From Slopes to Stories: How Aspen’s Ski & Literary Worlds Collide in a Summer Writing Retreat

The Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club has been a cornerstone of the Aspen community for over 80 years, providing world-class training and support for local youth athletes. But did you know that the club also hosts an annual fundraiser that benefits a literary organization called Aspen Words?

Aspen Words is a non-profit literary arts organization that hosts events, workshops, and retreats for writers of all levels. One of their most popular events is the Summer Words Writing Retreat, which takes place in Aspen every year. The retreat attracts writers from all over the country, who come to hone their craft and learn from some of the best writers in the world.

One of the highlights of the Summer Words Writing Retreat is the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Aspen. The Smuggler Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Many writers take advantage of the trail to clear their minds and find inspiration for their writing.

But what do skiing, writing, and hiking have in common? They all require discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to push oneself to the limit. Whether you’re skiing down a challenging slope, hiking up a steep mountain trail, or sitting down to write a novel, you need to be able to focus and stay committed to your goals.

The Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club exemplifies this commitment to excellence, providing young athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the slopes. Similarly, Aspen Words encourages writers to push themselves beyond their limits, to take risks and explore new ideas.

In the end, whether you’re skiing or writing, it’s all about the journey, the challenge, and the rewards that come with hard work and dedication. And in Aspen, there are plenty of opportunities to pursue both passions, whether you’re hitting the slopes with the Ski & Snowboard Club, exploring the Smuggler Mountain Trail, or attending the Summer Words Writing Retreat with Aspen Words.

So, next time you’re in Aspen, take a break from the slopes and check out some of the amazing literary events hosted by Aspen Words. You never know, you might just find the inspiration you need to take your writing to the next level.