NONSTOP SNOW!
BOOK BY SUNDAY & $AVE!

We just can't dig out at Aspen/Snowmass! (Guess what? We don't really mind.) We've received 9" in the last 24 hours and nearly twelve feet since opening day. The best part is, it's still coming down right now!

With all this snow & great deals, now is the time to plan your next Aspen/Snowmass winter adventure!


SKI or RIDE at LAST YEAR'S PRICES!
Packages starting at $897 per person & include 5 nights lodging & 4-day lift ticket. Must be booked by SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 for travel between February 28 - March 12, 2009. Equipment rental also available at last year's prices - book today!



Book your Aspen/Snowmass getaway today!
Call 877-652-7736 or check aspensnowmass.com/deals for
a complete list of packages & specials available this winter!


BIG AIR DEALS!
Looking for a great airfare to get you to Aspen/Snowmass? Check the Aspen/Snowmass Big Air Deals page for the most up-to-date fares out there from major U.S. cities coast-to-coast. Offers are updated daily, so bookmark this page and check it frequently!

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: you just landed five minutes from the slopes! With over 200 flights per week on three different airlines, getting to Aspen/Snowmass has never been easier! Direct flights to Aspen/Snowmass are available from Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, L.A., Salt Lake City and San Francisco.

Learn more>>

BUD LIGHT BIG AIR FRIDAYS!

Every Friday from Feb. 13 through Apr. 3 the best snowboarders & skiers in Colorado gather to perform the latest tricks on the busy Fanny Hill/Snowmass Mall intersection. A live band performs after every comp from 3-4:30 p.m., then stick around for fireworks at 7 p.m. above Fanny Hill.

