The founder and CEO of IPO-bound fintech Klarna took to X to once again explain why his company ditched Salesforce’s flagship CRM product about a year ago in favor of its own homegrown AI system. But this time, Sebastian Siemiatkowski emphasized that he doesn’t think others will — or should — follow his lead. “I […]
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One of the NFL’s best tight ends is not coming out of retirement, despite rumors this week that there was interest in a potential return, and possibly with the Denver Broncos.
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski quickly dispelled the rumors on Wednesday that he was eyeing a potential return to the NFL, telling FOX Sports that "now it’s time to relax a little."
"Crazy bro," the former New England Patriots star told Schultz when asked about the report.
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"They must know something about me that I don’t. I wish I still had those powers, because that would be cool if I did. But I was just in Australia for a few days. Now it’s time to relax a little. No football."
Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan reported Tuesday that Gronkowski was "considering" coming out of retirement, adding that he was told "he loves Denver & [quarterback] Bo Nix."
NFL LEGEND ROB GRONKOWSKI 'CONSIDERING' RETURN TO LEAGUE: REPORT
Gronkowski has previously come out of retirement.
After announcing in 2019 that he was finally hanging up his cleats following nearly a decade in New England, Gronkowski returned in 2020 to reunite with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, where they again became Super Bowl champions.
He announced his retirement again in 2022 after two seasons with the Buccaneers, and has since served as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports.
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Could an NFL team feature Rob Gronkowski at tight end next season?
According to a new report, "Gronk" is considering yet another return to the league.
Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan’s Cecil Lammey reports Gronkowski is "considering a return to the NFL."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Lammey notes that Gronkowski "loves Denver & QB Bo Nix," while also pointing out his connection with head coach Sean Payton, who worked at Fox Sports with the legendary tight end before heading back into coaching.
Fox News Digital has not heard back from Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, after an initial request for comment.
Gronkowski did note on his "Dudes on Dudes" podcast that his current broadcast schedule with Fox Sports is pretty grueling, to the point where he’s traveling like he was in the league.
"I might as well go back because playing ball would be easier than what I’ve been doing over the last six months," Gronkowski said.
Gronkowski has come back to the NFL after retiring in the past, as he joined former New England Patriots teammate Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski played a critical role in them winning Super Bowl LV, where he scored two touchdowns.
Gronkowski went on to play one more season with the Bucs until retiring again after the 2021 season.
Now, Gronkowski has previously said to outlets, including Fox News Digital, that he was definitely retired, even mentioning that he was "washed up."
But perhaps that itch for the game is back for one of the best to ever play the tight end position.
The 35-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler with three Super Bowl rings to his name with the Patriots before securing the fourth in Tampa Bay.
He is third all-time among tight ends in receiving touchdowns (92), and has 9,286 yards on 621 career receptions over 143 games in his 11 NFL seasons.
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As the Department of Government Efficiency continues to make swift cuts to the federal workforce and government spending, a handful of Republicans have begun to push back.
They're not criticizing the existence of DOGE or decrying Elon Musk as an "unelected bureaucrat," as Democrats have.
In fact, they've each taken pains to emphasize their support for making the government work more efficiently as they've spoken up.
Yet in a stream of recent social media posts, interviews, and public statements, a growing number of Republicans have begun to criticize aspects of DOGE's work, saying that the cuts are too rapid and indiscriminate or warning that their particular states will suffer as a result.
In a social media post on Saturday, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy suggested his state would suffer if new hires at the Federal Bureau of Investigation were terminated.
"I am all for efficiency and ultimately downsizing the federal government, but firing large numbers of new FBI agents is not the way to achieve this," Cassidy wrote. "Louisiana specifically benefits from newly hired FBI agents. We need to add to our law enforcement, not take away."
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said that recent reductions in the federal workforce, including cuts to the National Park Service, were "leaving holes in our communities."
"I share the administration's goal of reducing the size of the federal government, but this approach is bringing confusion, anxiety, and now trauma to our civil servants," Murkowski wrote on X. "Indiscriminate workforce cuts aren't efficient and won't fix the federal budget, but they will hurt good people who have answered the call to public service to do important work for our nation.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire teamed up to urge President Donald Trump's administration to exempt members of the defense industrial base from the Musk-inspired buyout program. They cited the impact it would have on a shipyard on the border of their two states.
"Our shipyards cannot afford to reduce their workforces," the duo wrote in a letter sent last week. "While we continue to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reductions to the size of our defense industrial workforce cannot be one of them."
Republican Sen. John Curtis, meanwhile, told the Utah-based Standard-Examiner that if there was "one thing" he could change about DOGE, it would be to slow it down: "It's moving so fast, it's not really factoring in the human element. That these are real lives, real people. They have kids. And we're really adding a tremendous amount of stress, even to jobs that are not going to go away.
