What draws people to Aspen? This has been an age old question that only visitors of Aspen know the answer to. Is it the variety of terrain? The fabulous lodging options? The special events? Well, all of the above.

Aspen – Founded during the silver boom in 1879, this Colorado Ski town has solidified its’ place on the map as one of the most renowned ski destinations in the world. When I used to hear someone talk about “Aspen”, Hollywood, high-society, and world-class skiing often came to mind. While, yes, Aspen does encompass all of these things, behind the glitz and glam Aspen is a true locals’ town. Its down to earth vibe and unique mountain culture make it a place that is hard to resist for locals and visitors alike.

 

The Power of Four: A weekend trip simply isn’t going to do it here. At Aspen/Snowmass there are four mountains to ski! Right out of the center of town there is the Silver Queen Gondola that takes you up to Aspen Mountain, best known for its steep, black-diamond terrain. Just outside of town you have Aspen Highlands, a locals’ favorite for over 50 years. At Highlands you can hike to the summit of Highland Bowl at 12,392 feet and reap the benefits by skiing fresh powder. At Buttermilk Mountain, home to the Winter X Games, you can take it easy or challenge yourself at the park which was voted by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s as the Best Park. Buttermilk not only hosts some of the best riders and skiers in the world, but also serves as a great mountain for beginners and families to ski due to its smooth and easy rolling trails. Fifteen minutes away is Snowmass, the mountain you can’t discover in just one day of skiing. Boasting a massive 3,132 acres of terrain, Snowmass also providers skiiers with the most vertical feet in the country (4,406 ft).

World Class Lodging: Aspen’s lodging collection promises to inspire even the most discerning traveler. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the Dancing Bear Private Residence Club is one of a kind. The Dancing Bear blends Aspen’s sophistication into a luxurious downtown retreat, offering guests nothing but the finest resort amenities and personal service. Another favorite is the Little Nell and Residences at the Little Nell. Located slope-side on Aspen Mountain, the Little Nell collection features private condos and hotel style residences, all boasting state-of-the-art amenities in a location that can’t be beat. Aspen ski in ski out lodging and Snowmass ski in ski out lodging options are quiet impressive, spanning to offer private homes, condos and hotels to fit most budgets and all lodging desires.

Special Events: With such an incredible landscape and set-up, it’s no surprise that Aspen is host to a multitude of special events throughout the year that draw in spectators and participants from around the globe. Some of Aspen’s featured events are the Winter X Games, FOOD & WINE Classic of Aspen, and 12 Days of Aspen. However, Aspen also hosts smaller, unique events throughout that year that make for a truly special experience for visitors to Aspen. Learn more about events throughout the year in Aspen at www.AspenChamber.org.

Aspen is truly a gem in the mountains of Colorado – A place that seems to get better every time I visit and always leaves me wanting more. Learn more about Aspen lodging, skiing and special events by calling our local, Aspen Destination Specialist at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today.

This year (well, technically next year in 2012) will mark Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 35^th anniversary of hosting the event. Running from January 15-22 in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, this GLBT friendly event is expected to be a blast as always. They are pulling out the stops this year for the anniversary, and will be celebrating the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by hosting decade themed parties throughout the week. And remember to bring your best and/or most outlandish outfits because there will be prizes given away at the decade themed parties throughout the week! These parties are not the only thing going on for Aspen Gay Ski Week—there is an opening cocktail reception, a pool party, après ski parties, a Downhill Costume Parade and a comedy show.

Here’s some footage from last year’s Downhill Costume Parade (from PlumTV):

Participants are able to purchase a single pass (the Patron Pass) for $750 that will not only include admission to the aforementioned events and activities, but also VIP access to all of the events, a 1 day lift ticket, and a week long pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. Be sure to take advantage of this pass—unpackaged it costs $1025. Also, the ticket price includes a charitable donation to The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), so you can SAVE BIG while knowing that you also made a donation to charity. There are various other passes available as well, and you can also buy tickets to each individual event at the door. Here is a schedule of events to take place during the week:

Sunday

• Hospitality Suite  – 8 am
• Apres Ski Hot Tub Parties @Limelight Lodge – 3 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Ellina – 6 pm
• Opening Party @Baldwin Gallery – 9 pm
• Late Night @Escobar- 11:58 pm

