WOW....so much today in Aspen/Snowmass this month...you don't want to be left out do you?  Nope...didn't think so, COME JOIN US!

2014 X-GAMES return to Aspen/Buttermilk  FREE TO THE PUBLIC

When: Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26, 2014
Where: Base of Buttermilk Mountain

The amazing jumps and super pipe are almost ready to go over at Buttermilk; lights are up and you know the excitement is building!  Be there as more than 200 of the world's best athletes in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobile throw-down over four action-packed days of competition for the most coveted medals in action sports. You can't miss the legends and Olympians including Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler, Bobby Brown, Mark McMorris and others live at Buttermilk.

Check out the ESPN X Games Aspen website for results, contest schedules and more.

In addition to the action at Buttermilk, Aspen/Snowmass will host a FREE Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert featuring Savoy at the base of Aspen Mountain on Friday, January 24th at 5:30pm.
X-GAMES MUSIC CONCERTS are held at Wagner Park on S. Mill St. in Downtown Aspen on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th, 2014. Fans can purchase $30 general admission tickets or $150 X Games Music Premium Club tickets, which include heated tent with viewing platform, food and drink. Tickets can be purchased at www.bellyupaspen.com. Tickets can be purchased day of show from 10:00am – 6:30pm at the will call/ticket office located on Mill St. next to Wagner Park, and they are based on availability.  Tickets are scanned at the time of entry and no re-entry is permitted. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site at an additional cost.

X Games Music Schedule:
Saturday, January 25
3:00pm Doors
4:00 – 5:00pm Matt & Kim
5:15 – 6:30pm   Phoenix
Sunday, January 26
3:00pm Doors
4:00 – 5:05pm   Axwell
5:20 – 6:30pm   Tiesto

2014 SOCHI OLYMPICS....ENJOY A SEND-OFF CELEBRATION

FOR THE OLYMPIANS HEADING TO SOCHI

When: Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Where: Aspen Gondola Plaza

COME MEET AND SEND OUR AMAZING OLYMPIANS OFF

WITH A "GOOD LUCK" FROM ALL OF US..SO PROUD! 

 

Aspen/Snowmass is hosting a celebration and send-off for Olympians heading to Sochi on Wednesday, January 29 at 5pm in Aspen's gondola plaza.  Athletes are still in the qualifying process and the appearances will be confirmed at they are qualified.

63rd Wintersköl Celebration
January 9-12, 2014

 

DID YOU THINK JUST BECAUSE THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER THAT THE FIREWORKS AND EXCITING EVENTS ARE OVER IN ASPEN....NOPE,

NOT FOR A SECOND! 

 

 

Below is the entire schedule for WINTERSKÖL compliments of ACRA

 

A little history:  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. Today the four day celebration features on-mountain activities, live music, a canine fashion show, WinterFest, fireworks and much more.

WINTERSKÖL BUTTONThe 2014 button sponsored by Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH). 50% of all button proceeds will go towards their helmet program - to raise safety awareness. DID YOU KNOW: The most important piece of equipment is the helmet. Head injuries sustained during skiing and mountain biking can be quite severe. That's why a helmet should be worn at all times. Replace your helmet after an accident or every three years; the shock-absorbing materials deteriorate over time. Choose a helmet with an ASNI- or Snell-approval sticker and a bright color that can be seen easily by others. The helmet should have a snug fit without pressure points and should be well-ventilated.

TONIGHT:  8 p.m. David Cook with opening act TBD
Belly Up Aspen, by the way voted by Rolling Stone Magazine as the top venue for 2013!  Alternative singer-songwriter and American Idol winner, recently sold out The Troubadour in Hollywood, featuring his platinum hits "Light On" and "Come Back To Me". Doors open 8 p.m. / Show 9 p.m. $25 Advance / $29 Day of / $65 Reserved / $75 Avd GA VIP / $115 Res VIP / All ages

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 - Wintersköl Officially Begins
4 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt" This takes place Aspen Mall Area Snow sculpture competition. Anderson Ranch selects four 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 afternoon, the completed sculptures are judged by a panel of independent community members based on creativity, technical execution, and compliance to rules.   
   