"I think we can do a better job in Washington of bringing that compassion to the DOGE conversation, bringing that awareness that these are real people with real lives," Curtis continued. "We need to make sure we're always doing this with dignity as well."
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
Roughly 75,000 federal employees accepted the "buyout" offered by the Trump administration, which purports to allow workers to agree to resign while being paid through the end of September. The legality of that offer is still being challenged in court.
Additionally, thousands of recently hired federal employees working at a variety of federal agencies — including the Forest Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Veterans Affairs — were fired last week.
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Vail is famous for skiing, but it's so much more than just a winter destination.
You don't have to ski to enjoy Vail — the city also has wonderful spas, lodges, and shops. I live in Denver and travel about two hours away to Vail at least once a month to go skiing or attend one of its fun, year-round events.
Here are some of the most common mistakes I see travelers making when they visit this famous Colorado ski town and how to fix them.
Molly O'Brien
You don't need to visit Vail in the winter to have a good time. Every season here feels distinct and beautiful.
Spring can also be excellent for skiing, with sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. Plus, spring's warmer weather welcomes Vail's outdoor events like the Après at the Amp Music Festival, which takes place each April.
Summertime ushers in longer blue-sky days and a cooler temperature due to Vail's high elevation. Summer is also when ski resorts transition into mountain-bike-adventure parks.
Noteworthy summer festivals to attend include the Vail Wine Classic and Vail Craft Beer Classic.
And, of course, autumn is gorgeous in Vail. Visitors can admire the colorful changing leaves — the aspen trees are especially stunning —and explore the town in comfortable temperatures.
jdross75/Shutterstock
Vail is over 8,000 feet above sea level, and sometimes visitors can struggle to adjust to a higher elevation.
At higher elevations, you may struggle to catch your breath and your body can become dehydrated more easily. It's crucial to drink enough water and go easy on yourself.
The sun is stronger at higher elevations, too. Remember to put on sunscreen — even if it's a cloudy day.
Molly O'Brien
Vail gets millions of guests a year, especially during peak season, which is usually December through March.
The town can get crowded, so reserve your trip in advance. If you want to do specific activities, like eating dinner at a special restaurant, try to secure reservations ahead of time.
I recommend trying to plan a visit during the week instead of the weekend. Also, I would avoid planning Vail trips during holidays and long holiday weekends, such as Presidents Day weekend, that get extra busy.
You may even want to consider visiting during the offseason to avoid crowds.
Molly O'Brien
Vail is a popular vacation destination, but it's also worth exploring other cities in the valley.
One of my top recommendations for skiers is Beaver Creek, a mountain village and ski resort about 15 minutes west of Vail.
Beaver Creek is just as upscale as Vail in terms of luxury, but it's known for its more approachable ski terrain.
The village has gondola rides, ice skating, hiking trails, and more. Those with an Epic Season Pass for snowsports in Vail can also use it at Beaver Creek.
Molly O'Brien
Those intimidated about driving to Vail in the winter due to inclement weather can take group transportation like the Bustang, which departs from downtown Denver, or the Epic Mountain Express shuttle, which leaves from the Denver International Airport.
Once you're in Vail, though, you don't need a car at all. The town is very walkable and has a large public-transportation system.
There are multiple free bus routes that can take you around the entirety of the county, with the Vail Transportation Center serving as the area's central hub.
Numerous resorts in Vail have their own regularly departing, complimentary shuttle service to bring visitors around town, too.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Stepping inside the Viceroy in Snowmass, Colorado, feels exactly like what you'd expect from a luxury hotel.
The valet happily takes your car keys, a bellhop grabs your bags, and someone ushers you to a reception desk where friendly faces welcome you to the luxury property.
When you enter your room, Nespresso pods glisten, waiting to be used the next morning, and crisp, white sheets hug a king-size bed.
What you don't see is one of the things that makes Viceroy Snowmass different from any other luxury hotel I've visited. The hotel doesn't own my suite; instead, each room is a privately owned condo.
For these owners, who live at the property on and off throughout the year, life is like living at a hotel.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The Viceroy is one of Snowmass' most luxurious properties, tucked in the ski town's base village.
It's comprised of two separate buildings: the Pinnacle and the Cirque.
The Pinnacle, the Viceroy's first building, opened in 2009 with 163 rooms. In 2024, the Cirque opened, adding 42 rooms to the property.
Layouts between the two buildings range from a studio to a four-bedroom suite.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
"Every single unit here is owned by an individual person, but in this building, 90% of those people put them back into the Viceroy rental program," Andy Gunion, a managing partner at East West Partners, the company that developed the Cirque, said. "Most people that are staying there as a guest have no idea that they're staying in someone's condo."
Each condo's design and amenities are identical, and owners can opt to list their spaces as hotel rooms managed by the Viceroy, where the profits are split.
