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!

Aspen's Powder Posse and Powder Day Openings for Aspen and Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is reporting big snow totals just days before opening day at Snowmass and Aspen Ajax Mountains! Snowmass received 16" in the last 24hours and its still snowing! While Aspen Mountain is reporting 8". It will be a white Thanksgiving on opening day with enough powder to make conditions feel like mid-winter!

Book your Aspen Lodging now so you won't miss any powder! Get free nights!

Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are scheduled to open December 11th, 2010. And Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol has a very unique way of recruiting help to open the Highlands Bowl. The bowl is an epic 45 minute hike to the Summit at 12,392 feet where the best steeps and incredibly deep powder is found! The ski patrol gives out the call to the Local "Powder Posse" who come hungry for powder. By helping ski patrol prepare the Bowl by packing down the powder and making sure the snow is stable, they earn their free pass to ski the powder before the season opens! What criteria is needed to be on the Powder Posse- the urgent need for powder that allows you to hike the bowl multiple times in a day and ski down plus an avalanche beacon.

Watch the video from this local Powder Posse member as he shows off the powder conditions on the bowl!



Book your Inn at Aspen lodging now so you can ski all of Aspen's powder! If you book by Dec. 1st you can get your 3rd, 4th or 5th night FREE!

Aspen’s Fun for All: Kids Activities in Aspen!

Everyone wants to have the best time possible on vacation and the kids are no exception! Aspen with all its grown up glitz and glamour also hosts a glittering world of kids’ activities.

Here are our suggestions for what your kids should not miss out on when visiting Aspen. Or visit our comprehensive kids’ activity page to find the perfect activities for your child and see our lodging deals!

Winter Activities:

• Ski and Snowboard School: Make sure your child has the skills to stay happy safe and becoming a better skier on the slopes!
• The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center: This brand new building all designed around kids lets you get your child off to ski school with ease but also allows for creativity and fun with children's entertainment from a family-friendly climbing gym to teen activities to a host of themed rooms for ages eight weeks and older.
• Storytelling, Sing-A-longs and Kid's Krafts: Storytelling by the Campfire, Sing-A-Longs by the campfire and Kid's Krafts continue throughout the weekdays in Snowmass. Keep the kids entertained after a day on the slopes for FREE.
• Ice Skating: Bundle up and lace those skates up for a little glide around the rink. Aspen/Snowmass offers both indoor and outdoor skating facilities for everyone's enjoyment. The Lewis Ice Arena at the ARC is a state-of-the-art, Olympic-size sheet of ice with full programs for all abilities. The Aspen Ice Garden is located in town at the corner of Hyman and 2nd Street. For outdoor skating the Silver Circle Ice Skating Rink is located across from Ruby Park at the base of Aspen Mountain.
  

Year Round:

• Aspen Recreation Center: Kids love the Aspen Rec Center as they have special kiddie programs, the swimming pools are always splashing with kids and they can try all kinds of games and sports
• Kiddie Cookers: This unique program puts kids in the kitchen to teach them healthy eating habits disguised in all the fun the kids are having! The kids cooking classes also integrate recipes from around the world along with the freshest ingredients.
• Pitkin County Library: Between the massive kids library room and all the kiddie specialized reading and learning programs your child will have a great time at the library.
• Wyly Art Center: Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt fosters creative expression in the visual arts for all ages and abilities. The Wyly offers classes for children and adults
  

Book your vacation to Aspen knowing your child is going to have an awesome time too!

Aspen’s FIS Alpine World Cup Ready To Race with Great Snow Conditions

The Annual Winternational World Cup Ski Races have been given the official green light by from the International Ski Federation (FIS) confirming that the snow conditions on Aspen Mountain are great for racing!

The fastest women in the world will display their skills of Slalom and Giant Slalom. Headlining the event for the U.S. Ski Team is champion Lindsey Vonn and Olympic giant slalom gold medalist Julia Mancuso.

Schedule:
Racing begins on Saturday Nov. 27, 2010 with the Women’s Giant Slalom run at 10am then on to the final that day at 1pm. Enjoy lots of other activities in between the exciting races including the Taste of Winternational featuring complimentary food tastings and beverages from ASC restaurants, live music and prize giveaways and even a Bud Light Concert Series featuring Blind Melon and fireworks See the Full Schedule and Line up!

Lodging:

Book your post Thanksgiving Weekend now and get FREE NIGHTS on your Inn at Aspen Stay! Make sure you see all the super fast action at the Winternational Alpine World Cup!

Snowing in Aspen for Opening Day Nov. 25, 2010

It has been snowing and snowing some more all over Colorado and the conditions at Aspen and Snowmass are becoming prime for opening day November 25, 2010! So far Aspen Ajax and Snowmass are looking at 25” base and the snow keeps coming down.

