Happy Ajax Closing Weekend! What a wonderful spring weekend to close out an amazing winter season. There’s even a fresh few inches on the ground! Despite the ongoing pandemic, more safety guidelines, and ever changing public health orders; Aspen Snowmass kept all four mountains open during the regularly scheduled season. While we will certainly miss powder days, Bonnie’s pancakes and strudel, Sundeck lunches, and Bell Mountain chairlift rides; we are looking forward to summer gondola rides, hiking all of our favorite runs, Bluegrass Sundays at the Sundeck, and backside sunsets this summer. For now, read on to find out how to send this ski season out in style!
This Sunday, April 18th is Aspen Mountain’s last day of the regular season. Despite restrictions and social distance requirements, there will still be a celebration! The Sundeck is offering food and drink specials all weekend long, plus live music on the deck. Now is your chance to soak in the views and enjoy that double cheeseburger, since Aspen Mountain will be closed until mid-summer due to construction. As for the closing parties in town, Ajax Tavern and Dante’s at the base will surely host celebrations for the mountain and their closing days. The Wet Deck at the W Hotel is hosting a closing day party with drink specials and a DJ. It should be the outside après party of the season! Dress up in your best spring skiing outfit, don’t forget your mask, and have a fun day on the mountain.
The lifts on three of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains have stopped spinning, however, skinning is still permitted! Uphilling is permitted on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttermilk through this weekend. Aspen Highlands will remain closed to uphillers through this weekend because of the US Ski Team Nationals. Aspen Highlands will open to uphillers on Monday, April 19th. Aspen Mountain will close to uphillers the same day for construction. For the most up to date information on uphill policy, head over to aspensnowmass.com
Snowmass’s regular season was extended by one week, and will close on Sunday, April 25th. Stay tuned for our next blogpost on Snowmass’s closing weekend happenings. Have a great Aspen Mountain closing weekend!
Happy Friday from Aspen Snowmass! Spring hasn’t quite yet sprung around here yet. With almost two feet of fresh snow in the six days, and even more in the weekend’s forecast. The end of ski season is shaping up quite nicely here! Sunset Skiing and Riding on Aspen Mountain is happening tonight, March 26th and next Friday, April 2nd. Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express will run until 6pm, with food and drink specials at the Sundeck. There will also be outdoor live music! There are more exciting events to come before ski season ends. Read on to find out more!
Immediately following the season closing of Aspen Highlands, the 2021 US Alpine Championships will begin. This event is hosted by Aspen Snowmass, in collaboration with Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC), and will run for two weeks from Monday, April 5th through Friday, April 16th. It has been an exciting spring in Aspen Snowmass hosting events on the national and world stage. Between FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Championships, the US Grand Prix Olympic Qualifier, and the US Alpine Championships; Aspen Snowmass is on the map for elite ski and snowboard contest. This competition will include men’s and women’s downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and alpine combined, as well as national junior competitions. Finals will be held during the weekdays, with training over the weekend. There are rumors swirling around that Alpine Racing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin will compete! In order to keep race techs, competitors, and coaches safe, the event is taking place after Aspen Highlands closes to the public to promote social distancing, and no spectators— similar to the FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Championships and US Grand Prix at Buttermilk earlier this month. For more information and racing schedules, please visit usskiandsnowboard.org.
Concurrently happening over at Snowmass Mountain, the 2021 NASTAR National Championships will run from Monday, April 5th through Saturday, April 10th. NASTAR stands for National Standard Race. Racers of all abilities and ages can sign up to compete in the world’s largest recreational ski and snowboard racing program. NASTAR Nationals returns to where it began on Snowmass. The first NASTAR National Championship was held at the Spider Sabich race arena in the Spring of 1998. This is also the first National Championship after a year hiatus due the Covid-19 Pandemic. Each day of Nationals, there will be racing clinics taught by Snowmass instructors. Races start each day at 9:45am on the Blue Grouse trail. There are four divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In the midst of all the professional ski and snowboard events this spring, NASTAR Nationals provide an exciting opportunity to get involved in some of the competitive action! To sign up for NASTAR racing, ticket options, and more information, head over to aspensnowmass.com/events/nastar-nationals.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy the fresh snow and amazing conditions. Happy Trails! Be sure to stay healthy and safe out there.
Happy Friday from Aspen Snowmass! It’s a new month, and we received some fresh snow yesterday. This weekend is expected to be perfectly bluebird, with highs in the 50s! Bring on the sun! We are so excited for March; spring skiing is back and there are plenty of cool and interesting events throughout the month. Read on for some of the exciting events happening in the beginning of March 2021!