When initially listed for sale, many of these condos sold for millions of dollars. The recently opened Cirque sold out in days, with properties ranging between $2.5 million and $11.75 million.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Katie de Besche, Viceroy's director of sales, told me on a recent visit that about 10 people live at the Viceroy year-round, and another 8 to 15 owners stay for longer stretches of time.
"They love it," de Besche said. "There's a couple that comes down and has a meeting and cup of coffee at the end of the bar every morning. They enjoy the social aspect of it."
Both residents and hotel guests have access to the same amenities, although some — like the pool and restaurant — close during shoulder seasons.
While only a few live there full-time, others own condos for various reasons. For some, owning and renting out the unit is a way to make passive income since the revenue from guest stays is split between the owner and the hotel.
Other units, like the penthouses, sit empty as the owners wait to flip it for a profit, de Besche said.
And others own properties for convenience.
"We manage it, we rent it out, and they don't have to do anything," de Besche said. "They come and enjoy it when they want."
De Besche said her parents are a great example. They've owned a condo in the Pinnacle building for 10 years. They keep it in the rental pool and can access the condo whenever they visit Snowmass.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The cost of rooms for hotel guests can vary. During my stay in early January, the one-bedroom suite cost $2,250 a night. Business Insider received a media rate for the two-night stay.
The Viceroy's entry-level prices start at around $1,100 during the winter, but larger suites can reach $3,500 a night.
My suite in the Cirque building was a two-bedroom residence with a lock-off, meaning the second connecting room was rented separately during my stay.
These two-bedroom residences, when sold, had an average sale price of $2.96 million.
For two nights, I imagined what it would be like to not only vacation in a luxury hotel but also live in one.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
De Besche said that staying in the Cirque over the Pinnacle would give me a bit more space and a more residential feel.
"This could be in a high-rise in Denver," de Besche said. "You feel like it's more of a home, but with direct access to the amenities."
She was right. Stepping inside my suite felt less like stepping inside a hotel and more like stepping inside an apartment.
There was a kitchen with a gas stove, full-sized fridge, dishwasher, and oven. Inside a closet, I discovered a washer and dryer. In the living room, a long sectional sat facing a gas fireplace.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Overall, the entire suite felt modern, clean, and crisp with neutral colors.
The bed was comfy, and later, as I fell asleep, I couldn't help wonder and dream about who owned the condo.
There were no signs of the owner — no family pictures on the wall or clothes tucked in the closet. Instead, ski and Colorado-inspired art filled the walls.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Like the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, the bathroom was large.
A two-sink vanity stretched along one wall, and a large rainfall shower sat in the corner of the room.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
"We don't allow the homeowners to do much in the way of personalization," de Besche said. "So, from a guest experience, you feel like you're staying in a hotel."
She explained that homeowners have storage carts for their belongings when they're not on the property. When they arrive, the hotel staff drops off their items.
Since the two buildings were constructed in different years, their designs vary slightly.
However, many rooms across both buildings connect to neighboring rooms and suites. De Besche said this makes it ideal for families and large groups traveling together.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
From a shuttle service to a gym, the property is filled with luxury amenities, most of which are located in the Pinnacle building.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The Viceroy is Snowmass' only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort.
A ski lift was a three-minute walk from my room. De Besche explained that the slopes by the property are where some ski lessons and classes are conducted, making it ideal for families and children learning the winter sport.
Meanwhile, the lift near the resort connects advanced skiers to the rest of the mountain.
Also near the lift is one of the property's two restaurants. While The Nest will be renovated this spring, this winter, it's a casual slopeside restaurant serving items like burgers, Caesar salads, and hummus.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Everything guests need to ski is also on-site. Hotel guests and residents can buy lift tickets, rent gear, shop for ski accessories, and store their personal gear at the property.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
It wouldn't be a luxury hotel without a gym and spa.
The Viceroy's gym has large windows looking out onto the ski slopes, and its spa has a relaxation room, six treatment rooms, a yoga room, and a store.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
At the Viceroy's entrance, guests can find a reception desk and concierge. Beyond that, there's plenty of seating and a lounge.
Throughout the day, the lounge is a café selling pastries, fruits, and other snacks. At night, it's a bar with cocktails and light bites.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The restaurant was recently renovated, and each day, it welcomes guests for breakfast and dinner.
Toro's menu is filled with chef Richard Sandoval's Latin-inspired cuisine.
"It's unexpected. You wouldn't think you're sitting in Snowmass in an environment like this," de Besche said.
Later that evening, I cozied up at one of Toro's tables for dinner. I dined on miso chipotle halibut, hamachi sashimi, and an opera cake for dessert.
Each dish balanced familiar flavors with surprising elements. For me, the sashimi stood out with its refreshing yuzu sauce.
