JenEngel

Aspen can be just as exciting in the off-season as it is during the winter–just a different kind of excitement. Mother Nature graced us with a spring snow storm, leaving 6-12 inches of snow in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.  See photos below of Aspen’s current state as of April 29th , 2010.

The snow continues to fall throughout today and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Saturday morning.  Before the storm moves through the area, forecasters say 1 to 2 feet of snow will fall. Requests to Aspen Skiing Co. to open the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain have been ignored.

UPDATE:  the sale of the Limelight Lodge was official on April 13th, 2010. Aspen Skiing Co. purchased the property and hotel operations for $37.9 million. Retaining 97% of the employees who wished to stay, Aspen Skiing Co. also hired a new General Manager. Richard Stettner from Denver will be taking over the leadership position for this property.

In addition, two of the three penthouses are under contract and are scheduled to close by June, 2010.

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Aspen Skiing Company announced that they will keep the lifts running on Aspen Mountain for the weekends of April 17th-18th and April 24th-25th.   Aspen locals and visitors alike are quite excited!

The regular season closes April 11th for both Aspen and Snowmass Mountain.  The final day of the season for Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands is April 4th. (more…)

Every March hails the sun meeting the snow in Aspen and the annual Wine Party at Blondie’s Cabin on Aspen Mountain. This annual party has a wonderful turnout every year, with characters aplenty. (more…)

Finally digging out from the 3 days of heavy snowfall, Aspen Skiing Co. is doing more than just inviting everyone to enjoy the new 18″ of fresh powder. ASC is offering discounts to all season pass holders on tickets and food. Thank you Skico! (more…)

This winter season in Aspen and Snowmass Village began with two amazing hotels opening for business. Viceroy Snowmass and The Little Nell both cater to the Aspen traveler looking for fantastic ski-in/ski-out access and luxurious accomodations. (more…)

The I-Phone offers a slew of applications, including two that will bring Aspen to your hand. These are a must have for the ski season.

Aspen Shines at www.aspenshines.com/iphone
Vacationing in Aspen and want to know what to do off of the slopes? Download the Aspen Shines app on your I-phone and have direct access to the local restaurants, hot spots and events for Aspen.

Alpine Trail Maps by www.appsafari.com
Alpine Trail Maps has  numerous maps of  ski resorts, including all four of the Aspen/Snowmass ski areas.  Never fumble with a large map again! You will always know where you are on Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk or Aspen Highlands.

These two applications are very easy to use and a must-have for the ski season.

Aspen is currently experiencing its first big winter storm, with heavy snowfall of up to 16 inches expected through Thursday evening.  According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning will be in effect for the mountains surrounding Aspen until 6pm Thursday.

In anticipation of the storm, the Colorado Department of Transportation temporarily closed Highway 82 over Independence Pass on Tuesday at 3 p.m.  CDOT anticipates reopening the pass after the storm if possible, until it closes for the winter season on November 7th.

Skiers and snowboarders, get ready for a great 2009/2010 season!

Mike Kaplan, the CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, met with Snowmass Village Town Council for their biannual meeting. On-mountain plans, skier visits and other updates were on the agenda, but the largest  item of business is the future of Base Village, the partially built one million-square-foot development. (more…)

Aspen Highlands Bowl

After a warm dry spell, another storm system has moved into Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.  4-8 inches of snow is expected in the Aspen area on Thursday.  Aspen Highlands Mountain received 13 inches of new snow on Tuesday morning and received 16 inches in total over a two-day period.  Snowmass reported 7 inches of new snow early Tuesday and 11 inches total over two days, while Aspen Mountain received 4 inches on Tuesday and 8 inches total for Monday and Tuesday.

Snow is likely to continue Wednesday and Thursday, with a 30 percent chance for snow on Friday.  Get out there and enjoy the fresh powder during the last couple weeks of ski season!  Aspen & Snowmass Mountains close on Easter Sunday which is April 12th, and Aspen Highlands & Buttermilk Mountains close April 5th.