The spring off-season is always a welcomed time of year after a busy winter. It is a time to reflect on the last 6 months and plan for the next 6 while enjoying some much-needed R&R. However, despite the many restaurant and store closures, there are still plenty of ways to stay busy and entertained this May. See below for a few of our recommendations.
May 7th: Thrift Shop Prom at TACAW - $30/Person
“It’s prom season for everybody! Who are you going to ask to go with you? Who will be the prom queen or king? Get together with your community as we celebrate the prom season to benefit our friends at KDNK. We will offer music from all eras, taking you back in time and even pretending like this is our first prom. DJ The Guest will be spinning the tunes. Don’t have a get up for the prom? No problem, you can stop by select thrift shops in the Roaring Fork Valley and they will have special racks set up with thrift shop attire. We can’t wait to see your outfits! Let’s transform Willits into a prom haven!” -The Arts Campus at Willits
May 8th: Aspen Art Museum Mother’s Day Brunch - $85/Adult, $30/Child under 12
“Treat someone special to a Mother’s Day Brunch at the Aspen Art Museum! Join us at the Rooftop Café from 11 AM–2 PM for a delightful brunch service with an incredible view of Aspen Mountain. Chef Amy has prepared a carefully curated menu that includes a buffet of homemade Belgian waffles, vanilla bean muffins, quiche, and other mouthwatering options, together with bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Tables are limited, so be sure to book today!” -Aspen Art Museum
May 21st: 28th Annual Ride for the Pass - $25/Adult, $10/Child under 12
“The Ride has two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the Independence ghost town ten miles from the start. All riders doing the ten-mile Independence route are timed and included in the competitive category for their respective age groups; all Weller riders are untimed. In addition, E-bikes—category 1, pedal assist ONLY—are welcome to ride. They will be in their own, untimed category, starting 15 minutes after the timed riders, and will NOT be eligible for prizes associated with placing. Winning times to Independence are usually around 40 minutes, with most riders finishing in less than two hours.” -Independence Pass Foundation
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR WITH QUESTIONS — PLEASE CONTACT RIDE COORDINATOR, DINA BELMONTE, AT 970-379-1222, OR DINAB@SOPRIS.NET
May 28th and 29th: Gary Clark Junior at Belly Up – Starting at $115/Person
Clark is one of today’s best traditional R&B artists and this concert will be one to remember. See a snippet of Clark’s bio below.
“Clark achieved global impact following his first Grammy Award in 2014 winning Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Please Come Home” from his Warner Records debut album Blak And Blu, and seemingly never left the road. Throughout 2019 Clark ascended to greater heights with the release of This Land – his third full-length studio album which bowed at #6 on the Billboard Top 200, marking his third consecutive Top 10 debut. The album and single of the same name attracted acclaim from the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and more.” -Belly Up, Aspen
Our team at Klug Properties hopes this off-season treats you well whether you decide to stay busy or enjoy a slower pace of life for a month or two. As always, please reach out with any questions big or small. We hope to see you on the trails soon!
If skiing is the first thing Aspen is known for, the second would certainly be the après ski and culinary scene. For some, après is of the utmost importance and a ski day is incomplete without it. It isn’t uncommon for locals and tourists alike to take a lap or two just to say they skied to have an excuse to take part. No judgement from us, though! With the array of options available in Aspen Snowmass, après is a must. Especially on a blue bird day. Keep reading for some of our top picks for enjoying a beverage and/or meal after a day on the slopes.
For The Energy
For those with energy left over from the slopes, a few places come to mind if you are looking to dance, mingle and be merry. Chica Aspen, just steps from the legendary Silver Queen Gondola, is always a high-energy, indoor/outdoor venue to carry over the good vibes from the mountain. On sunny days, they have a DJ stationed by the outside bar, where dancing might as well be a requirement for entry. We recommend their Hotty Toddy on colder days and a crisp Colorado Native beer on warmer days. Chica also has an incredible food menu featuring Peruvian inspired cuisine from celebrity chef Lorena Garcia, and although it is relatively new, Chica is already making a name for itself as an Aspen staple.
