Inn at Aspen Welcomes ESPN for Winter X Games 15

It is that time of year again when the air around Buttermilk and the Inn at Aspen is filled with the anticipation knowing Winter X Games is only a few days away.  This January 27-30, 201l, ESPN's Winter X Games 15 will flying high with incredible athletes who will be throwing down the biggest newest tricks at an attempt to win gold at X Games!
See the Full X Games Schedule

Winter Women’s Activities in Aspen- Aspen Knows How to Treat a Lady!

Grab your best girls, wing-women, sisters, amigas and head to Aspen- Aspen is an ideal destination with tons of activities and events for women of all ages and interests-  Whether you are stoked to play all day in the snow or need some extra R & R you’ll find exactly what you need.

Get outside and Play- no boys allowed:

• Girls Only Ski and Snowboard Camps- Aspen Snowmass offers an awesome variety of ski classes including women only ski and snowboard camps.  Learn from a women to ski and board like a women all in a comfortable fun learning environment. Visit www.aspensnowmass.com to learn more.
• Guided Hut Trips- See some of the 10th Mountain Division Huts or escape into the wilderness to laugh it up and enjoy the scenery with your buddies-  Aspen Alpine Guides or  Aspen Expeditions are great choices to get you started on your adventure!
• Snowshoe to Infinity-  Whether you want miles of untouched snow and peaceful quite or you want some extreme uphills on Aspen Mountain- you'll find the perfect trail for your snowshoeing experience. Learn more...

Girls –Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice: 

• Shopping- Aspen is a mecca for amazing designer and boutique shopping- From Gucci to Prada or boutique style with Pitkin County Dry Goods you'll find the perfect outfit!~ see a list of recommended shopping.
• Dining/ Restaurants-Your taste buds will be happy too with the amazing gourmet dining options from a quick bit to a fabulous extravagant dinner. See our top restaurant recommendations. 
• Nightlife-  After a delicious meal head out on the town- Aspen's nightlife rocks with great music venues, cocktails galore and funky bars and fabulous art/theatre scene. See our recommendations.
• Arts and Culture-  Need some extra creative inspiration? Aspen is packed full of Art Museums and Art Galleries that host some incredible arts local and from abroad. Check out the Aspen Art Museum
• Yoga – Take a deep breathe and stretch it out.  Yoga Studios in Aspen are plentiful and welcome drop-ins and visitors!
• Spa Day- Its all about being pampered! Take care of your body, mind and attitude with an incredible massage that will the be icing on the vacation cake!

Don't miss out on having your girls only adventure in Aspen- you can do it on the cheap too when you book your stay with the Inn at Aspen with ski-in ski-out access to Buttermilk Ski Resort.  See our current hotel deals and conveniently book online!

Wintersköl Aspen 2011: A Cut Above the Rest 60th Anniversary

Aspen’s Wintersköl Celebrations are the annual “toast to winter” that dates back to 1951 making this year’s 2011 celebration the 60th Anniversary of Wintersköl!  From January 13-16, 2011 enjoy a four day celebration that features all kinds of activities, fireworks and so much fun!

This year’s slogan is “A Cut Above the Rest”.  The slogan is chosen from entries from the community – they were asked to interpret event as the 60th “Diamond” Anniversary of Wintersköl.  And what came out of the rough? A Cut Above the Rest- of course.

So what is all the hype about?  Check out some of this years highlights of events or see the full calendar of events.


THURSDAY 1/13/2011:

• 4:00 p.m.  Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt": Anderson Ranch selects six teams to participate in this intense 48 hour snow sculpture competition. Teams often work around the clock on Thursday and Friday of the event to transform their 8' x 8'x 8' snow cubes into freestanding creations.

• 7:00 pm: "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones."
  Wheeler Opera House - This film is believed by many to be the finest pure concert film ever produced.  Filmed over four nights during the Stones' monumental 1972 tour of the United States. The movie captures not only "the greatest rock ‘n roll band in the world" at the very top of its game, but also the kind of concert experience that defined stadium rock. Free Admission!

FRIDAY 1/14/2011:

• 10:30 a.m. - noon    Apple Strudel Downhill: Apple Strudel Trail, Aspen Highlands. Free to everyone! All participants receive complimentary apple strudel with whipped cream and a drink, and bragging rights at finish line! 
• 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.    "Soupsköl," Aspen's 8th annual soup cook-off Cooper Ave. Hunter St. Soupsköl is a soup-making contest judged by the public to determine which restaurant has the best soup in our valley. Each restaurant offers a FREE sample of their soup. The public casts a vote for their favorite and the winner gets the coveted Soup Bowl Trophy and bragging rights for the next year! Free to everyone. To register, call ACRA, 970-925-1940 or visit www.aspenchamber.org

