The Dancing Bear Residences in Aspen, Colorado truly encompasses what Aspen is all about. The stylish, luxury residences are in downtown Aspen park side to Wagner Park, and are less than a 5 minute walk from anything in town (including the Aspen Mountain gondola).

 

Nine 3-bedroom units make up the Dancing Bear, each beautifully decorated with handcrafted fixtures and furnishings. Due to the well-designed layout of the Dancing Bear, each unit is located on a corner, so everyone can take in great views of the mountainous area. Another highlight of the building is the Rooftop Terrace, which gives guests a 360 degree view of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. The terrace also has 2 hot tubs, a fire pit and some cozy star-gazing chairs.

Staying at the Dancing Bear, guests also have access to a state of the art work out facility, the Brexi Brasserie Restaurant, complimentary bicycles to ride around town, and a private movie theater.

 The Dinner, Beer and Wine menus

 

Guests who stay at the Dancing Bear also are guaranteed top-notch service. Not only will your shoes be shined and skis tuned overnight, you will be greeted each morning with your favorite newspaper and a full breakdown on the ski report (only during the winter, of course). One great thing about the Aspen / Snowmass region is that the 4 mountains are only about 15 minutes apart. And luckily, at the Dancing Bear a car will be ready to take you to any of the 4 mountains you choose. And don’t worry, all mountains are accessible with the purchase of a pass at any mountain.

 

The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom units at the Dancing Bear truly separate themselves from the rest. The master suite is equipped with a steam shower and jacuzzi tub. The professional grade gourmet kitchens feature state of the art appliances and are great for cooking meals for the family. Each unit also has a fireplace, private balcony, wireless internet, and high quality audio and video systems. Rooms also feature spacious living areas and plenty of comfortable furniture for everyone.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit Aspen, Colorado, don’t forget to check out the Dancing Bear Residences when searching for lodging. Or, give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today and have them plan your next Rocky Mountain Vacation for you! (855) 210-2469

Last week, myself, John, and our accountant Deanna traveled up to Aspen to check in on our Aspen office and get in some spring skiing. I had never been to Aspen during to ski before, and was excited to embark on this journey.

 

We started from Vail after work, which is about 100 miles away from Aspen. We made a pit stop at Phat Thai in Carbondale for a delicious Thai dinner before continuing on to Aspen (I recommend the Sweet Potato Fried Rice). The drive was beautiful, as we drove through a mountainous landscape with bits of snow here and there. Finally we arrived in Aspen and went over to meet up with Tyler, our Aspen Destination Specialist. After sharing a few laughs, we decided to go experience the night-life in Aspen, which it has grown quite famous for.

 

We started off at Eric’s Bar, right in the heart of Aspen. The bar had 3 separate areas: a dance lounge, a cigar bar and a billiards room. After shooting a few games of pool and decided to continue on to the next spot. After wandering around looking for an appealing bar, we decided to head down to Escobar.

This place was truly unique, and the entire bar seemed to be modeled after the inside cabin of an airplane.We stayed here for a bit, until we decided to turn in for the night – we had big plans for the next day!

 

We wanted to fully experience the Aspen/Snowmass area, so we decided that we should ski at a couple of mountains in the area. The Aspen/Snowmass region has 4 mountains – Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. When you buy a lift ticket at 1 of these mountains, you have access to all 4 of them! And since the mountains are only 8 miles apart at the furthest point, we figured we would ride Aspen Mountain in the morning and then move over to Snowmass after lunch.

This plan couldn’t have worked out better, as we got a half day of skiing in at each mountain. Aspen Mountain has 675 acres while Snowmass has 3,132. You could spend a full week exploring Snowmass and not get sick of it. On the other hand, in the half day we were at Aspen Mountain, we rode every lift and did almost every run on the mountain. While Aspen Mountain is much smaller, it is just off the heart of the town and has some steep and thrilling runs. But again, a pass to 1 of these mountains gives you access to all 4 of them! And since they are so close together, you can never get tired of the Aspen/Snowmass region.