After finishing my meal, I thought back to de Besche's comment and agreed. For a few hours, I was transported out of a snowy ski town to a warm seaside destination.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The property has a large pool, outdoor bar, and three spa pools.
De Besche explained that the spa plunge pools are a little cooler than a traditional hot tub, so guests can spend longer soaking in the water.
The pools were an ideal place to relax after skiing, and I imagined the area coming to life on warmer ski days.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Between large living spaces, luxurious amenities, and slopeside access, it wouldn't be hard to get on board with living in a luxury hotel.
I could skip Doordash and order room service to my condo, and housekeeping would be a call away.
As I packed my bags after a short stay, I left the Viceroy envying the few condo owners who live on-site year-round.
kasakphoto/Shutterstock
There's something magical about being on the slopes for the first time — the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and the rush of trying something new. However, skiing for the first time can also be a nerve-racking experience.
As a professional skier who's spent more time in ski boots than regular shoes, I can tell you that your first skiing experience doesn't have to involve frozen fingers, bruised egos, or moments of sheer panic.
Here are four mistakes I see people make when skiing for the first time — and how I'd avoid them.
ClimbWhenReady/Shutterstock
Being properly dressed can be the difference between enjoying the slopes and sprinting to the lodge for hot chocolate after one run.
After all, skiing isn't about looking runway-ready — it's about being warm, dry, and comfortable.
For example, poor-fitting ski boots can be a recipe for pain, and non-waterproof clothing will likely make you feel like a soggy marshmallow.
Instead, choose gear that feels snug without being too tight. I also recommend layering up with moisture-wicking base clothing, waterproof outerwear, and gloves designed for subfreezing temperatures.
To a first-time skier, lessons may seem boring or unnecessary. However, lessons don't just teach you how to ski — they help you learn how to become a skier.
Instructors show their students essential skills like how to put skis on and take them off, the proper way to carry skis without knocking someone out, and — most importantly — how to get back up after a fall.
Many instructors will even help you navigate the chairlift, which can feel like an extreme sport the first time you use it.
Think of lessons as an investment in your future self. You'll progress faster and with fewer tears — I promise.
SharpLumberjack/Shutterstock
It's easy to get overexcited when you click into your skis and see all the awaiting trails. However, starting with an expert-level black-diamond trail just because it looks fun can be a one-way ticket to disaster (and possibly a starring role in a viral ski-fail video).
If it's your first time skiing, I recommend sticking to beginner-level green hills. These have gentler slopes and wider trails than expert-level terrain, so you have more space to figure out turning and stopping without obstacles.
Groomed runs (slopes a machine has smoothed over) are also predictable and perfect for practicing your "pizza" position — aka bringing the tips of your skis together for more stability.
Remember: The mountain will still be there when you're ready to level up. For now, though, take it slow and enjoy the learning process.
Beginners often see falling as failing, but in reality, it's just part of the process. Every tumble is a chance to figure out your balance, refine your movements, and — let's be real — collect a funny story to tell later.
So, don't be afraid to take a spill or two. Laugh it off, dust off the snow, and get back up. Falling is how you learn what does and doesn't work and, more importantly, how to enjoy the journey.
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Patrick Mahomes is on the fast track of surpassing Tom Brady as the NFL's greatest ever.
With a win in this year's Super Bowl, Mahomes would become the first player to win four rings before turning 30.
And if you compare the quarterbacks' first seven full seasons, Mahomes' numbers trump Brady's.
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Brady won more than half of his rings after turning 37, cementing himself in the conversation. But the chatter will be hot and heavy if the Kansas City Chiefs can finish a three-peat, something no team has done in the Super Bowl era.
Rob Gronkowski had a front-row seat for Brady's illustrious career, winning four titles with him, three in New England, and one more in Tampa Bay.
"Good thing I went back to football and did that," Gronkowski recalled in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.
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But even Gronk knows his quarterback might be in trouble. However, it will be tough, and there's a reason why Brady has the upper hand for the time being.
"In order for Patrick Mahomes to dethrone (Brady), it’s gonna be tough because Tom beat him twice in playoff football. We absolutely demolished Patrick Mahomes," Gronkowski said, referring to the 2021 Super Bowl.
Advantage, Brady.
But that doesn't mean there's no chance for Mahomes. Gronk said Mahomes doesn't even need to match Brady in titles before being in the conversation.
"He’s gonna have to win about five, six championships in order to get in that conversation of being the greatest ahead of Tom Brady," Gronk said.
ROB GRONKOWSKI TAKES NFL OFFICIALS TO TASK OVER ALLEGED CHIEFS FAVORITISM
Those sentiments echo those of Victor Cruz, who already has Mahomes as the "No. 2" to Brady.
"To me, I can’t put him above [Tom] Brady just yet, but he’s right there. He’s 1A, 1B for me," Cruz told Fox News Digital in October.
