This week KDHamptons hears from Janet O’Brien, owner of Montauk based Janet O’Brien Caterers + Events, who spends the off-season skiing in Aspen [I know, tough life. Ha!].  She shares, “I love Aspen because it has been my second home since the mid 80’s. I feel I really belong here, and have really good friendships and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to ski! I run my business in New York from Aspen during the off-season. We have plenty of parties in Manhattan during the winter months, and I begin to work on planning our big summer events and weddings from here as well.” Janet shares a window into her winter lifestyle in this NEW KDHamptons Travel Diary, below:

KDHamptons:  What is your typical day like in Aspen?
Janet O’Brien: My typical day is up early to work as NY is two hour ahead, then go ski. I typically ski from about 10am – 3.30pm, and manage emails from the 15 minute Gondola ride. I love to start early “ripping corduroy” on Ruthie’s Run then jumping into moguls on the 1A chair side of the mountain. Then progress to Bell Mountain, and normally ski the ridge over and over again as it is North facing and keeps Winter snow. If the day is right then a “long face” on Bell Mountain (a mountain within Aspen Mountain), is called for. The trees in the back of Bell and heading over to the Walsh’s side of the hill. In pure “winter snow”, all the skiing is so good!

KDHamptons: What is March skiing like?
Janet O’brien: At this time of the season, we follow the sun around to find soft moguls. We have had the most amazing sunny bluebird days these last few weeks, which makes for hiking Highlands Bowl perfect.  For me it is a 40 minute hike to the top and then the perfect ski in silky (as the sun does not affect the snow) into “Ozone”. Then of course to wrap up the day some Champagne at Cloud 9 is a must with a little table dancing to boot! As I have been a regular there for many years, I’m greeted with a glass by Tommy upon arrival.

KDHamptons: How would you describe that feeling of a perfect powder day?
Janet O’Brien: I am so passionate about Powder. This season has shown us some of the best snow for years! We had over three days at the end of January with 5 foot accumulation!
These mornings I am at the base at 8am an hour before opening, with a local group of skiers called “The Dogs”. We get on the first gondola’s and cut trail to the Face of Bell to chair 6, then do loops in the trees there and then progress to Zaugs Dump and milk our way down through trees and jump on Gondola to find fresh tracks I would say for a good couple of hours before it starts to get skied out.

KDHamptons: Aspen has a fantastic food scene, share your favorite spots?
Janet O’Brien: In the morning, I stop at my favorite local cafe on the way to the gondola called “Jour de Fete”, where my Parisian friend Oliver serves the best latte or Chai Tea, and omelette of spinach and tomato just for me! The best baked goods are from Spring Street Cafe, which is a great lunch stop for days I’m working all day; all organic, my favorite being the Spinach Squash Salad topped with grilled Tofu. When on the hill, the soup selection at the Sundeck is top notch and gets me through my ski day. For aprés ski, I love the fun/DJ/scene at Sky Hotel, and now with the good weather, the poolside scene is happening. The local aprés at Mezzaluna is where you will find the ski patrollers and “The Dogs”.  I also love Meat and Cheese [above], the bar at L’Hosteria, and Element 47 at the Little Nell.

KDHamptons: What has been the highlight of your season?
Janet O’brien: I was lucky enough to get on Aspen Mountain Powder Tours, which is guided powder skiing on the back of the mountain for the whole day. It is amazing, as we are skiing untouched snow, and in a luxurious snow cat. It is the best treat I can ever do for myself. I do also have a snowmobile, so other days I will take that back of mountain with friends and ski untouched also! I love love to be in the back of the mountain and am lucky to have friends with a rustic cabin that we sled/ski to for dinner.

KDHamptons: Aspen is known for it’s nightlife, where will we find you?
Janet O’Brien: The most amazing thing to do, especially with visiting friends, is to book DINNER at Cloud 9 restaurant on Highlands Mountain. They take you up on a cat and it’s an intimate setting, and lots of wine and dancing on tables. Dinner at Caribou is also a must, and as Oliver and Billy are old friends, we usually book the “Wine Room”, which boasts a table for 25. We dance the night away, with bubbly flowing. Other favorites are Matsuhisa, and Campo Di Fiori, where my girlfriends have wonderful flirting with the bartenders! Music and dancing at Belly Up is also not to be missed with some of the best live music available in the state.

*To learn more about Janet O’Brien Caterers + Events, click HERE