SATURDAY 1/15/2011

• 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Wintersköl Public Skate Lewis Ice Arena.  Free admission. Aspen Recreation Center, 970-544-4100.
• Noon - 8:30 p.m. WINTERFEST: Cooper Ave Mall.  Come join in the festivities!  WinterFest brings fun for the whole family including: clowns, face painters, live music, Aspen Kettle Corn, POP! cotton candy, hot chocolate & cookies, the torchlight decent, and the fireworks extravaganza over Aspen Mountain. Free and open to everyone. See the Full List of Winterfest activities 
• 8:00 p.m.  Torchlight Descent Little Nell - Aspen Mountain 
• 8:15 p.m.   Wintersköl Fireworks Extravaganza Little Nell - Aspen Mountain
• 10:00 p.m. Super Diamond- playing at Belly Up Aspen
  

SUNDAY 1/16/2011

• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health Village at Aspen Wintersköl Aspen Gondola Plaza. The Ultimate Party in The Snow - Check out our schedule of events and carve your trail through Aspen Winterskol 2011.
  RECOVER from your day on the slopes with tranquil spa services and new products to try in the Men's Health/Women's Health Sanctuary. Lower Gondola Plaza, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.   LOUNGE between runs in the Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge featuring games, sweeps, and Internet Café. Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge, Upper Gondola Plaza, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  SIP beer and wine, munch on snacks and groove to the sounds of some of Aspen's hottest DJs at our Après Ski Parties in the Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge, Upper Gondola Plaza, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. (21+ Event)

So if there were only a few events that you could make it to I would have to insist that you go Saturday eve for the incredible torchlight parade and the absolutely amazing fireworks display.  These fireworks are better and longer than Aspen’s 4th of July show- the whole valley gleams with glittering fireworks and loud echoing ka-booms!  Then dance in the streets to live music!  Cheers to Winter!

Stay with us at the Inn at Aspen located slopeside to Buttermilk Ski Resort- Ski all day and play all night, while you stay for cheap!  Check out our great lodging deals!

Aspen Insider Tip: Best Slopeside And Apres Ski Restaurants

The entire town of Aspen sits right below the incredible Ajax Ski Mountain and most of the places host a pretty good sight of the ski hill and gondola. However there are some killer slopeside restaurants and après scenes that you will not want to miss!  View our other Aspen Restaurant Top Recommendations  or our Aspen Nightlife Guide

Top Slopeside Restaurants for Après

1.    Ajax Tavern: This tavern right next to the Little Nell takes a French twist to fine dining right at the base of Aspen Mountain!  It is perfect for people watching, après drinks and appetizers and catching a few rays of sun with the patio seating!   Don’t miss the Truffle Fries and the cheese fondue~

2.    Sundeck on Aspen Mountain –Top of Aspen Mountain- take gondola The Sundeck offers an array of perfect afternoon fare to get to you revitalized but what really makes the Sundeck are the views! Look out over the valleys to check out the incredible mountains and bask in the sun while drinking your favorite après cocktail or hot chocolate.

Top Apres Restaurants (just a little further from the mountain)

1.    Red Onion – This old establishment with a new vibe offers great bar fare, TVs all around and great drink specials that are extra happy for happy hour!
2.    The Cantina- enjoy some fabulous margaritas in downtown Aspen! You might have to wait for a table but it is always worth it! 

3.    Aspen Brewing Co.- The Aspen Brewery Tasting Room offers the freshest, best priced, locally brewed pints in town. You'll find a wide selection of craft beer for every palate from light lagers to dark ales.
4.    Zane’s Tavern- Happy Hour daily from 4-6pm with cheap cheap wings and beer- and you won’t miss a minute of the game with 6 TVs and more!

Check out our full list of Top Aspen Restaurants for Dinner!

Or See our Nightlife Guide for other places you have to visit!

Book your Aspen accommodations with a great location for cheap! See our deals-  That way you can spend all your money playing in Aspen! And in the morning wake up to ski-in ski-out location at Buttermilk Mountain! Enjoy studio rooms to deluxe suites at the Inn at Aspen!

Aspen Insider Tips: Best Ski Runs on Snowmass for December

Aspen’s Power of Four Ski Resorts host incredible terrain that is diverse and plentiful! Snowmass is on our radar today for the best ski runs. Snowmass Ski Resort is a wide sprawling resort that can entertain all levels and abilities from the expert Big Burn Cliffs to the awesome soft rolling runs on Elk Run.

Here are our recommendations for the best ski runs right now on Snowmass.

• Beginner (Green): Scooper is a fun green run accessible from the midway station point. This easy gentle sloping run also goes by the kids ski racing area.



• Intermediate (Blue): Naked Lady run is an infamously fun rolling ski run that allows for lots of turns and rolling terrain that swoops around to meet up with the Alpine Springs lift.



• Advanced (Black): Though its only December the base is quite nice and runs like the Slot on Sam’s Knob provide the steep fun terrain the is not littered with any rocks or bare spots!

So get out there and enjoy the Best Ski Runs of December and when you book your stay at the Inn at Aspen you’ll have ski in ski out access to Buttermilk Ski Resort opening Dec. 11, 2010- save money and have one of the best ski in ski out set ups in town! See lodging deals.

Celebrity Lance Armstrong in Aspen for 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, world champion Thor Hushovd and former world champion Cadel Evans, as well as legendary team directors Johan Bruyneel and Bob Stapleton are among the world renowned cyclists that will compete in the Quiznos Pro Challenge, August 22-28, 2011.