The Highlands Alehouse is another great spot for those looking to keep the energy high. With a wide assortment of beers, delicious food (you have to try the fried Oreos) and typically a younger crowd, the Alehouse is a well-trafficked après destination. If you are on Highlands and want an even higher-energy experience, try Cloud 9 on the mountain. What starts as a gourmet meal for the early Noon seating, soon turns into a proper Euro style champagne spraying, table dancing après party around 3 pm. Cloud 9 is one of the most iconic restaurants in Aspen and worth a reservation if you haven’t been.
For The Atmosphere
If sophisticated and chic speak more to your ideal après experience, you will want to frequent The Wine Bar at Little Nell, French Alpine Bistro and J-Bar at Hotel Jerome. New this season, The Wine Bar features an intimate seating area with an extensive list of wines to satisfy even the pickiest oenophile. French Alpine Bistro offers a refined après experience, serving up delicacies in a chalet setting. Enjoy hand-made cocktails, raclette and fondue for a European take on your typical après scene. Lastly, the J-Bar at Hotel Jerome is an iconic bar to enjoy vintage cocktails in a western setting. The history runs deep in this hotel as cowboys, miners, and Hunter S. Thompson used to regularly gather for drinks.
For The Food
While the places mentioned above all have incredible food, there are two après go-to’s that simply can’t be beat in the culinary field. If you ask a group of locals what the best après meal in town is, the majority will respond with the burger and truffle fries at Ajax Tavern. You simply will not find a more satisfying burger to replenish those calories burned on the slopes. The prime, sun-drenched location at the base of Ajax is the cherry on top!
If you are skiing Snowmass, you’ll want to try Aurum at Base Village. Every item on the menu is worth trying and the best part is they have some of the best happy hour prices in the Aspen Snowmass area! Sam’s Restaurant is some of the best Italian in the Roaring Fork Valley, but plan ahead as it is popular. The deck in springtime is a great outdoor venue as well.
Après is a massive part of the Aspen Snowmass ski culture! We hope this post helps you navigate it in a way that makes the most sense for you and your family/friends to have the greatest time on and off the mountain. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out for more recommendations or any real estate questions. This market is crazy right now, we can help you understand it! Happy après skiing!
X Games Aspen 2022 is officially underway and we couldn’t be more excited for this action packed weekend! Having so many people in town means there will be a lot to do, but it isn’t easy navigating this weekend without a little help. Continue reading for information on Covid safety, event scheduling, advice for attending the X Games, and some happenings in town.
Covid Safety
X Games Aspen 2022 will welcome spectators back to competition viewing and X Fest areas with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, and masks must be worn in all indoor X Games event areas except when eating or drinking. Fans 11 years old and under may attend without vaccination if accompanied by a vaccinated adult and must wear a form-fitting facemask at all times except when eating and drinking. For additional information, please visit the X Games COVID Policies Page. Buttermilk Mountain will be open to the public operating under Aspen Skiing Company guidelines and will not require proof of vaccination for skiing and snowboarding.
Event Schedule
Please visit the X Games Schedule Page for a full breakdown of events and results once the events happen.
Attendance Advice
Attending the X Games, especially at night, is not for the faint of heart. If you think you are wearing enough layers, bring one more! You’ll want to dress warmer than if you were hitting the slopes yourself, as a lot of time spent at the events will be standing still in snow. Insulation on the upper body is a must! Think anything puffy. Thick wool socks, snow boots, and gloves will be your best friends. If you don’t have any of those, check out Ute Mountaineer in downtown for a great selection. They also carry hand and foot warmers, which are always helpful. You may want to bring a camelback with water if you plan on getting to the front row for the big events and don’t want to leave your spot for hydration. Overall, be sure to dress as warm as you can and be mindful of the attendees around you. Everyone is there to have a good time and witness some of the best athletes in the world compete. Let’s create an environment that will have visitors feeling warm and welcomed!
