on I-70, about 220 miles away. Rental cars are available at both Denver and Eagle County Airport.

By train: Amtrak has service to Glenwood Springs, where skiers can get ground transportation the rest of the way.

Getting around: Aspen has a free bus system, RFTA, with several routes in town and to Glenwood Springs. There also is a separate, free shuttle between the various ski mountains during the day; there is a small fee after 4 p.m. Downtown is enjoyably walkable. Thank goodness a car is unnecessary because parking is definitely a pain.