"If he gets to five and he continues to keep his team relevant year in and year out, when we look up at the numbers, it’s gonna be insane just to see where he nets out and just to see when it’s all said and done where he is, because what he’s doing thus far, it's pretty special."
First, the Chiefs will have to get through the Philadelphia Eagles, who the Chiefs beat two years ago in the Super Bowl to get Mahomes his second title. He earned his third last year against the San Francisco 49ers, the same team Mahomes beat for his first ring.
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Monica Humphries/Business Insider
A three-and-a-half-hour drive from my home in Denver takes me to one of the most expensive towns I've ever visited.
I've lived in New York City and traveled to some of the world's most expensive destinations, such as Paris or Zurich. Meanwhile, a trip to Aspen, Colorado, transformed my definition of luxury.
In Paris and New York, five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants coexist alongside $1 pizza and cheap crepe carts. Aspen — for the most part — lacks the latter. Instead, luxury hotels and pricey dinners were practically my only options during my five-day visit.
Every day during my trip, I observed moments of opulence. Some I expected — yes, the mountain estates were shockingly grand, and the town's five-star hotel had glamorous amenities that attract celebrities like Britney Spears and Beyoncé.
There were also surprising moments of extravagance in everyday life. Even purchasing cannabis was a luxe experience.
Hart Houston/Compass
From the luxury real estate ads in the Aspen airport to views of mansions from the town's gondola, it was clear from the moment I arrived in the ski town that owning property in Aspen takes a lot of wealth.
In fact, Aspen is the most expensive ski town in the country, with an average weeklong vacation costing $5,330 for one traveler in 2023.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Blocks away from Aspen's downtown is Red Mountain, a neighborhood known for residents that are so rich it's nicknamed "Billionaire Mountain."
I toured the neighborhood, where famous faces like Walmart heiress Ann Walton and the Bezos family owned property.
Along the drive, I also spotted one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Aspen — a $72.5-million property bought by Patrick Dovigi, a former professional hockey player and the founder and CEO of the waste management company Green for Life Environmental, according to Aspen Daily News.
As I crawled up the switchback mountain roads, the properties became larger, and the entrance gates grew grander.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I embarked on tours of five different mansions in Aspen with luxury real-estate agents Heidi Houston, Doug Leibinger, and Carrie Wells.
The homes ranged from $13 million to $51 million and came with extravagant features I could never imagine owning, like wet bars, indoor pools, and 12-car garages.
Hart Houston/Compass
At the very top of Billionaire Mountain, I stopped at The Peak House, a 22,000-square-foot estate that sold for $40 million in 2022.
The Peak House is the highest residence on Red Mountain and real-estate agent Heidi Houston pointed out features that earned the property its price tag.
Beyond its sprawling size and grand views, the home had a wine cave, an enormous living room, and a 12-car garage. Plus, the estate also had its own set of uncommon additions. For example, there was an indoor pool and a secret bedroom built for the first owner's mistress.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Aspen Park is a 15,000-square-foot home five minutes away from downtown Aspen. The house sold for $51 million by real-estate agent Carrie Wells.
On a tour of the home, I spotted two elevators, 10 fireplaces, and a Lamborghini-themed garage. I also discovered unusually extravagant amenities throughout the house. For example, an oxygen system that pumps extra oxygen into the room was placed in the primary bedroom. Its goal is to mimic different sea levels and reduce the effects of altitude sickness, as Wells showed me during the tour.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Stepping into Dalwhinnie Farms, a dispensary in the heart of downtown Aspen, was the poshest cannabis-buying experience of my life.
Dalwhinnie's CEO, Brandon Barksdale, told me that the store was intentionally designed to cater to Aspen's elite. Within my first moments inside the store, I was greeted by scents of warm leather and views of crystal glassware sparkled from nearby shelves.
It's not just cannabis Dalwhinnie sells. Next to its display of edibles, flowers, and concentrates are Rolex watches, cashmere scarves, and jewelry with a $92,000 price tag.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Aspen was one of the first times I slept in five-star hotels. The experience didn't disappoint.
At the time, for $848 a night, I stayed in The Little Nell, Aspen's only five-star and five-diamond hotel. It has welcomed celebrities like Britney Spears and Beyoncé. Later, during my trip, I spent $700 for a night at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. The St. Regis also has five stars and is known for rich and famous visitors like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Paris Hilton.
With famous clientele and expensive rates came luxury offerings that made me feel a bit like a celebrity, too.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I expected to see designer dogs playing fetch at the parks and lapdogs in Louis Vuitton purses, but I hadn't considered how hotels and restaurants would cater to pups.