It was also quite nice to experience a variety of terrain and get a few different views of the surrounding mountains. The mountains up in this region are very beautiful, and have a deep red color that really stands out (partially covered by snow right now). You get some great views from the peaks of both mountains:

 

A luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, an 1800’s style bar, rumors of tormenting ghosts, and 130 years of history. If you are familiar with Aspen, Colorado then you will know that I am talking about the Hotel Jerome.

 

The historic hotel was built in the 1880’s and is still running today. The hotel has gained notice for its traditional style and welcoming atmosphere. It has been a favorite hotel among celebrities visiting Aspen, and the bars and restaurants have long been favorite hang outs for Aspen locals. Now let’s take a look at all that the Hotel Jerome has to offer:

The hotel has a 4 different room types: Deluxe King (sleeps 2), Premier King (sleeps 2, has a Jacuzzi tub), Junior Suite (sleeps 2-4), and the One-Bedroom Suite (sleeps 2, has a Jacuzzi tub). Each room has deluxe bathrooms, luxurious bedding, plush bath robes, a flat screen television, wireless internet and a safe. While the stylish rooms and historical furnishings are reason enough to stay here, the hotel’s amenities and services really tie the Hotel Jerome experience together.

Whatever time of year you visit, it is nice to have a pool and hot tub to relax in and luckily the Hotel Jerome has a pool and two hot tubs. There is also a poolside menu to order off when you are lounging by the pool. While there is a fitness studio on site, staying at Hotel Jerome gives you complimentary access to the Aspen Club & Spa, a 77,000 square foot fitness and full treatment spa facility. The Hotel also offers complimentary valet, laundry services, twice daily housekeeping and even babysitting arrangement services. Also, the Hotel Jerome offers pet friendly lodging, so that you don’t have to leave Buster behind! Above all, the Hotel has earned fame from its bars and dining options.

J-Bar

 

The J-Bar has been an Aspen favorite for around 100 years now, serving a variety of beers and cocktails in an old-fashioned saloon setting. J-Bar also has a select snack menu and an all day menu. The bar is open daily from 11:30 am – 2 am.

 

Garden Terrace

 

Going by the “Garden Terrace” in the summers and “Jacob’s Corner” in the winters, this on site restaurant is devoted to serving the freshest ingredients provided by local farmers in made-from-scratch recipes. The restaurant is open for breakfast daily, and only opens for lunch and dinner in the summers. Here are the breakfast and lunch menus.

The Library

 

The Library takes guests back in time as it serves a variety of early 1900’s style cocktails, fine wines and premium liquors. The dimly lit lounge is decorated with  a variety of historical artifacts and furniture to truly make guests feel like they are in the early 1900’s. The lounge is open daily from 4 pm – 11 pm.

Café Jerome

 

The Café makes for a great stop in the morning before a day of skiing. Serving pastries and house-baked goods, the Café also takes orders from the Garden Terrace breakfast menu. Open daily at 6:30 am.

 

If you’re not convinced to stay at the Hotel Jerome by now, don’t forget that Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Mountain are all within a 15 minute drive. When you can stay at a place as cool as this and get to choose from 4 different mountains each day, it’s hard to think of a reason not to visit Aspen.

 

Don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to Aspen. Call today! (855) 210-2469

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!

Well, it has been a tough week for Colorado–the Rockies have hardly gotten any snow as of late, and there were serious snow storms on the eastern plains halting travel plans and creating danger for travelers. However, it is snowing up here in Vail now, and more snow is expected to be on the way!

