Sunday, March 23, 2008

ResortQuest Aspen Staff Dining Favs

Top 10 Restaurants in Aspen/Snowmass

(Picked by the RQ staff)



D19

305 S. Mill St.
970.925.6019
Contemporary Italian restaurant with highlights such as baked Roman artichoke with white wine.

Montagna
675 E. Durant Ave.
970.920.6330
Masterful preparations of fresh vegetables, handmade cheeses and preserves, and organic Colorado meats star in dishes that delight the mind as well as the palate.

Pine Creek Cookhouse
11399 Castle Creek Rd.
970.925.1044


Serves exquisite gourmet meals in spectacular surroundings with breath-taking views of the Elk Mountain Range.

Syzygy
520 E. Hyman Ave
970.925.3700
Creating a harmonious combination of exquisite New American cusine and Aspen's finest jazz.

Pinons
105 S. Mill St.
970.920.2021
Voted "Best Restaurant" by The Aspen Times every year since 2001.

The Tavern
685 East Durant
970.920.6334

Bistro-style menu, including famous truffle fries, fondue, tomato soup, lamb Bolognese and daily specials.

Pacifica
307 S. Mill St.
970.920.9775

The menu highlights seafood, fresh lobster, captivating grilled entrees, infused martinis and a not-to-be-missed raw bar all in the heart of Aspen's action.

DishAspen
430 E. Hyman Ave
970.925.7119

Menu Sampling: Lobster Corn Dogs, Tuna & Ginger Tartare, Truffle & Brie Grilled Cheese, and Maple Syrup Glazed Wild Salmon.

Matsuhisa
Main & Monarch
970.544.6628
Experience the fabulous creations of world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Explore Bistro
221 E. Main St.
970.925.5338
Award-winning Vegetarian Menu

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Snowmass Summer Event Schedule

Lots To Do In Snowmass This Summer


Snowmass Village Announces 2008 Summer Event Schedule; Fifth anniversaries and new events highlight the summer calendar

Snowmass Village, CO... Spring 2008– Snowmass Village is pleased to announce its complete summer line-up of festivals and events for 2008. There’s never been a better time to “Take 5” in Snowmass as multiple events celebrate five year anniversaries. The Aspen/Snowmass season kicks off in June with the popular 5th Annual Chili Pepper & Brew Fest. Massive Music, The Snowmass Wellness Experience, Oktoberfest, and Ride for the Cure also celebrate fifth anniversaries.

“This is a strong and diverse summer schedule and we’re thrilled to be offering so many different events for visitors and locals,” says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for Snowmass Village. “From our new calendar additions to those events celebrating anniversaries to the incredible music we offer all summer long, this is by far our strongest schedule yet.”

Snowmass is home to three new events this season. In June, the PDGA-sanctioned Snowmassive Disc Golf Open takes players up for 54 holes of on-mountain play. In August, the Snowmass Gravity Enduro Race offers a challenging ten hours of mountain biking down Snowmass’ slopes and a special new outdoor concert by a major national act. This event replaces the Snowmass National, which organizer Blue Wolf Events chose not to return to Snowmass.

“We were honored to have a great run with the Nationals competition and did everything we could to keep the event,” says Snowmass Village Marketing & Special Events representative Dave Elkan. “This gravity race will bring a whole new kind of exciting mountain bike challenge to Snowmass.”

During this weekend event and the annual Blast the Mass, the Snowmass chairlift to Sam’s Knob will be open for the first time ever in the summer. The competition winner is the rider who accumulates the most vertical feet descended over two five-hour heats using any trail down the mountain.

The third and final new event is the Snowmass 12-Hour Bike Race, which is a fundraiser for the Aspen Youth Center and Extreme Sports Camp. This dawn-to-dusk race on Snowmass’ beautiful fall trails is modeled after (and excellent training for) the 24 Hours of Moab in October.