It’s been a great start to the winter months with more snow expected Saturday 11/20- Monday 11/22 which will add even more inches to opening day! See the current weather report.

Get to Aspen for the perfect opening conditions and save on your Aspen lodging at the Inn at Aspen. Get your third night free by booking online and enter the promo code FREE!

Don’t miss the Aspen Winternational World Cup races that will happening the weekend of Thanksgiving. Take a break from the slopes to watch some of the fastest women racers in the Nation try to win the World Cup on the slopes of Aspen mountain!

Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are set to open December 10, 2010 – So plan your weekend getaway now and ski on some of the best opening conditions around!

Photo Credit: Jeremy Swanson

Aspen Insider Tip: Where is the Best Burger?

There are restaurants in Aspen that serve simple, delicious and affordable food including the all American Burger! And it is Aspen so you can find beef burgers, buffalo burgers, vegetarian burgers even turkey burgers! Roll up those sleeves and get ready to dig in!

So where do you find these burgers? EatAspen.com wrote up their favorite places to grab a burger and here are the top two- along with some other suggestions…

520 Grill: Eat up these delicious hand made burgers! Choose from beef, buffalo or turkey. Located on Cooper Ave down stairs from the Mac shop. The counter service at 520 makes for a quick take out or a causal dine in. Beyond the burgers, selections include grilled sandwiches and salads!

CP Burger: Seemingly styled after fast food joints of the ’70′s with a modern twist, they offer a range of burgers on their menu. Right next to Aspen’s outdoor ice skating rink with a large out door patio with great views of not only the ice but Aspen mountain as well.

Inn at Aspen employees also recommend the J-Bar, Red Onion, Johnny McGuire’s and good ol’ Boogies Diner for other amazing burgers and other yummy dishes. See other restaurant recommendations!

Stay with us at the Inn at Aspen for a comfortable stay with great location for cheap- that’s right you don’t have to loose quality for price when you stay in Aspen. See lodging deals!

Read full eataspen article...

Quiznos Pro Challenge In Aspen- Bike Race Announces Colorado’s Stops

Aspen, CO is part of the mountain stage during “the greatest bike race ever to be held on American soil” from August 22-28, 2011! Aspen will be the end of stage 3 as tired riders who climbed thousands of feet of elevation from Gunnison, Co to Aspen arrive in town!

Riders will be in Aspen Aug. 24th- don’t miss this event and secure your lodging now for next summer at the Inn at Aspen.

The Quiznos Pro Challenge has announced the tour dates and stage stopping points in cities across Colorado including Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Crested Butte, Denver, Golden, Gunnison, Salida, Steamboat Springs and Vail.

The Quiznos Pro Challenge is a grueling, 600 mile, seven day race through the most majestic and treacherous terrain Colorado and the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

Specific route details were not released, but the start and finish spots indicate a very mountainous route, with few sprinter stages. “We had so much interest from incredible cities across Colorado that we could hold an event of twice the duration,” said Ellen Kramer, Quiznos chief communications officer. “We worked diligently throughout the selection process to incorporate cities that provide terrain that is unique to Colorado and delivers one of the most exciting cycling events in the world. The selected cities will make excellent partners and provide a demanding course for the world’s top cyclists.”

The announcement was made at a press conference held on the front steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building in front a crowd of approximately 1,000 people convened to later take part in a social bike ride lead by Armstrong, who announced the ride via Twitter several days prior.

“We are an American team based in Colorado so we're extremely excited about the Quiznos Pro
Challenge,” said Ryder Hesjedal, seventh-place finisher at the 2010 Tour de France. “Colorado has some of the best training grounds in North America and the racing is going to be incredible.”

“Our mission is to create an experience that is unique to the state of Colorado while remaining focused on our goal of building one of the preeminent sporting properties in North America,” said Joe Moller, president of the Quiznos Pro Challenge. “The website is just the beginning of our ascent into the digital space for the Quiznos Pro Challenge.”

Don’t miss this epic race- stay with us at ResortQuest Aspen and ensure you are part of the action!

Aspen’s Ski Resorts Top Ten of 2010 by Ski Magazine

Ski Magazine has released the best 30 ski resorts in North America for 2010 and Aspen’s infamous “power of four” mountains have taken the cake!

Snowmass Ski Resort ranked #6, Aspen made #7 and Aspen Highlands #10- 3 out of 4 in the top ten! Ya Aspen! And even though sweet & spicy Buttermilk didn’t make the “list” we all know it’s a super cool mountain that hosts the very best in terrain park action and is home to the Winter X GAMES!

Book your winter ski vacation at the Inn at Aspen Now! If you book before Nhttp://www.eataspen.com/blog/?p=2101ov. 12 you can receive free nights on your stay!

So what are they saying about these infamous resorts?

