We got to speak to a lot of Aspenites as we developed this month’s issue of Men’s Vows. We asked of all of them for their insider tips, secret escapes and off-the-beaten path recommendations. As Aspenites do, they were all generous with their information, but some of them shared with trepidation. As one said: “If there are too many insiders at this place, it is gonna stop being a best-kept-secret, won’t it?”

After a pause on our part, we’ve decided to let all of our readers in on these tips, spots and things to do, but not in on who shared them with us!! Every jewel in Aspen’s crown deserves to be experienced by one and all. So, here goes our eclectic list:

Last Supper Mass at St. Benedict’s Monastery followed by Chinese dinner at Ho’s Palace in Basalt.

Four-wheeling up Taylor and Cottonwood Passes.

Winter hiking to the Continental Divide – hike with caution and consult the park service before heading up Independence Pass.

Dinner at Meat & Cheese and cocktails at Hootch.

Hike to America or Cathedral Lake followed by lunch at Pine Creek Lodge.

Become friends with the salespeople in Aspen and do all of your luxury shopping, year-round, through them – local “salesfolk” are a lot less busy in off-season and are happy to do the shopping leg work for you, no matter where you live.

Plan all of your outdoor activities with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to find outdoor group activities and have really off-the-beaten path outdoor experiences.

Come to Aspen during shoulder seasons and off-peak days of the week. You can have the full Aspen experience without the full Aspen experience price.