Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/310878
Ten years ago, Aspen Peak was launched, with ingénue Kate Hudson as its premiere summer cover star. Founding editor Leigh Vogel tapped town notables, leaders, athletes, and cultural icons as contributors, covering everything from our town's heritage to its haute cuisine. I was eventually passed the editor-in-chief baton in September 2007, a role I cherish, as my job is to celebrate a town with endless captivating stories. While curating our "Only in Aspen" anniversary feature (page 148), I was reminded of my "Top 10" moments as editor, proving how fortunate we all are to experience this incredible mountain town. Interviewing Max Smith on Highland Bowl. A rite of passage for locals and visitors, Highland Bowl has become an iconic playground. Learning of Smith's obsession to share this beautiful yet imposing terrain for our "Beauty & The Bowl" piece was inspiring. Editing Jordan Campbell's "Vision Quest" story on saving eyesight in the South Sudan. Marmot ambassador, producer, and athlete, Campbell knows that stories can inspire change, and his piece proves that. His documentary, Duk County: A Vision for the New South Sudan, has become a global call to action. The 2013 Audi Ajax Cup. Interviewing Antonio Banderas, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, skier Chris Davenport, actor Jesse Johnson, and AVSC Executive Director Mark Cole on camera was a highlight of the holidays. A benefit for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, this event embraces the essence of Aspen. Johnny Depp cover story. Working with author, professor, and Hunter S. Thompson literary executor Douglas Brinkley on his Depp piece was an editor's dream, and the issue turned out to be one of our most buzz-worthy. Racing on a J-Class superyacht with Loro Piana. Discovering Pier Luigi Loro Piana's passion for the sea aboard the 131-foot Rainbow (a rebuild of the 1935 yacht that won the America's Cup) was an adventure I'll never forget. Fittingly, we were the best-dressed crew in the f leet. Food & Wine Classic 30th anniversary. This epicurean milestone (2012) was a f lurry of fantastic food and special seminars. An unexpected highlight was running the 5K Charity Run with chef Bobby Flay. Snow polo lesson with Nacho Figueras. Learning firsthand how to navigate a snow polo field with the world's most famous polo player and Ralph Lauren model was a Kodak moment. Neal Beidleman's "Full Exposure." Sharing Beidleman's experience of returning to Everest after the 1996 Into Thin Air era was an honor and testament to both the power of words and Mother Nature. Curating our "Men of Aspen" shoot. Tough job, but someone's got to do it! We profiled the most intriguing men in the Valley for a beautiful portrait piece shot by talented photographer and artist Karl Wolfgang. Speaking to the kids at Basalt Middle School. The greatest gifts are often unexpected. A brief talk on being an editor ignited a conversation in which curious, aspiring students reminded me of just how fortunate I am. Here's to 10 more incredible years, Aspen! Enjoy the issue. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT POWER (FIGUERAS, BANDERAS); CATHERINE LIN (PIANA) ABOVE: Interviewing the 2013 Audi Ajax Cup host Antonio Banderas. LEFT: On board the 131- foot superyacht The Rainbow with the Loro Piana race crew and Brad Butterworth, famous New Zealand sailor and previous America's Cup winner. With polo star and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras, who gave me a snow polo lesson during the Piaget World Snow Polo Championship. ER IN LENTZ Follow me on Twitter at @erinlentzAP and on Facebook at facebook.com/ aspenpeak.magazine. 22 ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 022_AP_FOB_EdLetter_V2_SUM_FALL_14.indd 22 5/6/14 2:25 PM