5:30 p.m. Aspen History 101 - Aspen Historical SocietyWheeler Opera House. Aspen State Teachers College presents a crash course in the stories and characters that made Aspen the town it is today. From the rough-and-tumble miners to the cosmopolitan culture established in the '50s, this entertaining performance features local actors and a guest appearance from Klaus Obermeyer. Kick off Wintersköl by celebrating the past! Free admission. Aspen Historical Society, 970-925-3721 or www.aspenhistory.org

6 - 8 p.m. Special Aspen Art Museum Wintersköl Events - Soups On/I Don't Get ItAspen Art Museum. Soup's On: A special Soupsköl preview featuring last year's winner, The Square Grouper.  I Don't Get It: Featuring an open forum discussion about the work of Holt Quentel with AAM's Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and Director Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson. Free Admission. Aspen Art Museum, 970-925-8050 or www.aspenartmuseum.org

7 p.m. A Special Wintersköl Naturalist Night Wildlife at the End of the Earth: Antarctic Birds & Animals - Dick Filby
Hallam Lake. Join Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Wilderness Workshop, and Roaring Fork Audubon for the first Naturalist Nights lecture of the 2014 season featuring notable British birder, Dick Filby, the founder of Rare Bird Alert. Free Admission. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, 970-925-5756 or www.aspennature.org

7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Mad Hatter's Ball Wheeler Opera House. The resurrection of an adored "pastime," The Mad Hatter's Ball! Aspen History 101 attendees redeem your student ID card, good for a discounted drink special. Wear your best --and craziest-- hat. Best hat wins 2 passes to the 2014 Aspen Laff Festival!!
7 - 7:30 p.m. - Hat Contest Registration
7:30 - 8 p.m. - Hat Contest
8 - 10 p.m. - Live Music by locals favorite...JES GREW, Aspen's own rock- n- roll funk band.
Free Admission. Aspen Historical Society, 970-925-3721or www.aspenhistory.org

9 p.m. Adventure Club with Opening Act – TBD Belly Up Aspen. Dubstep DJ Duo from Montreal with remixes ranging from 1950’s classics, post-hardcore rock, to the sweet electronic sounds of today. Tickets are $35/$40 ages 18-20 (limited underage tickets available). Belly Up Aspen, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com                                       

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
All Day. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt" Sculpting continues Aspen Mall Area
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Kidsculpt" Mill St. Mall (by McDonalds). Kids Snow sculpture competition

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health Village at Aspen Wintersköl
Aspen Mountain. The Ultimate Party in The Snow. Free and open to everyone. 
WARM UP
With coffee and hot chocolate at the Vicks Warming Center. Daily, 9 AM – 12 PM
LOUNGE
Between runs, try new products and get free swag! Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
RECOVER
With tranquil spa services. Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
CELEBRATE
At our Après-Ski Party! Daily, 3 – 5 PM
DANCE    
annual Snow Jam concert. Doors open at 8PM, Concert starts at 10PM, Belly Up Aspen. Space is limited.

10:30 a.m. - noon Apple Strudel Downhill
Apple Strudel Trail, Aspen Highlands. Free to everyone! All participants receive complimentary apple strudel with whipped cream, a drink, and bragging rights at finish line!

4 - 6 p.m. "Soupsköl^TM," Aspen's 11th Annual Soup Cook-Off Cooper Ave. & Hunter St. Soupsköl^TM is a soup-making contest judged by the public to determine which restaurant has the best soup in our valley. Each restaurant offers a FREE sample of their soup. The public casts a vote for their favorite and the winner gets the coveted Soup Bowl Trophy and bragging rights for the next year! Free to everyone. 

5 - 7 p.m. Aspen Skating ClubWintersköl Skating Exhibition, Aspen Ice Garden. Exhibition 5-6 p.m. / Public Skate 6-7 p.m. FREE Admission.

5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Ullr Nights Elk Camp at Snowmass Mountain. In honor of the Norse God of Snow, Ullr, Elk Camp at Snowmass is transformed into a nighttime winter wonderland. Enjoy old-fashioned winter outdoor activities such as a visit to Ullr's snow castle, the Viking sledding hill, s'mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire, and ice skating on Rayburn's pond. Dance to live music and enjoy an a la carte culinary celebration sure to please any palate. After an evening outside in the snow playground, kids can warm up inside with fun activities and entertainment available downstairs in The Tent. Activities are included in the gondola fee with the exception of guided tours such as snow bikes, ACES snowshoe tour, etc. The restaurant will be set up like it is during lunch time with the various stations, featuring nighttime specials. $10 Adults / $5 Kids, season pass holders & employees. Aspen Skiing Company, 970-923-1227 or www.aspensnowmass.com.

