Winter In Snowmass // 2015-2016

W I N T E R

I N

NIGHTLIFE PAGE 10

+ WINTER GEAR PAGE 36

2015

INSIDE

HOW TO SKI AND RIDE SNOWMASS IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS TO SKI BETTER SNOWMASS AT NIGHT AND OFF THE TRAIL

A FREE PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN // 2015

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

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14

ON THE MOUNTAIN

24 10

VISION FOR SNOWMASS

I LIKE THE NIGHTLIFE, BABY

20

It's no Glitter Gulch, but Snowmass has plenty for the evenings.

28 Aspen Skiing Co.'s plans for the future

BY SCOTT CONDON

SNOWMASS FOR THE LITTLE ONES Very Important Kid program lumps together all of the village's family-friendly activities.

BY JILL BEATHARD

36

BY JILL BEATHARD

13

10 IDEAS FOR WINTER FUN IN SNOWMASS STAFF REPORT

28

HOW TO SKI AND RIDE SNOWMASS

BY SCOTT CONDON

14

NAHKO BEAR COMES TO SNOWMASS A peek at the entertainment peaks of winter 2015-16.

32

BY ANDREWTRAVERS

18

OFF THE BEATEN TRAIL Enjoy some less traditional outdoor winter fun.

STAFF REPORT

SKI BETTER Get moving and get fit to improve your skiing and snowboarding.

BY DALE STRODE

34

GET OUT AND GET ON UP There's no shortage of places to work out your lungs and legs on an ascent.

BY RICK CARROLL

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

4 EDITOR'S LETTER 8 NEW & NOTEWORTHY

BY RICK CARROLL

36 NEW GEAR

BY SCOTT CONDON

39 WINTER CALENDAR

A

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Give us a call at 844.870.7368 A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

5

“

from the

EDITOR

LAST WINTER, I HAD ONE OF THE BEST POWDER DAYS of my life in Snowmass. A storm rolled in on a Sunday morning and delivered the goods, providing free snow refills throughout the day. It was one of those perfect Snowmass days — fresh snow, not too cold, a delicious salad bar lunch with Prosecco at Elk Camp, and a lot of smiles and laughs.

We rode the old High Alpine chairlift many times that day, and while I loved that I could imagine myself skiing Snowmass in the 1970s or 1980s as the old lift crept slowly up the mountain, I’m really looking forward to the new, faster lift this season (see page 8).

The upgrades at Snowmass seem to come year after year.

Upcoming Base Village development includes the next phase of the Viceroy Snowmass. Aspen Skiing Co. also plans to build its Limelight Snowmass lodge in the spring of 2016, pending town approvals expected in late 2015.

There’s new light at the end of the tunnel for the stalled Base Village development project, too, with new owners expected to take over next year.

And the updated Snowmass Master Development Plan (see page 24) shows Aspen Skiing Co.’s vision for a truly bright future on these slopes.

When I think back to that powder day last winter, it’s hard to imagine Snowmass getting any better than that.

But with so much happening both on the mountain and at the base, Snowmass is coming into its own.

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

IT WAS ONE OF THOSE PERFECT SNOWMASS DAYS — FRESH SNOW, NOT TOO COLD, A DELICIOUS SALAD BAR LUNCH WITH PROSECCO AT ELK CAMP, AND A LOT OF SMILES AND LAUGHS."

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MIND

ON THE COVER

The Snowmass slopes are fun for the whole family.

Photo by Jeremy Swanson.

General Manager Samantha Johnston Editor Lauren Glendenning Business Development Director David Laughren

Account Managers Ashton Hewitt Tim Kurnos Amy Laha Max Vadnais Louise Walker Contributing Writers Jill Beathard Rick Carroll Scott Condon Jeanne McGovern Dale Strode Andrew Travers

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Send inquiries in care of: 314 E Hyman Ave #101 | Aspen CO 81611 | (970) 925-3414 E-mail lauren@aspentimes.com | Fax: (970) 925-6240 Find a copy online at www.aspentimes.com/winterinsnowmass Copyright © 2015 The Aspen Times.

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new & noteworthy

NEW HIGH ALPINE LIFT

A 'GAME CHANGER' FOR SNOWMASS STORY BY RICK CARROLL

SNOWMASS SKI AREA is getting a big lift

this winter season. Literally.

The aging 36-year-old High Alpine lift has been replaced and realigned by a faster, detachable quad chairlift.