Tomorrow, Saturday March 6th, is the local and elite athlete favorite: Audi Power of Four and Power of Two. This endurance race captures the most unique and amazing four mountains that surround us everyday. Power of Four begins at 6am in Snowmass Base Village. Power of Two begins at 8am in Aspen Highlands Base Village (base of Thunder Bowl). Both races finish at the Base of Aspen Mountain. This year, the race will complete at the bottom of Lift 1A, also known as Shadow Mountain Lift. The new race finish is to prevent base crowding and promote social distancing, due to the ongoing pandemic. If you’re out early on Saturday morning, skiing Aspen Mountain or Highlands, you will be sure to see competitors racing! For more information on the course and race, head over to aspensnowmass.com
The first weekend of March is certainly a racing weekend! Sunday, March 7th is The Owl Creek Chase. This is one of Colorado’s best cross-country ski races, and has been since 1985. This race is challenging, yet fun! Starting at 9am in Snowmass and ending around noon on the Aspen Golf Course, this 21K race follows the scenic Owl Creek trail. This year’s event does not allow for spectators on the race course. However, if you’re driving from Aspen to Snowmass Village (or vice versa) on Sunday morning, you’ll be able to safely cheer on racers from your car, socially distanced of course. Sunday should be a beautiful sunny day for racers!
For the first time since the 1950 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Snowmass will host the 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships at Buttermilk Mountain. Events will include Ski and Snowboard Halfpipe, Big Air, and Slopestyle. Qualifications begin on Wednesday, March 10th, with finals scheduled through the weekend and ending on Tuesday, March 16th. Similar to Winter XGames in January, there will be no spectators at the event whatsoever. However, if you’re skiing Buttermilk during the day, you will have the best moving view of the competition from the Summit Express chairlift. There will also be no crowding around the event. The best views and commentary will be on the FIS Championship YouTube channel.
March and April are chock full of exciting events, races, and competitions. Be sure to check out Klug Properties’ blog for weekly highlights of all that’s happening in and around Aspen and Snowmass. Have a great weekend! Think (some) snow!
Happy Friday from Aspen Snowmass! We are certainly excited about this long, holiday weekend here in mountains. With almost two feet of fresh snow last week, and more on the way this weekend, the skiing and riding couldn’t be better right now. Aspen Mountain is now 100% open after last week’s storm. Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands are about 95% open. This weekend’s storm is expecting up to 14 inches of fresh snow over the three day weekend, which will make for epic shredding conditions across all four mountains! This Saturday, February 13th also marks the point in the season where lifts stay spinning later in the afternoon. Lifts spinning until 4pm daily will include Silver Queen Gondola, FIS Chair, and Ajax Express at Aspen Mountain, Exhibition and Cloud 9 at Highlands, Summit Express at Buttermilk, and Village Express, Elk Camp Gondola, and the new and improved Big Burn Chair at Snowmass. We are certainly ready for longer ski days!
If you find yourself on any of our four mountains this weekend, be sure to of course wear your mask, stay socially distanced, and keep your ears perked up for Bud Light’s Music on the Mountain! This concert series is continuing the local favorite tradition of Hi-Fi Concerts, but in a safe manner. Local and regional artists will be featured every weekend through March at various locations on and at the base of each mountain. For the most up-to-date artist announcements, concert locations, and set times, follow @aspensnowmass on social media.
Are you looking for last minute Valentine’s Day plans this weekend with that special someone? Yes, Valentine’s Day is this weekend too! Sunday to be exact. If you’re hoping to support a fantastic cause, be heart healthy, and get outside, you are a great candidate for Ski for the Pass race on Sunday, February 14th. This is a 7K classic race on Independence Pass beginning at 10am, starting at the Winter Closure Gate on Highway 82 and finishing at the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. There are new rules for this year’s race, which include no spectators, 30 second interval starts for proper social distancing, and a cap on the number of racers. Registration is still open and can be found at utemountaineer.com, along with more information. This is a family favorite, and friendly, event that benefits the Independence Pass Foundation. I hope to see you up there! I’ll be racing with my daughter this year.