6 - 9 p.m. Post Soupskol Party at Chair 9The Little Nell, Chair 9. Live music, $12 pitchers of beer and more!

7 - 10:30 p.m. Spring Board Soiree - Ski Town ChicMountain Chalet Aspen. Spring Boards annual event is joining with Wintersköl to bring you "Ski Town Chic". What's that mean?  It's everything from neon one-pieces to Fur to dancing in your ski boots. Come join Spring Board and help raise money for a good cause.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. First 100 people will get a free beer. For more info contact Spring Board at info@springboardaspen.org

7 p.m. All You Need is Love - 2014 Theatre Aspen Teen Conservatory Cabaret
Black Box Theatre, Aspen High School. Theatre Aspen's first-ever teen Cabaret, "All You Need is Love," will feature local youth singing upbeat and moving songs about all kinds of love - puppy love, first love, brotherly love, friendship - in a true cabaret-style setting. Bring a date and enjoy
the Valley's best teen voices as they sing their hearts out on a fun-filled evening. $15 Adults / $10 Students. Aspen Show tickets 970-920-5770, or www.aspenshowtickets.com. Theatre Aspen, 970-925-9313 or www.theatreaspen.org.

7 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. JAS Café Downstairs @ the Little Nell presents Wycliffe Gordon - Hello Pops!
The Little Nell. The critically acclaimed trombonist and vocalist in a boisterous celebration of the music of Louis Armstrong.  Tickets $35. 866-JAS-TIXX (527-8499) or ww.jazzaspensnowmass.org

8 p.m. Annual 80s Snow Jam Concert with The SpazmaticsBelly Up, Aspen. DANCE at the Men's Health and Women's Health annual Snow Jam concert. Belly Up, Aspen, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com

8 p.m. Led Zeppelin CELEBRATION DAY  Seriously...Led Zeppelin...how excellent is that!Wheeler Opera House. FREE screening of the concert documentary of Led Zeppelin's December 10, 2007 performance.  www.wheeleroperahouse.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
...continued... Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt" continues Aspen Mall Area. Winners announced at 5 p.m. location TBD.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health Village at Aspen Wintersköl Aspen Mountain. The Ultimate Party in The Snow. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealth.com/aspen & www.womenshealthmag.com/aspen
GET READY
To hit the slopes with complimentary yoga, sponsored by Pure Protein. 9:30 AM, Aspen Sundeck,  Space is limited.
WARM UP
With coffee and hot chocolate at the Vicks Warming Center. Daily, 9 AM – 12 PM
LOUNGE
Between runs, try new products and get free swag! Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
RECOVER
With tranquil spa services. Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
CELEBRATE
At our Après-Ski Party! Daily, 3 – 5 PM
WATCH
The WinterskölTM Fireworks Display at our exclusive viewing party.

10:00 a.m. Fat Cycle Challenge (NEW!)
Fat Bikes are coming to Wintersköl^TM, January 11, 2014! This is your chance to compete, cruise around town or check out the demos; don't miss out on this inaugural fat bike event! The Fat Cycle Challenge has something for everyone including a post party at the Limelight Hotel with live music followed by the Wintersköl^TM fireworks over Aspen Mountain. Schedule & times are subject to change. For more information, contact the Aspen Chamber Resort Association 970-925-1940, or www.aspenchamber.org

Fat Cycle Challenge, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Marolt Open Space. This is the first fat bike race in Aspen! Competitive & Recreational Divisions available. CASH prizes! Register TODAY!
Bike Village / Demos, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., Wagner Park. Demo bikes will be available to test on our customized course.
Sundog Athletics Fat Bike Clinic, 1 - 1:30 p.m. Wagner Park. Space is limited, call 970-925-1069 or www.sundogathletics.com.
Fat Cycle Town Ride, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Limelight Hotel. Everyone is invited! Bring your own bike and meet at the Limelight Hotel.
Fat Cycle Awards Party, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Limelight Hotel. Join us for the Awards Ceremony, drink & pizza specials, and live music by Axis LP!