Monday

• Friendship Dinner @L’Hostaria – 6 pm
• Film “3″ @Wheeler Opera House- 8:15 pm
• Late Night: 70s Glow Party @Hunter Bar – 10 pm

Tuesday

• Friendship Dinner @St. Regis – 6 pm
• Film “Going Down in La-La Land” @Wheeler Opera House – 7:15 pm
• Late Night: 80s Prom @Escobar – 10 pm

Wednesday

• Aspen Club & Spa Day – 8 am
• Friendship Dinner @Elevation – 6 pm
• Boutique Night – 6:30 pm
• Late Night @Caribou Club – 10 pm

Thursday

• Friendship Dinner @Gisella – 6 pm
• Play Reading “Unmarried in America” @Wheeler Opera House – 7 pm
• Comedy Night: Demented Divas @Belly Up – 9 pm
• Late Night @Belly Up – 9 pm

Friday

• Downhill Costume Parade & Contest @ Aspen Mountain – 12 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Cache Cache – 6 pm
• Late Night: Studio 2054 Party @Sundeck – 9 pm

Saturday

• Friendship Dinner @Brexi – 6 pm
• Weekend Pool Party @Aspen Recreation Center – 9 pm

 

The Limelight Lodge is the official sponsor of Aspen Gay Ski Week, so this will definitely be where it’s happening. This stylish lodge is located right in the town of aspen and has a pool and hot-tub, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast, among other things. Also, the lodge is pet friendly! So be sure to bring your dog along for a great week in Aspen. This property is booking fast, however, so be sure to check out some of our other lodging options just in case.

 

Aspen Gay Ski week is the GLBT travel event of the winter, so be sure to come check it out! Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book the perfect Aspen Gay Ski Week vacation!

Mountains’ terrain is constantly changing, especially at the beginning of the season. So here’s a quick look at whats going on in the Colorado Rockies this weekend.

Aspen/Snowmass

This weekend, Aspen Highlands will open parts of Highland Bowl, Steeplechase and Temerity. Buttermilk will start its season by opening its Tiehack Express lift on Saturday. This now means that top-to-bottom skiing will be available at the 4 Aspen/Snowmass mountains. This is great news for the area, as the year has gotten off to a slow start. Also, the remodeled Merry-Go-Round on-mountain restaurant will open today at Aspen Highlands **show up from 1-3 for an opening day party!

Breckenridge

Peak 7 opened today at Breckenridge, expanding their terrain to 420 acres out of the available 2,358. While there is still much to be opened at Breckenridge, the opening of Peak 7 is great improvement to the mountain.

Vail

Parts of Game Creek Bowl are set to open today, giving skiers even more access to Vail. While the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are still some time away from opening, expanding access to Game Creek Bowl with the Game Creek Express Lift marks the start of a great winter.

Keystone

Keystone’s Main Street Jump Line is set to open this weekend, which often deemed as some of the best jumps in the nation. Pro ski and snowboard teams come to Keystone every year to film and train on these jumps.

Beaver Creek

There are big things going on in Beaver Creek this weekend with the opening of 4 new lifts. Rose Bowl is opening up with a new high speed quad, Upper and Lower Beaver Creek Express will be running. and finally the Riverfront Gondola will be opening. These changes will all take place on Saturday, just in time for a great weekend in the mountains.

 

So come visit the Colorado Rockies this winter and be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Every year since 2001, Aspen has been hosting the Winter X Games. And every year, they up the ante and get more creative and intense with their jumps, terrain features and race tracks. This year will be no exception.

Winter X Games 16 will return again to beautiful Aspen, Colorado from January 26-29, 2012. Last year, various milestones were set, including the first triple cork in a snowboard competition, the first 1080 by a woman in the superpipe, the first 4-peat gold by Shaun White in the superpipe, and the Moore brothers did a back flip on a snowmobile—together (however they were disqualified from the event since the event was for “individuals”). The event grows bigger each year as athletes and judges continue to raise their performance expectations, along with the growing popularity of snow sports in general. Last year broke their previous attendance record of 85,100 and reset the bar at 114,200. Attendance is expected to increase again, making Winter X Games 16 the biggest Winter X Games yet.

There are also a handful of returning athletes with big expectations: Shaun White, Scotty Lago, Louie Vito, Gretchen Bleier, Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, Kevin Rolland, Sebastien Toutant,Torstein Horgmo,  Sarah Burke, Lindsey Jacobellis, Daniel Bodin, and a handful of others.