For more information, visit the official Snowmass Village website at www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS. Media Contact: Allison Johnson, aj@snowmasspress.com or (970) 309-5485.

Art shows, art auctions, golf, brew fest, trail races, bike camps, free concerts, mountain-cross events, antique fairs, enduro races, marathons, jazz and Oktoberfest-like beer festival, balloon fests, wine and jazz, rodeos... It's all happening at Snowmass this summer.

Here's the line up through September 27, 2008.

JUNE
JUNE 2: ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER. Summer workshops for adults and children begin at this renowned arts center. Internationally-respected artist faculty includes Enrique Martinez Celaya, Holly Roberts, Laura McPhee, Robin Lasser and Richard Notkin. Additional free lectures, art auctions and events are held throughout the summer. (www.andersonranch.org or 970.923.3181)

JUNE 6-8: 5TH ANNUAL CHILI PEPPER & BREW FEST. Elite invitational microbrew and International Chili Society sanctioned chili competitions and tastings are paired with outstanding concerts on Pepper Hill. Saturday’s headliner is Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. Previous acts include Ziggy Marley, Del McCoury, The David Grisman Quintet, Johnny Lang and Keller Williams. (www.snowmasschiliandbrew.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

JUNE 14-15: 2ND SNOWMASS LA SPORTIVA TRAIL RACE TRIFECTA. This weekend of trail running on Snowmass’ scenic 40 miles of trails includes a 5k, a hill climb, and a half marathon for individual and combined prizes. (www.runtherockies.com or 970.333.1159)

JUNE 19-AUG 21: 36TH ANNUAL SNOWMASS RODEO. Running every Wednesday, this popular event is the oldest consecutively running community rodeo in the state and offers everything from mutton bustin’ for the kids to bull riding, barrel racing, a barbecue dinner, campfires sing-a-longs and more. (www.snowmassrodeo.org or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

JUNE 21-22: NEW! SNOWMASSIVE DISC GOLF OPEN. This sanctioned PDGA tournament includes 54 holes of on-mountain play and a Doubles Best competition. Come check out the only Colorado mountain resort with two 18-hole on-mountain courses. (www.snowmassvillage.com, 1.800.SNOWMASS, or ssakai@aspensnowmass.com)

JUNE 24-30: OVER THE BARS WOMEN’S BIKE CAMP. A wholistic camp designed to improve mental and physical performance for women mountain bikers, this camp is open to all levels and includes a full week of training, workshops, and other activities. (www.womensmountainbikecamp.com)

JUNE 26-AUG 21: SNOWMASS SUMMER OF FREE MUSIC SERIES. This free weekly Thursday night concert series is “one of the best line-ups of free music in the nation” (Los Angeles Times) and is programmed by the venerable Jazz Aspen/Snowmass. With the best outdoor sound system in the mountains, look for the full line-up later this spring. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

JULY
JULY 3-5: SNOWMASS MASSIVE MUSIC INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION. This patriotic extravaganza with a free outdoor concert by a major national headliner is the highlight of July 4 festivities in the Aspen/Snowmass area. Previous acts included The Blind Boys of Alabama and Keller Williams. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

JULY 10: 11TH ANNUAL ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER RECOGNITION DINNER. Honoring the accomplishments of artists, patrons and community leaders, this evening celebrates outstanding members of the arts community. (www.andersonranch.org or 970.923.3181)

JULY 11-13: 8TH BLAST THE MASS. The prestigious Mountain States Cup Series draws over 1,000 top regional competitors to town for downhill, cross-country, and mountain-cross events for regional champion titles. (www.racemsc.com or 970.333.1159)

JULY 20-22: SNOWMASS ANTIQUES FAIR. Forty nationally recognized antique dealers fill the Snowmass Mall with historic treasures & vintage gifts. Fine European antiques, rustic furnishings, estate jewelry, glass and fine art are just a few of the items showcased in this MC Presents event. (www.mcpresents.com or 303.570.9763)