Aspen: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 5in

Aspen is one of the only mountains in the Colorado Rockies that got snow this week, giving some much needed powder to anxious skiers. The snow helped open up the 560 ft long superpipe, which is one of the many features that will be used in the 2012 Winter X Games.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

The Dew Tour got of to a great start this past weekend in Breckenridge. Riders killed it in the superpipe and in the Freeway Park. Breckenridge has now opened the park to the public, giving park enthusiasts a chance to ride a truly spectacular course. Also, tomorrow Breckenridge will open Peak 10. With new snow on the way, this is sure to be a great opening day for Peak 10

 

Copper: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Copper opened up its Rendezvous Lift yesterday, providing access to 15 lifts and 593 acres.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Keystone will be reopening NASTAR today after a brief hiatus due to snow conditions. Check out what Keystone has open on the mountain.

 

Vail: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

While no new runs or lifts have opened at Vail since the last update, they have moved up their opening time from 9 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

 

So get out there this weekend and enjoy all the new terrain!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation to all of our destinations.

When visiting Aspen, Colorado, there is more than great skiing at your fingertips. Yes, there is terrific dining and wonderful shopping, but there is also great ice skating. Aspen has 3 different rinks, each one different from the other, so be sure to get some ice skating in while you visit!

The Aspen Ice Garden is a large (85’ x 185’) indoor ice arena that hosts public skating, competitive and pickup ice hockey along with curling. This well maintained rink also offers private instruction for beginners. This rink is open year-round and is one of the best maintained rinks in the Rockies.

The Lewis Ice Arena is a full sized (85’ x 200’) rink with spectator seating and a skate shop. The rink offers public skate, drop in Hockey and figure skating lessons and classes for all ages. The arena has full locker rooms with showers. The rink also offers skate sharpening services for $7 – $10. The rink is available to be rented out as well if you are looking to have a private party.

• The Lewis Ice Arena is used more for recreational hockey, while the Aspen Ice Garden is used more for open skating.

• Admittance to the indoor rinks is $10.50 for adults and $7 for children, skate rentals are $3.

The Silver Circle Rink is a fantastic outdoor rink located in downtown Aspen at the base of the mountain. This picturesque rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is a great place to spend the evening under the starlit sky. The rink also has skate rentals, so be sure to bring the whole family after a day on the slopes and enjoy skating around the rink.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter 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!

In a destination where luxury accommodations are everywhere you look, lodging providers must do much more to make themselves stand out as THE desired place to spend one’s vacation.  Aspen, Colorado, perched high above sea level in the Colorado Rockies at 7,908 feet, is known world-wide for its ritzy, world-class appeal.  From the bar-none shopping & dining to the luxury lodging, Aspen spares no detail in ensuring it  provides nothing but the best. The Aspen Square Condominium Hotel in Downtown Aspen particularly stands out at one of the best lodging options in Aspen.

Perfectly placed in downtown Aspen just a short walk from the slopes, this luxury property is designed to reflect a modern spa-like atmosphere that combines the luxury of staying in a private condo  with the amenities of a hotel. The property features a courtyard area bursting with flora and fauna, private lounge areas, and unmatched serenity. The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are met with infinity waterfalls, all enclosed in the private setting provided by the property.

One of the best rooms is the Fireplace Studio Suite. The suite features a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace and private balcony, all while providing comfortable living space for two. The One and Two Bedroom Suites offer a separate living area, superior amenities, deluxe bedding and scenic views of Aspen. For those seeking a premier lodging experience, the premium one-of-a-kind condos have three bedrooms, three baths, two living areas, a private courtyard, and two balconies. Regardless of where you choose to stay at the Aspen Square, you can be sure that your stay will be met with modern elegance and magic that only Aspen can provide.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to the Aspen Square or any of our fun-filled destinations.

Have you been waking up each morning with excitement? Immediately going to the window to see if snow has fallen overnight? Or religiously checking your computer for the snow report, hoping you somehow slept for a month and all the resorts have suddenly opened? Well if you have, you are not alone. I have been impatiently waiting for the beginning of ski season, even though it was only three months ago that I was taking runs at Arapahoe Basin on the 4^th of July.

It was a great day to end a wonderful season, complete with friends and a grill in the parking lot. But as I look out my office window at Vail, I look forward to the coming season, and pray that this year will be as fulfilling as the last.