Today the organizers announced the first five teams to join the Quiznos Pro Challenge, including Team Radio Shack whom Lance Armstrong rides for. The tour is being described as the greatest bike race ever to be held on American soil from - and we're so excited to hear that the greatest cyclist of our times, Lance Armstrong will be riding through Aspen!

About the Quiznos Pro Challenge

The Quiznos Pro Challenge is most demanding professional bike race ever held in America, with racers experiencing breathless altitudes and nearly 600 mountain miles, for seven-straight days. The inaugural 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge will take place August 22-28, traveling through some of the world’s most famous and beautiful destinations, including Colorado Springs, Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon,Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Golden and Denver. 128 of the world’s best professional cyclists from 16 teams, including Team RadioShack, HTC-Highroad, Slipstream Sports/Garmin-Cervelo and Liquigas-Cannondale, will be put to the test like never before.

To keep in touch with the latest news and updates on the Quiznos Pro Challenge, visit http://www.quiznosprochallenge.com/.

Where to Stay for the Quiznos Pro Challenge
ResortQuest has lodging in 3 of the of start/finish locations for the Quizno's Pro Challenge: Steamboat, Breckenridge & Aspen.

Aspeninfo@ResortQuest.com

Tour Schedule and Route

• August 22 – Stage 1, Prologue time trial, Colorado Springs

• August 23 – Stage 2, Salida to Crested Butte, mountain-top finish
  
• August 24 – Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen, mountain stage


• August 25 – Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former Coors Classic stage


• August 26 – Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat Springs


• August 27 – Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge


• August 28 – Stage 7, Golden to Denver

About the 5 Teams

Team RadioShack (USA)

Team RadioShack is led by Sports Team Manager Johan Bruyneel, the most winning sports director in history with nine Tour de France victories, including seven with pro-cycling legend Lance Armstrong. The 2010 team was comprised of riders hailing from 16 countries, including Grand Tour leaders, Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Andres Kloden, Jani Brajkovic (Slovenia) and Tiago Machado (Portugal).

Liquigas-Cannondale (Italy)

Liquigas-Cannondale is an Italian professional cycling team ranked second in the UCI ProTour for the third consecutive year. Sport team manager Roberto Amadio has many returning stars including Vincenzo Nibali, who took the overall victory at the 2010 Vuelta a Espana, and Ivan Basso, who earned his second career Giro d'Italia win in May.

HTC-Highroad (USA)

Led by Bob Stapleton, the HTC-Highroad team has the most victories in professional cycling with 389 wins since 2008, nine national titles and six world champions on its 2011 roster. HTC-Highroad is comprised of top young talent with 19 riders under the age of 26 making it one of the youngest teams in professional cycling. The team represents national champions of Germany, USA, Sweden, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy and Slovakia.

BMC Racing Team (USA)

BMC Racing Team finished as one of the top 10 teams in the UCI world rankings, helping them earn ProTeam status for 2011. Competing in its fifth season overall, the team is managed by Directeur Sportif John Lelangue and includes former world road race champions Cadel Evans (Australia) and Alessandro Ballan (Italy), and U.S. national road champion George Hincapie. In addition to many 2010 wins, BMC Racing Team led both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in its first participation in both events. As a recent addition, Colorado native and multi-time world and U.S. national champion Taylor Phinney will join the team’s roster in 2011.

Slipstream Sports/Team Garmin-Cervelo (USA)

Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., Slipstream Sports and Team Garmin-Cervelo are managed by CEO and Director Sportif Jonathan Vaughters, a Denver resident who had a 10-year career as a professional cyclist. The 2011 team – a powerhouse in the peloton – includes Ryder Hesjedal, who earned seventh place overall at the 2010 Tour de France; sprint sensation Tyler Farrar; world champion Thor Hushovd and Christian Vande Velde.

We look forward to seeing you in ASPEN for the Quiznos Pro Challenge!

Aspen Skiing Co. Ranks in Top Green Ski Resorts 2010

Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition issued their annual report card for ski resorts throughout the West and 3 out of Aspen’s 4 Ski Resorts received an “A” for their environmental practices!

Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk all earned the highest grade and were ranked
four, five and six, respectively, among the resorts in the 11 states in the Rocky Mountain West and Pacific West. The three resorts were the top three among 20 ranked in Colorado.

Snowmass earned a “B” and didn't crack the top 10 resorts in the West. It ranked seventh among 20 ski areas ranked in Colorado. Each ski area was given a grade in four environmental categories as well as an overall grade. Snowmass got an “A” for environmental policies and practices such as its waste stream management and purchasing. It received a “B” in the categories of habitat protection and addressing global climate change but it only received a “C” for protecting watersheds.

The Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition is an environmental group that encourages people to ski and ride at the most “environmentally sensitive” resorts in an effort to improve practices in the industry as a whole. Learn more about them! Learn more about Aspen Snowmass’s Commitment to the Environment

Stay at the Inn at Aspen and receive a free vacation! - Check out this awesome deal!