Snowmass’s Glory and Gripes according to readers, “We love this place.” Stellar natural snow and widespread snowmaking, along with “Great weather—lots of bluebird days,” also help make it “an overall fun place to be.” But it always comes back to the skiing. With one of the longest verticals in America, one of the country’s biggest superpipes, blockbuster powder, plus Lifts, Grooming, Terrain Parks, Terrain Variety, On-Mountain Food, Lodging and Family Programs all ranked in the top 11, Snowmass has legitimate claims to being what readers often call it: the “world’s best ski area.” Read full article

Aspen’s Glory and Gripes according to Ski Magazine readers, The key to under-standing Aspen is counter-intuitive. It’s not about the glitz, though there is plenty. The key to appreciating Aspen is to visit with a less-is-more attitude. The place still feels like a small town. An incredibly glamorous small town, but small nonetheless. And its pleasures are, well, quite simple. You ski. You drink. You dine. Depending on the day, your mood and the snow, you change the percentages of time spent doing each. (Depending on the day, your mood and the snow, you might change the sequence of doing each.) Aspen is, above all, about living the good life, which is defined here as nothing more complex than skiing and socializing. It’s good to see Aspen climb back into the Top 10. Read full Article.

Aspen Highlands’ Glory and Gripes according to Ski Magazine readers, “Readers rave about the terrain—“all the expert runs you can handle”—especially the sweet gladed trees off Boomerang and the fast groomers of Gunbarrel and Golden Horn. But it’s the Bowl that truly wows—a 45-minute hike up a knife ridge delivers you, panting, to the top of the steepest, snowiest inbounds terrain in the state. “Hiking the Bowl is incredible,” says a reader. “It’s like being on Everest.” Not really, but the 360-degree view of the iconic Maroon Bells and Elk Mountains from the summit is so astounding—No. 3 in Scenery—it alone is worth the sweat. Not into earning your turns? Don’t worry. Lift lines are nonexistent, as you “ski onto all the chairs almost every day.” Read the Full Article.

Don't miss out on the power of these four Aspen mountains! Book before Nov. 12 and get free nights on your winter vacation!

Guide to 2010 Halloween in Aspen: best parties, best bars and creepiest hangouts!

The ghosts, ghouls and freaks are preparing themselves for the freakiest night of the year! Halloween of course! And Aspen is no different- who doesn’t enjoy dressing up to scare the night away… that is a costume right?

Here is the Halloween guide to Aspen so you can creep around to the scariest places all night!

• EXTRA SPECIAL ALERT: Caribou Club Halloween Party
  Descend into the depths of hell at the Caribou Club! This is the one night of the year that Caribou opens its doors to the public & you must be in costume to enter.
  Dinner: $65 for 4 courses
  Party: Free with Costume, 10:00pm
  
  
• Halloween Pre-Party at Aspen Brewing Co.
  Live Music, Costumes, Games, and Beer. Sunday, October 31, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  
  
• Nightmare on Durant Street - Part 2 39 Degrees and Sky Hotel
  $10 tickets available from the Sky Hotel Front Desk include:
  * Tasting buffet between 5pm and 8pm
  * One Free Halloween Punch
  * DJ Dylan until late
  * Access to all 3 party areas
  * Party entry will be by the front hotel door only
  * This is strictly a 21+ event
  
  
• Danger Kitty at Belly Up Aspen
  Come out Halloween night, wear your costume and party with this spandex-wearing, eye-shadow laden, devil-horn-throwing hair, 80's tribute band that play all the rad 80's hits to get you on the dance floor. There will be a costume contest with prizes: $1,000 cash for 1st prize, $250 at Matsuhisa for 2nd, and $100 at Belly Up for 3rd.
  
  
• The Red Onion Halloween Party
  Party featuring DJ Baya Voce with jello shots, hourly prizes, and a costume contest at midnight.
  
  
• Bloody Sunday at Eric's
  Eric's is going BIG on their last night of the season! DJ Naka G will be spinnin' hip-hop, old-school, top 40 & electronica.

Haunted Tours:

• Walking With the Dead: Oct.29th, 30th, & 31st. 5:30pm
  “The Walking With The Dead tour rests artfully somewhere between dry textbook history learning, and the “creeps jumping out at you with chainsaws” intensity of today’s haunted houses.” -Aspen.com
  A guided walk through Aspen’s first burial ground, the Ute Cemetery, tells the story of the pioneers of “Ute City”. Hear of the lonely buffalo soldier and toast to the Scotsman.
  Buy Tickets at Aspenshowtickets.com
  
  
• Aspen's Dark Side : Wednesday Oct. 27 8pm
  “Ghosts abound. Screams fill the air. Blood flows across bar room floors. Amazingly, those images come to life at night right here in Aspen on Aspen’s DarkSide.” -The Aspen Times Scare yourself with the Jungles of Durant, Murder at the Red Onion, and the Ghosts of the Jerome are a few of the favorite tales that will entertain you on an evening walk through Aspen. More than just an Aspen Ghost Tour, it’s also a glimpse into the lesser known history of Aspen. Buy Tickets at Aspenshowtickets.com

Have a scary Halloween and be sure you don't mistake a trick or treater for the real Aspen ghosts!
See other suggestions from http://aspen.skollie.com photos aspen walking tours.

