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!
Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day Celebration! Be safe and have fun! Check out the full event schedule below!
| 8 a.m. | BOOGIES BUDDY RACE Rio Grande Park Free Vendor Village, race is $45/$50 to enter. Boogies Buddy Race is one of the most widely anticipated activities of the Fourth of July week in Aspen. In its 32nd year, the event will take place on the morning of July 4th, with a 5-mile USA Track & Field certified competitive race and a 1-mile Family and Canine run/walk. Over 1,000 participants (50% local, 50% national), along with hundreds of observers and celebrants, kick off the Fourth of July in style at this family-friendly event. Online registration available here! Buddy Program, www.buddyprogram.org, 970-920-2130 |
| 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | KID’S PARADE BICYCLE DECORATING PAEPCKE PARK (South East Corner) Kid’s bicycle decoration for the 4th of July Parade! Helmets are REQURIED to ride in the parade! (this includes adults!) FREE to participate! |
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10 a.m. - |
18TH ANNUAL “AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY CARNIVAL" |
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11 a.m. |
OLD FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY PARADE |
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12 - 3 p.m. |
AVSC JULY 4TH COMMUNITY PICNIC |
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4 p.m. |
THE ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL & SCHOOL'S FREE FOURTH OF JULY CONCERT |
| 6 p.m. | RAGTIME (early performance) The Hurst Theatre in Rio Grande Park Change and progress crescendo in 1900s New York as the voices of celebrities, anarchists, immigrants, the rich, and the poor intertwine in this epic musical. The promise of a brighter tomorrow unites an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring Harlem musician. Ages 10+. Tickets required. Purchase tickets in person, by phone, or via our website Theatre Aspen, www.theatreaspen.org, Box Office: 970-300-4474 |
5 - 9 p.m. |
ASPEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. BLOCK PARTY & FUNDRAISER In front of Aspen Volunteer Fire Station (Street Closure) FREE to attend community concert and fundraiser for the Aspen Volunteer Fire Dept. & Mountain Rescue. Join the AVFD and Mountain Rescue for live music, food and beer garden after the parade. Free to attend, and all food & drink proceeds go to the AVFD and Mountain Rescue. |
| 9:15 p.m. |
4TH OF JULY DRONE LIGHT SHOW |
| 9:30 p.m. | THIEVERY CORPORATION Belly Up Aspen Returning for their annual 4th of July Shows! Five of their albums peaked within the top 3 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart & five album reached top 10 on the Independent Albums chart! Festival plays include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits & Bonnaroo. Check the Belly Up website for additional shows! Tickets Required. Belly Up Aspen, Box Office, www.bellyupaspen.com , 970.544.9800 |