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Wintersköl Public Skate
Lewis Ice Arena. Free admission. Aspen Recreation Center, 970-544-4100

Noon - 4 p.m. "WinterFest "Clock Tower at Wagner Park. Family fun, free and open to everyone. ACRA, 970-925-1940 or www.aspenchamber.org
Noon - 3 p.m. Family Fun! Clowns, face painters, Aspen Kettle Corn, and more!
Noon - 1 p.m. Canine Fashion Show - registration. Free to participate. Registration required and takes place day of.
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Canine Fashion Show
2 - 3 p.m. US Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps and the Red, Plaid, & Blue Pipe Band
 
4 - 5 p.m. Anderson Ranch Wintersculpt Judging & AwardsJudging will take place between 4-5pm on the Mill Street Mall. Judges will evaluate based on the following: Overall creativity and design concept, technical execution and use of snow as a medium, & compliance with the criteria and rules. Awards will be announced at Justice Snow at 5 p.m. First Prize donated by Justice Snow: $500, Second Prize: $250, Third Prize: $100.

6:30 p.m. Tossed and Found Wheeler Opera House. Peter Davison is a skilled practitioner of the juggling, mime, and silly stuff arts, and he comes to town for a FREE Wintersköl show at the Wheeler, performing his latest concoction TOSSED & FOUND. Perfect for the whole family, Peter's imaginative workings with junk and stuff you'd find in the attic or garage will thrill you and make you want to jump on stage and do it yourself - but kids, don't try this at home! Free admission. Aspen Show Tickets, 970-920-5770 or visit www.wheeleroperahouse.com

7 p.m. All You Need is Love - 2014 Theatre Aspen Teen Conservatory CabaretBlack Box Theatre, Aspen High School. Theatre Aspen's first-ever teen Cabaret, "All You Need is Love," will feature local youth singing upbeat and moving songs about all kinds of love - puppy love, first love, brotherly love, friendship - in a true cabaret-style setting. Bring a date and enjoy
the Valley's best teen voices as they sing their hearts out on a fun-filled evening. $15 Adults / $10 Students. Aspen Show tickets 970-920-5770, or www.aspenshowtickets.com. Theatre Aspen, 970-925-9313 or www.theatreaspen.org.

7 p.m. & 9 :15p.m. JAS Café Downstairs @ the Little Nell presents Wycliffe Gordon - Hello Pops!
The Little Nell. The critically acclaimed trombonist and vocalist in a boisterous celebration of the music of Louis Armstrong. Tickets $35. 866-JAS-TIXX (527-8499) or www.jazzaspensnowmass.org
8 p.m. Aspen Brewing CompanyCome taste Aspen's finest microbrews, listen to live music by The Natural Disasters, and watch the fireworks over Aspen Mountain!
8 p.m. Torchlight Descent Little Nell Run, Aspen Mountain
8:15 p.m.  WINTERSKÖL FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Aspen Mountain
9 p.m. Emancipator with Opening Act - TBD Belly Up Aspen. Emancipator - Soulful integration of organic hip hop and symphonic layers. Tickets are $25/$27 day of/+$5 under 21 970-544-9800 or www.bellyup aspen.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 127:30 a.m. Wintersköl Hike for Hope Uphill Buttermilk Mountain. 10th Annual Family Charity Event, 100% of funds raised go to research a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. Registration is $25 and does not include the pancake Breakfast at the Cliffhouse. Pre-registration on-line at www.hikeforhopeMD.com or day of from 6 - 7:15 am at Bumps Restaurant Huge prize give-aways, fun for all!! For more information and to pre-register, 970-925-6137 or www.hikeforhopeMD.com

8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast ($6) Cliffhouse Restaurant, Buttermilk Mountain

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health Village at Aspen Wintersköl Aspen Gondola Plaza. The Ultimate Party in The Snow. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealth.com/aspen & www.womenshealthmag.com/aspen
WARM UP
With coffee and hot chocolate at the Vicks Warming Center. Daily, 9 AM – 12 PM
LOUNGE
Between runs, try new products and get free swag! Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
RECOVER
With tranquil spa services. Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
CELEBRATE
At our Après-Ski Party! Daily, 3 – 5 PM

1 - 4:30 p.m. Broomball Tournament Aspen Ice Garden. $50.00 per team. Limited space. Contact Keith Bulicz with the Aspen Recreation Department at (970) 948-2192 to register.

