Aspen: More Than Just Skiing

Aspen is first and foremost known as a “ski town.” This makes perfect sense given that Aspen is home to four incredible ski mountains (Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk). But what a lot of people don’t realize is that there are lots of fun activities in and around Aspen that really have nothing to do with skiing. A lot of great musical acts and theatrical performances pass through Aspen every winter. The Belly Up is a fantastic music venue that attracts both big names and also lesser known up –and-coming performers. The Wheeler Opera House is one of Aspen’s most cherished buildings. The Wheeler plays host to all sorts of entertainment ranging from plays to movies with everything in between. Many people don’t realize that Aspen is also an international intellectual hub. Some of the most influential people from all over the world often spend time in Aspen both to educate and learn through collaboration with other influential thinkers. The Aspen Institute, Aspen Center for Physics, and the Aspen Center for Environmental studies are three institutions where visitors of Aspen can get their learn on (often for free or a very small charge). There are many great outdoor activities in which to partake around Aspen if you decide you want to take a day off from skiing or snowboarding. Snowmobiling, snow shoeing, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, sledding, dog sledding, and cross country skiing are all great outdoor activities that don’t involve buying a lift ticket. And then there are of course the two other things Aspen is famous for, those being shopping and fine dining. Aspen has some great shopping opportunities even for those who are on a tight budget. Aspen has two fantastic thrift stores legendary for some of the items that astute (and lucky) shoppers have left with. It is not at all uncommon to hear of people buying an item for around $20 or less that once retailed for hundreds of dollars. As far as dining goes, you could eat out in Aspen for two months straight without going to the same restaurant. There are around 80 eateries in Aspen ranging from 5 star world class restaurants to pub style bar eats. So while skiing and snowboarding are what Aspen is perhaps most famous for, and why many of us have found this magical place to begin with, it wouldn’t be fair to fail to give due credit to the many other activities Aspen has to offer. Oh yeah, we’d like to mention that we’re supposed to get from 2 to 4 feet of snow between Saturday 11/20 and AVSC ski day which is Wednesday, 11/24! Cheers to a snowy and fun-filled winter…

Thanksgiving in Aspen: More Than Just Turkey!

You’ll have more than just a turkey dinner to be thankful for if you decide to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Aspen. There is of course something very appealing in its own right about spending Thanksgiving in the mountains of Aspen. But Thanksgiving is also the official start to the 2010/2011 ski season, which is set to be one of the longest ski seasons ever in Aspen (due to a late Easter). In addition to the buzz in the air that inevitably accompanies opening day, visitors can look forward to the 2010 Aspen Winternational Audi FIS Women’s World Cup. This exiting two day event brings the fastest women ski racers in the world to Aspen to compete in giant slalom (Saturday, 11/27) and slalom (Sunday, 11/28) ski races. There will be grandstands set up at the bottom of the 1A side of the mountain for optimum viewing. These grandstands are accessible to all (you do not need to ski to get there)and transportation is provided for those who may need assitance. Thanksgiving weekend is also the official kick-off of the season-long Bud Light Hi-Fi concert series. This year’s talent has yet to be announced, but if years past are any indication, guests will not be disappointed. What we can tell you for sure at this point is that the concert will take place on the evening of Saturday, 11/27 from 6:30-8 in the upper Gondola Plaza. Last but not least, back by popular demand is the Bud Light sponsored “Dine around Aspen,” during which many of the best restaurants in Aspen will be offering great Prix Fixe menus. Be sure to look over the link provided at the bottom of the page because some restaurants will not be participating on the night of Thanksgiving. The Innsbruck is the perfect place to enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend in Aspen as all of our condos have luxury kitchens perfect for preparing your feast and cozy living rooms complete with a fireplace that just beg you to partake in that beloved after dinner nap!