Here is the schedule throughout the weekend:

Thursday, Jan 26:

10:30 am – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Elimination

1:30 pm – Women’s Ski Slopestyle Final

2:30 pm – Snowboard Street Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Freestyle Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Final

 

Friday, Jan 27:

10:30 am – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Elimination

11:30 am – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Qualifying

1:30 pm – Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

2 pm – Men’s & Women’s Snowboarder X Qualifying

3:30 pm – Adaptive Snowboarder X Exhibition

6:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Elimination

8:30 pm – Snowbaord Big Air Final

9 pm – Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

 

Saturday, Jan 28:

9:30 am – Mono Skier X Qualifying

11 am – Women’s Ski SuperPipe Final

12:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Final

2 pm – Men’s & Wome’s Snowboarder X Final

6:45 pm – Ski Big Air Final

7:30 pm – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

 

Sunday, Jan 29:

12 pm – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Final

12:15 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Elimination

2:45 pm  – Mono Skier X Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Best Trick Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

 

Television coverage for this event can be found on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN 3D. Internet coverage can be found on espn.com/action, xgames.com and espn3.com.  And don’t forget to check out all of last year’s footage to get stoked for this year.

When searching for lodging in Aspen or Snowmass for the X Games, be sure to contact us for the best deals. Also, our complimentary full service concierge will take care of all your ski rentals, lift tickets, and transportation to and from the airport.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized X Games Vacation today!

Aspen Vacation Events: Taste buds are a strange thing don’t you think?  I’ve never really been one to eat anything spicy for as long as I can remember, but then one day over the summer I just started really liking it.  I started off with mild and gradually grew to medium and now I can’t seem to eat much of anything without first looking for hot sauce.  As everyone knows, it’s never a good idea to drink water with anything hot, so, for me, I love to pair my spicy meal with a good beer or wine.  If you’re like me, then you probably want to go to the 8^th Annual Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew Fest!


Taking place on the weekend of June 3^rd and 4^th, there will be two chili competitions and tastings, over 70 brew samplings, and amazing musical performances.  New to the festival this year will be a tent featuring European and exotic beers making this one of the most premiere music and beer festivals in the nation!  Don’t forget that there is an after party at the Viceroy Hotel for all you crazy partiers. You will not want to miss this.


If you’re looking to try something new this year and enjoy good  music, good food, and good beer be sure to book your trip now!  Tickets are sure to sell out so make sure you get yours in advance.  For more events, be sure to check out our events calendar in each of our destinations!  And of course,  contact your friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for all your lodging needs at the festival. Check out the Snowmass Colorado Calendar of Events for more family fun!

     Aspen Ski Vacation Events: Fashion has always been something that I followed closely growing and moving to a mountain town I feel like I haven’t even thought about it.  Living in a town where wearing sweatshirts and spandex is the norm I was quick to be in a cultural shock after traveling to the city for the night.  After making a quick trip to Denver Monday night I felt like I had been out of the fashion world for years when in reality it has only been a few months.  


     Aspen has been lucky enough to be enjoying the 2011 Aspen Fashion Week going on now and ending March 17th. Designers at this event will be presenting their 2011/2012 winter apparel. The show has been full of consumers, buyers, trendsetters, editors, and creative designers including Authier, Burton, Dannenmann, J. Crew, Marmot, and Sypder just to name a few.  


     So I have been proven wrong it looks as though fashion does exist in the mountains. Next year I will be sure to make it to the 2012 Aspen Fashion Week to catch up on all the winter gear and apparel.  For lodging and information for the event make sure to contact your friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Find More Aspen Colorado Events

I’ve always been a bit of a music fanatic growing up. Though, with parents who are from a small village in China, I didn’t exactly have a broad range of music to choose from. Their music did help me develop an appreciation for cultural tunes though. It wasn’t until recently that I developed a love for jazz. I had an amazing opportunity over the summer to visit New Orleans twice and decided to stop into Preservation Hall, and thus, my love for jazz was born. I had no idea that I would find quality jazz in the middle of the mountains of Colorado, but I was pleasantly surprised by the discovery of Jazz Aspen Snowmass.


