ResortQuest Welcomes ESPN to The Inn at Aspen for Winter X Games 15

ResortQuest's Inn at Aspen to serve as official host hotel for the ESPN Winter X Games' television production and event staging operations for the 10th consecutive year.

Sitting square at the foot of Buttermilk Mountain, ResortQuest's Inn at Aspen holds a unique position as the only ski-in/ski-out lodging at Buttermilk Ski Resort in Aspen, Colorado. And since 2002, Buttermilk Mountain has been the official home of the Winter X Games. So, it's only natural that ESPN would select The Inn at Aspen as the base of operations for its television production and event-staging operations for a 10th consecutive year.

Weeks of preparation go into transforming The Inn at Aspen hotel into a broadcasting hub for the highly anticipated four-day event, which will run January 27-30. ESPN crews began converging on the hotel in early January, converting virtually every inch of The Inn at Aspen's 5,000 square feet of meeting space into a high-tech media command center. With more than 43 million viewers tuning in to watch the Winter X Games last year, it is imperative that operations inside the hotel run as cleanly as the performances out on the snow.

In addition to procuring the Inn's ballrooms and conference spaces—including the Tiehack Room, Buttermilk Mountain Room and The Station—ESPN sets up trailers around the property and in the parking lots outside. The Inn at Aspen's onsite banquet services provides catering for all the media and TV production staff staying at the hotel, as well as for the Athlete Lounge.

The Athlete Lounge is located in The Inn at Aspen's picturesque courtyard. In this very exclusive lounge, the competitors relax, refresh and take a break from the extreme action on the slopes and in the pipes. Away from the cameras and the crowds, the athletes can hang out, nosh on a hot meal or compete in video games instead of on the slopes.

The Inn at Aspen hotel is sold out for the week of the Winter X Games, and security around the Inn is justifiably tight. But, ResortQuest invites guests to visit after the Games to experience skiing and boarding on the same mountain where the pros ride. Lodging specials for The Inn at Aspen can be found online at http://www.ResortQuestAspen.com.

Highlands Extends Season Again This Year; Base Still 109"

Highlands announced this week it will again re-open for two weekends this month. (Why let all that lovely 36 inches that fell last week go to waste?)

Base snow is still at 109 inches, according to Aspen Ski. Co.'s website. Nine foot base!

Like last year, the four mountains received record snowfalls, even late in to the season, to everyone's delight! This year snow totals were equally impressive, if not down right record-setting.

Thus, keep on skiing, folks!

Here's the official statement from Skico's website with dates and lift rates.

Aspen Highlands will REOPEN for the weekends of April 18-19 and April 25-26! The Exhibition, Loge, Cloud Nine and Deep Temerity lifts will run daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. providing access to the entire mountain including Highland Bowl (conditions permitting).

The Merry-Go-Round restaurant will have a limited lunch menu and outdoor bar (weather permitting). Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro will also be open for lunch, reservations required.

With more than 25 feet of snowfall this season, the conditions at Aspen/Snowmass are the best they have been in many years. In addition to great skiing and riding, there will be live music, events and special packages available. More details will be announced shortly.

All Aspen/Snowmass season passes are valid as they are during the regular season. Adult lift tickets will be $39 per day, youth and seniors will pay $29 and children's tickets will be $19. As always children six and under ski for free. Current season passholders from any other resort in the U.S. will pay just $19 for their lift ticket.

Delta Announces Daily Non-Stop Service To Aspen From The East

Delta Airlines' national advertising campaign jingle was once, "Delta is ready when you are." The Atlanta-based airline in now more ready than even to get you to Aspen and Snowmass from the East, starting December 20 of this year.
“We are proud to offer Aspen the first and only East Coast daily non-stop via Delta's global gateway to Atlanta,” said Bob Cortelyou, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning. “Atlanta is the only gateway that can offer access to Aspen from Delta's vast domestic network and over 90 destinations in Europe and Latin America.”
Service will be on the Bombardier CRJ 700 aircraft.
Here is the schedule, provided by Delta.
Delta’s expanded service* between Atlanta and Aspen/Snowmass, effective Dec. 20, 2008
Flight 4135
Departs Atlanta at 5:15 p.m.
Arrives Aspen/Snowmass at 6:55 p.m.
Daily