At 5,300 feet long, the longer lift's lower terminal starts on the lower Green Cabin Run, downslope from High Alpine restaurant, and takes skiers and snowboarders higher than the older lift, with the top terminal relocated to the right of the ski-patrol shack.

It also means skiers and snowboarders won't have to head down to the Sheer Bliss lift after coming from the expert terrain of Cirque Headwall, AMF, Gowdy’s, KT Gully and Rock Island.

The opening ceremony for the new lift is Dec. 12.

"I think it's going to be a big gamechanger on how Snowmass skis," said Steve Sewell, manager of Snowmass Ski Area.

That's largely because skiers and snowboarders will be able to enjoy their sport above 10,000 feet for an entire day without having to traverse down.

Accessing Hanging Valley Wall will still require some climbing but not as much. Upper Green Cabin, a fun run widely used by intermediate skiers and snowboarders, also should see more activity.

"It will mean easy access to one of the most popular intermediate runs, which is Upper Green Cabin," Sewell said. "And

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

moving the bottom terminal below the restaurant will allow people to do laps on upper Green Cabin and allow people to do the Cirque without needing to take Sheer Bliss or Alpine Springs."

Skiers and snowboarders also will enjoy a new lift line that features more glading on Reidar's and steep sections.

The new lift is still called High Alpine.

Its capacity remains at 1,200 passengers an hour, just like its predecessor.

"One thing we didn't want to do is put in a new lift and increase the capacity," Sewell said. "We wanted the capacity to remain the same."

But travel time up is quicker — now it takes roughly five minutes as opposed to 11 minutes with the old one.

The new lift also means increased snowmaking, Sewell said. All told, the project's cost is $8 million.

TOP Crews worked in the summer and fall with the help of a helicopter to install the new lift towers for the High Alpine chairlift. Aspen Skiing Co./Courtesy photo.

ABOVE The old High Alpine lift was a slow two-seater.

Aspen Skiing Co./ Courtesy photo.

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go & do

I LIKE THE

Courtesy photo

NIGHTLIFE, BABY IT'S NO GLITTER GULCH, BUT SNOWMASS HAS PLENTY FOR THE EVENINGS STORY BY JILL BEATHARD

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

IT'S HARD FOR ANY SKI TOWN

to compete with Aspen in terms of nightlife, let alone one that sits just 9 miles to the west of Glitter Gulch. But while a night out in Aspen is a must-do for any visit, there’s more to do in Snowmass than meets the eye.

Take the village’s restaurants for example: Eight K at the Viceroy is arguably a top dining spot in the entire Aspen-Snowmass area.

“This year we are offering two menus in Eight K,” said executive chef Will Nolan. “I will continue with an innovative menu in the dining room and a smaller, more chef-driven menu in the lounge/bar.”

And no list of dinner spots in Snowmass would be complete without The Edge, Little Mammoth Steakhouse and the Artisan, all locally owned restaurants with impressive yet reasonably priced menus.

“ Slopeside Lanes started with the love of bowling, drinking beer and watching football on big screens.

MARK REECE / SLOPESIDE LANES OWNER

For a party scene, après-ski hours are when Snowmass shines. With its large patio, Base Camp Bar & Grill keeps the drinks flowing late and always has good music playing if there’s not already a DJ spinning in the Base Village plaza.

Its upstairs bar is a favorite spot for parties, events and, again, great music.

If beer and a burger are more your style, try Zane’s Snowmass on the Mall, a local favorite. Venga Venga, right off Fanny Hill, is also a great après spot for soaking up

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

the sunshine and tequila.

If you have the kids with you — or if you’re just a kid at heart — try the Slopeside Lanes bowling alley. With eight lanes, arcade games, great food and a full bar, this is a place where everyone can have fun. “Slopeside Lanes started with the love of bowling, drinking beer and watching football on big screens,” owner Mark Reece told the Snowmass Sun. “We needed a more local place to do so.”

For a true adventure, book dinner and a sled ride at Krabloonik. A

ABOVE LEFT Slopeside Lanes bowling alley/ Snowmass Sun file photo.

ABOVE RIGHT Krabloonik dog sledding/ Aspen Times file photo.

traditional dogsled ride followed by a wild-game dinner under the shadow of the mountains is an experience like no other. Or take a snowcat ride to the Lynn Britt Cabin on the ski hill.