Like Preservation Hall, JAS aims to preserve Jazz in its purest form. Since 1991, the JAS hosts a June Festival filled with amazing performances. It is a ten day event with free and paid events featuring world-class musicians at the Benedict Music Tent. The entire line-up for the event hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s sure to be filled with performances that you don’t want to miss. Tickets for the 2011 June Festival will go on sale Monday, March 14, ticket prices are listed below:

June Festival Ticket Pricing (price includes all service charges)


Friday, June 24
Res A – $60
Res B – $40
GA – $20


Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26
Res A – $100
Res B – $80
GA – $60


I can’t wait until the festival! It’s only a few months away and I can already hear the trombones, trumpets, and my favorite, the saxophones. If you’re a fellow music lover, then I highly suggest you get your tickets! Maybe I’ll see you out there in June. Be sure to contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for all your lodging needs!

At age 26, I’d hardly call myself a wine or food connoisseur, but nevertheless, I’ve always appreciated a delicious meal paired with the perfect glass of wine. Haven’t you ever wondered about the science behind the preparation of a meal or how to choose the right wine to go with your food? I certainly have, so when I found out about the Aspen Wine and Food Classic on June 17-19, I immediately marked it on my calendar.


I’ve always felt that I have a more mature palette and adventurous personality when it came to trying food, so after seeing the itinerary for the week, it piqued my interest even more. The weekend will be filled with chefs, wine experts, and crowd-pleasing speakers. World-class chefs will be coming in from around the world to share a sampling of their life’s work. Even if I go for just a day, I’m sure I’ll come away with an abundance of knowledge on anything from cheese, family cooking, and of course, wines.


So, whether you want to learn about wines, find some new recipes, or just appreciate good food and company be sure to get your ticket to the Aspen Food and Wine Classic today! 2% of every Classic ticket sold will go towards the Grow for Good campaign. The Grow for Good Campaign is a national initiative dedicated to supporting local farms and encouraging sustainable agriculture. Lastly, don’t forget to contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging needs.

March 1st is quickly approaching and my mind is slowly filling with thoughts of spring.  Melting snow, blooming flowers, less clothing, and warmer weather.  Overall, I’m going to have to start thinking about how I’m going to loose this holiday weight.  What better way than to start training for the Aspen Cycling Festival?  Taking place this year on May 20-22, the festival is a combination of two popular events, Ride for the Pass and the Aspen Cycling Criterium.  With exciting new additions this year such as special lodging rates, Sundog Athletics Criterium skills clinic, kids races/activities and over $7000.00 in cash prizes, the weekend is perfect for any cycling enthusiasts and their family.

If you’re looking for an endurance challenge, Ride for the Pass will definitely be that.  The course spans over 10 miles and gains approximately 2,500 feet of elevation from 8,500 feet to 11,100 feet.  Not only will this event help me shed those unwanted pounds, but it also allows me to fulfill my new years resolution to be more charitable.  Ride for the Pass is a charity bike race to benefit the Independence Pass Foundation.  Day two of the festival is the Aspen Cycling Criterium.  Sure to get your heart pumping, athletes race around the heart of downtown Aspen at average speeds of 28mph and higher.  The track spans .9 miles and is full of sharp curves to keep you on your toes.

So, if you’re new years goals are anything like mine, or if you’re just looking for a challenge this spring, head to Aspen for the Aspen Cycling Festival.  Registration for the event doesn’t begin for another couple weeks, but it’s never too early to start training.  Be sure to contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging needs.

This year at the X Games in Aspen, there will be some big, local names. Seth Wescott, winner of two Olympic gold medals and three X Games silver medals. Gretchen Bleiler, Olympic silver medalist and four-time X Games gold medalist. Nate Holland, winner of five X Games gold medals. There will also be some big ideas going around, and the International Olympic Committee will be paying attention.

Superpipe skier Jen Hudak will be practicing her Russian behind the scenes, as rumor has it the IOC is adding the competition to the 2014 Sochi games. The women’s ski superpipe final is tomorrow in Aspen, and the men’s final is on Friday. Men’s and women’s skiing slopestyle and snowboard slopestyle are other events being considered for the next Winter Olympics, and you can catch a preview at this year’s X Games. All the events are taking place on Buttermilk Mountain and are open to the public.