If you’re hoping to have a more low-key plan with your Valentine, or want to avoid the hustle and bustle, as well as pressure of Sunday plans, treat your Valentine to Dinner and a Movie at Ajax Tavern! Continuing the popular Dinner and a Movie Under the Stars from this past socially-distanced summer, Dinner and a Movie at Ajax Tavern’s outdoor heated tent. Dinner starts at 6:30pm and features the fabulous regular menu at Ajax Tavern and Moet Chandon packages. Showtime is at 7:30pm. This week’s movie is the Chris Farley classic Tommy Boy. For more information, reservations, and upcoming movie showings, visit thelittlenell.com
Pitkin County is expected to move up to the State’s new dial, and into yellow restrictions, on Saturday, February 13th. This would mean restaurants can operate at 50% capacity for indoor dining, and move the last call for alcohol from 10pm to 11pm. Other businesses such as retail, offices, gyms, and personal services can also move to 50% capacity. Aspen Snowmass is (more) open! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend! Think snow!
Hiking
This is one of the most well known trails near Aspen, and for good reason. At 3 miles roundtrip and with an elevation gain of 800 feet, this trail is a good hike for beginners and experts alike. Take in breathtaking views of Aspen from the Smuggler Mountain Overlook.
Sunnyside Trail is a moderate hike with rewarding views of Aspen, the surrounding ski areas, and the many peaks of the Roaring Fork Valley. At 4.8 miles roundtrip and 1,700 feet of elevation gain, this hike requires some planning and commitment, but is extremely rewarding.
Photo: Smuggler Trail
Biking
If you’re ready to break out your road bike and take down some miles, then the Rio Grande Trail is just the trail to be on. Stretching 42 miles of paved path from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, this trail is not only a great ride, but a great way to see every part of the valley.
The Snowmass Bike Park was designed with every level of biker in mind. With over 3,000 vertical feet of designated downhill trails, this park is a mountain bikers’ dream. The Roaring Fork Valley was recently named an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, one of only seven in the world.
Photo: Snowmass Bike Park
Fishing
With Gold Medal Waters designation, easy access, stunning views and a wide variety of fish, the Frying Pan River is one of the premier fishing locations in the country. Located east of Aspen in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, it is easy to get to and its convenient location makes it easy to check out other nearby rivers and lakes.
Less than 2 miles from the town of Aspen, Maroon Creek is a great option for a short excursion or an all day affair. With a good variety of fish and stunning scenery, this spot is hard to beat.
Don’t forget to get your Colorado Fishing License before casting any lines in Colorado water.
Photo: Fishing on the Frying Pan River
Rafting/Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)
For an adventurous, rapid-filled day or a lazy float down the river, The Roaring Fork River has it all. Hop on your SUP or strap into your raft, this river will not disappoint. A great way to take in the Roaring Fork Valley while adding some adventure to your day.
Just 14 miles from Basalt, this expansive reservoir offers plenty of water sport activities. From speed boats and jet skis, to SUPs and canoes, this reservoir is a great day activity for everyone.
Photo: Kayaking on the Roaring Fork River
Camping
Located just a short drive from Aspen, this campsite offers great scenery, sounds of the nearby Maroon Creek and great privacy. Hop on the nearby trails for a day of hiking or horseback riding or fish the Maroon Creek.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, White River National Forest offers endless serenity and adventure. With eight wilderness areas and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation, the lush forest is filled with scenic, winding rivers and beautiful wildlife.
Happy Friday from snowy Aspen Snowmass! It is dumping snow in the mountains, with no signs of stopping any time soon. Some locals are thrilled by the fresh powder in April, and others might be bummed by the weather forecast. There is plenty of good news coming from our tight knit community this week. Read on for inspiring stories about how our community is supporting one another during these strange and uncertain times.
The demand for food banks and food drives has skyrocketed since the economic collapse from the coronavirus epidemic. The Western Slope Food Bank for the Rockies and Aspen Skiing Company’s events team has partnered up to put on a weekly food drive. Together, these organizations are serving up to 250 families weekly. Each Thursday from 12pm to 2pm, families can collect food at Basalt Middle School directly from their cars. For more information, please visit www.foodbankrockies.org
Three locals have come together in a grassroots effort to raise over $3.5 million in relief funds for residents from Aspen to Parachute affected by coronavirus. 22 other locals have donated this 2020 Rescue Fund, which is a charitable fund with the Aspen Community Fund. In the coming weeks with the help of ACF, the rescue fund’s “advisory committee” trio will select nonprofits that are capable of addressing priority needs during the crisis, like economic assistance, food access, health care and other essential humanitarian support.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village is normally buzzing this time of year with resident artists and staff gearing up for their busy summer season. With the ranch being closed to the public, the on-site “Fab Lab” is creating personal protective equipment with 3D printers, in order to help with the shortage medical professionals are experiencing on the frontlines. If you’d like to help with this effort, please visit www.nocofaceshieldproject.org
We are so thankful to be a part of a community that supports one another during times like these. It is truly amazing to see the outpouring support and love throughout our valley.