2 p.m. All You Need is Love - 2014 Theatre Aspen Teen Conservatory CabaretBlack Box Theatre, Aspen High School. Theatre Aspen's first-ever teen Cabaret, "All You Need is Love," will feature local youth singing upbeat and moving songs about all kinds of love - puppy love, first love, brotherly love, friendship - in a true cabaret-style setting. Bring a date and enjoy
the Valley's best teen voices as they sing their hearts out on a fun-filled evening. $15 Adults / $10 Students. Aspen Show tickets 970-920-5770, or www.aspenshowtickets.com. Theatre Aspen, 970-925-9313 or www.theatreaspen.org.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

COME TO ASPEN/SNOWMASS

COME JOIN US

LET'S KICK OFF THIS AMAZING 2014 SEASON TOGETHER!! 

LET'S START MAKING PLANS AND HEAD TOWARD A NEW YEAR...2014!!

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Aspen is like no where else...
 
Fireworks on Aspen Mountain - shows at 8:00pm and midnight
Bonfire in Wagner Park until midnight
DJ in Wagner Park until midnight

Building up to New Year's Eve, Belly Up, voted Rolling Stone magazine's 2013 Best New Year's Eve Concert venues has quite a line up:
 
Friday, December 27th, Weezer
Sunday, December 29th, Rufus Wainwright (early show) and Moby (late show)
Monday, December 30th, The Flaming Lips
Tuesday, December 31st, New Year's Eve, The Flaming Lips

Two other events you might not want to miss on Monday, December 30th:
 
9:30 AM - Antonio Banderas is hosting the annual Audi Ajax Cup...a team dual slalom race  competition held on Little Nell on Ajax
 
2:00PM - Aspen Skating Club will give a free ice skating performance at the Silver Circle Ice Rink in town

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Besides lots of delicious dining, outrageous skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, sleigh rides, winter fishing, and just an all-around amazing wonderful week,

there is so much to do in Aspen and at all FOUR of the local mountains you should plan to

COME JOIN US!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE...

from the

Staff at The Innsbruck Aspen!

 

 

According to the following article The Innsbruck Aspen was rated #1 by Travelers:

2013 Best Ski Hotels in the U.S.: Travelers

December 16, 2013 7:28am

 

prevnext

According to Online Travel Reviews, Best U.S. ski hotels include family-run condominiums in Aspen, CO, a small historic hotel in Telluride, CO, economy accommodations in Lake Placid, NY, and more
December 16, 2013-Dallas, TX-If there's any one thing to say about the 2013 Best Ski Hotels in the U.S., it's that they are as varied as the sport itself: cross country, downhill, slalom, leisurely cocktail skiing, hardcore black diamond skiing. When it comes to the best ski vacations in the U.S., the only real consistency is that Colorado hotels seem to be doing something right with 7 of the top spots, including the #1 ranking for The Innsbruck, an Aspen hotel, as well as the #2 for Tivoli Lodge in Vail. But with four hotels on the list, Telluride takes the cake for best ski destination based on hotel reviews.

"There are a lot of surprises on the list of best ski hotels: surprisingly few luxury brand hotels and, instead, several very small and/or family-run properties in high-end ski destinations," says Alan Young, TrustYou's Senior Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. The Innsbruck (#1) is a 17-room family-owned condominium hotel; the luxury ski hotel Lumière Telluride has just 11 rooms; The New Sheridan is a 26-room historic hotel; and the Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid is an economy hotel. "It's interesting to see such variety in the top 10 list when we're talking about a luxury sport," notes Young.
The Best Ski Hotels in the U.S. for 2013 was compiled through an individual review of over 60 ski hotels taken from readers polls and media favorites' lists. Each hotel's TrustScore is based on data aggregated from across all available online travel review sites showing overall traveler satisfaction with the hotel. The 2013 Best U.S. Ski Hotels list considered TrustScore ratings from December 2012-November 2013 to ensure the whole of the previous ski season was included. All of the top ski hotels in the U.S. have "excellent" ratings according to online hotel reviews, aggregated from across review sites by TrustYou.*

AS PROMISED....we are going to keep you advised each week of some of the exciting activities that take place in town and on our FOUR amazing mountains during this winter season.  There's so much to enjoy for friends and family, even if your interests don't lie in the skiing/snowboarding activities.