Skiing slopestyle men’s elimination and women’s final take place tomorrow, Thursday, January 27 at 1:00 pm. If you can’t make it up the mountain until the weekend, make sure you catch the men’s final on Saturday at 2:30 pm. The snowboard slopestyle men’s and women’s finals are both on Sunday. Check out ESPN for the complete schedule and get some help with your accommodations from your friendly, knowledgeable locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Nothing is more exciting than watching winter sports live.  The incredible talent and dedication these athletes have is unbelievable.  I am so excited to be going to the Winter X Games in Aspen. I have only seen winter sports on TV and I have always thought how amazing it would be to actually be there. Seeing the energy and excitement at these events I cannot wait to experience this myself!

ESPN Winter X Games 15 is right around the corner.  Two weeks marks the start of the X Games in Aspen/Snowmass.  This event brings in more than 250 ski, snowboard, and snowmobile athletes from across the globe!  The X Games are held at the base of Buttermilk Mountain and is free to the public, so there is no excuse to miss this awesome event in Aspen! The event beings on Thursday January 27^th and ends on Sunday January 30^th. In addition to the X Games there will be a complimentary Bud Light Hi-Fi concert at the base of Aspen Mountain featuring Big Boi on Saturday January 20^th.  If you cant make it to this awesome event check it out on ESPN an ESPN2 for 24-hour live coverage of the games.

It is not too late to plan your trip to the Winter X Games in Aspen/Snowmass. For lodging, lift tickets, and much more contract your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to help you plan your trip!

When you think Mardi Gras, you may not think of Aspen. Think again. Snowmass actually celebrates Fat Tuesday with one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes in the country. The party starts at the crack of dawn with The Mother of All Ascensions – an extremely wacky, costumed, 1,741-foot uphill snowshoe race. The rest of the day is fully packed with outrageous events for all to enjoy. Other events include King Cake Giveaways, a Kids Carnival, Mask Making, a Parade, a Massive Bead Throw, and an After Parade Party.

The snowshoe race is the kick-off of all Mardi-Gras celebrations that leads from the bottom of Fanny Hill and ends at Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Last year there was a total of $15,000 in prizes awarded! The untraditional categories includes Best Time, Worst Time, and Best Costume, to name a few.

The Massive Beadthrow involves tossing 24,000 beads. Lucky catchers will be able to win a piece of the King Cake as well as a chance to win a Grand Prize. Last year, the prize was a snowboard donated by sponsor, Jagermeister. Other prizes included gear from Camelback, Boleri, Gyro, and many others!

The parade, which is most likely the wackiest parade in the Rocky Mountains, features kings and queens, mountain jesters, jugglers, jokers, and feather-festooned fools riding their floats through Snowmass Village. Of course, no parade would be complete without the bagpipes and dancers, too! The parade is open to floats and all in costume! So suit up and join in on the fun!

As the sun goes down, the party is only starting. Snowmass remains lit up with purple, gold, and green, and the live music, giveaways, drink specials, and partying go on until the wee hours. Many bars and restaurants will be featuring their own parties as well!

Mardi Gras in Snowmass is March 8, 2011! So gather your friends, and reserve the trip of a lifetime!

Ready for some super sweet competitions this winter? I know I certainly am.  For years I was an alpine ski racer, and I think it is fair to say I have never let my competitive blood run dry.   Growing up on the east coast, there is not much for freeride racing, although I really wish there were because I would have loved to get into it while I was still in my racing career.  Although I may not be racing anymore thanks to a few knee injuries, I still love going to competitions of all types. One event in particular I am extremely excited about is the Colorado Freeride Series & Championship, which will be held February 25-27, 2011 at Snowmass in Aspen, CO.  Alpine racing is much different from freeride racing; there is no course to follow, you choose your own line and interpret it as best possible. Personally, I think the freeride competitions are much more exciting than any other type of competition.  Given that each racer picks their own line, it truly makes it a game of strategy for both the mind and body.

The three-day competition includes skiers and snowboarders each divided into two actions – men & women. Some of the biggest names in the industry hit the mountain to show off everything they’ve got on Snowmass’ cliff-littered experts-only terrain. Last year’s competition rang in over 100 riders, giving a stunning show to all spectators. Each rider has two runs and is judged on a point system by five judges over a three day period.