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Ideas for winter fun in

SNOWMASS SNOWMASS HAS 94 TRAILS ON 3,362 ACRES FOR EXCEPTIONAL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING. BUT THE SLOPES ARE JUST PART OF THE FUN DURING WINTER IN SNOWMASS. HERE ARE 10 MORE IDEAS FOR WINTER FUN THAT DON’T INVOLVE DOWNHILL SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING.

SNOWMASS ICE AGE DISCOVERY CENTER

Learn the story of the Snowmass Ice Age discovery through creative displays, educational panels and interactive programming.

Get up close and personal with a wooden Columbian Mammoth skeleton. Touch

SOURCE: Snowmass Tourism

mastodon and mammoth teeth. Chat with an on-site Paleontology interpreter. Read ice-age books in the children’s library. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

SNOWSHOEING

It’s as easy as walking and a fun way to get out and enjoy the local landscape. Guided snowshoe tours with an ACES naturalist take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Snowmass Mountain. Snowshoers inclined to head uphill on their own can hike up the mountain and ride a Floating gently in a hot air balloon with an experienced lift down for free (check the trail map for routes pilot is a one-of-a-kind and times). way to experience the beauty and get a bird’s-eye view of Snowmass and its surrounding peaks. Once you’ve landed, celebrate with complimentary Champagne or sparkling Gliding over hill and dale, cider. The adventure or along scenic stretches concludes with a souvenir of gentle terrain, offers pin and a personalized both solitude and flight certificate. Early exercise. More than 60 morning rides are miles of groomed trails for offered daily. classic or skate skiing for

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

CROSSCOUNTRY SKIING

all levels may be accessed from the Snowmass Cross Country Center on the Snowmass Golf Course.

Lessons and gear rentals are available as well.

DOGSLED RIDES

Krabloonik Dogsledding is the largest dogsledding operation in the continental U.S. and one of the only on-mountain dogsledding facilities in North America. Teams of Siberian huskies pull sleds through Snowmass wilderness and over the slopes of the Snowmass Ski Area. Rides end with lunch or dinner featuring wild game at the historic, gas-lit cabin restaurant.

BOWLING AT SLOPESIDE LANES

This boutique, 8-lane bowling alley features 300-inch projection TVs and a wood-fired Mugnaini pizza oven from Italy.

Bowlers can catch a game or munch on hand-tossed pizzas or specialty burgers while they roll. A full bar features local Woody Creek Distillery vodka and Aspen Brewing Company beers.

FLY-FISHING

With two Gold Medal rivers nearby, the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan, angling for trout is a popular winter activity.

Local outfitters and shops can provide any level of service from gear

rental and advice on what’s biting to full-day guided tours. A fishing license is required in Colorado, and the Roaring Fork River is catch-andrelease only.

SNOW TUBING

An exciting way to slide down the slopes, snow tubing is fun for the whole family. The Meadows at Elk Camp offers several tubing lanes serviced by a magic-carpet lift. In addition to offering daytime rides, tubing lanes are well lit at night during Friday Ullr Nights festivities.

Arrangements may also be made for special group events and parties.

ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016, Anderson Ranch is the artistic and cultural hub of Snowmass Village.

Artistic expression and development is inspired through workshops, artist residencies, gallery exhibits, tours, lectures, and more. Tuesdays, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store offers visitors the chance to enjoy a hot beverage while shopping for moderately priced ceramic and wood pieces, photographs, prints and paintings by Ranch artists.

Quality art supplies, clothing and books are also sold.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

13

go & do

NAHKO BEAR COMES TO SNOWMASS

A PEEK AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PEAKS OF WINTER 2015-16 STORY BY ANDREWTRAVERS

PLAYING A SELF-STYLED BLEND

of folk, rap and world music dubbed “thump-hop,� Nahko and Medicine for the People have built a worldwide community around their sound and their message.

A native of Portland, Oregon, frontman Nahko Bear surrounds himself with a rotating band of musicians known as Medicine for the People.

Formed in 2008, and incorporated as a nonprofit, the musical collective travels the globe in the Michael Franti

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

tradition, playing progressive folk music with a positive message, charming storytelling and catchy guitar licks.

The globe-trotting band comes to Snowmass Base Village on March 19 as part of the winter-long Hi-Fi Concert Series, presented by Aspen Skiing Co. The five-concert Hi-Fi series kicked off Thanksgiving weekend with a performance by Jamestown Revival at the base of Aspen Mountain (additional concerts are Feb. 13, March 25 and March 26).

