Presidents' Weekend and Valentine's Day in Aspen Snowmass

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!