Happenings
First off, no trip to Aspen is complete without some time on the slopes. Spend the first half of the day eating up some of the immense snowfall we experienced in late-December, early-February before attending the games or spending time in town. Want to ski Aspen Snowmass like a local? Try “The Dumps” on Ajax for steep trees and glades. The Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands offers some of the best inbounds, big-mountain terrain in North America. The bootpack up Highland Bowl is worth the effort! Find the “G Zones” off the summit or cut the hike short and drop in at “Fun Deck.” And if you venture past the roundabout and head to Snowmass look for “Sheer Bliss,” “Long Shot,” and “Sneaky’s” for long runs without crowds.
Want to experience what outdoor activities Aspen has to offer other than skiing/riding? Try ice climbing with Aspen Expeditions. Snowmobiling with T-Lazy 7 Ranch or Blazing Adventures. Or snow/fat bike rentals with Ute City Cycles. There is no shortage of ways to get engaged with the beautiful landscape around us. We highly recommend these excursions as you will get to see a side of this unique ski town that not many people get to witness.
When it comes to eating out and nightlife this weekend, it will be a challenge to find restaurants and clubs as open as they usually are. Reservations are almost a must if you want to experience Aspen in full form during X Games. However, there are still some restaurants and bars/clubs that you’ll be able to attend. As for quick eats in town that never require reservations, try: Silverpeak Grill (hamburgers, soups, salads), Big Wrap (burritos), CP Burger (gourmet burgers and ice skating), Grateful Deli (subs, paninis, salads), Highlands Taqueria (Mexican), and New York Pizza (by-the-slice pizza, subs, salads). For less exclusive bars/clubs in town where reservations aren’t essential, try: Eric’s Bar (billiards and cigar bar), Aspen Tap (local brewery with TVs), Escobar and/or 7908 (both dance clubs right across the street from one another), and Silver City Mountain Saloon (old-west themed bar with live music).
However you decide to do it, we hope you enjoy one of the biggest weekends of the year in Aspen! As always, reach out to us with any questions, real estate or non-real estate related. We are always happy to help improve your Aspen Snowmass experience.
Happy New Year from Klug Properties in Aspen, Colorado! We hope you had a fantastic holiday and got to enjoy some of the 100 inches of snow we received in December. With that much snowfall, all winter activities are in full-swing. We would like to share some of our favorite ways to experience the world-renowned beauty that is winter in Aspen.
If skiing untouched powder is at the top of your priority list during your time here, then you won’t want to miss out on booking an Aspen Mountain Powder Tour via snowcat. These tours allow pow-seekers to indulge in some of the best stashes in Colorado on the backside of Aspen Mountain as well as a gourmet lunch with breathtaking views. The tours are meant for experienced skiers/riders who are ready to tackle the backcountry, so make sure you and your crew are prepared! Both SkiCo and the Little Nell offer tours starting early in the morning. SkiCo tours fit 10 individuals at a rate of $625/person and Little Nell tours fit 12 individuals at a rate of $750/person. Both options offer group packages for a discounted rate. To book your tour, see contact information and websites below.
SkiCo Tour: PowderTours@aspensnowmass.com or 970.920.0720
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/winter/aspen-powder-tours
Little Nell Tour: SkiConcierge@thelittlenell.com or 970.920.6315
If you are looking for more of a family-friendly outing that will have all ages entertained for a full day, look no further than the snowmobile tours at T-Lazy 7 Ranch! They do offer a half-day tour, which takes you to a scenic view of the Maroon Bells after winding through mature Aspen groves, but the real magic is in the full-day lunch tours. Choose from exploring either Independence Pass or even more terrain below Maroon Bells on the Klondike Cabin tour with an expert guide who will point out impressive features in the landscape and wildlife romping through the snow. Elk sightings are very common out there! Our favorite part of the excursion has to be enjoying a T-Lazy 7 raised, grass-fed burger in the Klondike Cabin tucked away in the trees with views of 14,000 ft. Pyramid Peak. For more information, see contact information and website below.
https://www.tlazy7.com/snowmobile-tours/
Looking for more of a romantic experience with your significant other? Aspen Carriage and Sleigh can take care of that! You have the option of booking three different types of tours including the Town Tour, West End Tour, or Historic Tour. In each tour, the carriage driver will provide fun and/or historic facts about our beloved mountain town that you won’t be privy to outside of this experience. The tours always start right across the street from the legendary Paradise Bakery, allowing riders to enjoy a warm beverage during the tour. Aspen Carriage and Sleigh can also be booked for private events such as engagements, weddings, birthdays, portrait backdrops, and many more. For more information, see contact info and website below.