TOP Nahko and Medicine for the People at Belly Up in 2014/ Aspen Times file photo.

ABOVE Chris Robinson of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Belly Up in 2010/Aspen Times file photo.

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15

“ You'll find us in the most unique places on earth because it's real, raw and honest storytelling about what we've been through.

Arts & Entertainment

CRITIC'S PICKS

NAHKO BEAR / MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE FRONTMAN

Given their itinerant, inclusive approach, it’s no surprise to find Nahko and Medicine for the People playing a free show on a Colorado mountainside.

“You’ll find us in the most unique places on earth because it’s real, raw and honest storytelling about what we’ve been through and what we believe in,” Nahko said in 2013. “And that’s why people connect with it. I think that’s the most important thing you can do with music.”

The collective has two proper studio albums – “On the Verge” (2010) and “Dark as Night” (2013) – while also regularly releasing one-offs online. But the band’s sound and reputation has been built on its enthralling live shows over the past few years at festivals and clubs (including stops at Belly Up in Aspen).

Nahko has been praised for his rare ability to turn a show of any size into an intimate affair, drawing the audience in while preaching equality, respect and social justice.

“Part of what we try to convey is accountability and empowerment,” he said. “These songs direct us to look at ourselves, whether it’s about a social issue, environmental or a personal issue.

They embrace Bob Marley’s idea of world-bridging, bringing people together to resolve differences. For us, music is a tool to create healing and activate people to change things.”

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

ART

MARILYN MINTER, “New Paintings and Photographs,” Baldwin Gallery (through Dec. 21) DIANA THATER, “gorillagorillagorilla,” video art installation

by Los Angeles artist, Aspen Art Museum (through Feb. 21) ANNA SEW HOY, “Magnetic Between,” sculptures combining found objects and industrial materials, Aspen Art Museum (through April 3) SHINIQUE SMITH, sitespecific installation at Elk Camp on Snowmass Ski Area (through Sept. 4) ART APRÈS, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village (Tuesdays at 3 p.m. through March 22)

“FINDING PLACE,” new works by Carbondale potter Alleghany Meadows and Aspen sculptor Sara Ransford, Patton-Malott Gallery, Anderson Ranch, Snowmass Village (Dec. 7 through Jan. 25, opening reception Dec. 15) RED BRICK CENTER for the Arts Local Art Auction (Jan. 12 through 21)

BOOKS

HOLIDAY BOOK-SIGNING and Bazaar, Aspen Historical Society (Dec. 19) LITERATURE OUT LOUD, Explore Booksellers (Dec. 20) JUAN HERRERA, U.S. poet laureate, Paepcke Auditorium, presented

by Aspen Words (Jan. 12)

ADAM JOHNSON, Pulitzer Prize winner, Paepcke Auditorium, presented

by Aspen Words (Feb. 13) GERALDINE BROOKS, author of “The Secret Chord” and “Caleb’s Crossing,” Paepcke Auditorium, presented by Aspen Words (March 15) SANDRA CISNEROS, author of “The House on Mango Street,” Paepcke Auditorium, presented

by Aspen Words (April 5)

CLASSICAL MUSIC

DAVID FINCKEL AND WU HAN, Harris Concert Hall (Feb. 2) SARAH CHANG, Harris Concert Hall (Feb. 11) CURTIS ON TOUR WITH MICHAEL RUSINEK, Harris Concert Hall (March 12)

COMEDY

KEVIN SMITH, filmmaker, podcaster and comedian, Wheeler Opera House (Dec. 19) ASPEN LAFF FESTIVAL, stand-up comedy, Wheeler Opera House (Feb. 18 through 20)

DANCE

“THE NUTCRACKER,” performed by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Aspen District Theatre (Dec. 12 and 13) NEW WORKS BY ALEJANDRO CERRUDO, Fernando Melo and Cayetano Soto, performed

by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Aspen District Theatre (Feb. 13 and March 26)

FILM

ASPEN FILM ACADEMY SCREENINGS, 2015 Oscar contenders, Wheeler Opera House (Dec. 22 through Jan. 2) ASPEN SHORTSFEST, showcasing short films by emerging fimmakers, Wheeler Opera House (April 4 through 10)

