Pennywise and Flobots to Perform in Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert During ESPN X Games 13

Another Winter X-Games in Aspen is right around the corner and this year promises to have some top musical acts to go with it.

Pennywise and Flobots will perform at the at the base of Aspen mountain During Winter X Games 13, January 22-25, 2008; Flobots to perform January 23 and Pennywise on January 24

Aspen/Snowmass is rolling out unprecedented back-to-back evenings of Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts at the base of Aspen Mountain during ESPN’s Winter X Games 13, January 22 – 25, 2009. The additional show on January 24 will extend the popular Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series that has been entertaining Aspen/Snowmass for the past several years.

Denver natives, The Flobots, an alternative rock and rap band, will perform Friday, January 23, at 5:30 p.m. This is a free performance. This eclectic six-member band and their unique sound is well known for its hit song, “Handlebars."

American punk rock legends, Pennywise, will follow on Saturday, January 24, at 5:30 p.m. for another FREE show at the base of Aspen Mountain.

Formed in 1988 in Hermosa Beach, Calif., the band has released nine full-length albums, including the most recent 2008 album, Reason to Believe. Pennywise punk anthems, “Bro Hymn,” and “The Western World,” will be on the play list that night.

“The eyes of the world are upon Aspen/Snowmass during the Winter X Games,” says John Rigney, Aspen Skiing Company Vice President of Sales and Events. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Bud Light to offer two great live shows that will no doubt be a huge hit with the audience in town for the event.”

And if that was not enough; there will be prize giveaways and a beer garden at the base of Aspen Mountain. Ajax Tavern, which will be open both nights, will provide additional service.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band [posted on an earlier blog entry] played an energizing first Bud Light Hi-Fi of the season over Thanksgiving weekend, and Galactic is slated to play in Snowmass on February 15, 2009. There will also be a Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert in Snowmass on March 22 and another on March 27 in Aspen with musical acts [to be announced].

Aspen/Snowmass thanks their event sponsors for this series: Bud Light, Viceroy Resorts & Residences Snowmass, Town of Snowmass Village, Audi, Sprint, Helly Hansen, AMEX, Crocs, ResortQuest, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Chewy Atomic Fireballs.

For more information on the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, or any other Aspen/Snowmass events, please visit www.aspensnowmass.com.

Source: From a Aspen Skiing Company press release.

"Kids Fly, Ski, Stay Free" Promotion Extended

Aspen Skiing Company has extended its "Kids Fly, Ski, Stay Free" promotion through New Year's Eve. A pretty good deal, right kids?

Here it is from Aspen Skiing Company (note all the exclamation points).

15" SNOW OVERNIGHT!
Back to back storms are pummeling Aspen/Snowmass this season! We've received 104 inches - that's more than EIGHT FEET - since Thanksgiving and it's still coming down. Now is the time to plan your winter vacation and get your family on the slopes!

Aspen/Snowmass and Frontier Airlines have extended the booking deadline for Kids Fly/Ski/Stay Free. Book by December 31 and give your kids a true Rocky Mountain adventure this season!

Book a minimum three-day/ four-night package with airfare, lift tickets and lodging to Aspen/Snowmass on Frontier Airlines and your child (12 and under) flies, skis and stays completely free. Kids rent free if you include a minimum three-day ski or snowboard adult equipment rental through Four Mountain Sports as part of your package.

Package is valid through April 12, 2009; must be booked by December 31, 2008. Seats and markets are limited; for a complete list of restrictions visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com/frontier.

Book your Kids Fly/Ski/Stay Free Package by Dec. 31!
Call 800-214-7669 to book now!

Terms and Conditions: Offer must be booked by December 31, 2008 and is valid for travel December 5, 2008 - Apr. 12, 2009 excluding Dec. 25, 2008 - Jan. 4, 2009, Sunday through Thursday arrivals only. Minimum purchase includes 4-nights lodging, 3-day lift ticket and roundtrip flights on Frontier Airlines. Each paid adult or legal guardian (18+) may bring one free child (2-12). Child lift, lodging and equipment rental (optional) must be booked in conjunction with the adult package and child travel must be on identical flight itinerary. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. Complimentary children's flights are subject to T-class inventory, and is only available on select Frontier Airlines originating markets - MDW (Chicago), LAX (Los Angeles), MSP (Minneapolis), DFW (Dallas), AUS (Austin), SAT (San Antonio), STL (St. Louis), SLC (Salt Lake City), RAP (Rapid City) and limited availability. Offer contains no redeemable cash value.

