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The Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be welcome to Aspen Mountain the 2011 Aspen Winternational FIS Alpine World Cup Races. Cheering for the world’s fastest female ski racers on Aspen Mountain. Though the actual races do not take place until the weekend, the Winternational festivities start on Thursday, November 24 with what is called the Dine Around from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at participating Aspen restaurants. Dine Around occurs each night from Thursday through Sunday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at those participating Aspen restaurants. The official World Cup Kick-Off Party will take place on Friday, November 25 at the Limelight Lodge from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. At the Kick-Off Party, the U.S. Ski Team will be signing autographs, and there will also be a public bib draw.

The first race of the weekend, Run 1 of the Giant Slalom, will take place on Aspen Mountain at 10:15am on Saturday, November 26. The The Giant Slalom Final will be held on Saturday at 1:15pm. Spectators are encouraged to view the race for free at the bottom of Lift 1A where there will be exciting prize giveaways throughout the weekend.

There will also be a Sponsor Village from 10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday at the Gondola Plaza. Admission to all events, including the Sponsor Village, is free throughout the weekend. The Sponsor Village has a lot to offer, and among them, there will be the Taste of Winternational starting at 11:45am featuring complimentary, delectable eats provided by Cloud Nine, ASC Catering, the Cliffhouse, Ullrhof, Sam’s Smokehouse, Bumps, and the Lynn Britt Cabin. For those who want to get a flavor of ski mountain restaurants here in Aspen/Snowmass, this is the place to be.

Saturday night marks the first in a series of Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts, which take place throughout the winter season. The concert series will kick-off with a free, live music extravaganza by Cowboy Mouth at the Gondola Plaza from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. This is sure to be a fun packed event, so get there early enough to secure a spot front and center where all the fun and dancing happens.

The weekend comes to an end on Sunday with the Slalom races. These will also be taking place at Aspen Mountain, and for prime viewing, head to the base of Lift 1A. The first run starts at 10:15am, and the final run is at 1:00pm. Mark it on your calendar to make it out to at least one of the four races.

Whether you can only make it out for one race or a quick visit to the Sponsor Village, you are sure to have a great time at this free event that marks the beginning of the exciting winter season here in Aspen/Snowmass.

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Summer may be over, but that does not mean that the fun stops in Aspen and Snowmass. The list of exciting fall activities abounds with photography outings, hiking, biking, dining, shopping, and fun cultural events. With so many activities to take advantage of this fall season, you will find yourself struggling to fit everything into your day.

Fall in Aspen Snowmass

Photo: Jen Schneider

With shorter days ahead, the colder weather sets in, and the majestic Aspen trees begin to turn yellow and release their golden leaves. Not all the aspen trees have dropped their leaves yet, so while there is still a burst of yellow on the mountainsides, discover your inner photographer and hike up one of the many Aspen/Snowmass area trails with your camera and an artistic eye. Hiking up Buttermilk Mountain is an exhilarating hike, and from the top, it affords stunning views of the Maroon Creek Valley, Highlands ski area, Aspen Mountain, and Pyramid Peak. Plus, it is always fun to get a new perspective of a ski hill by challenging yourself to the uphill hike during the fall before the ski season is in full swing.

After snapping some photos, a leisurely bike ride down the Rio Grande Trail, which heads out of Aspen towards Glenwood Springs, is a great way to take in the Roaring Fork River and the beautiful, yellowing riverside foliage. For the more adventuresome, a bike ride up Smuggler Mountain offers both vigorous, heart-pumping exercise and some great views of Aspen Mountain and the Roaring Fork Valley.
For the fashion forward set, there are a number of high end boutiques and shops in downtown Aspen to meet anyone’s need for either a cozy wool sweater or a soft shell outer layer perfect for chilly morning hikes. And if you forgot to pack a fall appropriate Aspen casual outfit, you will certainly find stylish new attire to wear out on the town in one of the many shops that line downtown Aspen’s streets. Once you have found just the right outfit for a night on the town, head to one of the many downtown Aspen restaurants for a great atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Enjoying a meal at a restaurant in Aspen and Snowmass during the fall (or off-season as some refer to it) is especially easy on the pocket book because so many places feature a prix fixe menu. Some notable prix fixe offers are 3 courses for $35 at Pinons and a 3 course prix fixe menu at Elevation for $32. After a tasty dinner, attending a concert at the Belly Up is a great venue to enjoy a drink and let loose on the dance floor. In addition, the Wheeler Opera House always has a great line up of live entertainment and films, so it is worth checking the Wheeler’s schedule often for recently added shows. Also, one of the most notable fall events in Aspen/Snowmass is John Denver Week. This year John Denver week runs from October 7 through the 16, and features concerts and outdoor gatherings all celebrating John Denver’s philosophy and creativity. Also, it is highly encouraged to visit the beautiful John Denver Memorial stones, located a little past Rio Grande Park. And while you are down near Rio Grande Park, discover the world of contemporary art at the Aspen Art Museum. Starting on October 21, the Aspen Art Museum will be exhibiting a show called the Roaring Fork Open, which is slated to feature new work by artists who live in the Roaring Fork Valley.

