Aspen Mountain Re-Opening for Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Since this winter has been especially persistent and has left much of the CO mountains with record breaking snow totals,  Aspen Ski Co has decided to re-open Aspen Mountain for the Memorial Day Weekend May 28-30, 2011. 

So dig out that ski gear and head to Aspen. Aspen has over 71" inches for a base and the snow just keeps coming.  There will 25 runs open all accessible from the Ajax Express Chairlift.

Aspen/Snowmass Premier, Premier Silver and 6-and-under passes can ride for free. All other passholders will be charged — $19 for adults 18-69, $15 for those 70 and older, $13 for youth passholders 13-17 and $10 for those 12 and under. Single-day lift tickets will be $32 for adults, $25 for youths and seniors and $15 for seniors.

Save on lodging at the Inn at Aspen! Rooms start at $129/nt! After your day of late spring skiing head into town for mud-season specials or grab the golf bag and play a round!

The last time Aspen re-opened for Memorial Day was back in 1995 and it might be another fifteen years before it happens again! Don't miss it!

Survival Guide to Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic 2011

It’s almost here! One the most prestigious foodie and wine lovers gatherings: The Aspen Food & Wine Classic. This year’s event comes to life with cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. Seminars led by wine and food superstars such as Mario Batali, José Andrés, Jacques Pépin, Gail Simmons, and Joshua Wesson provide a world-class experience.  This three day weekend is a full treat for the senses.

So how to survive a food & wine festival that will host more food, wine and celebrities than you’ve see before? Here are the tips that will make your Food & Wine experience the best.

1.Do a Little Research.  With over 50 different Speakers, multiple wine presentations every half hour and tons of cooking demos you will need to know what you would like to try otherwise you will be overwhelmed with the choices.  A good resource is the Food & Wine Classic Speakers page – You can sort through all the different Speakers and find their sample itineraries!  Pick someone you love and see what their “can not miss” things are!

2.    Eat First then Drink: If you (for some unforeseen reason) get a dish that you just don’t love, don’t eat it all! Also look for some of the up & coming chefs at the festival! They are there for a reason- they are good!  By eating first you won’t so severely suffer from all the amazing wine you’ll try later.

3.    Don’t taste every wine.  It sounds shocking but really you don’t have to try them all! Ask the distributor what their favorite wine is.  It is great way to see a big wine and get the feel for what the winery is really striving for.

4.    Water! Aspen is high altitude and the sun will be strong and hot.  Make sure you get in some good gulps of water between tastings and you’ll be good to go all day!

Make sure you also get your Food & Wine Lodging for the weekend! The Inn at Aspen still has rooms available. See the current rates and book online now!