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New Facilities and Upgrades at Aspen

Editor — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:37:02 +0000

Usually referred to as the Ski Co, Walter Paepcke established the Aspen Skiing Company in 1946. The company manages and operates the Aspen Snowmass resort. Located just outside the town of Aspen, the complex is divided into four skiing areas, and has become one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world. When the new skiing season is ushered in there will once again be breathtaking snow covered mountains to enjoy, along with a few new facilities that the Aspen Skiing Company has been working on to make visitors skiing vacation even more convenient and enjoyable.

To begin with, the Upper Tiehack lift and the Eagle Hill lift, located at Buttermilk, are currently under construction. The company has assigned Leitner Poma to build new lifts in place of these, as the more modern lifts will improve the travel time to almost eleven minutes, whereas the previous lifts, together, took about eighteen minutes to commute skiers. With the new lifts, skiers will be transported up the six hundred vertical foot slope in less than seven minutes, per lift. The new quad lift is hoped to bring renewed interest in the part of Buttermilk that is considered the most challenging, and the new lifts come with a price tag of $7 million. On the Tiehack side of the mountain, which is extremely underused, the crew from the Aspen Skiing Company is cleaning up the area to offer a gladed, groomed and more rolling terrain.

Back down the mountain, at Aspen Highlands, remodeling to the Merry Go Round restaurant has begun, and with $6 million being put into the remodeling and renovating project. The restaurant will feature a wonderful new kitchen with modern equipment, as well as energy efficient features being added. To bring the past and present together, the walls of the restaurant will be adorned with digital photo frames that will display live feeds, important information, as well as photos of legendary skiers of the past, as well as present day champions. Snowmass will also receive a new restaurant, replacing Café Suzanne with The Elk Camp Restaurant. As each season passes, the Aspen Skiing Company has made improvements to the resort, ensuring that the comfort of each skier is enhanced with every visit.

US Ski Resorts Reopen

Editor — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:30:01 +0000

Snowbasin is making history. For the first time it will be opening its slopes on weekends late in June, as the snowfall and cold weather has been favorable and the mountain still has enough snow to allow skiers and snowboarders an additional period of fun and excitement. It has been confirmed that as long as there remains enough snow to allow for safe winter sport activity, the resort will be open on weekends and skiers and snowboarders will be able to purchase day passes to enjoy the white slopes.

A number of other resorts, such as Aspen, have reopened their slopes for weekends, and Snowbasin is following suit, giving winter sport enthusiasts in Utah the opportunity to take advantage of this additional time. At present the snow depth at Snowbasin is at 2.5 meters and the gondola to transport skiers to the Middle bowl chairlift is open, although most the runs from this area are chiefly for intermediate skiers. Snowbasin has also managed to complete its maintenance on the Needles Gondola, which can transport skiers to the Middle Bowl Triple. The Snowbasin website has stated that the low temperatures and snowfall received late into the season has played a significant role in keeping the base of the mid mountain at a hundred inches and that it only made sense to reopen the resort over weekends while the snow is good and the demand is growing. Both snowboarders and skiers have expressed their excitement and joy over the reopening of Snowbasin, looking forward to enjoying a lengthened skiing season.

Even though some officials are worried about the risks, as it is now summer and the melting snow is a threat, Snowbasin will only be opening the slopes from 8 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, and will keep a close eye on the condition of the snow, ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders. They will close as soon as they notice that conditions have deteriorated to the extent that it could pose a threat to those enjoying the slopes. But for now, snowboarders and skiers can get their gear out and head towards Snowbasin for weekend skiing and thrilling downhill slope routes.

Winter X Games 2010

Editor — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:49:55 +0000

The Winter X Games are filled with thrills, with skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers from around the world competing at Aspen/Snowmass. The event will feature nighttime competitions with live telecasts on ABC and ESPN. Date: 28 – 31 January Venue: Buttermilk, Aspen/Snowmass City: Aspen, Colorado Country: United States of America Related posts:Winter Candlelight Hike and Ski [...] Related posts:

Après Ski

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

A vacation means fun at anytime of the day or night and the phrase après-ski says it all! A skiing vacation is much more than just skiing or snowboarding on slopes and very often skiers get together at the local pub or restaurant right after the last ski run in their ski gear. This is the traditional après-ski which originated in the Alps. Today it includes all forms of socializing by vacation skiers after they have finished skiing for the day.