While Vail is not open yet, the ski season in Colorado has already begun! On October 7^th, 2011, Wolf Creek opened, recording the earliest opening day in Colorado’s history. Arapahoe Basin followed soon after on October 11^th, this past weekend Copper and Keystone Opened! So get out your calendars, put a big red “X” on the following dates, and start the countdown to what is predicted to be another La Nina winter!

 

• ·        Keystone: November 4^th
  
• ·        Copper Mountain: November 4^th
  
• ·        Breckenridge: November 11^th
• ·        Vail: November 18^th
• ·        ***Snowmass: Now December 10^th
•          Beaver Creek: November 23^rd
• ·        Crested Butte: November 23^rd
  
• ·        Aspen Mountain: November 24^th
• ·        Telluride: November 24^th
• ·        Buttermilk: December 10^th
• ·        Aspen Highlands: December 10^th
  

 

Whether you‘re coming to ski on opening day or sometime mid-season  be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

 

Do you want to feel like a million bucks the next time you visit Aspen, Colorado? Stay at the St. Regis where you are sure to be pampered. The St. Regis has recently undergone a $40 million renovation.  These elegant improvements include a new solarium entry, outside restaurant dining and a fresh library with game tables.

 

Your Aspen ski vacation begins with a warm greeting from butlers who are at your beck and call. They will even unpack your bags and deliver your morning coffee or tea. No request is too big or small, and will be accepted anytime day and night.

 

Upon entering your room you will be mesmerized by hues of red and gold.  The Aspen sunset décor will bring comfort at the end of a long day spent shopping or enjoying the snow. Relax in a lavish leather chair as you make plans for the next day. And there is no need to leave your furry friend at home as the St. Regis loves pets and offers dog beds with blankets and dish bowls.

 

The St. Regis is conveniently located within walking distance of many amusements such as The Silver Circle ice rink, Aspen’s only outdoor skating facility, and the Wheeler Opera House. Or you can take a daytime stroll down Galena Street to shop at Prada, and Gucci. Once you work up an appetite head around the corner to Durant Street and make a dash into Big Wrap where the large wraps, tacos and smoothies are sure to please.

 

For the ultimate pampering experience the St. Regis Remède Spa is a sanctuary for tranquility and indulgence. Amenities include an oxygen lounge, steam caves, hot tubs, and so much more. Try a high altitude renewal treatment to recover from travel and stress. This facial energizes tired skin for an instantly enhanced complexion.

 

After an amazing day on the slopes head for the Shadow Mountain Lounge to sip wine and warm your feet by the granite fireplace. As you lean back into the oversized lodge style furniture, your ears will delight in the sound of live jazz or piano. Once it’s time to turn in, sink into your pillowtop bed and wrap yourself in the down comforter with a good book and a wonderful view of the mountain.

 

Aspen Colorado Ski Vacation: To find out how the St. Regis can spoil you, call one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. today.

 

         Aspen, Colorado is world-famous for its skiing and fine dining. But what about when you want to take a break, kick back and enjoy the scenery?  As alluring as the fireplace in your luxury residence is, don’t miss the opportunity to step back to a simpler time when cell phones and Ipads didn’t exist. Bundle up and explore majestic Aspen from a cozy carriage or sleigh ride. For 35 years Aspen Carriage and Sleigh has offered tours throughout the western slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

 

Prepare to be awed by the beautiful landscape and enjoy escaping the crowds, as there is no better way to truly embrace a mountain escape then a sleigh ride. Professional, informative drivers greet you with blankets and hot drinks. And trusty steeds pull you through the meadow and snow covered forest. Whether you want to relax or rekindle a flame choose between a daytime jaunt through the snow or a dashing ride under the moonlight.