December 14:  EXCITING DAY...Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands open!






December 14-15: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents The Nutcracker, start a new tradition with your family and add this to your annual holiday traditions.  (matinee and evening shows)

December 20-31: During the 12 Days of Aspen, the town is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland.  Downtown Aspen comes alive with everything from free ice skating at the Silver Circle Rink, and carriage rides to concerts and carolers. Free "Santa Day" on Saturday, December 21 (5-7pm) at the ARC (Aspen Rec Center), along with a professional photographer, and on the 22nd (3-5pm)Santa will joing the Aspen Firefighters at the station for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

December 21-22: USPA World Snow Polo Championships (11am-Wagner Park) The sport of snow polo was first introduced in 1985 at the resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland. In the U.S. snow polo is competed exclusively in Aspen, Colorado, and it's a modified verision of polo and the polo ponies are shod with cleated shoes to provide better traction. World Class Polo players will be competing for the title at the 11th Annual USPA World Snow Polo Championship. Celebrities and Spectators gather under heated tents to enjoy the action on the field.

December 21: American singer-songwriter Burt Bacharach, a great friend to Aspen, will be performinig at the Wheeler Opera House (8pm).  Some of his most famous hits have been for artists such a Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, Chicago, and so many more in the past 6 decades.

December 23-January 2: Film Academy Screening (AMPAS & BAFTA) of major motion pictures begin at the Wheeler Oper House

December 26: FREE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - ACES: Holiday Open House (3:30-6:30pm)
At Hallam Lake in the heart of Aspen you can enjoy ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) open house including guided snowshoe tours around the preserve, hot chocolate, mulled cider, wine, snacks and more! Don't miss the early evening "air show" of waterfowl coming to spend the night at Hallam Lake, explore the center, learn about ACES and enjoy the warmth of a small bonfire, the pleasure of good company and the beautiful setting of Hallam Lake!

December 30: Aspen Skating Club will be putting on a free performance (2:00pm) at the Silver Circle Rink in Aspen (next to CP Burger).

December 30: Audi Ajax Cup (9:30am) hosted by Antonio Banderas, consists of 14 teams competing head to head in a dual slalom on  Little Nell run on Ajax. One team will win the coveted Ajax Cup Trophy and bragging rights for a year. Following the race is the best apres ski party of the year, celebrating the winners of the 3rd Annual Ajax Cup Ski Race! 

December 31: NEW YEAR'S EVE...Free DJ & Bonfire in Wagner Park (8pm-12am), free music and a roaring bonfire.  Santa joins in the celebration, as do his reindeer Comet & Vixen!  It wouldn't be New Year's Eve in Aspen without the fireworks (8pm and 12am) extravaganza on Aspen Mountain to ring in the new year!

Want to party and dance on NEW YEAR'S EVE...Aspen's newest tradition you can head to the Wheeler Opera House and enjoy Louisiana swamp boogie rock & roll! Watch one of the nation's hottest new rock bands, but also your party favors, noisemakers, champagne toast, and open bar for this end-of-year celebration.

The party will pause and toast just as the ball drops in New York, and then again when the fireworks extravaganza begins on Aspen Mountain.

NOW.... we've gotten you through December....NEXT START THINKING ABOUT JANUARY 2014, X-Games, and of course coming up on

January 9-12: Winterskol!  Aspen's free 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. Today the four day celebration features on-mountain activities, live music, a canine fashion show, WinterFest, fireworks and much more.

MASSIVE DUMP OF POW POW!

 

Starting last night and continuing still, we got some serious snow here in Aspen town and on all FOUR of our incredible mountains! Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are open and running full boar, Highlands and Buttermilk are gearing up because the snow on all FOUR mountains is amazing!

 

 This pic taken by awesome photographer Jeremy Swanson TODAY, shows one of our locals coming off Ajax Express down Silver Bell and onto Blazing Star. Now if you want to ride a lift and see a spectacular show, this is the one, everyone likes to show their "stuff" on this run-under this lift, you are likely to see flips, 360s and massive air! 

 

COME JOIN US...Snow is more than fine!