JULY 31- AUG 2: 5TH ANNUAL SNOWMASS MASSIVE MUSIC. This immensely popular and free mountain music weekend celebrates five years in 2008 and includes major national music acts performing on the Fanny Hill outdoor stage. Previous acts have included The Derek Trucks Band and John Hiatt. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

AUGUST
AUGUST 2-3: MOUNTAIN MASTERPIECES ARTS FAIR. Over 40 artists gather on the Snowmass Village Mall for this decades-old Snowmass tradition that showcases beautiful works of art. Items range from inexpensive to extravagant and from photographs to pottery to clothes and jewelry. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

AUGUST 8-9: 27TH SNOWMAGICAL FAMILY FUN FEST. This free weekend of events is for kids of all ages with some of the state’s best magicians. Workshops, movies, music, performances and nonstop entertainment await. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

AUGUST 9: ANDERSON RANCH ANNUAL ART AUCTION. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees from all across the globe, this event is one of the Aspen/Snowmass art highlights of the summer. More than 250 works of art are donated by national and local artists and auctioned in silent and live auctions. (www.andersonranch.org or 970.923.3181)

AUGUST 16-17: 5TH ANNUAL SNOWMASS WELLNESS EXPERIENCE. Encompassing all the elements of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, this weekend celebration addresses nutrition, fitness, and spirituality topics with best-selling authors and speakers, enriching workshops, cooking demonstrations, al fresco yoga and fitness classes, botanical walks and more. (www.snowmasswellness.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

AUGUST 23-24: NEW! SNOWMASS GRAVITY ENDURO RACE. Riders vie against gravity in this challenging timed five-hour downhill race on the slopes of Snowmass. The event is kicked off by a special new Gravity Concert on August 23 by a major national act. (www.racemsc.com and 970.333.1159)

AUGUST 29- SEPT 1: JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS LABOR DAY FESTIVAL. This perennial favorite draws massive crowds and major headliners such as Sheryl Crowe, Widespread Panic, and Jack Johnson for spectacular mountain daytime concerts and intimate evening shows at local hot spots. (www.jazzaspen.org or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 6: 5TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST PRESENTED BY BECK’S. The festival combines authentic German beer, music and cuisine, with more modern live music, crisp fall air and fantastic mountain views. Biergartens, street performers, kids’ crafts and more toast the season with Teutonic cheer. (www.snowmassvillage.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

SEPTEMBER 6: 5TH ANNUAL ASPEN/SNOWMASS RIDE FOR THE CURE. A 100-mile bike ride between Aspen and Snowmass (with a flatter 26-mile option) celebrates fall and benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year’s ride attracted 424 riders of all levels and raised $655,000 for the cause. (www.komenaspen.org or 970.920.0250)

SEPTEMBER 12-14: 33RD ANNUAL SNOWMASS BALLOON FESTIVAL. One of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country, this three-day festival sends 30 pilots airborn to compete in competitions such as Dawn Quixote where pilots joust with tethered weather balloons. The Saturday Evening Glow, where brightly colored balloons light up the night sky and twinkle on and off like stars, is a highlight. (www.snowmassballoon.com or 1.800.SNOWMASS)

SEPTEMBER 12-13: SNOWMASS WINE & JAZZ FESTIVAL. Yin to Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic yang, this relaxed fall festival pairs food, wine, jazz, and fabulous fall weather. Over 80 vintners line the mall along with silent auctions, local tastings and a Winemaker’s Dinner the night before. (www.snowmassrotary.org or 970.379.6577)

SEPTEMBER 14: NEW! SNOWMASS 12-HOUR BIKE RACE. This dawn-to-dusk twelve-hour mountain biking race on Snowmass’ trails benefits local youth organizations Aspen Youth Center and Extreme Sports Camp. Racers can participate in solo, team, or corporate divisions. (www.aspenyouthcenter.org or 970.544.4130)

SEPTEMBER 27: VASQUE GOLDENLEAF HALF MARATHON. Called one of the most beautiful races in the country by Trail Runner Magazine, this running race takes participants from Snowmass to Aspen over spectacular mountain trails and roads at the height of foliage season. (www.utemountaineer.com or 970.925.2849)

Schedule provided by Snowmass Village Media Relations
Edited and posted by Richard Dietz

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Inn at Aspen Hockey Teamates Win it All!