Source: aspensnowmass.com; Aspen Skiing Company

People You Should Know About: Big Bald Bobby Returns Again To "Daily Reports/Locals' Lowdown"!

Aspen resident, Bob Schafer, shows you trails like no one else via his blog on aspensnowmass.com/dailyreports/localslowdown under "Aspen Mountain."

Who the heck is Big Bald Bobby, you ask?

I have not met him and even when I aksed Skico ticket sellers at the Highlands last year if they knew of him, or where he could be found, they drew a blank. I drew a blank that they knew nothing of somebody who was making entertaining and informative contributions to the website owned and opertated by the company from which they (2 staff members) were employed. "Big Bob Baldy?" she said, puzzled.

But... He's a real person. And, according to his statement below, has logged in more skiing hours than some skiers record in their lifetimes.

He posts new, current condition photos every couple of days. If you want to get a "Bob's eye view" of Aspen Mountain and Highlands trails, with helpful, often tongue-and-cheek commentary, take a look at "Local's Low Down" on the Skico's website.

Here is his opening statement on the aspensnowmass.com website found under "Mountains," then "Daily Reports," then "Local's LowDown."

"BIG BALD BOBBY'S ASPEN MOUNTAIN SKI REPORT
Last Updated: 12/19/08
Big Bald Bobby is back for another winter of updates so you can see exactly what is going down(no pun intended) on the mountains of Aspen/Snowmass.
I've been living here since the early 90's and have skied over 100 days a season for the last 15 years in a row. I know every inch of all four mountains and would like to pass some of my local knowledge on to you and your vacation decision. I also know when you're planning your vacation, it's tough to tell what the conditions are really like. This little blog is designed with photos and diatribe so you can see for yourself. I try to eliminate the fluff you so often see with other webpages and give you the skinny that only the local's lowdown page can give you. Happy skiing and see you out there! Any questions, drop me a line at bigbaldbobby@hotmail.com and I'll answer as time allows."

Two years ago when I wrote him asking for photos of the Oly side of the Highlands, as-yet uncharted terrain for me, he not only posted photos within a couple of days, but wrote back saying he did just that. And, he captured what I really wanted to see: the actual pitch of the run! And, to the best of my
knowledge, he was not tilting the camera. It was as steep as I envisioned.

Top-notch reporter.

Bob's blog shows trails that are favorites, as yet uncharted, and, too boot, shot with some care to composition and sunlight direction; rare among non-professional photojournalists! He gives us a look at what we are missing, if not there yet; and, a little fun for those who have been there, know the trails as favorite runs, but haven't made it out in a season or two, or not yet this year.

There is nothing like the three dementional experience of being on the trials under the sunshine on a powder day, but BBB's reports are the next best thing.

Thanks, BBB!

Aspen Mountain: Some Facts & Figures

Aspen Mountain has kept the town of Aspen on the map since 1947, serving up black-diamond glades, bumps and steeps for anyone who dares step off the lift. Now 60 years later, guests are happy that – aside from a new gondola – things haven’t changed a bit.

Season dates: November 27, 2008 – April 12, 2009

Lift hours: All lifts open at 9 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.

Base elevation: 7,945 ft./2,422 m

Summit elevation: 11,212 ft./3,418 m

Vertical rise: 3,267 ft./996 m

Terrain: 673 acres/272 hectares

Number of trails: 76

Miles/km of trails: 64 miles/103 km

Longest run: 3 miles/4.83 km

Steepest run: Elevator Shaft section of the Silver Queen run – slope angle of 42 degrees

Types of trails: easiest: 0%, more difficult: 48%, most difficult: 26%, expert: 26%

Annual snowfall: 300 inches/762 cm

Snowmaking: 210 acres/85 hectares

Lifts: 8: 6 primary – 1 gondola (14-minute ride), 1 high-speed quad, 1 high-speed double, 1 quad, 2 doubles; 2 secondary – 1 quad (Little Nell), 1 double (Bell Mountain)

Lift capacity: 10,755 riders/hour

Uncrowded slopes: On average, 3 people per acre/9 people per hectare

Best known for: Steep, bump runs that drop right into the town of Aspen

Best-kept secret: Venture off the groomed runs and have black/double-black-diamond trails all to yourself!

