We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerome Trappier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerome, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Jerome: I am originally from Chamonix, France and I had the amazing opportunity to spend a few winters working as a ski patrol exchanger in Colorado and Utah. I made great friends along the way, and one day, one of my friends invited me over for fondue. I was so excited to finally eat some cheese! The fondue was wonderful, as it was enjoyed with friends, but it really missed the ‘true’ French fondue ingredients. I dreamt of cheese from my home country the entire time I was on exchange. And that is how the business idea started – bringing my home (Chamonix) to yours (here in Aspen, Colorado). We get almost all of our products from my region in France, therefore it is the real, true experience!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I came on ski patrol exchange in 2015, to Aspen, Colorado. I have been ski patrolling for about 20 years. I ended up in Aspen, as Chamonix (where I am from) is the sister city to Aspen. The two areas ended up being a perfect match for my wife and I, as we love culture, mountains and great dining.

Where I am from in the Haute-Savoie Region, my family has very long, historical roots. They were some of the first settlers to the region. Fondue and Raclette are very traditional meals to this region. Our large family gatherings almost always consisted of either fondue or raclette. I missed the amazing cheese and food very much while living in Colorado!

I feel that the experience to share food is invaluable, and I have a desire to share this with others.You can find us this summer at the Aspen Saturday Market, Vail Sunday Market or Basalt Sunday Market. Where we sell our ‘famous’ raclette sandwiches. These we also sell at many festivals locally throughout the summer. Additionally, we offer at home catering services, which makes any occasion special!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would go for a ski on the mountain! Skiing is on of my favorite activities, to do with my wife. There are four ski resorts here in Aspen, all of which have something very special to offer. If I have friend visiting, and depending on their level of skiing, I enjoy hiking Highlands Bowl, which is at Highlands mountain. It is such an amazing experience to be in bounds, and hiking such a majestic mountain. I enjoy taking my friends to the top, enjoying a bite to eat and then have an absolute blast skiing down! After the bowl, we usually like to do some Temerity laps (which is steep, long, tree runs), if our legs can handle it! After the full day of skiing, there is no better way to finish the day than with a pot of warm, melted cheese – fondue! Traditionally in France, this is something that you always share with family and friends. We really enjoy doing the same, with our friends that are visiting here in Aspen. Always served fresh, with our hand picked ingredients. Enjoying fondue together is an interactive way for us to enjoy a meal, and wind down from the day. For dessert – we love serving our chocolate fondue. Melted to perfection, with dipped fruit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Recognition goes to my wife, Rachel. You will find her running the ‘behind the scenes’ and bringing my ideas to life. We would also like to have a shoutout for our local community here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Without their support, none of our dreams would be possible. From our local clients, to the concierges who recommend our services, to our friends and family that show us an unconditional amount of support. Our family in France also deserves a shoutout, as they have supported our move to the states, to pursue our ‘American dream’. Thank you to all those that have crossed our paths and supported us. To many more years together!

Website: www.aspenfondue.com

Instagram: @theaspenfondue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspenfondue/

Image Credits
Jake Seibert Photography

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