970.925.3394
https://www.aspencarriage.com/carriagerides.htm
Finally, if entertaining the kids is of the upmost importance, these two options at Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain will have them reminiscing for years to come! The “Breathtaker Alpine Coaster” and tubing carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp. On the coaster, riders will wind their way through over a mile of forest on an elevated track at speeds of up to 28mph. Located adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant, riders and passengers will be able to experience the thrilling ride during the day and during special “Ullr Nights”. For tubing, the multiple lanes are lift-served and offer endless fun for children, with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs at night during Ullr Nights festivities. For booking information, see contact information and websites below.
Alpine Coaster: 866.857.8769
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/summer/lost-forest/breathtaker-alpine-coaster/winter
Tubing: 866.857.8769
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/winter/tubing
Whatever you decide to do with your time in this one-of-a-kind valley, we sincerely hope you have some of the most memorable experiences to look back on for years to come! Please feel free to reach out for more recommendations or if you have any sort of real estate questions, big or small. We would be happy to help! Hope to see you on the slopes.
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and stress-free! However, for the seasoned skier/snowboarder looking to crush the best terrain possible at a new resort, finding it can be a hassle. Given that we got over a foot of snow in the last 24 hours, we would love to help you get the most out of your time on our incredible mountains in Aspen Snowmass. We asked some of our dear friends and long-time locals to give their two cents on where they ski and why. Here is what they wrote:
“By far my favorite runs on Ajax are Blazing Star and Buckhorn. I like Blazing Star because it goes right under the lift and there are multiple jumps in a row that everyone can see from the lift, so it is the perfect time to have some fun and strut your step in front of a crowd. I love Buckhorn because it is on the far skiers left side allowing beautiful views of Highlands ski area and it’s a great place to soak up the sun.”
-Alex Ferreira, 2-Time X-Games Gold Medalist, Olympic Silver Medalist, Life-long Aspen Local
"Although peak snow conditions are necessary for optimal riding, my all-time favorite run, Kessler’s, is found off the Deep Temerity lift on Aspen Highlands. The lengthy run gives a humbling perspective of fitness and offers such a diverse set of natural features for the most creative of skiers and riders to express themselves. When I’m not tearing up leftover pow on Kessler’s, you can find me laying trenches on Aspen’s classic downhill, Ruthie’s, on Ajax. Nothing better than starting your day with a high-speed groomer and an espresso from Gorsuch’s.”
- Erik Wehse, Expert Skier, Aspen Snowmass Ski Instructor, Long-time Aspen Local
“For me, on a powder day, first tracks on Kessler’s to Deep Temerity is as good as it gets but it is best super early. I agree with the above summation. It features a variety of varying pitches that will work every level of your expert skiing ability. For cut up powder, or crud, Sheer Bliss is amazing and stays solid for hours. It is good for the advanced skier and the intermediate advanced. Groomer skiing is best on Golden Horn and Thunderbowl. It is fast and much less crowded than other great groomers like Ruthies. The Highland Bowl is fantastic for powder/crud skiing. Lastly, Aspen Mountain on a powder day, Bell, Dumps, Walsh’s, it is hard not to find amazing snow.”
- David Bach, Expert Skier, KNFO Radio Host, Long-time Aspen Local
Talk about some incredible advice from trusted sources. How often do you get hometown skiing advice from a 2-Time X-Games Gold Medalist? We hope you take what you read here and tear it up on the mountains! See you out there!
