Ruedi Reservoir, located near the resort town of Aspen at roughly 9,000 feet above sea level, provides the setting for a distinctive summer sailing experience offered by The St. Regis Aspen Resort in partnership with Aspen Sailing School. Guests drive the resort’s turbocharged Lexus NX down scenic mountain roads along the Fryingpan River for an approximately one-hour trip to the reservoir. Once on the water, experienced instructors — some with America’s Cup credentials — lead sailing instruction aboard 12-foot Sunfish sailboats, guiding novices and refreshing skills for more experienced sailors.
The four-hour sailing program includes hands-on instruction, practice time on the water and a leisurely lunch break. The gourmet picnic, prepared by chef David Viviano, features lobster BLTs, apple coleslaw and an heirloom tomato and watermelon salad. Wine is provided with lunch, and instructors customize the pace and focus of the session to match the group’s experience level.
Packages for The St. Regis Sailing Experience start at $2,000 and require a minimum two-night stay; pricing covers groups of up to four people. Guests can also opt to cruise the mountain waters aboard a 24-foot yacht for a different on-water experience. In addition to the sailing activities, The St. Regis Aspen offers traditional butler service and signature St. Regis rituals. These include a Summer Après Tea featuring chilled or iced Vosges Haut-Chocolat confections and Illy coffee, plus a daily Champagne sabering ritual at 5:15 p.m.
After a day on the water, guests are encouraged to relax at Shadow Mountain Lounge beside its crackling fireplace, where they can enjoy a nightcap or a sweet indulgence. Evening entertainment is available on selected nights: local musicians Boo Coo perform live on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7–11 p.m., adding a relaxed soundtrack to the resort’s refined après-sail atmosphere.