At The Little Nell, for instance, dog owners could order the"Canine Delights Daily," which was served in dog-friendly bowls and included carrots, brown rice, scrambled eggs, and the owner's choice of protein.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Most five-star hotels have a long list of amenities, but one of The Little Nell's biggest appeals is its ski-in/ski-out access and its own designated ski concierge.
The concierge will help guests coordinate ski lift tickets, rent gear, schedule ski school classes, and even preheat their ski boots each morning so they don't have to worry about cold feet.
Audi
I've stayed at hotels that had free airport shuttles on buses and vans, but I never had access to luxury cars at hotels.
At The Little Nell, I had access to a free electric Audi Q8 e-tron car rental.
Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
To celebrate the transition from day to night, each evening, a saber was brought out to the courtyard for a dramatic Champagne popping.
While I missed the ceremony on the first night, I happily accepted a glass of Champagne upon check-in. The ceremony felt overly grand for a daily ritual, but I'm also not one to complain about free bubbly.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Small things in Aspen felt like shocking luxuries that I've never seen in cities like New York or Denver, like covering water fountains and bike stations for inclement weather.
In Aspen during the winter, the bicycle rideshares were closed, the bikes were stored away, and plastic covers were placed on the docking stations.
The same went for the town's water fountains. Each water station in Aspen had a snug cover that protected it from the colder temps.
To me, it seemed like the city of Aspen cared about its infrastructure. In the summer, I imagine the town's resources would be up and functioning — unlike the broken water fountains I remember from my time in New York.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Good luck finding a McDonald's, Chipotle, or Subway anywhere in or near Aspen. The quaint ski town takes pride in its upscale food scene, which doesn't include fast-food chains.
In fact, the town's one and only McDonald's closed its doors in 2016.
The most casual restaurants I visited during my stay in Aspen were The White House Tavern, where sandwiches cost between $21 and $26 without fries, and a pizza shop that served $6 slices.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I arrived at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in jeans, a turtleneck, and a pullover sweater. This was much nicer than my typical airport attire of leggings and a T-shirt.
Yet I was by far the most underdressed traveler in the airport. In every corner of the small terminal, I noticed people with designer shopping bags and Louis Vuitton suitcases.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The airport had one eatery that sold warm food and snacks. Other than Coca-Cola products, Wrigley gum, and Flipz pretzels, there were few name brands.
I spent about $8 on a pack of gum and a marshmallow treat. Although I'm used to airport food being overpriced, Aspen's airport set the bar even higher in terms of prices.
At the food counter, travelers could order an $18 chicken cordon bleu sandwich, a $19 portobello rice bowl, or a $19 pork carnitas burrito.
For snacks, options included a $15 bag of trail mix, caramel-flavored popcorn, and handmade marshmallow treats from The Crispery.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Between a home oxygen system and room-service dog food, by the time I landed home in Denver, I had cataloged new luxuries I never dreamed of.
Previous trips to New York City and Paris had moments of indulgence, but in Aspen, I embraced the town's extravagance the moment I arrived.
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Monica Humphries/Business Insider
It's hard to pinpoint what makes Colorado's ski town Snowmass stand out.
I could argue that it's the mountain itself. As one of the state's largest ski mountains, people spend entire days on the slopes, hitting every type of terrain and avoiding a single crowd.
I could say it's the community. It's impossible to avoid a friendly conversation with your waiter or the couple sitting next to you sipping après margaritas.
Maybe it's the town's casual nature. Sure, Snowmass has high-end restaurants and luxury lodges, but no one bats an eye if you eat $88 sashimi in Crocs and sweatpants.
Sara Stookey Sanchez, Snowmass' public relations manager, told me that it boils down to a "vibe."
"What I think makes us so special, and it's truly a terrible answer, but it's a vibe," she said. "The community lives and breathes Snowmass."
With Snowmass sitting just 15 minutes from Aspen, the town is rarely mentioned without reference to its glitzy neighbor. But after spending three days in Snowmass, I discovered what Stookey Sanchez meant.
Although both towns have their appeal, I'll stick to Snowmass for future ski trips.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Colorado is dotted with ski towns, and over the past four winters, I've checked more than a dozen off my list.
I've headed to Vail, where I felt transported to Europe. As a snowboarder living in Denver, Winter Park and Breckenridge have become favorites thanks to their proximity to the city. During my first Colorado winter, I spent three nights exploring Aspen while keeping my eyes peeled for celebrities.
Each destination has its highlights, but in terms of the actual mountain, Snowmass stands out.
Snowmass is one of the four mountains that make up the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. The other three include Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Snowmass was ideal for me, an intermediate snowboader. There was plenty of terrain to explore, and for a full day, I rarely lapped a ski run. Instead, I breezed through empty lift lines and carved fresh tracks across the mountain.
Plus, the mountain seemed suited for all levels of experience. There are terrain parks, bunny hills, and plenty of black runs.