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 Tuesday from Aspen Snowmass! With fresh snow overnight and spring weather today, it feels like the ideal bluebird ski day. Even though the lifts are closed, locals are still finding ways to enjoy the Power of Four Mountains. Some hike, most skin up the mountains. It’s a great form of exercise, an excuse to get outside, and a breath of fresh air, in every sense.
Aspen Skiing Company has been continuing with some grooming practices for uphill skiers, and has ever decided to honor those in 100 day pin quests. The rules to receive a 100 day pin from the skiing company are still the same as any other season and finish . In order to collect, Aspen SkiCo requests that you call their main phone line to let them know you have achieved 100 days. There are “bonus points” if you can creatively prove your feat.
If you are planning on skinning, whether it’s to complete your 100 day season or just get outside and in the mountains, there are some precautions to take. Aspen Skiing Company requests that skinners and hikers maintain social distancing, which is 6 feet minimum, or rather the length of a pair of skis. It is also required to hike in a group of four or less, to follow current CDC guidelines.
All four mountains are being groomed almost daily by SkiCo. There is fresh powder almost weekly, and fresh corduroy almost daily. There is plenty of fabulous terrain across all four mountains. Aspen Skiing Company, Mountain Rescue Aspen, and Aspen Valley Hospital ask that uphillers stay out of the backcountry during this time. For more information and updates, please visit aspentimes.com or aspendailynews.com
Have fun out there and stay safe!
Happy Friday from Aspen! The temperatures have warmed up, but the snow from last week’s storms is here to stay! Opening Day for Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski Resort is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. There is a lot to look forward to every season. This season is especially exciting with new on-mountain restaurants, in-town improvements, favorite and new events. There is something for everyone!
Formerly known as Sam’s Smokehouse, the new and improved Sam’s plans to open its doors on Opening Day, Thursday, November 28th. After a multi-million dollar remodel, guests are invited to enjoy the big views and redesigned menu. This favorite on-mountain restaurant at the Top of Sam’s Knob on Snowmass will now feature Italian and Mediterranean fare, a slipper room, and a live-action kitchen.
Snowmass Base Village will be unveiling its second phase this December. One Snowmass residences open Mid-December. One Snowmass has partnered with Inspirato to offer owners luxury homeownership as well as a membership to enjoy luxury rental properties, homes, and experiences. The Collective in Base Village will now feature a community flex space, as well as the new Mix 6 restaurant and bar. Buildings formerly known as 6, 7, and 8 will now house the new Snowmass Clinic, a local, dynamic art gallery, King Yoga, Aspen JUS, as well as an eyewear store. A second Grand Opening for the second phase of Base Village is scheduled for mid-December. For more information visit www.allinsnowmass.com
XGames returns to Aspen January 23-26, 2020. ESPN’s winter showcase signed on for another five years at Aspen Snowmass just last winter. Without an Olympics or a world championship, this event is the highlight of the winter athlete competition circuit. As of now, the only local athlete expected to compete is Alex Ferreira, who won Gold in Men’s Superpipe last year. To learn more, go to www.xgames.com/aspen
NASTAR National Championship is back at Snowmass for the first time since 2015. NASTAR stands for National Standard Race. NASTAR is the world’s largest all-level ski and snowboard race program that allows racers to compete against each other at over 100 different courses, which include Aspen and Snowmass. This season’s National Championship will be held at Snowmass March 24-28, 2020. Check out www.nastar.com/national-championships for more details and information.
Aspen has and will continue to get completely blasted with snow until early tomorrow morning. Snow accumulation is projected to be anywhere from 12 to 18 inches in Aspen with as much as 2 feet on the tops of each of our 4 mountains. Snowmass mountain has received almost 27 inches within the last three days, with 10 of those inches happening in just the last 24 hours. With a base of 45 inches and 333 out of 336 of the runs between Aspen and Snowmass open, tomorrow is going to be an epic powder day. In addition to the awesome snow, there will also be guided tours at the Aspen Art Museum, Historic Pub crawls, Historic Hotel Jerome Tours, ACES: Naturalist Night, and a Performance by violinist Jennifer Koh at the music tent. Road conditions are hazardous, so please drive safely tonight and on your way to the slopes tomorrow morning!