Group Sales Manager, Geoff Lubin and General Manager, Dan Sartain celebrate their Championship win in the Aspen Hockey Legue Recreation "B" Cup.

(Taken from aspenspin.com)
It wasn't pretty, but Ronin hung on to beat Cops/Crooks to retain the AHL REC B CUPfor a third straight season. Ronin's core, formed from Euro-Trash, had won the previous 2 Championships. Ronin is a hodge-podge of international, well educated, hard working, journeymen and one hot girl. Net minder Geoff Lubin turned away a barrage of shots in the frantic third period to secure the 3-2 victory.
Click for Scratch and Sniff. Dan Sartain squibbed one in with .02 seconds left in the second period to cement the game. The Cops picked up a couple young "ringers" who competed strongly. "Chin Strap" Matt, Jason Flom, Bardsley and three shifty Mother Puckers along with Pepper, Joe and the Vets waged quite a battle.

The Ronin D was formidable all season, starring Ryan Johnson#18, Rudy Koopsen#31, Donnie Buck#56, Richie Pearlstone#48 and the "Lidstrom-esqe" Brian#20, an off-season free-agent pickup. The "Production Line" of Kate #69, Andy#9 and Dan#24 were buzzing all night long, netting two of the tallies. "Fast Freddie" Rech#27, "Big Game" Jason#22, Chris#37 and Gerry#10kept the fore check hot. Injured vets Dan Lauer and Kurt F. handled the doors.

We won the PARTY too. It was a tremendous 17-1 season for the expansion Ronin. After parting ways with their former coach, the Euro team splintered. Former Trash players, on their new teams, played especially tough against Ronin all season. Allegations of "stacking the deck" fell on deaf ears once the squad bonded following a "near brawl" in their locker room, early season. Their only loss occurred on opening night when the Cops/Crooks "rented" former NHL Defenseman Stevie Costalas to fill in. He kept Ronin scoreless. 17 in a row, not bad.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

8th Annual Spring Jam Event & Entertainment Line Up



A Neil Diamond cover band, Big Air Competition, Terrain Park Training, "Hip-Hop Reggae," a Chris Klug Camp, a "battle" in the bowls, Snow Angels... Holy Cow... It must be Spring Jam time!

8th Annual Aspen/Snowmass Spring Jam, March 21-23, March 28-30, April 4-6

EVENT SCHEDULE
All events are free and open to the public.

March 21
Neil Diamond cover band Super Diamond shines bright with a freebie concert at 8 p.m. at the corner of Cooper and Galena.

March 22
Kick Aspen Big Air Invitational Top regional ski and snowboarders fly high at Aspen Mountain from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Prizes, handouts, a beer garden and a DJ will liven things up.

March 22-23 and March 29-30
Terrain Park Boot Camp: Entry-level terrain park training at Snowmass; instruction for beginners age 13 and up on how to "slide a rail," "hit a box," and "throw a trick." Noon to 3 p.m.

March 23
Ky-mani Marley Son of reggae icon Bob Marley, Ky-mani rolls into town with his signature pop/hip-hop twist on the reggae genre for a freebie. He will perform at the end of the Snowmass Village mall at 4 p.m.

March 28
Grammy winner De La Soul, seminal jazz-rapper, stages a freebie at 8 p.m. at the base of Aspen Mountain.