Meanwhile, I couldn't even snowboard during my trip to Aspen. While Aspen is known as a popular ski town, Aspen Mountain's terrain is limited to intermediate and expert skiers who can get down steep runs. When I visited a few years ago, I wasn't comfortable on the mountain. Even today, I'm sure I could get down the mountain, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy it.
During my three-day stay, I heard this from others. Skiers and snowboarders raved about Snowmass, and plenty mentioned that although they stayed in Aspen, they were coming to Snowmass every day to ski.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The town of Snowmass is split into two areas: Snowmass Base and Snowmass Mall. Snowmass Base Village is much more modern, with fine dining options, a skating rink, and luxury condos and hotels. There's also the Snowmass Mall, home to retail, food, and more accommodations.
Snowmass' main appeal — at least to me — is its ski-in, ski-out accommodations. More than 14 of the town's hotels and condos have direct access to lifts. For example, I spent two nights at the Viceroy Snowmass, where a lift line was less than a five-minute walk from my hotel room. For me, getting on the mountain easily is a huge advantage when it comes to a ski trip.
Aspen, on the other hand, has far fewer ski-in, ski-out options. A quick search online shows just six, including The Little Nell, where a night during the winter rarely costs less than $2,500.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
There are some areas where Aspen shines. Although upscale, the town itself feels more charming. Quaint buildings fill the town center, and the town's rich mining history is hard to ignore as you walk between Prada and Valentino stores. Art galleries dot the town, and a night at Aspen's Belly Up concert venue is something you won't find in Snowmass.
Plus, the food options in Aspen are incomparable. The town has more restaurants than Snowmass, including Michelin-starred options like Bosq.
With Aspen's exclusive reputation comes a higher price. Aspen is considered one of the most expensive ski towns in the US. In a 2024 ranking of the country's most expensive vacation destinations, OptimosTravel said the average weeklong trip to Aspen was $5,330 per person. According to Kayak, the average weeknight hotel cost in the first two weeks of January in Snowmass was about $1,040 compared to Aspen's $1,900 average.
After visiting both, finding cheaper eats was more doable in Snowmass, where you could find $15 sandwiches and $9 breakfast burritos.
Meanwhile, some costs between the towns remain the same. The mountains, for example, all share the same lift tickets, so skiing — no matter where you are — will cost about $250 a day.
But if you're staying in Snowmass, where accommodations are cheaper, your dollar stretches further, and you'll have a little more budget to après in Aspen.
With only 15 minutes between the two towns, I'm far from the first to compare the pair, and I won't be the last.
Plenty of people prefer Aspen — it's a charming town to see and be seen. Others, however, love the expansive outdoors and laid-back vibe Snowmass provides.
And even if you do end up in Snowmass, I'd argue that a trip there wouldn't be complete without at least one night spent drinking, dining, and wandering Aspen.
For me, a ski trip boils down to the skiing itself. If I had to choose between lugging my snowboarding gear on a bus each morning versus finding a ski-in, ski-out condo in Snowmass and hitting more terrain, I'd choose the latter.
Molly O'Brien
Those who want to visit the mountains in Colorado without the hassle of driving may want to try the Amtrak Winter Park Express.
Affectionately nicknamed the "Ski Train," it is a fantastic option for going from Denver to Winter Park ski resort for a day in the snow. Its service typically begins in late December and runs through the end of March.
Fares for the two-hour ride start at $19, depending on the date you book tickets. My round-trip ticket from Friday, December 20, to Saturday, December 21, cost $58.
Here's what my "Ski Train" ride was like.
Molly O'Brien
My train was scheduled to leave Denver Union Station around 7 a.m. to arrive in Winter Park around 9 a.m. — right as its ski lifts open for the day.
I live just outside downtown Denver, so I woke up at 6 a.m. to drive to the parking garage adjacent to Union Station, where I'd booked an overnight parking spot. I arrived at the tracks around 6:20 for my 6:30 boarding time.
My return trip would depart Winter Park at 4:35 p.m. (right after the ski lifts close) and arrive in Denver around 7 p.m.
Molly O'Brien
The train allows riders to take their skis or snowboards as a single carry-on item.
Since passengers can bring two carry-on items and one personal item on board, I was able to travel with my skis, overnight bag, and a small backpack.
While boarding the train, I passed my equipment to a volunteer, who placed it in a special storage area.
Molly O'Brien
All seats on this train are coach — there are no business or first-class options. As the train filled up, I had no trouble finding a seat.
Seats were arranged in pairs (or clusters of four), and I felt quite comfortable. They can recline slightly and most have pull-down tray tables, similar to what you'd find on a plane.
Molly O'Brien
Many of my fellow passengers seemed excited and buzzing with energy — you'd never know it was barely 7 a.m. As the train exited the station, some of them started cheering.
