Still amped up on the Winter X Games? Want a chance to compete on the famed X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses? Or maybe you just want another chance to see hundreds of athletes battle it out for Slopestyle and Superpipe victory. If so, get ready for the Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Open at Buttermilk, February 10-13, 2011!

The Aspen/Snowmass Open Presented by Skullcandy has become one of the hottest open competitions around. Held at Buttermilk, this competition offers the unique and exciting opportunity for riders to throw down on the famous Winter X Games course and compete for over $50,000 in prize money. Now in its 6th year, the Open is expected to draw a total of 350 men and women skiers and snowboarders to compete in both Slopestyle and Superpipe for a chance at prize money and glory on the famed Buttermilk venues.

EVENT SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 8 – 9, 2011
Training (SS and SP course open to credentialed competitors only)

Thursday, February 10, 2011
Snowboard Superpipe (men) – Qualifying
Ski Slopestyle (men) – Qualifying

Friday, February 11, 2011
Snowboard Superpipe (women) – Qualifying
Snowboard Superpipe (men and women) – Finals
Ski Slopestyle (women) – Qualifying
Ski Slopestyle (men and women) – Finals
Snowboard Slopestyle (men and women) – Practice after Finals
Ski Superpipe (men and women) – Practice after Finals

Saturday, February 12, 2011
Snowboard Slopestyle (men) – Qualifying
Ski Superpipe (men) – Qualifying

Sunday, February 13, 2011
Snowboard Slopestyle (women) – Qualifying
Snowboard Slopestyle (men and women) – Finals
Ski Superpipe (women) – Qualifying
Ski Superpipe (men and women) – Finals

So whether you are looking to compete or spectate at this exciting event, let your friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Moutain Vacation Rentals take care of all your lodging needs.

Great news Denverites! Contrary to what you may have heard, Frontier Airlines WILL be continuing its Denver to Aspen services.  Frontier Airlines had previously announced that it would be discontinuing its Denver to Aspen flights after September 30^th.  However, as of August 17^th, the company has decided to retain this service, and will be using three of its Bombardier Q400 aircrafts for Denver to Aspen flights, as well as Durango, Colorado Springs, and other Colorado routes.

Frontier Airlines will continue Denver to Aspen flights this ski season.

Denver to Aspen flights will include one departure per day October 1^st through November 17^th, two departures per day November 18^th through December 15^th, and just in time for ski season, four departures daily  December 16^th through April 2011.

To plan your next Aspen snow-cation, or any other Rocky Mountain vacation, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

While perusing the Wall Street Journal, I came across a couple of articles outlining interesting trends for air travel this summer. Travelers can take advantage of websites such as Bing to view historical price graphs for airline tickets. Those doing their research will note some surprising changes…

In previous years consumers waited to purchase their ticket until about 3 weeks out, when fares are at the bottom due to airlines slashing prices to ensure that the seats were filled. Times are changing and airlines have reduced their capacity because of the recession. Already sources are saying that airfares are up 22% for the month of June. Planes are filling up quick, so if you’re looking to spend some quality time in Colorado this summer it is in the interest of your pocketbook to book now!

Although airfares are up, you can find peace of mind knowing that lodging rates are still looking very affordable, as hotels still struggle to put heads in beds. Many smart consumers have begun to realize the benefits of staying in vacation rentals. A vacation rental allows a group to cook their own meals, have more space and just an overall more unique experience than found at a hotel. Groups can find peace of mind knowing if they want to stay in a house, or neighboring condos they can do so and save money at the same time.

Colorado in the summer; glorious.  Experience it for yourself and you’ll know why.