Content: Aspen Skiing Company/AspenSnowmass

Annual "Toast To Winter," Winterskol Kicks Off This Week

Aspen Colorado's Wintersköl™ Celebration "Powder Days & Stellar Nights" January 8 - 11, 2009* A special thank you to Susan Melton for submitting the official 2009 Wintersköl slogan, "Powder Days & Stellar Nights." Susan was one of 100+ people who submitted various slogans for the contest. Susan has won (1) pass to the 2009 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. Congratulations Susan! The 2009 Wintersköl™ button is brought to you by 50% of all proceeds benefit AVH’s helmet program “Be smart. Wear a helmet!” 2009 Buttons are ON SALE NOW at these participating businesses: Aspen Locations: ACRA, Airport, Visitor Pavilion (across from Paradise Bakery), Wheeler Opera House, Alpine Bank Aspen, Community Banks of Colorado, Vectra Bank Colorado, Zele Café, Main Street Bakery & Café, Clark's Market, City Market, Carl's Pharmacy, Aspen Store, Great Western Grog Shop, Aspen Sports, Kenichi, Taster's, Morris & Fyrwald Real Estate. Snowmass Locations: Aspen Sports, Aspen Sports Outlet Highlands Locations: ZG Grill *Wear your button January 8-11 into the participating businesses below to receive these special offers! * ASPEN: Ajax Tavern 10% OFF Dinner Aspen Art Museum FREE Gift Aspen Historical Society 50% OFF Admission to Wheeler/Stallard Museum DishAspen FREE beer, wine or well cocktail with entrée purchase Helly Hansen 15% OFF Total Purchase Kenichi FREE small sake LUSH Spend $50 & receive goodie bag with 5 full-size products Montagna 10% OFF Dinner Optical Shop of Aspen $50 OFF Purchase (excluding sport loops) Taster's 15% off purchase Wienerstube Restaurant 10% off dinner & complimentary Haus schnapps Zele Café 20% OFF Total Purchase (food & drink) SNOWMASS VILLAGE: Christy Sports 20% OFF clothes and/or accessories Fuel 10% OFF Purchase Goodfellows Pizza 10% OFF Purchase Paradise Bakery & Café FREE Cookie ASPEN HIGHLANDS: Highlands Pizza Company $3 Aspen Brewery Pint Drafts (regularly $5) ZG Grill FREE beer, wine or well cocktail with entrée purchase SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (as of 12/18/08) THURSDAY 1/08/09: 8 a.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's “Wintersculpt” Anderson Ranch selects six teams to participate in this intense 48 hour snow sculpture competition. Each team receives a participation fee and cash prizes are awarded to the top three sculptures. 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. By Saturday morning, the completed sculptures are judged by a panel of independent community members based on creativity, technical execution, and compliance to rules. Contact Sarabeth Bert 970-923-3181 ext. 204. For more information visit www.andersonranch.org. Noon ACRA Opening Luncheon The St. Regis Aspen. Tickets are $40 for members / $50 for non-members. After Jan. 5th $50 members / $60 non-members. For more information contact ACRA at 970-925-1940. 3 - 5 p.m. Wintersköl Snowman Building Contest Red Brick Center for the Arts. Prize awarded to most original. Red Brick Council for the Arts, 970-429-2777. 6 p.m. Poetry Reading and Soupsköl Preview Aspen Art Museum. Join 2007/2008 Soupsköl-winning chef, Clark Church, of Garnish Café for a preview taste of Friday night’s Soupsköl celebration and enjoy an in-gallery poetry reading and discussion with poet/writer/Parkett magazine U.S. Associate Editor, and Now You See It AAM exhibition catalogue contributor Jeremy Sigler. Aspen Art Museum, 970-925-8050 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. "Why Are We Going Back to the Moon" - A look at the space program's plans for returning to the Earth's moon, why are we spending resources now, and the significance of returning to the Moon with Harvard astronomy expert, David Aguilar Aspen Institute, Paepcke Auditorium. Free and open to everyone! Why, after all of these years, is NASA launching a new billion dollar program to take us back to the Moon? Some believe it is in response to the Chinese space program that will land astronauts on the Moon in the next 10 years. Others cynically think it is a way to keep the aerospace industries in California, Texas, and Florida employed. Space enthusiasts see the return to our nearest neighbor quite differently. For them this is a first step in paving the way for humans to extend their exploration to Mars. This adventure is the next step for humans to learn how to live and explore our own solar system. And this speaks directly to the spirit of the human race. What is it about our species that we are driven to explore, to reach out into hostile landscapes and to establish ourselves in totally new environments? Look at what drives us as a species to explore the rich rewards that may await us on Mars and beyond as we race further into the 21st century. Join us to learn more about these fascinating observations and this suddenly highly controversial mission by NASA to return to the moon. For more information, ACRA, 970-925-1940 8 p.m. Free Comedy Night Wheeler Opera House. Free Admission. For more information, please contact the Wheeler Opera House at 970-920-5790 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com FRIDAY 1/09/09: 8 a.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's “Wintersculpt” Sculpting continues. Aspen Mall Area. Anderson Ranch, Sarabeth Berk, 970-923-3181 ext. 204 www.andersonranch.org 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Kidsculpt" Snow sculpture competition, Aspen Mill Street Mall Anderson Ranch, Sarabeth Berk, 970-923-3181 ext. 204 www.andersonranch.org 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Men’s Health Village Chill at the Men’s Health Village and get sköled on the hottest new products while enjoying complimentary food and drinks to fuel your day. Free and open to everyone.http://www.menshealthaspen.com/home.htm. 9 - 4 p.m. - Zero Limits - Stop by the POWERade ZERO display and enter to win the "Zero Limits" sweepstakes. 4 - 6 p.m. - Après Ski Party 8 p.m. - Snow Jam featuring George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Belly Up Aspen. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets in advance $60. Day of $65. Belly-Up, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com 10:30 a.m. – Noon Apple Strudel Downhill Aspen Highlands, Apple Strudel Trail Free to everyone! All participants receive a complimentary piece of apple strudel and a hot chocolate drink at the finish line! For more information, contact Doreen Clavell, Aspen Ski Co., 970-544-3011 Noon – 4:30 p.m. Wintersköl ™ Rail Jam at Snowmass 12 - 1:30 Registration outside Snowmass Ticket Pavilion $20* for all athletes *All entry fees are combined for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards. Open to Skiers, Snowboarders, Men & Women. 1 - 1:45 Rail Jam Practice 2 - 3 Rail Jam Competition Rail Jam Awards Ceremony immediately following 2 - 9 p.m. "Inside Out" Artist Celebration LIVASPENART, Aspen Highlands 2 - 5 Live music by the Funky Miracle, Highlands Mall 5 - 9 Artists cocktail reception featuring photography, painting and prints at LIVASPENART. Free to everyone! For more information, please contact Olivia Daane at 970-544-0411 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. "Soupsköl" 6th annual cook-off Cooper Avenue & Hunter Street. Soup contest. Restaurants offer a FREE sample of their soup. Public votes for best soup. Sign up to compete TODAY! Click here for the 2009 registration form. All soup must be made in a certified/licensed kitchen. Each business will be provided a 6’ banquet table, 10’x10’ tent space, 2’x4’ participant name banner, and serving cups for samples. Any decorations and serving equipment must be provided by the participant. Each participant should make at least 25+ gallons of soup for consumers (approximately 2,000-3,000). 