        Or take a ride through town  whenever you feel like it. You can scope out restaurants, shopping and entertainment without the hassle of maps and legwork. If you’re in Aspen during the holidays, you and your loved ones can snuggle under the stars and delight in the sparkling lights on an hour long Christmas lights tour. Or make a reservation and take a peaceful ride to your restaurant, hotel or even Christmas caroling. It is also ideal for planning a romantic proposal or the perfect end to your vacation. The possibilities for this exquisite activity are endless.

 

Sleigh Rides in Aspen, Colorado: Aspen Carriage and Sleigh is based in Aspen but they also offer services in Snowmass. So, make haste and give one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. a call. This will definitely be one of the most memorable parts of your ski vacation!

The Rocky Mountains of Colorado provide more than just world-class skiing and snowboarding.  They posses a rich culture with Nordic influence creating a unique and exciting atmosphere. Each year, Aspen, Colorado celebrates their Nordic roots in early January at Wintersköl.

Wintersköl is a spectacular event where the entire city comes together to celebrate their magnificent town. This four-day event features everything from equisite dining to a snow sculpture competition, cinema viewings, and pet fashion shows.

The snow sculpture competition is one of my favorite events. It starts with 8 x 8 x 8 snow cubes and after 48 hours, magnificent creations are made. It is truly amazing to see how creative people can be with snow. Sculptures range from famous movie scenes to intricate portraits worthy of museum displays.

Soupskol is another longstanding event where the public decides who makes the best soup in town. The competition is fierce with over thirty restaurants battling to be crowned the best soup chef in the Roaring Fork Valley. Last year there were over 1,500 judges, so join us and sample everything from spicy chowders to hemp inspired dishes. Some of the past winners include Merry Go Round and Garnish Café and Catering.

With so much to do during this week, there is no better time to visit. Aspen has recently announced that Wintersköl 2012 will be held from January 12^th to 15^th , a great reason to come and experience the pristine winter conditions and learn about the unique Nordic culture.

Find out more about vacation rentals in Aspen, Colorado and how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) travelers, worrying about whether or not travel destinations are GLBT friendly is common. Aspen, Colorado is an amazing GLBT travel destination where GLBT travelers can sit back, relax, and take in all that the city has to offer without worrying about any anti-GLBT undertones. Aspen Gay Ski Week and GLBT Friendly Bars, lodging accommodations, and restaurants truly make this city the perfect place for your next vacation.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a premiere ski event which will be hosted from January 15^th to 22^nd 2012. The event is a fundraiser for the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. Aspen Gay Ski Week is filled with parties, après ski celebrations, lunches on the mountain, a boutique night, a comedy night, and dining events at some of Aspen, Colorado’s world famous restaurants.

Though there are no exclusively gay bars in Aspen, Colorado, all bars are open and welcoming to same-sex couples. Some of the most notable bars that I have found for the gay crowd include Caribou Club, 39 Degrees, J-Bar, and The Regal Watering Hole. All of these venues are swanky, modern, and welcoming for GLBT people of all ages and identities.

Now watch out, some of these bars require a membership to get in. For example, the Caribou Club requires a membership which can range from $500 for a couple for one week to $20,000 for a lifetime membership. If you are looking to be pampered and experience truly world-class service and luxury, the Caribou Club experience is truly incomparable.

39 degrees is known as the “hippest lounge in town” and recognized as a favorite Playboy destination. If you are looking to meet people after a hard day on the slopes or a spectacular day under the sun, this is the place to be. If you are looking for a late night bite, try their House Made Pretzel with a mustard blend and cheese fondue. With warm fireplaces and grand comfy couches, 39 degrees is sure to please.

J-Bar is in Hotel Jerome and has an “authentic saloon atmosphere” while catering to a large and diverse crowd. Not only are the cocktails delicious, but J-Bar features quite an extensive fare of appetizers, decadent desserts, and unique culinary creations throughout the night. When you go, make sure to try the homemade Truffle Fries- they are to die for! When you go to J-Bar, make a meal out of it! Try the Natural J-Bar Burger with truffled pecorino, garlic aioli, and caramelized onions for a real treat!

