The concierge recommends: Aspen

By COLIN MOORE

The brochure says that Sardy House, on Aspen's East Main St, reflects the elegant Victorian tradition of its construction in 1892.

So the luxury bed-and-breakfast, with its distinctive dovecote-like turret and colourfully lit 30m spruce tree, is resplendent with bay windows, Victorian lamps and cozy wicker chairs.

The bed is comfortable and the breakfast (included in the tariff) superb. But I confess that I am most taken by the service shown by the Sardy House hostess Sonja Sheimo who, after just one day of training, greets my return from a hard day on Aspen's ski slopes with a very large whisky containing just the right amount of ice.

The 25-year-old native of Minnesota moved to Aspen to pursue her love of the outdoors.

When it comes the best free attraction in Aspen, Sheimo has no hesitation in choosing hiking in the mountains.

"It's good for the lungs, good for you mentally and the views are fabulous," she says.

The best paid attraction is skiing at Aspen Highlands.

For best restaurant, Sheimo suggests first a sundowner at Sardy House's Jack's Bar, followed by Kenichi, one of the locals' favourite steakhouses. It also has great sushi and the largest selection of sake in the Rockies.

The Sardy House winter tariff starts at around $US200 a night. The whisky is extra.