Aspen, Colorado is a beautiful mountain town known for its world-class skiing and stunning natural surroundings. But there is much more to Aspen than meets the eye. It is a town with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Three institutions that embody these values are the Hotel Jerome, the Rio Grande Trail, and the Aspen Institute Business & Society Program. Each of these entities plays a unique role in shaping the character of Aspen and promoting a vision of a better world.
The Hotel Jerome is an iconic landmark in Aspen, built in 1889 during the town’s silver mining boom. The hotel has a rich history, having hosted luminaries such as Theodore Roosevelt, Hunter S. Thompson, and John Wayne. In recent years, the Hotel Jerome has undergone a major renovation, preserving its historic charm while updating its facilities to meet modern standards. The hotel has also made a commitment to sustainability, implementing energy-efficient technologies and reducing its carbon footprint.
The Rio Grande Trail is a 42-mile trail that runs through the Roaring Fork Valley, connecting Aspen to Glenwood Springs. The trail is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is also an important corridor for wildlife, providing critical habitat for a variety of species. In recent years, the Rio Grande Trail has become a model for sustainable transportation, with a focus on reducing car traffic and promoting active modes of transportation.
The Aspen Institute Business & Society Program is a think tank that brings together business leaders, academics, and policymakers to explore the role of business in society. The program’s mission is to promote a vision of business that goes beyond profit and considers the impact of business on society and the environment. The program’s work includes research, education, and advocacy, with a focus on issues such as climate change, inequality, and corporate social responsibility.
These three institutions may seem disparate at first glance, but they are united by a common vision of a better world. The Hotel Jerome embodies Aspen’s history and commitment to sustainability, the Rio Grande Trail promotes sustainable transportation and habitat conservation, and the Aspen Institute Business & Society Program promotes a vision of business that considers the impact on society and the environment. Together, these institutions represent a commitment to a better future for Aspen and the world.
In conclusion, Aspen is much more than a ski town. It is a town with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The Hotel Jerome, the Rio Grande Trail, and the Aspen Institute Business & Society Program are three institutions that embody these values and promote a vision of a better world. By preserving Aspen’s history and natural beauty, promoting sustainable transportation, and exploring the role of business in society, these institutions are helping to create a brighter future for Aspen and beyond.
Sources:
– Hotel Jerome: https://aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/sustainability/
– Rio Grande Trail: https://www.rfta.com/trail-information/rio-grande-trail/
– Aspen Institute Business & Society Program: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/business-and-society-program/