What's new: The base of Aspen Mountain is in the epicenter of downtown and will have an improved gondola plaza for the 2008-2009 season. A reduced number of steps will make it even easier to load the gondola.

Location: Within the White River National Forest, the mountain rises up from downtown Aspen

Lodging bed base: 14,303 pillows within a 10-mile radius. For more information, please call Stay Aspen Snowmass at 970-925-9000 or 888-649-5985.

Rental/Retail: Four-Mountain Sports/D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop/D&E Women across the street from the Silver Queen Gondola

Restaurants: 4: Sundeck, Bonnie's, The Tavern, Montagna Restaurant and Bar in The Little Nell

FREE Parking: Two hours in residential areas for individual drivers. Carpools of two or more adults of driving age can also park for free all day with a carpool parking permit. Carpool parking permits are available at the airport parking kiosk.

Paid Parking: Downtown parking meters: Maximum of four hours. First hour: $2, Second hour: $2, Third hour: $3, Fourth hour: $4.

Rio Grande Parking Plaza: $1.50 per hour, $15 per day. 10-punch pass $50. Monthly passes $200.

FREE Shuttle: The free Galena Street Shuttle travels continuously from the Rio Grande Parking Plaza to the Silver Queen Gondola from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., during summer and winter seasons.

Day Pass: Allows all-day parking in residential areas for $7 – available at the airport parking kiosk, City Hall, Wheeler Opera House and City Market.


And, don't forget if you love powder! Take a POWDER TOUR. Luxury snowcats take you to prime untracked stashes on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks guaranteed and gourmet lunch is included.

For reservations visit the Aspen Mountain Powder Tours desk in the gondola building, call 970-920-0720 or 800-525-6200, ext. 3720 or contact us via email. Cancellation policies apply, please inquire.

Courtesy aspensnowmass.com

Aspen/Snowmass On-line Store Makes It Easy To Get Up, And Down The Mountains

The Aspen/Snowmass Online Store is a one-stop shop for everything you need for an Aspen/Snowmass vacation; like lift tickets, ski & snowboard lessons and equipment rentals.

7-day advance pricing is now available during the holiday season, December 19, 2008 thru January 5, 2009. Peak Season pricing will apply during the holiday season. Click here for a complete list of 7-day advance pricing.

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 5% off the already discounted price when purchasing lift tickets AND equipment rentals at least 7 days in advance. *Valid on purchases of 4 or more days. Offer applies to skis, snowboards and boot rentals only.

NEW THIS SEASON! Save $20 when purchasing a full-day Adult Group Lesson 7 days in advance. Save an additional 5% off when purchasing in conjunction with the discounted lift ticket and equipment rental package. Offer applies to Adult Group Ski/Snowboard Lessons only. Adult Group Lesson 7-day advance price $119, window price $139.

Lift tickets, rentals and ski & snowboard school (if included) must be purchased at the same time for the same individual at least 7 days in advance of arrival.

For customer assistance or to order by phone please CALL US TOLL FREE AT 877-282-7736 or 970-923-1227.

To begin shopping, select an item you would like to add to your cart. You will be able to return to this product list at any time by clicking the "view cart" link at the top of the page and then selecting "pick new product."

Please see aspensnowmass.com/1store/onestore for direct clicking to these services:

Lift Tickets - Save an additional 5% when you purchase lift tickets and rentals in advance online.*
Ski & Snowboard Lessons - NEW! Book in advance and save on lessons.
Equipment Rental Packages - Save an additional 5% on rentals when booked with lift tickets in advance.*
Equipment Rental Individual Items - Save an additional 5% on rentals when booked with lift tickets in advance.*
Season Passes - Purchase online now.

News And Promotions From Aspen Skiing Company

Aspen, Snowmass and Frontier Airlines are partnering this holiday season to help give your kids a true Colorado adventure.