There certainly is not a shortage of activities with which to fill your beautiful, autumn days. Go out and enjoy the fall colors, the chill in the air, and all the spectacular activities Aspen/Snowmass has to offer this fall season!

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Today we had our first snowfall in Aspen Snowmass.  For some it was a joyous occasion and others it was a dreadful reminder that winter is around the corner.  Either way it was a reminder that winter is coming and we should all gear up. Perfect timing because winter lift tickets are on sale for a screaming discount.  Check out all the great deals to be had at Aspen Snowmass Lift Ticket Pricing. Don’t forget to get lodging now for your winter vacation getaway.  There are great specials right now like…

These are deals you can’t pass up.

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The annual Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival kicks off today in Snowmass Village with world famous musicians including Girl Talk, Thievery Corporation, and more.  It continues through the holiday weekend with three stages, international food and drinks, and merchandise.  On Saturday, enjoy Steely Dan,  Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, niTGriT, and The Congress.  Come Sunday, check out the Zac Brown Band, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Fitz and the Tantrums, Porter Robinson, and Leon and the Peoples.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
At Stay Aspen Snowmass, we are excited for the music filled weekend. The forecast for Snowmass Village is good with an average high of 80 degrees predicted and only a slight chance for thunderstorms.  It would be tough to not enjoy the Labor Day Festival, but here are a few tips on how to make the most of the weekend:

  • Plan Ahead –  View the schedule and be sure not to miss your favorite musicians.
  • Bring a Rain Jacket and Warm Clothes – At over 8,000 feet, Snowmass Village’s weather can range from summer sun to cool evenings, and the occasional thunderstorm.  Be sure to bring warm clothes for the evening shows.
  • Ride Your Bike – Before the concert check out the wide variety of mountain biking trails on Snowmass Mountain.  Take the Elk Camp Gondola, check out new downhill trails, or ride cross country on Tom Blake and the Government Trails.
  • Take Advantage of Specials – There are great specials in Snowmass Village this weekend. From discounts at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to discounted bike rentals with Aspen Sports and rafting with Blazing Adventures.
  • Park Wisely – Park for free at the Brush Creek Intercept Lot and ride the bus to Snowmass Town Park.  Alternatively, park at the Two Creeks lot ($10) or Rodeo Lot ($20) with a valid permit.

See you there!

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USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a week away from coming to Aspen, Colorado

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is just a week from coming to Aspen.  The  new professional stage race has attracted 16 international teams and 128 top cyclists including Cadel Evans, George Hincapie, Chris Butler, Christian VandeVelde, Frank Schleck, Andy Schleck, Levi Leipheimer, and more. Learn more about the teams and riders of the 2011 event.

With a prologue and 6 stages, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is thought to be the most demanding bike race on American soil due to the altitude and distances. The race will include visits to Colorado Springs, Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Golden, and Denver with the second stage ending in Aspen.

The second stage begins on Wednesday, August 24 at 10am in Gunnison, Colorado.  The day will be grueling with 131.1 miles, 9,746 feet in total climbing, and two pass climbs.  The race is estimated to finish between 3 and 4:15pm at Main and Galena Street. in Aspen. Learn more about Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

There are six key places to watch Stage 2 including Gunnsion (start), Aspen (finish), springs at Almont and Buena Vista, and KOM’s at Cottonwood Pass and Independence Pass.  Consider renting a bike in Aspen, and riding to the top of Independence Pass for great viewing (and exercise), Read the Spectator Guide for more information.

Stay Aspen Snowmass is delighted to welcome the riders, teams, and fans to Aspen next week.  In addition to lodging only reservations, Stay Aspen Snowmass offers a vacation package for the race which includes lodging deals and Pro Cycling Challenge Patron Tent Passes. Call one of our local vacation experts at 866.572.9644.