Skiing vacation crowds have their favorite watering holes, cafés and discos at every resort. These are perfect places for connecting with others of similar interests and different age groups have their own haunts for fun après-ski. In fact many resorts are known more for their apres-ski pleasures than they are for the challenges they offer on the slopes.

Many ski resorts all over the world have an aura of glamour about them which often is the reason people choose them for a vacation. This is primarily because of the celebrities the resorts attract. Nothing can be more exciting on a ski vacation than spotting a famous pop star or actor on the slopes of Aspen, Colorado or a top model at St Anton, Austria. Except of course sharing a dance floor with them or a having a drink at the next table!

No wonder Aspen in America and St Anton in Europe are as famous for their après-ski as they are for their ski terrains! Other famous apres-ski resorts include Whistler which offers plenty of outdoor revelry as the ski lifts close. Garibaldi Lift Company, at the base of the Whistler Village gondola, and Merlin’s, at the base of Blackcomb are good places for a drink after skiing and are well known for their live music and mountain views.

Around the world there are famous apres-ski resorts like Bariloche in Argentina. Its nightlife, dining, outdoor activities, and casinos have made it the second most visited destination in Argentina. Chamonix-Mont Blanc is one of the most happening après-ski resorts of Europe, located strategically on the crossroads of Switzerland, Italy and France. From casinos to classical music, discos to fine dining, Chamonix offers it all.

Restaurant Guide

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

A vacation is Aspen is as much fun on the slopes as off them. This glitzy town is a vacation favorite with the rich and famous and offers exciting après-ski. There are numerous restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world and you will be spoiled for choice here. American food, contemporary or traditional is always a firm favorite with tourists and Aspen offers you a wide range of restaurants of both styles.

An age old restaurant that has been a family favorite is “Hickory House.” Popular with both locals and visitors, this steak house offers the best baby ribs you can dream of. No fancy décor to impress you, Hickory House is a cozy place to tuck into your steak or barbeque. It is one of the few places that offer a traditional southern breakfast, complete with grits.

Something more up market is “Cache Cache” (French for Hide and Seek) with Provencal and French cuisine. Their extensive wine list has several moderately priced French and Italian wines. Excellent seafood, particularly smoked salmon and rainbow trout with herb butter are popular choices. The eternal favorite is their Caesar’s Salad. Other vegetarian delights include Potato-Zucchini Cake served with herbed goat cheese and baby greens. Be sure to leave place for the superb desserts; D’anjou Pear Crisp served with creamy vanilla gelato and the Gran Marnier Chocolate Torte served with honey orange sauce and orange-vanilla gelato are to die for.

“Elevation” in the heart of Aspen’s restaurant alley is a modern American bistro with cuisine that has influences of the American south, California, South America and Asia, all integrated with classical French technique. This ground floor restaurant does not boast of a view but the contemporary classy interiors are striking and comfortable. An exciting range of appetizers from asparagus ravioli to watercress salad are served to delight the eye and palate. The entrees and lighter meals such as shrimp quesadilla with pepper-jack cheese and corn salsa are cooked to perfection. Do not resist the desserts from Grilled Pineapple Crepe to Sleepless in Aspen, a chocoholic’s dream come true.

Aspen Highlands

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Aspen Highlands, part of the Aspen Snowmass in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, is considered one the the United States’ most challenging ski areas and is very popular amongst locals and travelers alike. The mountain is an adventure from beginning to end, a maze of exciting ski trails covering the diverse snowy landscape. Aspen Highlands is a snow sport experience that should not be missed.

Aspen Highlands, opened in 1957, boasts 970 acres of winter wonderland with a vertical of 3 635 feet. Aspen Highlands is the ultimate challenge for seasoned skiers and snowboarders, but that does not exclude first-timers from the mix. The terrain can be categorized as follows: 18% beginner, 30% intermediate, 16% advanced and 36% expert. Three and a half miles is the length of Aspen Highlands’ longest run, an impressive stretch. Five lifts transport enthusiastic snow fans into this white playground. Traverse a variety of winter landscapes from wide runs to tree-lined glades, bumps and groomers. Highland Bowl is probably the most astounding feature of Aspen Highlands. Gliding through the Olympic Glades with trees whizzing past is a fantastic feeling. Then of course there is the Steeplechase, an advanced run with double-black freefalls. Aspen Highland will get your adrenalin pumping, your heart racing and put a big smile on your face.