Aspen Travel Guide: Tips for an Easy Trip to Aspen

Aspen is a destination ski town however getting here does not have to be hard! There are many forms of travel, lodging options and activities options that can enrich your vacation and here are some of our tips for navigating your way to the Aspen Valley!

1. Get Lodging! We of course recommend our own Inn at Aspen which is ideally located at the base of Buttermilk Ski Resort and only a few minutes into downtown Aspen or 15 minutes from Snowmass. Also view the aspenchamber.org website to see a full list of lodging options in Aspen. But we bet you will like our pricing and our location!
   
   
2. Plan the Best Transportation Options: Whether you fly, drive, rent a car, book a shuttle, caravan, sled or dumb and dumber style- Vespa your way, you will be glad you made the trip!
   
   • Aspen Flights- United and Frontier have added extra flights making it that much easier.
   • Driving- see our driving directions but you definitely don’t need a car to get around Aspen. Aspen and Snowmass are super pedestrian friendly with large sidewalks, outdoor malls, and your in a small town!
   • Public Transportation in town is Free! All ski shuttles cross town shuttles and airport buses are free. Buses depart on average every 10 minutes. Buses out to the Inn at Aspen are only a few dollars. No more treacherous winter driving, paying for gas or parking ($15.00 for on mountain, and $2.00/hour in the town).
     
     
3. Schedule the Fun! Enjoy one ski ticket that allows you access to all Four of Aspen’s supreme ski resorts! If you take a day off from skiing indulge in the amazing activities Aspen holds from the Krabloonik Sled Dogs, cross country skiing, shopping downtown Aspen, strolling the Art Galleries or take a spa day!
   
   
4. Plan for the Altitude:
   
   • Sunscreen! Using sun screen in the Rocky Mountains is as important as using a seat belt or wearing a helmet. Use SPF 30 and apply frequently. Be aware that the sun's reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
   • Water! It is easy to become dehydrated at high altitude especially after you have been playing hard- drink lots of water!
   • Altitude! You’re at more than 7,000 feet in Aspen Snowmass so you may feel the effects of altitude sickness. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, or have a headache on the hill, head back to the base and drink more water. You can help prevent altitude sickness by limiting your physical activity for the first few days and drink alcohol in moderation.

Stay with us at the Inn at Aspen and save money to spend on other parts of your vacation while you stay in supreme ski in ski out location at Buttermilk! See our current Lodging Deals!

Delicious Aspen Restaurant Deals: Aspen’s Dining Scene in the Off Season

Things begin to slow down a bit this time of year in Aspen, CO- its like a calm before the winter storms! But despite the slower feel this is one of the best times of the year to get amazing restaurant deals in Aspen- that’s right “deal” and “Aspen” in the same sentence! See our recommendations of the best Aspen restaurants!

Stay at the Inn at Aspen while you sample this delicious fare and take in the beauty and calm of Aspen! Stay for as little as $89/night.

Here are the Aspen Restaurant Deals for Fall 2010! For a complete list of restaurants go to EatAspen.com Do beware alot of Restaurants close during November before ski season begins. Check at EatAspen for current dining hours.

-Ajax Tavern offers a $28 prix fixe dinner.
-Kenichi Japanese Restaurant offers 50% off bottles of wine over $125.
-Montagna Modern American Restaurant offers a $58 prix fixe
-Wienerstube Austrian Restaurant is offering 20% off with a “Locals Card”
-Zanes Tavern Aspen offers a Burger & Bud for $8.95 between 11am-3pm

-Brexi offers a $34 prixe fixe. Closes in November.
-Brunelleschi’s Italian Restaurant offers a $10 Menu special nightly.
-Cache Cache French Restaurant offers $40 three course dinner. Closes October 30th.
-Campo di Fiore Italian Restaurant offers 25% off. Closed November.
-Elevation Restaurant offers a $35 three course meal.
-il Mulino New York in Aspen offers a $20 lunch & $30 dinner.
-Mezzaluna Italian Restaurant offers 2 for 1 dinner entrees.
-Pitkin County Tavern offers $5 dinner specials from fish tacos to prime rib sandwiches & 50% off (Crab Thursdays, Steak Fridays, & Prime Rib Saturdays)
-The Restaurant at the St. Regis is offering a $25 two course lunch prix fixe.
-Rustique French Bistro is offering prix fixe menus from $26 to $35.
-The Silver Queen Restaurant offers $30 three course prix fixe & 30% off for locals on Sundays.
-The Wild Fig is offering a $33 three course prix fixe.