Flight 4136
Departs Aspen/Snowmass at 11:25 a.m.
Arrives Atlanta at 4:40 p.m.
Daily

Events On The Mountains, Feb. 24 - March 1

February 24 - March 1, 2008

SUNDAY 24 First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • POWDER TOURS (8:15 A.M. ASPEN MOUNTAIN) ACESSnowshoe Tours (10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass & Aspen Mountain) • FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) • Nature Tours with ACES(11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass) Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Aspen Mountain &Aspen Highlands) • Noon Groom (Snowmass) SharpShooter Imaging Photography (All Mountains)

MONDAY 25 First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • Powder Tours (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) ACESSnowshoe Tours (10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass & Aspen Mountain) FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) Nature Tours with ACES(11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass) • Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Snowmass) Noon Groom (Snowmass) • SharpShooter Imaging Photography (All Mountains) LYNN BRITT CABIN SNOWCAT DINNER RIDES (SNOWMASS)

TUESDAY 26 First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • Powder Tours (8: 15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) ACESSnowshoe Tours (10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass & Aspen Mountain) FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) Nature Tours with ACES(11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass) • PUBLIC NASTAR ( 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. SNOWMASS) Noon Groom (Snowmass) • SharpShooter Imaging Photography (All Mountains) Burlingame Cabin Snowcat Dinner Rides (Snowmass)

WEDNESDAY 27 First Tracks (8 a.m. Snowmass) • FIRST TRACKS (8:15 A.M. ASPEN MOUNTAIN) Powder Tours (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • ACESSnowshoe Tours (10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass & Aspen Mountain) • FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) Nature Tours with ACES(11 a.m. &1 p.m. Snowmass) • Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Aspen Mountain &Aspen Highlands) • Noon Groom (Snowmass) • SharpShooter Imaging Photography (All Mountains) Lynn Britt Cabin Snowcat Dinner Rides (Snowmass)

THURSDAY 28 First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • Powder Tours (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) ACESSnowshoe Tours (10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass & Aspen Mountain) FREE MOUNTAIN-ORIENTATION AMBASSADOR TOURS (10:30 A.M. ALL MOUNTAINS)• Nature Tours with ACES (11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass) • Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Aspen Mountain &Aspen Highlands) Noon Groom (Snowmass) • SharpShooter Imaging Photography (All Mountains) Cloud Nine Snowcat Dinner Rides (Aspen Highlands)

FRIDAY 29 First Tracks (8 a.m. Snowmass) • Powder Tours (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • STIHL® COLORADO FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS (10 A.M. SNOWMASS ON THE HANGING VALLEY HEADWALL) •FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Snowmass,11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Aspen Mountain &Aspen Highlands) Noon Groom (Snowmass) • Bud Light Big Air Fridays (2 p.m) with live music by Dan Sheridan (3-4:30 p.m.) and fireworks over Fanny Hill on Snowmass (7 p.m.) • Lynn Britt Cabin Snowcat Dinner Rides (Snowmass)

SATURDAY March 1 First Tracks (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • Powder Tours (8:15 a.m. Aspen Mountain) • STIHL® COLORADO FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS (10 A.M SNOWMASS ON THE BURN SIDE CLIFFS) • 12TH ANNUAL ASPEN CELEBRITY DOWNHILL (10 A.M. ASPEN MOUNTAIN ON LITTLE NELL RUN) • FREE Mountain-Orientation Ambassador Tours (10:30 a.m. All Mountains) • Nature Tours with ACES(11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Snowmass) Public NASTAR (11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Snowmass,11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Aspen Mountain &Aspen Highlands) Noon Groom (Snowmass) • Lynn Britt Cabin Snowcat Dinner Rides (Snowmass)

Select lifts now operate until 4:00 p.m.

Annual Four Day Nordic Racing Event Kicks Off

Saturday's 21st Annual Owl Creek Chase Will Feature Former Olympians and Pro Nordic Racers (and Sunday your can skate with them at a free clinic)

Four fun-filled days of nordic skiing kicks off today beginning at 9:00 A.M. on the trails near the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club facility.

This premier Nordic racing event is put on by Aspen Parks and Recreation Department and Ute Mountaineer. It is expected to drawn 500 or more skiers, from kids to former Olympic racers.

