So you've done it. You've taken a week off of work, sprung the kids from school, and it's now time to embark on your Aspen vacation.

While you've already booked your hotel and maybe even heard of a couple can't miss restaurants, we're sure that the thought of planning for seven days of vacation may seem overwhelming. We're here to help you organize so you won't miss a minute of all the action our mountain town has to offer.

DAY 1: RECONNAISSANCE

So you've made it. Time to put away the Blackberry and begin your vacation. First step, get acquainted with your accommodations. Find out if your hotel offers an in-town shuttle service, where the hot tub is, and if they have a complimentary breakfast or apres drinks and snacks. Once you have the lowdown on where you are staying, take a walk around town and scope out the menus and store windows of places you want to visit during the week. While you get your bearings be sure to drink tons, and we mean tons, of water. At an elevation of 7,908 ft. it's much easier to get sunburned, out of breath, and dehydrated in Aspen. Guarantee a fun and altitude sickness- free vacation by getting lots of sleep and drinking twice as much H20 as you would at home.

DAY 2: BACK TO SCHOOL

Wake up and head to Gondola Plaza where you can buy your tickets for the week (if you buy six days or more you save $5 a day). Sidenote: tots under six always ski and ride for free. After, cross the street to D&E Ski & Snowboard Shop to rent the latest in boots, boards, and skis. Take it easy by warming up at our beginner-friendly Buttermilk Mountain, and don't worry if you are not a pro because Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Schools have more than 1,200 world-class instructors across all four mountains to teach you and your kids. The hot tub is a must after your big first day and after treat yourself to a brick oven pizza from Brunelleschi's and an early bedtime.

DAY 3: CAN YOU SAY APRES?

Now that you have your skiing and riding legs back, head to the biggest of Aspen's four mountains, Snowmass. Cruise groomers all morning long on the Big Burn side and after head over to the Elk Camp Gondola to enjoy a little powder and great in-the-trees skiing. A much-deserved beer can be had at the Cirque Bar & Grill at the base of the mountain, where there is live music, plenty of brew, and food specials to satisfy your apres appetite. If you can, take a quick nap before hitting up one of town's delicious and affordable bar menus such as Cache Cache, Jimmy's, or Elevation, where you can get a decadent entree for under $20.