Stay at the Inn at Aspen and enjoy the pristine views and outdoor activities right out the backdoor! Stay during fall for as little as $89/night- book online now!

Aspen Wintervention! Warren Miller’s 61st Annual Film is Coming to Aspen!

It finally here! Warren Miller’s Wintervention- the 61st annual film has announced tour dates, ticket sales and amazing footage of the winter wonderlands around the world that will leave you begging for winter!

Winter in Aspen is always epic so make sure you get the best deal on your ski vacation to Aspen’s four incredible mountains by staying at the Inn at Aspen located at the base of Buttermilk home of the Winter X Games! We are hosting an early bird SALE that can get you your 3rd 4th or 5th night FREE! Book by Sept. 24th!

Wintervention's first Colorado stop is in Aspen on Oct.22-23 at the Wheeler Opera House! Tickets can be purchased at Aspen Sports and the Wheeler Opera House Box Office (970.920.5770; www.wheeleroperahousetickets.com).

Show times at the Wheeler Opera House:
Friday, October 22, 2010 - 5:30pm
Friday, October 22, 2010 - 8:30pm
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - 6:00pm
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - 9:00pm

Watch the Teaser Trailer – it will have you waxing your board and skis and jonesing for some early powder!


The new Warren Miller site is all about Wintervention. Read bios of the amazing athletes like Johnny Moseley, Lindsay Vonn, Lexi DuPont, Andy Maher, Chris Anthony, Chris Davenport and more! And check out all the locations Wintervention was to get their crazy new video!

So Where in Colorado is Wintervention showing?

• Aspen: Wheeler Opera House- Oct. 22-23 with multiple showings
• Steamboat Springs: Steamboat Grand- Oct. 29-30 with multiple showings
• Winter Park: Silver Screen Cinema: October 29th- with multiple showings
• Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Center- Nov. 5-6 with multiple showings
• Boulder: Boulder Theatre- November 9-14th with multiple showings
• Denver: Paramount Theatre November 17-21st with multiple showings
• Beaver Creek: Vilar Performing Arts Center- Nov. 26-27th with multiple showings
• Edwards: Battle Mountain High School- Nov. 28th one showing only
  

Don’t miss you chance to get a cheap aspen vacation at the Inn at Aspen. Book by Sept. 24th and receive a FREE night on your stay at the Inn at Aspen located at the base of Buttermilk Ski Resort the perfect ski-in ski-out location and home of the Winter X Games!

Ruggerfest, Snowmass Wine and Jazz Festival and the Annual Balloon Festival Weekend in Aspen

This is one of the best weekends to be in Aspen in the Fall. Colors are just starting to pop and the sun still warms your back in the cool fall breeze! And you won’t have a dull moment with three awesome events that are taking place this Sept.16- 19th; Ruggerfest, Snowmass Balloon Festival and the Snowmass Wine and Jazz Festival!

Get to Aspen for Fall and save on your lodging! Stay with us at the Inn at Aspen and stay for as little as $89 a night! Also see our top recommended Fall Activities!

Ruggerfest is a long standing tradition (43 years) that brings some of the nations best Rugby teams together to compete in Aspen. Take the brut and brawn of many many Rugby players and watch it collide on the field in downtown Aspen. The Aspen bars are a whole new scene when these guys are in town as well! Learn more!

On a calmer note, head to Snowmass Village Sept. 17- 19 for the Balloon Festival in the early morning to watch the sky come alive with the brilliant colors of the hot air balloons as they take to the sky! Watch the competition with events like the Rat Race where ballooners try to make it as far down valley as possible in 3 hours, or the Nite Glow on Sat. 18! The glow takes place around sunset when all the balloon are tethered to the ground. The pilots then fire up the burners, which light up the balloons like Christmas ornaments twinkling off and on. It is an incredible light show!

And sip fabulous wine and dance to sweet tunes in the afternoon Saturday Sept. 18 with the Snowmass Wine and Jazz Festival! Celebrate extraordinary wines from around the world and delectable cuisine from local chefs. Interact and learn from wine and food professionals in an intimate setting. Bid on a wide variety of items from jewelry to art to vacations in a Silent Auction to benefit the Snowmass Rotary and the charities it supports. Live jazz by Network adds to the afternoon of crisp clear mountain air and brilliant fall foliage of the Rocky Mountains. See the full schedule of events!

Get the best Fall lodging for your visit to Aspen. Stay at the Inn at Aspen and be conveniently located between Snowmass Village and just a couple miles from downtown Aspen! See our Lodging Deals!