Book a minimum three-day/four-night package with airfare, lift tickets and lodging to Aspen/Snowmass on Frontier Airlines and your child (12 and under) flies, skis and stays completely free. Kids rent free if you include a minimum three-day ski or snowboard adult equipment rental through Four Mountain Sports as part of your package.

Package is valid through April 12, 2009; must be booked by December 23, 2008.

Book your Kids Fly/Ski/Stay Free Package today!
Call 800-214-7669!

Terms and Conditions: Offer must be booked by December 23, 2008 and is valid for travel December 5, 2008 - Apr. 12, 2009 excluding Dec. 25, 2008 - Jan. 4, 2009, Sunday through Thursday arrivals only. Minimum purchase includes 4-nights lodging, 3-day lift ticket and roundtrip flights on Frontier Airlines. Each paid adult or legal guardian (18+) may bring one free child (2-12). Child lift, lodging and equipment rental (optional) must be booked in conjunction with the adult package and child travel must be on identical flight itinerary. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. Complimentary children's flights are subject to T-class inventory, and is only available on select Frontier Airlines originating markets - MDW (Chicago), LAX (Los Angeles), MSP (Minneapolis), DFW (Dallas), AUS (Austin), SAT (San Antonio), STL (St. Louis), SLC (Salt Lake City), RAP (Rapid City) and limited availability. Offer contains no redeemable cash value.


SNOWMASS & ASPEN MOUNTAIN ARE OPEN!
It's winter at Aspen/Snowmass! We've received over 20 inches of snow in the last week, and new snow means new terrain is opening daily at Snowmass & Aspen Mountain. Check the link below for the latest snow report.

Aspen Highlands & Buttermilk open for the season on Saturday, December 13.

Learn more>>

BUY IN ADVANCE & SAVE!
NEW THIS SEASON - ADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY SEASON SAVINGS! Purchase a minimum 4-day lift ticket at least 7 days in advance and save - even during the holidays!

Whether it's Value Season, Late Season or Peak Season, buying lift tickets, lessons and equipment rentals 7 days in advance saves time and money. SAVE UP TO $60 ON A 6-DAY LIFT TICKET!



Aspen Skiing Company, Attn: Online Marketing, P.O. Box 1248, Aspen, CO 81612 USA

Aspen Gets 22 Inches of Snow In The Last Week; A Look At The Highlands

Aspen Mountain & Snowmass Open For The Season With 22 inches of Snow!


2008-2009 Operating Dates

Snowmass

November 27, 2008 - April 12, 2009

Aspen Mountain

November 27, 2008 - April 12, 2009

Aspen Highlands

December 13, 2008 - April 5, 2009

Buttermilk

December 13, 2008 - April 5, 2009

Looking At Aspen Highlands, The "Locals' Favorite"

WHAT'S NEW!
Aspen Highlands is the locals’ favorite, whether for its steep terrain, groomed cruisers or breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells. So, how does a 12,500-foot mountain top itself? If it’s Aspen Highlands, it unveils Deep Temerity — 230-plus acres of new advanced and expert terrain that recently opened along with the Deep Temerity triple chair, which rises 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes. In 2008-2009 Aspen Highlands will add up to 18 additional acres of skiing and riding in the Deep Temerity area of the mountain between Hyde Park and Mushroom Chutes called Canopy Cruiser. Thanks to these additions, Aspen Highlands boasts Colorado’s most stunning and challenging big-mountain terrain.


Stats and Facts, Highland Bowl

FACT: 1,028 acres with a 3,635-foot vertical drop (plus an additional 800 vertical feet of hike-to-terrain in the Bowl), 125 trails with the longest run of 3.5 miles, all served by five lifts.


Season: 12/13/08 - 04/05/09

Terrain: 1,028 acres/416 hectares

Trails: easiest: 18%, more difficult: 30%, most difficult: 16%, expert: 36%

The Locals Angle; The Inside Stuff

Best-kept secret: The newly extended Mushroom trail will test even the fittest legs of mogul enthusiasts. For incredible skiing/riding on a powder day, head to Child's Play in the Highland Bowl. Or, check out Log Jam Gully, Bowling Alley and Fran's Love in Deep Temerity.

Source: aspensnowmass.com