The vibes on the train ride were excellent overall. Even our lively conductor made sure to stop and chat with each passenger while checking tickets.
Molly O'Brien
I and many other passengers had our laptops out to use during the ride. Unfortunately, we lost cellphone service about 30 minutes into the trip, and I wasn't able to use my hot spot or do much on my computer after that.
Fortunately, I was able to spend most of the trip looking out the window at the stunning mountain scenery.
Molly O'Brien
My favorite spot on the train was the lounge car, which had domed windows on top and large ones on either side. It had the best views.
This car also had snacks and drinks for sale, so I bought myself a hot coffee.
Molly O'Brien
The highly relaxing trip took roughly two hours in total.
When we went through Moffat Tunnel on the final stretch of the journey, an Amtrak employee told us it was time to put on our ski gear because we were just minutes away from Winter Park Resort.
Molly O'Brien
We pulled into the train platform shortly after 9 a.m., and I could see the ski runs right out the train windows.
Amtrak employees unloaded our skis and snowboards for us, and we stepped off the train platform and right onto Winter Park grounds.
Molly O'Brien
We were less than 50 steps from Winter Park's base ski lift and village area, where we could grab a bite to eat, rent a ski locker or equipment for the day, and buy a lift pass.
Molly O'Brien
The Amtrak journey to Winter Park wasn't overly expensive and felt highly efficient. It was a great alternative to driving to the mountain.
Although I've been told driving from downtown Denver can be a slightly shorter trip at around 90 minutes, that doesn't factor in traffic.
Winter Park can get really congested during peak ski seasons, so I was happy to not be stuck in a car. Plus, since I wasn't driving, I was able to fully embrace the stunning mountain views around me.
The only real downside for me was that I couldn't bring my dog as the train is not pet-friendly.
Rob Gronkowski appeared to be upset with how the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, which ended with his dismissal Sunday following a win over the Buffalo Bills.
Mayo was hired to replace Bill Belichick last year after the legendary head coach and the organization parted ways following six Super Bowls and two dynastic periods.
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The Patriots struggled in Mayo’s first season, finishing 4-13. But Gronkowski expressed that he didn’t believe Mayo had enough time to develop as a head coach.
"I was shocked by that. And to happen that soon was a shocker to a lot of people," he said on FOX. "Especially here at the desk, I think we were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He had never had the chance to develop as a head coach.
"He was just a rookie himself in that department. If you judge a coach by their first year, that’s really not appropriate."
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Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates for a few years with the Patriots.
The Patriots were far from playoff contenders entering the season. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round and didn’t start him until a few weeks into the regular season.
New England was 30th in points scored and 31st in yards gained, while finishing 22nd in points and yards allowed.
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced the Mayo decision after the Patriots’ win.
"After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Noam Galai/Getty Images for TechCrunch
Sebastian Siemiatkowski has said AI is capable of performing his job as CEO of Klarna — but he's not thrilled about the prospect.
The cofounder of the buy-now, pay-later firm said Monday in an X post that "AI is capable of doing all our jobs, my own included," because it now has reasoning capabilities.
"I am not necessarily super excited about this," he added. "On the contrary my work to me is a super important part of who I am, and realizing it might become unnecessary is gloomy."
Siemiatkowski said AI could routinely solve simple problems using basic reasoning. Because complex problems can be "divided into smaller and more basic reasoning tasks that are combined," the building blocks for AI solving advanced tasks already exist, he said.
"However, how exactly we will combine those building blocks of reason and knowledge to replicate the work we do today is not yet entirely solved," Siemiatkowski said.
This isn't the first time Siemiatkowski has voiced concerns about artificial intelligence's potential to disrupt people's work. He told Bloomberg in December that he believed AI could "already do all of the jobs that we as humans do."
Klarna has embraced AI. In February, the Swedish company said its AI assistant was "doing the equivalent work" of 700 full-time human agents.
The Klarna chief has also been outspoken about the firm's use of AI and how it's affected the workforce. In August, he wrote in an X post: "AI allows us to be fewer in total."
In October, Siemiatkowski appeared on the "Grit" podcast and said that Klarna "stopped hiring due to AI, so we're shrinking because we have a natural attrition rate of 20%." He later added that Klarna continued to hire some engineers.
Meanwhile, the fintech company has been gearing up for an initial public offering in the US. In November, it announced it confidentially submitted draft registration documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The following month, the company told its employees it would start random drug testing for staff in Sweden starting in January. Its director of people and human resources, Mikaela Mijatovic, told employees in a Slack post the move was "part of a larger effort to strengthen security across Klarna."
Klarna didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Do you work for Klarna? Got a tip? Contact the reporter, Jyoti Mann, via the encrypted messaging app Signal at jyotimann.11 or via email at [email protected]. Reach out through a nonwork device.
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