15 Day Sale Cheap Winter Hotel Deals in Aspen, CO!

It’s a 15 day sale! Book by September 24th to receive these prices!

Cheap and Aspen don’t usually go together unless you are smart and book early! By booking early this year on your ski vacation to Aspen you can receive FREE nights at the Inn at Aspen! And you have less than 15 days to book your Inn at Aspen Stay!

This ski-in ski-out Aspen hotel is willing to give you a 3rd, 4th or 5th night free on your stay during this 2010-2011 winter season. And you have less than 15 days to book your Inn at Aspen Stay!

Receive your 3rd night free when you stay at Inn at Aspen from Nov. 24- December 23, 2010 or March 27- April 4, 2010


Get a 4th night free for stays during January 30 - Feb. 17, 2011 or Feb. 27- March 4, 2011


And get your 5th night free for the holidays between Dec. 24- Jan. 2, 2011, Feb.18- 26, 2011 or March 3-25, 2011

You Have to BOOK by Sept. 24th to secure this cheap Aspen hotel deal! And its easy to book online- use promo code FREE at check out to receive your free night!

The Inn at Aspen is conveniently located at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, home of the Winter X Games and only a couple of miles from downtown Aspen and Snowmass Village. Your one ski pass will get you access to all 4 of aspen’s infamous mountains including Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass!

BOOK YOUR WINTER ASPEN VACATION FOR CHEAP! Book online and use promo code FREE to get your free nights!

United Extending Direct Flight Service to Aspen from Houston, TX for 2010-11!

More Flights to Aspen! Aspen received some exciting news this past Friday from United Airlines. Additional direct flight services to Aspen has been added to this winter's flight schedules.

Beginning on Jan. 4, 2011 United will be offering a direct flight from Houston, Texas. This service will make it even easier for South American travelers who come though the international hub at Houston along with more flights from Texas!

This connection is in addition to the 4 daily flights from Chicago, 3 from Los Angeles, 2 from San Francisco and 11 flights from Denver for a total of 21 flights daily into and out of Aspen/Snowmass for this upcoming winter season!

These new flights will be available for sale on United this Saturday, September 4.

Book your Winter Vacation to Aspen early and receive the best lodging deals when you book early! See more about Aspen Flights and best way to get to Aspen, CO!

Fall is Fabulous in Aspen! Lodging Deals, September Events and Fall Colors

A hint of Fall is in the air in Aspen, CO and it is an amazing chance to see this spectacular town in full Fall glory. Brilliant golds and reds blanket the mountain sides and the crisp cool air and hot sun are the perfect combo for sightseeing, shopping, hiking and biking in Aspen! And don’t forget all the world class events which take place this September!

Aspen Fall Lodging Deal!
Since Fall is Fabulous, the Inn at Aspen is offering a great fall lodging deal with rooms as little as $89 a night when you stay 2+ nights. Stay at the Inn which is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Aspen while having the outdoors in the backyard at the base of Buttermilk Ski Resort!

Aspen’s September Events:

• Annual MotherLode Volleyball Classic: Sept. 2-6, 2010
  Watch one of the largest volleyball tournaments in the country with over 700 teams playing all types of volleyball in Aspen.
• Jazz Aspen Labor Day Festival: Sept. 3-5, 2010
  Spend Labor in Style while listening to incredible music for four days with the backdrop of the incredible mountains around Snowmass.
• The 12 Hours of Snowmass: Sept. 11, 2010
  A 12 hour intermediate mountain bike race on Snowmass Mountain to raise funds for Aspen Youth Center. Riders can ride solo or in teams of two, three, or in an open team of up to eight riders. see website
• Oktoberfest: Sept. 11, 2010
  Celebrate German Style in Snowmass Village Mall, with beer gardens, traditional food and music.
• The 43nd Annual Aspen Ruggerfest: Sept. 16-19, 2010
  The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby team along with lots of others gather to this tournament to play this popular rugged sport!
• Snowmass Balloon Festival: Sept. 17-19, 2010
  One of the highest-altitude hot air balloon events in the U.S., should not be missed. An array of brightly colored balloons take to the Snowmass sky for three days of events.
• Snowmass Wine & Jazz Festival: Sept. 18, 2010
  Sample, sniff and swirl your way through hundreds of wine, culinary treats and the sweet sound of Jazz playing with the beautiful backdrop of a fall colored Snowmass Village.
• 2nd Annual Oktoberfest at Wienerstube Restaurant: Sept. 24-26, 2010
  Enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest with three days of beer, Austrian/Bavarian food and music to celebrate the traditional Munich Oktoberfest.
• Annual Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon Sept. 25, 2010
  Runners from across the US will descend upon Aspen, Colorado to participate in the much anticipated Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon. Chosen by Trail Runner Magazine as one of "America's 14 Most Scenic Races"
• Aspen Film presents Aspen FilmFest Sept. 29- Oct. 3, 2010
  A five-day feast for movie lovers featuring the finest new features and documentaries from around the world. Top talent and directors are also on hand for personal appearances.
  