The Colorado Freeride Series is one of the stops on the IFSA North American Freeride Tour.  Therefore, the competitors are able to gain points overtime for a national title. Winners for last year’s competition were Patrick “Packy” Wesfeldt (Men’s Skiing), Liz Norton (Women’s Skiing), Dave Watson (Men’s Snowboarding), and Ivana Crone (Women’s Snowboarding).

The Aspen Winternational Audi FIS Alpine Cup is being held on Aspen Mountain November 27th and 28th. The fastest female skiers in the world will once again be hitting the slopes to participate in the Giant Slalom on Saturday and the Slalom on Sunday for a chance to claim the cup. Prime viewing from the grandstands of the finish line will be at the base of Lift 1A, and there will be television coverage on both NBC and Versus for those who are unable to attend this thrilling event.

Saturday will also mark the kick off of the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series with the artists TBD. The US Ski Team will also be available during an hour long autograph session at the Gondola Plaza. A fireworks show will cap off Saturday night after a fun-filled and action packed day.

To make your reservations for Aspen today, call a local at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1.888.888.2305.

Since moving out to Colorado last week, I have been looking forward to exploring the state. Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone are all beautiful, but I want to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer. This past Sunday, my roommates and I were debating how to spend yet another beautiful day. After a few minutes we all agreed to take a road trip through Independence Pass to Aspen. The foliage throughout Independence Pass was truly amazing; the colors of the leaves were so vivid, the reflection off of Twin Lakes insanely bright, and the rivers exceptionally clear. We had to stop multiple times on the way so we could take pictures of the scenery. We were all in such awe of everything around us, especially since it was the first time any of us had driven through the pass.

The town of Aspen itself couldn’t have been more beautiful. Sitting at the base of the mountains, the town was action packed since Ruggerfest was in full swing. We actually ran into one of our coworkers who was participating in Ruggerfest. It was my first trip to Aspen and it didn’t disappoint. There are a multitude of restaurants and shops along with friendly locals willing to help you out with directions or recommend their favorite Mexican joint. As the sun began to set on our perfect day, we decided to set sail back to Beaver Creek, all of our minds drifting back to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Aspen.

To take advantage of Aspen and all of its surrounding beauty (including Independence Pass) call Rocky Mountains Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305 to book your lodging today.

This post was brought to you by Andrew, a member of the Business Development Team, primarily concerned with marketing, the website, and Google Analytics. Having grown up in Long Island and then escaping up to Vermont for college, it’s no surprise that Andrew ventured out to Colorado for the purpose of “getting away.” Andrew spends most of his free time with friends, snowboarding, being outside, and going for runs. He is passionate about making the most of each day, and can most effectively be summed up as “hard-working,” as he values the concept of getting the job done. In addition to playing lacrosse for the University of Vermont, he graduated recently with a degree in both History and Marketing Business Administration.

Aspen/Snowmass is always pulsating with events and activities, and next week is no exception.  The 32^nd Annual Aspen Filmfest is set to take place Wednesday, September 29^th – Sunday, October 3^rd.  The festival is put on by Aspen Film, a non-profit 501(c)(3) funded by ticket sales, the Reel People membership program, and other charitable donations.  Aspen Film has been organizing a major movie event in every season since 1979 with the mission to “enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film.”

The festival will kick off at noon on Wednesday, September 29^th with Summer Pasture, a film from the “True Stories” category.  Directed by Lynn True and Nelson Walker, and co-directed by Tsering Perlo, Summer Pasture is a personal account of the lives of Yama and Locho, nomad yak herders in China’s Sichuan Province.  The film gives an intimate account of the couple’s struggles in this 15,000 ft elevation land as they deal with weather, work, animals, and raising their daughter while still keeping their marriage alive.

At 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Opening Night will kick off with a Benefit Reception presented by Two Old Hippies & Stella Artois, honoring John Lennon.   Nowhere Boy, a film depicting the early lift of John Lennon and his journey from boy, to man, to legend, will debut at 7:00 pm.  Lennon is portrayed by newcomer Aaron Johnson.  Following the film, the three of the founding members of Lennon’s original band, The Quarrymen will perform songs they played with Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison during their four year term as The Quarrymen.

The festival will also feature Blue Valentine, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, and directed by Derek Cianfrance.  Blue Valentine depicts the attempt of a married couple who try to reignite their once-passionate relationship, told through flashbacks and present day narrative.  Nominated for the grand jury prize at Sundance earlier this year, Blue Valentine is Cianfrance’s film debut.

