JenEngel

It’s going to be even easier for visitors to get from Aspen to Chicago this summer. For the first time, United will offer a nonstop direct flight from Chicago to Aspen on Saturdays during the summer months.  The return flight will require a brief stop in Denver for refueling.

Until the Aspen airport runway is extended (plans are in the works), weight restrictions on takeoff during the warmer summer months prohibit a direct flight back to Chicago.  According to Bill Tomcich, President pf Stay Aspen Snowmass and also the resort’s liason to the airline industry,  the number of seats serving Aspen this summer will be up five to seven percent on United and Frontier.  In addition, the number of people who got on a commercial flight increased by 15 percent last winter, between December and April.

Average airfares for Aspen travelers were down 17 percent last year.  The average fare was $232 in 2009, down from $278 in 2008.  Tomcich added that United and Frontier remain pleased with the performance of the Aspen market.

A new restaurant will open in Aspen on May 20th, very apropo since the restaurant is named 520 Grill.  Wheaton Augur and Troy Selby have teamed up to bring Aspen a “healthy” burger joint located one block from the Silver Queen Gondola. (more…)

Aspen will once again be hosting the Food & Wine Classic this June 18-20. To increase attendance, organizers of the have added several “a la carte” options, meaning thatcertain happenings are accessible to those who may not have purchased a pass for the entire weekend. (more…)

 The Little Nell, Aspen’s only five-star, five diamond hotel, was featured in the June 2010 issue of Architectural Digest Magazine.  Since its opening in 1989, this incredibly chic hotel has maintained an impeccable reputation.  On its 20th anniversary in late 2009, the hotel underwent a major renovation. (more…)

Seven years ago, Snowmass Village began the Chili Pepper and Brew Festival as a way to kick off the summer season in a spicy way! Now, the festival is bigger, better and ready for the masses. (more…)

United and Continental Airlines have proposed a merger, which could be great news for Aspen. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport authorities hope this merger will increase the flights and/or make it more convenient for visitors from Dallas and Houston.  (more…)

Aspen Appraisal Group released its 2009 real estate market overview and figures were down from 2008 and 2007, as expected. Yet, the current market conditions reflect positively for real estate investors who want to buy property.

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