Lastly, The Regal Watering Hole is perhaps the most GLBT friendly club in Aspen, Colorado. Owners Paul and Tim pride their establishment for being named “Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand” by the Aspen Times. Everything goes on this dance-floor! From private parties to fashion shows, this” Aspen Chic” vibe will encourage you to let loose and make the most of your time in colorful Colorado.

No-matter what you decide to do or where you decide to go in Aspen, Colorado, the city welcomes the GLBT community with open arms. From lodging and restaurants to clubs and nightlife, GLBT couples will experience only the finest in service, luxury, and ambiance in this premier resort destination.

Find out more about our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled  destinations.

The 29th annual Food and Wine Classic in Aspen will be June 17-19 2011.  This is THE Aspen event to attend; whether you are the supreme foodie in your circle of friends, or you enjoy good company and divine food and drink it’s not to be missed.  Attendees come from all over the country; I will be attending from Vail, Colorado- another culinary hub. Now I cannot say that I am a supreme foodie, but I would like to think that I still know good food.  This is my first time at food and wine and there are a lot of things to consider.  The first and most obvious is where to stay?

Aspen, Colorado Vacation Rentals: Hotels are always a great choice but I am coming with a group of friends and we have not seen each other in a long time.  We want to be able to spend time together and not just hole up in a hotel room at the end of the day. Condos and homes are the answer to the hotel. You will have most comforts of home available and allows my group to be together even after the grills shut down and the wine stops pouring.  I spent time sifting thru several condo and home options and finally found a condo in Snowmass that fit our needs.  Now I know it’s not in Aspen but there is a free bus and we are an easy going group and this works fine for us- it also helps save some money.  Finding a vacation rental that works for you takes time and effort. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is a locally based service that can customize your lodging for any family or group looking to make the trip to Aspen for the Food and Wine Classic, but hurry lodging is booking NOW.

Find Aspen, Colorado Lodging now.

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!

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!

Do you have an Aspen Christmas ski vacation planned? What’s the best way to ring in the holidays? The “12 Days of Aspen,” of course! This fun-filled event will keep the entire family happy and occupied! All of the fun is starting on December 20th at 10:30am and will go all the way through New Year’s Eve! There are many free activities for the family, such as ice skating, concerts, and carolers. Indulge your competitive side by entering the Igloo Building Contest, or if you want to do something truly unique, you can visit Santa and his Reindeer live in person!! With 12 days to celebrate, there is sure to be a lot of fun! Be sure not to miss out on any of these Aspen Christmas events!

December 20th

10:30-11:30am: Skate with Santa at the Aspen Recreation Center
2-4pm: FREE Skating, Hot Chocolate & DJ at the Silver Circle Ice Rink
4-4:30pm: Jill Sheeley Story Time at the Limelight Lodge
4-6pm: Pictures with Santa & Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting Shining Stars Foundation at the Dancing Bear Aspen
7pm: Jayne Gottlieb Productions and the Wheeler Present: White Christmas, the musical at the Wheeler Opera House

December 21st

12 pm: Igloo Building Contest | Aspen Recreation Center
2-3:30pm: Free Cookies & Hot Chocolate with the Aspen Police & Pitkin County Sheriffs at Cooper & Galena
3-6pm: Santa Ornament Making with the Aspen Art Museum at the Aspen Recreation Center
4pm: Teddy Bear Story Hour with stories told by Spellbinders at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum
5pm: 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America presented by Art Burrows, Chris Davenport and Penn Newhard at Explore Booksellers
5-8pm: Groovin at the Grove – Winter Solstice Celebration (Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres with Live jazz) at Aspen Grove – 525 E. Cooper
7pm: Jayne Gottlieb Productions and the Wheeler Present: White Christmas, the musical at the Wheeler Opera House