For a full list of the Aspen Filmfest’s line-up, click here.  All films will show at the Wheeler Opera House on 320 East Hyman Avenue.  To schedule lodging during the Aspen Filmfest, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

This post was brought to you by Holly, a part of the Business Development Team as Editor of Content. Her work entails anything involving words – editing everything from pages on the website and letters to clients, to blogs and press releases. Coming all the way from Florida, Colorado has been treating Holly well as she loves to stay active, whether it’s busting out gymnastics moves on a lunch break, going for runs, or attending Pilates and Spinning classes. One word that describes Holly well is “charismatic,” for her high energy level, birthday cake making skills, and endearing blog alerts that keep us on track. Holly is passionate about pushing every day to the absolute limit, and never says no to fun!

September Just Got a Little Bit Cooler…

Adding to the wide array of Labor Day events occurring this year in Colorado is the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival.  The festival is sponsored by Jazz Aspen Snowmass, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving jazz music by hosting festivals, performances, and educational programs.

The festival kicks off this Friday, September 3^rd, at 4 pm with Calexio on the Main Festival Stage.  Performances will continue throughout the weekend, with appearances from popular artists including Wilco, Lubriphonic, The Stone Foxes, The Black Crowes, and more.  The festival will come to a close Sunday with a performance by my personal favorite (hitting close to home—I grew up playing in the Ronnie Van Zant playground in Middleburg, Florida), Lynyrd Skynard, at 7:15 pm on the Main Festival Stage.

For those who can’t seem to keep their toes from tapping after the festival, there will be a FREE DJ dance party nightly at 10 pm at the Eight K Restaurant at the Viceroy Hotel.

General admission for the festival is $56 on Friday, $75 each on Saturday and Sunday, or $190 for a three day pass.  Students showing student ID will receive 50% off admission, and children 13 and under will be admitted free of charge.

To book your last minute lodging for the festival, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305, and until then, keep jammin’!

Yes its back…The Winter X Games presented by ESPN will return to Aspen this winter to display an array of extreeme winter sporting events that continue to capture the nation. Big names including Olimpian snowboarder Sean White will all be in Aspen this winter to compete for the title of Winter X Game Champion. For a full schedule, ticket information, and more, please visit the ESPN Winter X Games website!!

Fall in Love with Aspen Snowmass events take place throughout the month of August and coincide with the color-changing aspen trees. Autumn reveals the pinnacle of nature’s brilliance, shrouding the mountainside in a blanket of oranges, yellows, and reds. Locals and visitors alike look forward to Aspen’s breathtaking scenery as well as the fantastic events that are part of Fall in Love with Aspen Snowmass.

Fall in Love with Aspen Snowmass 2010:

• Ride for the Cure:  The Susan G Komen foundation is nationally recognized as a proponent for  cancer research and hosts of both running and biking races throughout the country that support cancer research. The 2010 Aspen Snowmass Ride for the Cure is a 100 mile bike race that will take place on August 21. Experienced and beginner bikers are invited to participate in a variety of different races all in the name of raising money and awareness for the victims of breast cancer.
• Aspen Saturday Market:  Farmers from the Aspen and Snowmass area congregate every Saturday to sell the freshest produce. The fall harvest is always incredible so make sure you swing by to check it out.
• The Snowmass Balloon Festival: Tranquilly hover hundreds of miles above the Aspen Mountains and behold the breathtaking beauty of a tangerine colored landscape at the 2010 Snowmass Balloon Festival. There are a variety of races taking place at this, the nation’s highest balloon festival that the whole family will surely enjoy.
• The Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon: Trail Runner Magazine hailed The Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon as one of the top 14 most scenic races in the nation. Runners will be led through the autumn woods on a 13.3 mile mountain path that begins in the heart of Aspen.
• The Annual Oktoberfest: Everyone knows that a German celebration is the only way to welcome the changing season. The Annual Oktoberfest in Aspen will include live music, beer tasting, German dancing, and special entertainment for the kids. Make sure to mark the date, September 11^th 2010, and don’t miss out on this fun filled festival.
• Snowmass Wine Festival: Wino’s beware! The annual Snowmass wine festival will take place on September 18^th and offer up samples of over 80 wines! 15 local restaurants will also be serving up food to perfectly compliment your favorite vino.