Fall doesn’t wait so make sure you get to Aspen to enjoy this beautiful time of year with amazing lodging rates that will make you Fall in Love! Book your Inn at Aspen room now!

Aspen Flights Include Service from Frontier and United: Winter 2010/2011

Flights to Aspen have just been improved making cheaper and easier travel to Aspen for this Winter season. Aspen is one of the most accessible Rocky Mountain resorts with nearly hundreds of direct flights to Aspen (Aspen/Pitkin Co. Airport ASE), Eagle/Vail and Denver International Airports daily.

The Inn at Aspen hotel provides complimentary, on-call airport transportation from the Aspen Airport to-and-from the hotel just 1 mile away (downtown Aspen is 2 miles from the Inn). See Winter Lodging Deals at the Inn at Aspen.

United Airlines and Frontier Airlines have announced that they will offer connecting service this 2010/2011 winter into Aspen. United will offer perfectly timed flights to Aspen that will be available throughout the day from nearly 200 cities throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific Rim. Frontier is offering connecting service from 50 cities coast-to-coast and nine international destinations.

United Services
United has added a fourth daily non-stop flight from Chicago for the winter season along with a second daily non-stop flight from San Francisco. United is also scheduled to operate three daily non-stops from Los Angeles, and twelve daily trips between Aspen and Denver, for a total of 21 flights daily into and out of Aspen/Snowmass beginning December 16. As it has done in years past, United is expected to evaluate additional weekend frequencies and day-of-week schedules based on demand. All flights into Aspen/Snowmass will be operated by SkyWest Airlines with the CRJ700, featuring United First seating and United Economy Plus, which offers customers up to five inches of additional legroom.

Frontier Services
Frontier Aspen Flights will include one departure per day from Oct. 1 through Nov. 17, two departures per day Nov. 18 through Dec. 15 and four daily departures from Dec. 16 through April 2011. Frontier Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET).

“Frontier is very pleased to be able to continue to serve the Aspen area,” said Daniel Shurz, VP of strategy and planning. “The versatility of the Q400 aircraft makes it an ideal and cost-effective aircraft to fly into Aspen and, with this continuing schedule, we will be able to offer travelers to Aspen a low-cost, high-quality experience for their fall and winter travel.”

Travel on flights during prime times and peak periods will be at a premium this winter. Peak periods include holidays, the Winter X games, all Saturdays inbound and outbound, most Thursdays and Fridays inbound, and Sundays and Mondays outbound.

“The good news is we have plenty of winter seats available right now, and the key to obtaining the best fares and the greatest choice of flights into Aspen/Snowmass this winter will be to book early.” said Stay Aspen/Snowmass President Bill Tomcich.

Since winter air travel to Aspen is better than ever this year, make sure you book your flights and book lodging early to get the best prices and schedules. Stay with us at the Inn at Aspen and be conveniently located with ski in ski out access to Buttermilk Mountain and within minutes of the rest of Aspen’s Four Mountains.

Gretchen Bleiler Shows the Giving Side with Oakley Advertisement!

Aspen’s snowboarding Queen Gretchen Bleiler has a brand new line with Oakley promoting the “Perform Beautifully” line. In the video she explains what perform beautifully means to her. She also explains how she loves to promote the causes she feels connected to including the importance of protecting the environment.

Check out the Oakley video- notice the Buttermilk half pipe in the X-games shots? It’s located right behind the Inn at Aspen. Gretchen will probably be performing in this year’s Winter X Games in Aspen scheduled for January 27- 30, 2011!


Keep your eyes out for the chance to see Gretchen rock the half-pipe in the 2011 X Games and see the great winter lodging deals (coming soon) from the Inn at Aspen, right at the center of the X Games action at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, CO!

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Concerts Sept. 3-5, 2010

The annual infamous and favorite Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival is almost here and starting Friday Sept. 3 to Sunday Sept. 5 rock out to another and always expected insane line-up of bands!

The bands are an eclectic mix of new and old favorites ranging from Calexico’s instrumental experimentation, Wilco’s rock, Court Yard Dogs impeccable voices (former side ladies of the Dixie Chicks), the classics of Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, the legendary Black Crowes to the southern raging guitars of Lynryd Skynyrd. And that isn’t all! See a full lineup for this epic music weekend.

Held in Snowmass below the towering Mt. Daily the view is just as incredible as the music. There is no parking at the event and all patrons must take a bus from the Snowmass Intercept lot located on Highway 82 across from the Snowmass Village turn off.