March 28-30
Aspen Klug Camp: Aspen/Snowmass athlete and former Olympic snowboarder Chris Klug, hosts this camp for snowboarders age 10 and with instruction in halfpipe, boardercross, giant slalom and slalom disciplines. Look for top boarders Tricia Byrnes, Travis McLain, Justin Reiter and Mitch Stout. Buttermilk Mountain. More details at www.chrisklug.com/camp.html.

March 29
Schnee Tag (You're it!) starts at 3 p.m. Register at www.aspensnowmass.com.

March 30
Battle in the [Highland] Bowls The competition begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. Register at www.aspensnowmass.com.

April 4-6
Snow Angels Invitational
Watch participants practice in the superpipe at Snowmass on Friday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Finals on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. follow. There's a photo shoot with the performers at the Snowmass superpipe and quarterpipe from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Followed by the same performer offering instruction to beginners at the Terrain Park Boot Camp on Fanny Hill from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

March 21, 28, and April 4
Big Air Fridays. This is an eight-week competition that started in February. Aspen and surrounding area skiers and snowboarders compete in the big jump on Fanny Hill at Snowmass, for a cash prizes and points accumulated during the series. Kicks off at 2:00 p.m., wrapping up with live music and fireworks later.

Monday, March 10, 2008

"Rare Artist" and Banjo Player Michael Miles To Perform At Wheeler



Banjo player Michael Miles, "that rare artist who not only uses his considerable talents to entertain, but also to teach about music, history, America," will perform tomorrow night, March 11, at Wheeler Opera House at 7:00 p.m. The show is presented by Aspen Historical Society.

Miles' show, "From Senegal to Seeger: Stories of the American Banjo," features the works of Walt Whitman, Pete Seeger, Carl Sandberg, and Woodie Guthrie, among others, and tells the story of America's history through the "eyes" of a banjo. Billed as a one-man social and political portrait artist using music, Miles is regarded by critics as a master story-teller.

"Miles gives a mesmerizing performance because of his charisma and apparent love for storytelling and the banjo. His voice is strong, warm.... And it seems as if Miles' fingerwork on the banjo entranced the audience."
--Roseanne Wasielewski, UWM Leader, 2004

Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Tribuen said: "Highly recommended. An exhilarating musical and multi-demensional journey... a provacative political and social history of America."

"...a gem of a show... We are privileded to have produced [it] here in Washington."
--Penelope Dann, Smithsonian Institution

General admission: $20
Patron tickets: $50 (includes a pre-concert reception and post-concert opportunity to meet the artist at Valley Fine Art.)

Tickets can be purchased through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler, or call the Historical Society at 925-3721; Wheeler: 920-5770.

Source: Aspen Historical Society event schedule for March 11. Edited by Richard Dietz

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Were You At The Celebrity Downhill Race?

Did anyone attend the Celebrity Downhill Race over the weekend?
If so, feel free to post comments to the blog.
Who was there? Who won? Who won the big auctions?

Inn At Aspen And Frontier Airlines Team Up To Offer Travel Packages Starting at $594.00


The Inn At Aspen and Frontier Airlines has teamed up to offer Introductory “Aspen Welcomes Frontier” packages starting at $594 with travel dates from April 26 – June 9, 2008.

Aspen Chamber provided the following information this week. This is an update to the March 2 post about Frontier's announcement that it would be offering daily service in to Aspen/Sardy Field (airport travel code: ASE).

ASPEN, Colo. (Feb. 26, 2008) - Frontier Airlines will operate new flights to Aspen’s Sardy Field (ASE), with service beginning Apr. 26, 2008, just in time for the spring/summer season. Frontier will operate five daily non-stop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen (ASE) on Bombardier Q400 regional aircraft (operated for Frontier by Lynx Aviation). The quiet, fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced Q400 aircraft are ideal for flying into airports like Aspen’s Sardy field.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE
In conjunction with Frontier’s special introductory fares, which start as low as $89 each way, and double miles, Aspen/Snowmass is offering special packages which start at $119 a night from Apr. 26 – June 9, 2008. Late spring/early summer is a gorgeous time in the Aspen area, with outdoor adventures and activities from hiking and road biking to white water rafting and kayaking to rock climbing and golf. Aspen-area outfitters offer outdoor adventure opportunities for beginners to experts. To book the introductory package, call 1.800.670.0789 or visit www.aspenchamber.org and click on “Aspen Welcomes Frontier.” The Inn at Aspen lodging rates are based on double occupancy per room, and do not include taxes and gratuities. Subject to availability.