December 22nd

12:30-4:30pm: Santa and His Live Reindeer at Wagner Park
3:30-4:30pm: Palace Production Carolers at Cooper & Galena
3:30-5:30pm: Mrs. Claus and Elf with story telling, magic, face painting, caroling, and more! at the Limelight Lodge
5pm: Jayne Gottlieb Productions and the Wheeler Present: White Christmas, the musical at the Wheeler Opera House
5pm: Book Signing with Walter Isaacson featuring Profiles in Leadership, American Sketches and Einstein at Explore Booksellers
5:30pm: Opening night of Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “The Fighter” at the Harris Concert Hall
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Fair Game” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 23rd

12:30-4:30pm: Santa and His Live Reindeer at Wagner Park
2-4pm: Cookie Decorating and Pictures with Santa and Hot Apple Cider & Hot Chocolate at Jacobs Corner, Hotel Jerome
3pm: Santa Drives Around Aspen on Fire Truck at Downtown Aspen
3:30-4:30pm: Palace Production Carolers at Cooper & Galena
4-5:30pm: Cookies and Mrs. Clause & Mistletoe the Elf in Downtown Aspen Fire Station
5-6pm: Local Vocals Victorian Carolers in the Hotel Jerome Main Lobby
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Get Low” at the Wheeler Opera House
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “True Grit” at the Wheeler Opera House

December 24th

8am-6pm: Free Aspen Ornament & Candy Canes at Aspen Sports – Downtown
3:30-4:30pm: Palace Production Carolers at Cooper & Galena
6-7pm: Locals Vocals Victorian Carolers in the Hotel Jerome Main Lobby

December 25th

8am-6pm: Free Aspen Ornament & Candy Canes at Aspen Sports – Downtown

December 26th

3-5pm: Feliz Navidad – Games, Crafts, and more at the Aspen Recreation Center
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Inside Job” at the Harris Concert Hall
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Barney’s Version” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 27th

4-4:30pm: Jill Sheeley Story Time at the Limelight Lodge
5pm: Book Signing with Hal Herzog featuring Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why it’s So Hard to Think Straight About Animals at Explore Booksellers
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Rabbit Hole” at the Harris Concert Hall
7:30pm: The Wheeler Presents: A Fine Frenzy at the Wheeler Opera House
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Casino Jack” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 28th

3-5pm: Winter Wonderland Sledding & Skating with Free Hot Chocolate at the Aspen Recreation Center
4:30-7:30pm: Aspen Art Museum’s Dennis Basso Freestyle at the St. Regis Resort
5pm: Book Signing with Jeremy Evans featuring In Search of Powder: A Story of America’s Disappearing Ski Bum at Explore Booksellers
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “The King’s Speech” at the Harris Concert Hall
7pm: Cirque d’Aspen benefitting Aspen Youth Center in the Aspen High School Gym
7:30pm: The Wheeler Presents: Crystal Palace Revue at the Wheeler Opera House
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Blue Valentine” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 29th

3:30-5:30pm: Dizzy Lizzy & Sparks the Clowns – Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Magic, and Fun! in the Downtown Mall
5pm: Cirque d’Aspen benefitting Aspen Youth Center in the Aspen High School Gym
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Another Year” at the Harris Concert Hall
7:30pm: The Wheeler Presents: The Flying Karamazov Brothers at the Wheeler Opera House
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “The Way Back” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 30th

3:30-5:30pm: Maxie and Polly the Pirate – Story telling, face painting, ballon animals, magic and fun! in the Downtown Mall
5pm: Cirque d’Aspen benefitting Aspen Youth Center in the Aspen High School Gym
5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Made in Dagenham” at the Harris Concert Hall
7:30pm: The Wheeler Presents: Rita Moreno at the Wheeler Opera House
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Biutiful” at the Harris Concert Hall

December 31st

5:30pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “The Company Men” at the Harris Concert Hall
8pm-12am: Bonfire & DJ at Wagner Park
8pm & Midnight: FIREWORKS over Aspen Mountain
8:15pm: Aspen Film Academy Screenings Showing “Black Swan” at the Harris Concert Hall