That’s the last time I do yoga with Gary Barlow: I’ve done in my Back For Good
You’ll come for the winter but will want to stay for the summer. That’s the slogan for Colorado ski resort Aspen and if anyone knows the truth of that, it’s me!
In fact I’ve told my old mate Gary Barlow that almost more times than he’s had hits. And that’s a lot!
Aspen is my one absolute favourite places to travel to and escape the craziness of treading red carpets with a microphone.
And it’s especially relaxing after the madness of the Oscars.
What I love about Aspen is it has everything you could want in a getaway – breathtaking views, heated sidewalks and the friendliest people you will ever meet – oh, and Gary Barlow.
I had the pleasure of his terrific company on this trip so you know it was a grand time.
As I told Gaz, once you experience the glam and glitz of this Colorado magic, I promise you, you won’t want to ski on any other mountain again.
He’s now a believer.
“It’s the greatest ski holiday ever,” he drawled in his Cheshire accent.“Excluding your company.”
Aspen Ski Resort consists of four mountains, with names that sound like four Highland cows, but each has their own unique allure.
They’re called Ajax, Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk.
My go-to spot in Aspen is the world famous hotel, Little Nell. Not only is it five-star but it’s five diamond!
Perfect for those who just need that extra special star treatment. That’s me, not Gary!
It’s no wonder Little Nell is the favourite of one or two famous faces. People like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Gigi Hadid, Elle Macpherson, Elton John, Rita Ora and Jack Nicholson all go there. Gary and I are into our yoga so we had a couple of stretching sessions. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated, and so did Gary despite being behind me while I was doing the Downward Dog position!
After we worked up our appetite with yoga and a few of one of the hundreds of ski trails, Gary and I whizzed directly into the Ajax Tavern.
We were lucky enough to be back in Aspen for The Little Nell’s 30th anniversary.
We got to ‘Party Like It’s 1989’ surrounded by gorgeous fireside seating areas, sipped on exquisite cocoa cocktails and enjoyed an outdoor screening of some fantastic movies.
There was even an ’80s cover band and a costume contest. Gary told me he was impressed I dressed in ’80s clothes specially but I’m not sure what he meant – I was just wearing my normal clobber.
I still came second!
I love Aspen and now my old pal does, too.
There’s nothing like skiing down the slope, singing:“Today this could be, the Greatest Day of our lives…”
And nothing matches that like having the songwriter shout: “You’re not even close to the key, just ski!”