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Here is a press release from American.

Daily Nonstops Link Colorado to Two Key International Gateways

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, today announced it will begin nonstop seasonal service between Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Aspen/Snowmass, Colo., and both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, beginning Dec. 15. Eagle will operate the daily trips with two-class CRJ-700 jet aircraft. The service will run from Dec. 15 through April 2, 2012; then resume June 14 through Aug. 20, 2012. Customers may begin booking the new service beginning Monday, Aug.1

“We are pleased to introduce seasonal jet service to Aspen/Snowmass from two of our cornerstone hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles,” said Gary Foss, Vice President of Marketing and Planning for American’s regional network. “Not only will it provide greater access to all the world-class ski resorts and recreation this beautiful and cosmopolitan area has to offer, but will provide Pitkin County residents with convenient connections to destinations throughout the American Airlines global network, as well as destinations served by our oneworld partners, including Sydney, Melbourne and Tokyo.

“This exciting announcement is the result of years of pursuit that wouldn’t be possible without the foresight and collaboration of many community partners,” said Bill Tomcich, President of central reservations agency Stay Aspen Snowmass. “AA’s new service into Aspen/Snowmass fills a long-standing void and will make it easier than ever to travel from Texas, South Florida, and Australia – along with dozens of other markets.”

The schedule for flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Aspen/Snowmass is (all times local):

Dallas/Fort Worth to Aspen/Snowmass (DFW-ASE)

Flight number: 3887 Depart: 4:20 p.m. Arrive: 5:30 p.m. Daily

Aspen/Snowmass to Dallas/Fort Worth (ASE-DFW)

Flight number: 3885 Depart: 12:40 p.m. Arrive: 3:40 p.m. Daily

The schedule for flights between Los Angeles and Aspen/Snowmass is (all times local):

Los Angeles to Aspen/Snowmass (LAX-ASE)

Flight number: 3889 Depart: 9:00 a.m. Arrive: 12:00 p.m.

Aspen/Snowmass to Los Angeles (ASE-LAX)

Flight number: 3888 Depart: 6:10 p.m. Arrive: 7:35 p.m.

First Class Service on American Eagle

With the introduction of nine First Class seats on all of its CRJ-700 aircraft, Eagle now offers a premium product with the same level of outstanding service customers experience on American Airlines. Eagle’s complimentary First Class dining service on longer flights includes a continental breakfast with cereal or hot oatmeal and yogurt and a lunch or dinner that includes a fresh salad or a sandwich and dessert. First Class customers receive warm, cleansing towels and mixed nuts prior to their meals, which are served on china. On flights of shorter duration, beverage service will be accompanied by a gourmet snack mix.

The new First Class seat includes four-way adjustable headrests, ergonomically- contoured back and seat cushions, together with a unique, articulated seat bottom, which allows customers to recline with less impact on the legroom of passengers seated behind them.

About American Eagle

American Eagle – named Best Regional Airline in North America by the 2011 World Airline Awards – operates more than 1,500 daily flights to over 170 cities throughout the

United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean on behalf of American Airlines. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines fares are also available through Kayak.com and Priceline.com, as well as thousands of travel agencies worldwide. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

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With late Spring snowfalls and recent warm temperatures, summer 2011 is off to a banner season for whitewater rafting in Aspen Snowmass.  The Roaring Fork, Arkansas, and Colorado Rivers offer everything from family friendly whitewater rafting to adrenaline pumping adventures.

Adventuresome rafters should consider Slaughter House Falls (Class IV Advanced), the premier whitewater run on the Roaring Fork River.  For a more intermediate run, try the Upper Roaring Fork River (Class III Intermediate) which includes the famed Toothache and Sledgehammer rapids.  Families with younger children typically enjoy the Middle Roaring Fork (Class II-III) which runs through the Snowmass Canyon and Basalt.  One of our favorite beginner trips is Cemetery on the Roaring Fork River in the shadow of Mt. Sopris.  Exciting for first time rafters and families.

Looking to raft the Arkansas River?  After scenic drive over Independence Pass run the Pine Creek and the Numbers (Class IV-V Advanced), the Fractions (Class III Intermediate), or Brown (Class III Intermediate).  The Arkansas River offers world-class rafting and is worth the trip.

