Finally there is Ajax, better known as Aspen Mountain, rising right from the heart of town and surprisingly challenging.

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In summer, fields of wildflowers and crystal-clear rivers are almost as intoxicating as the black diamond trails on Aspen Mountain or the hard-earned majesty of the Highland Bowl in winter.

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This month a mob of 250 youngsters, many of them sporting baggy clothes, multicolored hairdos and multiple piercings, will invade the refined Aspen Mountain resort to appear at the Winter X Games, part of ESPN's twice-yearly "extreme sports" lollapalooza.

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Some 30 years ago I was with a ski instructor atop Ajax Mountain in Aspen, before all the condos were built.

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Aspen is king when it comes to luxe mountain getaways.

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The community of Meadowood has one-acre lots within walking distance to excellent schools, while Red Mountain is a wealthy enclave with views of the aspen-covered peaks.

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For mountain lovers, both Teton County in Wyoming and Aspen, Colo.

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While posh boutiques and glamorous cocktail hours attract many to resorts like Aspen, these are not nearly as big selling points for families as having a mountain coaster or zip lines.

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Schussing your way through the sparkling powder is the premiere reason both outdoor types and the glitterati descend every winter, but Aspen has plenty of all-season activities on hand, from fly-fishing to mountain biking to kayaking in areas such as Snowmass Lake and the Maroon Bells peaks.

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Aspen has had less snow than normal this year, 24 inches of hard-packed base on mid-mountain.

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