SCHEDULE
Following is the schedule of flights between Denver International Airport and Aspen/Sardy Field. All flights will operate daily beginning Apr. 26, 2008, with introductory fares as low as $89 each way.

DENVER to ASPEN
Flight # Departs Arrives
3074 8:30 a.m. 9:25 a.m.
3079 11:25 a.m. 12:20 p.m.
3075 3:10 p.m. 4:05 p.m.
3077 5:50 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
3071 9:45 p.m. 10:40 p.m.

ASPEN to DENVER
Flight # Departs Arrives
3074 7:00 a.m. 7:55 a.m.
3072 9:55 a.m. 10:50 a.m.
3080 12:50 p.m. 1:45 p.m.
3076 4:35 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
3078 7:15 p.m. 8:10 p.m.

About Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Currently in its 14th year of operations, Frontier Airlines is the second-largest jet service carrier at Denver International Airport, employing approximately 6,000 aviation professionals. With 60 aircraft and one of the youngest Airbus fleets in North America, Frontier offers 24 channels of DIRECTV® service in every seatback along with a comfortable all coach configuration. In conjunction with its regional jet fleet, operated by Republic Airlines, and a fleet of ten Bombardier Q-400 aircraft operated by Lynx Aviation (a subsidiary of Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc.), Frontier offers routes linking its Denver hub to 63 destinations, including 53 U.S. cities in 32 states spanning the nation from coast to coast; six cities in Mexico; two cities in Canada and one in Costa Rica. In November 2006, Frontier and AirTran announced a first-of-its-kind integrated marketing partnership that offers travelers the ability to reach more than 80 destinations across four countries with low fares, aboard two of the youngest fleets in the industry. For more in-depth information on Frontier Airlines, please visit its Web site at FrontierAirlines.com.

About Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is a mountain destination like no other. In Aspen, visitors will find spectacular mountain vistas, a rich history, abundant adventure, a dynamic cultural and intellectual scene, more than 250 shops and boutiques, and 80 restaurants and bars for every palette. For media information, visit Aspen’s online media center. For visitor information, visit www.aspenchamber.com or call 970.925.1940.

(Courtesy Aspen Chamber)

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Frontier Airlines To Offer Service From Sardy May 15


Frontier Airlines at a press conference held in Denver
in mid-February attended by the state's governor, Bill Ritter, and Aspen Mayor, Mick Ireland, and others from Aspen, announced that it will offer five flights per day from Aspen/Sardy Field to Denver starting May 15, 2008.

Frontier introductory fares will start at $49 each way to Colorado Springs, $89 to Denver.

ResortQuest Aspen/Inn At Aspen has a special travel and lodging arrangement with Frontier to be announced in a soon-to-be-posted blog.

Bill Tomcich, president of central bookings, Stay Aspen Snowmass, told the Aspen Times News Frontier's service exceeded his expectations.

Here is a sample price comparison between United Airlines and Frontier Airlines for Memorial Day travel, from May 23-27.

United Airlines
Aspen to Los Angeles — $440
Aspen to New York/LaGuardia — $546
Aspen to Chicago — $761
Aspen to Cancun — $850.62
Source: united.com

Frontier Airlines
Aspen to Los Angeles — $375.38
Aspen to New York/LaGuardia — $415.38
Aspen to Chicago — $375.38
Aspen to Cancun — $627.96

Source: frontierairlines.com