Head to Glenwood Springs to experience the Colorado River.  Run Shoshone Rapids including Baptism, Tuttle’s Tumble, The Wall, and Maneater, followed by Grizzly to the Glenwood Springs wave.  While in Glenwood Springs, be sure to stop by the Glenwood Whitewater Park which is located at the Midland Avenue Bridge, Exit 114 on Highway 70.  The park features a standing wave perfect for kayak surfing, surf boards, and standup paddle boards.  Top kayakers frequent the park making it a great spot to watch the experts.

Contact Stay Aspen Snowmass to book your next Aspen Snowmass whitewater rafting adventure.

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Last night the EMU Festival kicked off with the first FREE Thursday concert on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village.   The fun continues with more music and adventure.  Every night there is a concert featuring Leftover Salmon, BJD2, Perpetual Groove, Tea Leaf Green, The New Mastersounds and more.

Before the concert go on a memorable adventure.  They have downhill biking tours, hiking through the woods, yoga and more.  If you are adrenaline junkie they will be hosting a 3K footrace to support education in schools.

Through out the festival they will be using Eco friendly, sustainable designs and material.   And the best part is that for every ticket sold they will be planting  a tree.  How great!
Make sure you check out this music, eco, adventure festival over this 4th of July weekend.  It is sure to be a great, eco-friendly time.

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Tomorrow marks the start of the 29th Anniversary Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado.  From June 17 – 19, experience the magazine in three dimensions with food samplings, wine tasting, and cooking demonstrations.

Learn from Tim Love with the “Grilling Master Class” and Mario Batali with the “Seafood of the Adriatic” demo.  Be sure to check out Andrea Robinson’s “Wine Pairing Tricks of the Trade” and Marnie Old’s “Spanish Grades: Hot Red & Cool White”.  Top it off with a Grand Tasting and a walk around downtown Aspen, Colorado.

This year the event is raising funds and awareness for its Grow for Good campaign which is a national initiative to help support local farms and encourage sustainable agriculture.  Food & Wine magazine believes that a robust food and wine industry begins at the farm, and thus has selected Wholesome Wave as its 2011 Grow for Good beneficiary.  Enjoy the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and help support a wonderful organization.

We’re looking forward to the event.  See you there!

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SAVE THE DATE: ESPN X Games Releases Winter Dates


WHAT: Event dates for Winter X Games 16 and Winter X Games Europe 2012

WHEN: January 26 – 29, 2012 – Winter X Games 16 in Aspen, Colo.
March 14 – 16, 2012 – Winter X Games Europe in Tignes, France

WHO: More than 200 of the best action sports athletes will compete in Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowmobile events in
Aspen/ Snowmass, Colo. at  Buttermilk Mountain for the premier Winter X Games event.

More than 125 athletes will compete from all over the globe in Snowboard and Skiing in Tignes, France for the third
year of Winter X Games Europe.

POPULARITY OF WINTER X GAMES
The world’s premier action sports competition was held January 27 – 30 in Aspen, Colo., with 24 original hours of high-definition coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 and 18 hours on ESPN 3D. A total of 34 hours of Winter X Games 16 content was also distributed across ESPN’s digital platforms, including ESPN3.com, ESPN.com/Action, XGames.com and ESPN Mobile. Winter X Games content, results and updates were also distributed through the X Games social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Tumblr.  Outside the United States, Winter X Games 15 was delivered to more than 382 million homes and live to 154 countries and territories, including Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Israel, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East and New Zealand.

Winter X Games Europe co-produced by ESPN and CANAL+ EVENTS was the first Winter X Games outside of the United States in 2010. Together with CANAL + Networks (CANAL +, CANAL + SPORT, Sport +) and ESPN International, this year, Winter X Games Europe broadcast18.5 hours of live coverage March 16-18 from Tignes, France on ESPN3.com. Additionally and for the first time, ESPN and ESPN2 combined to televise more than 13.5 live and tape-delayed hours of high-definition action in the United States.Additionally, Winter X Games Europe was broadcast live and on-delay on ESPN UK and Ireland. Also, live or tape-delayed coverage on ESPN networks in Australia, Brazil, Africa, Israel, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America.  Highlights of the Games were broadcast in Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Serbia and Slovenia. Winter X Games Europe was also fully aired live on CANAL+ SPORT and winterxgameseurope.com while CANAL+ played a 52-minute special following the event.

For X Games media information, including press releases, logos and additional images from past events, log on to www.espneventmedia.com.

For general information and updated athlete lists, log on to www.xgames.com .

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