Stay at the Inn at Aspen and not only receive incredible lodging deals for the weekend but also be able to use our free van shuttle to take you to the intercept lot to catch the free bus. Or just hop on the free bus that has a stop next to the Inn at Aspen. Either way, the location is conveniently located between the Jazz festival and only two miles to downtown Aspen.

Things to remember about the concert:

• Free parking is available at the Intercept Lot located at the base of Hwy 82 and Brush Creek Road. Free shuttles complements of JAS, RFTA and the City of Aspen will be provided from the lot to the festival site.
• Don’t bring food or drink into the concert- there are an awesome and varied array of food vendors and liquor/beer vendors. Water is available to fill on-site.
• Re-entry to the venue is allowed with a wristband and ticket stub.
• Security will search bags- so don’t try to sneak drinks etc.
• Seating is general admission (unless you have a VIP ticket) and you may bring blankets, tarps and low back chairs no higher than 6” above the ground. Think the crazy creek chairs etc.
  

Get to Aspen for this awesome weekend of music that will become more than just a memory but a tradition! And stay at the Inn at Aspen for the best Labor Day weekend lodging rates!

MotherLode Volleyball Tournament 2010 Aspen, CO

This Labor Day in Aspen is full of great events including the unique and entertaining MotherLode Volleyball Tournament. The MotherLode tournament is the largest doubles volleyball event in the U.S.A Beach Volleyball teams from around the country arrive in Aspen, CO to see what they can do in the high mountain air.

Teams play all day long Thursday Sept. 2- Monday Sept.6 at parks across Aspen but the main sand courts are at the Koch Park and Wagner Park. See a map of where they will be playing. Don’t miss the Beach Championships on Monday at 3pm for Women’s title and 4pm for Men’s!

The MotherLode began in 1972 when a couple of Aspen, Colorado restaurateurs decided to spice up what was, at that time, a lackluster Labor Day Weekend by hosting a small, invitation only, volleyball tournament. Little did they know that their one day, 14 team tourney was going to become one of the biggest, and most popular, pro-am beach doubles volleyball events in North America - the MotherLode Volleyball Classic, held every Labor Day Weekend in Aspen, Colorado.

The Inn at Aspen is an official lodging partner and is offering incredible lodging rates over the Labor Day weekend. Book your stay now on-line or call (800) 222-7736!

Other Labor Day weekend events include the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival with incredible bands like Calexico, Wilco, Glenn Frey & Joe Walsh, the Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tickets and lodging are still available for this as well! See Lodging Deals.

Aspen’s Fall is Fabulous and Labor Day is a perfect time to come visit Aspen, CO!

Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival Introduces Celebrity Chefs, Brilliant Artists & Delectable Food.

The Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival this Aug. 13-15th is starting a new tradition with celebrity chefs from across the country, a juried art exhibit with more than 30 regionally and nationally recognized artists.

Enjoy events like the Palette of Pairings tastings, including wine and spirits, Celebrity Chef Cooking Workshops, & a Gastronomic Tour of Snowmass Village. This event will be placing Snowmass Village, Colorado on the map for a gourmet destination in a mountain paradise.

• Get your tickets & lodging now for this event.
• See a Full Schedule of the Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival
• See Lodging Deals that will make this Festival even sweeter.
  

Celebrity Chefs include Two of New York’s finest:

• Alfred Portale, Executive Chef and Co-owner, Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City and
• Laurent Tourondel, Executive Chef and Owner of BLT Restaurants in New York City. Executive Chef Laurent is a classically trained French chef with a passion for traditional American foods as evidenced by his chain of restaurants.
  

Watch the Iron Chef Battle of Tourondel vs. Bobby Flay:



Get to know some of Denver’s own Chefs,

• Frank Bonanno, Executive Chef & Owner of Mizuna, Luca d’Italia, Osteria Marco and Bones in Denver
• Christy Rost – Public Television (PBS) Chef and Texas Cooking & Lifestyle TV series host. She’s also the author of two cookbooks and a holiday CD
  

Artists participating in the event range from jewelry, glass, fiber, drawings, graphics, printmaking, wood-work, pottery and more. The event is nationally juried by a panel of experts. The art exhibitions will run on Saturday Aug 14 from 10am-6pm and Sunday Aug. 15, from 10am-4pm.

Tickets for this amazing artistic event can be purchased on line at Inticketing.com for $65 a person. This is a great deal for cooking lessons, a two hour feast of small plates, wine and liquor tastings & eye candy art!

Also you will experience another amazing deal when you stay at the Inn at Aspen for the Snowmass Culinary and Art Fest. You will save money while having convenient lodging located between Snowmass Village right outside of Aspen. If your senses are craving more indulgence just head to Aspen! Book your vacation now!