Over and above the incomparable skiing at Aspen Highlands are the excellent facilities and services. Visitors are invited to make extensive use of the ski shop, equipment rental, restaurants, cafeterias, bars and more. New skiers will be delighted by the excellent lessons on offer by professional instructors. Whether you are interested in snowboarding, telemark, racing or extreme sport, there are lessons to suite you. Even young ones between the ages of 3 and 6 years can have a great time learning to master the powdery slopes. Limited accommodation is available at the foot of the mountain, whilst there is a larger selection just 10 minutes away. Skiing is sure to build up an appetite. Allow the Merry-Go-Round Restaurant or Cloud Nine Bistro to satisfy your hunger. A variety of outdoor summer activities are available in the Aspen Snowmass, making this a year-round adventure destination.

For an unforgettable ski experience with excellent slopes, beautiful scenery and brilliant facilities, make Aspen Highlands your next vacation destination.

Aspen Mountain

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Aspen Mountain, otherwise known as Ajax, is part of a massive snow skiing experience available to the public for the price of one ticket. Aspen is one of four resorts known as a ‘resort complex’ which are situated within a twelve-mile radius of each other and which can all be accessed with the same ticket. Further to this, you can travel between each resort by means of a free shuttle service. Put together, all this means more great slopes, more value for money and one great skiing experience.

Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk are the top four ski resorts available in the area. All four are well developed and have a wide variety of terrain, numerous lifts and trails, and tons of fresh snow. However, ultimately each resort retains some of its original identity and this is why many choose Aspen Mountain over some of the other resorts as their destination of choice.

Ajax is situated in the heart of Aspen at a magnificent 11 212 ft. It features 76 great trails that are spread out over 673 acres of mountain. The mountain itself is known for bumps and steep inclines and is very popular amongst intermediate and advanced skiers. Aspen Mountain features a 3 267 ft vertical drop and eight ski lifts to help get you to the beginning of the trail.

This magnificent mountain offers something for everyone. Alpine skiing is a popular choice, but snowboarders will be able to enjoy numerous trails as well as a terrain park and a half pipe. Cross-country skiing takes the form of a 65 km trail and the longest alpine trail measures 15 840 ft. For the more adventurous, there are snowshoe trails, Snowcat tours and snow tubing. Of the ski trails available, 48% are intermediate, 26% are advanced and 26% are for experts only. There are no beginner trails on this side of the mountain, though children’s and women’s programs are offered and child-care is available.

If you’re not skiing, you’ll find an awesome variety of other activities to enjoy. You may want to settle your appetite at one of the three great restaurants available. All three restaurants are housed in the same building, which features 30 ft ceilings, a stunning rock fireplace and a perch over the mountain at 11 212 ft. The restaurants are Sundeck, Benedicts and the Aspen Mountain Club, which is semi-private. When you’re done eating, you will find that the town of Aspen has a rich cultural heritage and some of the most unique bistros available.

For those who have no desire to cart their equipment around, you may organise to have your equipment stored here overnight and even have it tuned, waxed or repaired for an additional charge. So why wait another second? Book your accommodation at Aspen Mountain now and discover the ultimate winter getaway spot.

Buttermilk

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Part of the Aspen/Snowmass resort complex, Buttermilk Ski Resort has everything you’ll need for a great skiing vacation. It features an impressive 44 trails spread out over 435 acres, with 9 lifts to help you get to the top as quickly as possible. When you combine this with free and easy access to any of the other three resorts in the resort complex, you’ll quickly discover the unlimited potential that Buttermilk has.

Buttermilk is considered to be one of the best learning mountains in the country. An astonishing 74% of the ski and snowboard terrain is rated beginner or intermediate. Despite this it has hosted the ESPN Winter X Games for a number of years. Buttermilk has trails for Alpine skiing and snowboarding and features two terrain parks and one superpipe. The trails are rated as follows: 35% beginner, 39% intermediate, 26% advanced. Buttermilk also offers child care, and women’s and children’s programs, as well as lessons and equipment rental.

The mountain resort features a summit elevation of 9 900 ft and a vertical drop of 2 030 ft. It enjoys 200 inches of annual snowfall and a large portion of it is groomed each evening. The longest run available at Buttermilk is 15 840 ft in length. The annual X Games competitions are exciting and feature slopestyle, halfpipe, motocross, skier X, boarder X and slalom amongst other things. If you’re lucky and experienced enough, you may be able to try your hand at some of these events shortly after the games have ended.