7 p.m. Fireworks at Snowmass 8 p.m. Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band Wheeler Opera House. Tickets $5 for locals within Aspen City limits (proof of residency required) and includes free drink tickets. $17.50 all others. For tickets call 970-920-7770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com. SATURDAY 1/10/09: 9 - 10:30 a.m. Anderson Ranch Art Center's "Wintersculpt" Judging and awards. Aspen Mall Area. Anderson Ranch, Sarabeth Berk, 970-923-3181 ext. 204 or www.andersonranch.org 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Men’s Health Village Chill at the Men’s Health Village and get sköled on the hottest new products while enjoying complimentary food and drinks to fuel your day. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealthaspen.com/home "First Tracks" Ski Run - Be the first to make your marks on the morning's fresh powder. Space is limited. Visit the Men's Health Village to reserve your spot. Zero Limits, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Stop by the POWERade ZERO display and enter to win the "Zero Limits" sweepstakes. Après Ski Party, 4 - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. Canine Fashion Show – registration Corner of Cooper Ave. and Galena St. Free to participate. Registration required and takes place day of. For more information, contact ACRA at 970-925-1940. 11 a.m. Canine Fashion Show Corner of Cooper Ave. and Galena St. 11:15 a.m. - 1:15p.m. Wintersköl Public Skate Aspen Recreation Center, Lewis Ice Arena. Free Admission. For more information, call 970-544-4100. 11:30 - 4 p.m. “WinterFest” Cooper Avenue Mall, Downtown Aspen. Featuring FREE concert by James Hyland Band (1-4 p.m.) clowns, face painters, and more! Produced by ACRA, 970-925-1940 Noon Wintersköl™ Parade Downtown Aspen. Free to participate. Registration is required, contact the ACRA at 970-925-1940. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Aspen Skating Club Wintersköl Skating Exhibition Aspen Ice Garden. 6 – 8 p.m. Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club Nordic Bonfire Dinner Aspen Cross Country Center AVSC, 970-205-5102 or www.teamavsc.com. Tickets go on sale December 15th at the Wheeler Box Office, the Aspen Cross Country Center, or the AVSC clubhouse. Tickets may also be purchased at the door but tickets sales are limited, advance purchase is encouraged. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of event. Children 13 and under are $10 in advance, $15 day of event, and Family Packages are $45 in advance and $50 day of event. Rental equipment will be available at the Cross Country Center. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. "Galileoscope Golden Telescope" - Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's 1st use of the telescope Wagner Park. Interactive viewing experience for the whole family using replica's of Galileo's first telescope and larger telescopes with Harvard astronomy expert David Aguilar and the Three Rivers Astronomy Club. Observe the Moon as if you were in orbit above it, the shining pearl-like Venus and the giant Jupiter and its four large moons above the amazing Aspen Sky while sipping hot chocolate and sampling “Mars Bars” and “Rocket Cookies.” (Weather permitting. If poor conditions prohibit the use of telescopes, please join David at the Wintersköl tent in front of Paradise Bakery in Aspen for an alternative presentation on the perils Galileo encountered when he pointed the first telescope to the heavens above). Free and open to everyone! Call ACRA for more information, 970-925-1940. 8:15 p.m. Torchlight Descent Little Nell –Aspen Mt. 8:30 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza Little Nell – Aspen Mt. 9:00 p.m. Robert Earl Keen, Texas singer/songwriter Wheeler Opera House. Tickets $40. For tickets call 970-920-7770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com. 10:00 p.m. Pepper with Passafire and Supervillians Belly Up Aspen. Dub rock power reggae roots trio. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets in advance $18. Day of $20. 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com. SUNDAY 1/11/09: 7:30 a.m. Wintersköl™ Hike for Hope Uphill Race Buttermilk Mtn. 5th Annual Family Charity Event, 100% of funds raised go to research for a cure of Muscular Dystrophy. Registration is $25 & DOES NOT include the pancake breakfast at Cliff House. For more information and to pre-register, please visit www.hikeforhopeMD.com or call 970-925-6137. Day-of registration will be from 6 – 7:15 a.m. at Bumps Restaurant. Door prizes and a huge prize give-away , fun for all! 8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast. $5. Cliff House Restaurant, Buttermilk Mountain 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Men’s Health Village Chill at the Men’s Health Village and get sköled on the hottest new products while enjoying complimentary food and drinks to fuel your day. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealthaspen.com/home. Zero Limits, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Stop by the POWERade ZERO display and enter to win the "Zero Limits" sweepstakes. Après Ski Party, 4 - 6 p.m. 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. Wheeler Film Society presents The Band Wagon (1953) Wheeler Opera House. Film followed by a brief seminar with local film historian, Bob Kleinman. This is the 2nd segment of the Wheeler's The Artistry of Fred Asitare. Tickets $9. 970-920-7770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com. 10:00 p.m. Pepper with Passafire and Supervillains Belly Up Aspen. Dub-rock power reggae roots trio. Doors open at 8 p.m.. Tickets in advance $18, day of $20. 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com *Schedule of Events is Subject to Change* FRIENDS OF WINTERSKÖL: GOLD: Caribou Club SILVER: Boogie’s Diner Foundation Carl’s Pharmacy Great Western Grog Shop Merrill Lynch – Aspen Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar BRONZE: Aspen Meadows Chepita City Market Darnauer Marketing & PR Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole Little Annie's Restaurant Mezzaluna Mountain House Lodge Orthopaedic Associates of Aspen and Glenwood Savannah Ashcroft Stan Clauson Associates, Inc.

The History of Wintersköl Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates back to a quiet January in 1951 when local Aspenites decided to celebrate Aspen’s unique Nordic lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. Jack DePagter, previous owner of the Holland House, began Wintersköl in 1951. In 1949 Jack began bartending at the Hotel Jerome. Noticing a lull in business during the 3 weeks after Christmas when the ski lifts closed, Jack decided that there must be something he and his friends could do to bring people into Aspen. His idea: a winter carnival, like those at European ski resorts and Wintersköl, a “toast to winter,” was born.

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.