The showcase event, called the Owl Creek Chase, will be held Saturday. This 25-kilometer freestyle starts at the Snowmass Cross Country Center and finishes at the Aspen Cross Country Center. It starts at 9 a.m. and will feature racers as well as the non-professional Nordic skiers.

The four day event wraps up on Sunday with a free clinic at the Aspen Crosss Country Center. Get an "edge" on your skating technique with advice from top pro skaters and Fischer ski factory experts. Starts at 10:00 a.m.

Additional info and specific race events, registration/fees can be found at: www.aspenrecreation.com
Take a look at www.aspennordic.com, too, for lots more info on Nordic skiing in and around Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt. There are inter-connecting trails to keep you going for days!

Owl Creek Chase racers have to register by Friday at 5 p.m. at the Ute Mountaineer or by 1 p.m. Friday at www.utemountaineer.com. All others wishing to race can register in advance for the Owl Creek Chase and Bappa Tour at the Ute Mountaineer. Racers can also sign up Saturday at the Snowmass Cross Country Center.

About The Inn At Aspen

The Inn at Aspen Resort & Conference Hotel

The Inn at Aspen Resort & Conference Hotel is located in Aspen, Colorado less than one mile from the Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field. This unique Aspen family and business hotel has outstanding accommodations and provides ski-in/ski-out convenience to Buttermilk Mountain, home of the ESPN X Games. In summer months, guests like that the Inn is just across the highway from the Aspen Golf Club. Snowmass and downtown Aspen are just a short drive from the property.

The Inn at Aspen invites you, your family, or group, to stay in one of our 122 tastefully appointed guest rooms, or hold a meeting in our 5,000 sq. feet of meeting space. You're sure to like the food at the Elkhorn Restaurant because our chef has worked at some of the best restaurants in the country. There are banquet facilities, an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub and workout facilities. Whether you are planning a group event, banquet or require catering, we can help. The Inn At Aspen is known as a family and kids hotel, as well as a conference facility to hold business meetings. Buttermilk Mountain is the smallest of the four mountains in Aspen and Snowmass and has a reputation as the ideal place for little ones to learn to ski. Young daredevil boarders will love the half-pipe, which, like the lift, is located just out the back door of the Inn.

Here are some of the services and amenities you can expect to find at the Inn At Aspen:

* Ski in Ski out to Buttermilk Mountain * Fireside Lounge * Front Desk on site with Bell Sevice * Humidifiers * Terrycloth Bathrobes * Coffee/Tea Complimentary * Concierge Services * Cribs for a fee * Dataports * Disabled facilities * Dry cleaning/laundry serv * Fitness Center * Hair Dryers * Massage Available * Bike Racks * Restaurant & Bar on site * Well-appointed guest room * Common laundry facilities * Conference Facilities * Daily Housekeeping * Free WiFi

Inn At Aspen
38750 Hwy. 82 Aspen, CO 8161
1 800-952-1515
innataspen@resortquest.com

And The Survey Says...

ResortQuest Aspen/Snowmass and the Inn At Aspen want to know:

Were you here for the ESPN X Games at Buttermilk Mountain this year? Tell us about it.

What did you like about it? What did you not like about it?

Did you stay at the Inn At Aspen at the base of Buttermilk Mountain?

Have you or your family stayed at the Inn At Aspen before?

What did you like about it? Or not like?

What is your favorite ski run? Which mountain?

Have you skied Highland Bowl? How many times have made the hike up to the bowl?

What is your favorite restaurant in Aspen?

Are you a single boarder or double? (skier)

How would you rate Aspen, lift ticket prices, transportation around town, nightlife,
friendliness of locals, lifties, ambassadors, food at on-mountain restaurants, as compared to other resorts you have visited?

Did you have ski or board lessons while on vacation? Ski? Snowboard? Group or individual lesson? Which mountain and for how many hours/days?

Did your lesson or lessons make you a better skier? How?

Have you taken any of the newly introduced "Bumps for Boomers" lessons offered by Aspen Snowmass Ski School to older skiers who avoid steep runs and moguls? Did it change your outlook on skiing this kind of terrain? How?

Do you have survey questions you would like to add to this survey? What are they?

Thanks!

Rich
Editor/Blogger-At-Large