Buttermilk Ski Resort is open daily between December and April each year but is closed to skiers at night. Of course, inclement weather may delay the resort’s opening, but by and large weather conditions are great. There are also a variety of restaurants available and you can choose your accommodation from any number of providers. Start booking now for a great skiing vacation.

Snowmass

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

As part of the Aspen/Snowmass resort complex, Snowmass has a lot to offer. Not only does staying at the resort mean that you gain cheap and easy access to three other great resorts, but the Snowmass Mountain is one of the largest mountains in Aspen. This impressive 12 510 ft peak has 3 128 acres of ski-able land that is varied and offers easy runs for beginners and challenging runs for more advanced skiers. It also has something to offer snowboarders, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Both skiers and boarders will be happy to know that there are some 88 great trails available on this magnificent slope. Of these, 6% are rated beginner, 50% are rated intermediate, 12% are rated advanced and 32% are graded expert. This means that regardless of what level skier you are, you can bring family and friends and all can make full use of the slopes. The runs are easily accessed by making use of the 22 ski lifts provided and there are 65 kilometres of great cross-country trails available. For something different there is also the option of snow tubing, snowcat rides, dog sledding, sleigh rides and sledding.

Snowmass also features three great terrain parks, one minipipe and one superpipe and a railyard. It is one of the best places you can go to practise your skills in the Aspen area. Both snowboarding and skiing courses are available and you will find that these courses cater to both beginners and to more advanced sportsmen and women. If you’ve brought the children along, you can be sure they will be entertained, since there are children’s courses available and a great child-care facility.

When hunger strikes, you can try Brother’s Grill, Grill on the Deck, Little Dill, Sage, The Stew Pot, La Province Restaurant and Bar and Margarita Grill, to name a few delicious diners. Lodging is readily available in the form of luxury homes, condos, hotels and lodges and many of them provide great value-for-money services.

In summer the snow melts and gives way to an awesome wilderness area. It is during this time of the year that you can enjoy four-wheel-drive tours, balloon rides, mountain biking, chairlift rides, wall climbing, fly fishing, Frisbee golf, golf, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain boarding, paragliding, rafting, rodeo shows, tennis and zipline. Live theatre performances, movie screenings, spa treatments, worship services and a variety of nightlife options are usually available year-round.

Snowmass enjoys 300 inches of annual snowfall between November and April each year, which means they’re open for business for most of the season. Why not get there early and beat the rush? Choose Snowmass for a great winter vacation!

Upcoming Buttermilk Improvements

Editor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:30:51 +0000

With its four magnificent peaks – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – Aspen Snowmass is a very popular snow skiing destination. Recent upgrades at the Snowmass Ski Area offer world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities to the many snow sport enthusiasts that visit each year. In an ongoing effort to maintain high standards, Aspen Skiing Co. is seeking approvals to carry out improvements on Buttermilk’s skiing facilities, including a new Tiehack lift, as well as nearly doubling up on the current snowmaking capacity.

The upper two-thirds of Buttermilk Mountain are owned by the U.S. Forest Service, while the lower third is private land that falls within Pitkin County. The Aspen Skiing Co. owns approximately twenty acres at the base of the mountain. Application will be made to Pitkin County for approval of a new development that is planned for the base of Buttermilk. During the past eleven years development proposals for the base area have twice been put forward, and twice withdrawn. However, with the increasing popularity of the area, it is anticipated that developments will go ahead in the not too distant future.

The plan submitted to the U.S. Forest Services includes a request for the use of the Cliffhouse restaurant at night on a year-round basis, not just in winter as is currently the case, as well as permission to build what has been termed as “private dining ski clubs”. A new ski area master plan for Buttermilk is currently being analyzed by the U.S. Forest Services, which will take into account possible environmental issues. The plan includes re-grading the summit of Buttermilk, a new ski patrol building, as well as a Nordic jump venue to service the Racer’s Edge and Javelin trails.

Buttermilk Ski Area is considered to be the easiest skiing mountain in Aspen and is home to some of the best children’s programs and ski schools in the United States. It also serves as a venue for the ESPN Winter X-Games – which includes skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. This well supported competition attracts top winter extreme sport athletes from around the world to compete in a host of events, with gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as prize money, up for grabs.

Plans for summer-season developments include lift-served mountain biking, children’s summer camp activities and multiple concerts, competitions and performances. With all the planned improvements and developments, Buttermilk looks set to become the destination of choice for more snow skiing enthusiasts in the future.