POP MUSIC

APRÈS-SKI WITH LOCAL MUSICIANS, Limelight Hotel (Thursday through Monday evenings) JAMESTOWN REVIVAL, Aspen Mountain (Nov. 28) WARREN HAYNES AND THE ASHES AND DUST BAND, Belly Up (Nov. 29) THE WOOD BROTHERS, Belly Up (Dec. 10)

REVEREND HORTON HEAT, Belly Up (Dec. 16) ALLAN HARRIS, JAS Café at the Little Nell (Dec 18-19) SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX, Wheeler Opera House (Dec. 19) THE NATIONAL, Belly Up (Dec. 28 and 29)

CHROMEO / Courtesy photo

DAVID FINKEL AND WU HAN / Aspen Times File

SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS OF DREAMS, Wheeler Opera House (Dec. 31) CHROMEO, Belly Up (Dec. 31 and Jan. 1) TAKE 6, JAS Café at the Little Nell (Jan. 2 and 3) CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, Belly Up (Jan. 4)

UMPHREY'S MCGEE / Courtesy photo

ANDREAS OBERG, KRUNO SPISIC AND TED GOTTSEGEN, JAS Café at the Little Nell (Jan. 15 and 16) NAS, Belly Up (Jan 27) and Winter X Games (Jan 28) RUN THE JEWELS, Winter X Games (Jan. 28) and Belly Up (Jan. 29)

ADAM JOHNSON / Courtesy photo

TWENTY ONE PILOTS, Belly Up (Jan. 28) and Winter X Games (Jan. 29)

RAILROAD EARTH, Belly Up (Feb. 14 and 15)

DEADMAU5, Winter X Games and Belly Up (Jan. 30)

JOEY DEFRANCESCO, JAS Cade at the Little Nell (Feb. 18 and 19)

STS9, Belly Up (Feb. 3 and 4)

GALACTIC, Belly Up (Feb. 21)

YELLOWJACKETS, JAS Café at the Little Nell (Feb. 11 and 12)

UMPHREY’S MCGEE, Belly Up (March 17 through 19)

BETH MALONE IN THE BROADWAY ADAPTATION OF ALISON BECHDEL'S 'FUN HOME' / Courtesy photo

NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE, Snowmass Base Village (March 19)

THEATER

“DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS,” by Theatre Aspen School’s Winter Teen Conservatory, Aspen District Theatre (Dec. 17 through 19)

ALISON BECHDEL AND BETH MALONE, “Fun Home” graphic novelist and musical actress, Paepcke Auditorium (Jan. 27) THEATER MASTERS’ TAKE TEN, new work by emerging playwrights (Jan. 30 through Feb. 2)

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

17

go & do S’mores by the fire at Ullr Nights in Snowmass.

Photo by Tyler Stableford

OFF THE

BEATEN TRAIL STAFF REPORT

A DAY ON THE SLOPES can

be exhilarating, but it can also wear a person — or an entire family — out. The best part about being in Snowmass is that there’s always something fun to do.

This winter, try something new like an educational journey through the forest to learn about Rocky Mountain wildlife. Want to feel the cool air in your face at high speeds while also giving your legs a rest?

Head over to The Meadows at Elk Camp for tubing to experience a new kind of thrill.

And did you know that the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System boasts more than 60 miles of free cross-country ski and snowshoe trails? Nordic skiing is an excellent way to incorporate a little more fitness into your vacation.

NORDIC MAP

Here's how to enjoy some less traditional outdoor winter fun SNOWMASS SNOWSHOE TOUR

Explore spruce and fir forests along a babbling creek in the Snowmass Ski Area on this twohour guided snowshoe tour with a Naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Learn about Rocky Mountain winter ecology, animals and more as you discover the area and enjoy the silence of a snowcovered forest.

Tours depart daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.

COURTESY: www.aspennordic.com

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

Cost: $58 for adults, $49 for youth and seniors.

TAKE A SNOWCAT TO DINNER AT LYNN BRITT CABIN

Enjoy an exquisite Western mountain dinner high up on Snowmass after the lifts close. You will travel to and from the cabin in snowcats, which pick up slopeside at Base Village at 6 p.m. At the cabin, guests dine on four courses of New American cuisine while live music

by Rich Ganson entertains throughout the evening.

Cost: The price per person includes a snowcat ride to and from the cabin, a four-course meal, and live entertainment. Cost is $115 for adults, $65 for children ages 3 to 11

and free for children ages 2 and under; prices do not include beverages, tax and gratuity. Reservations required for dinner. (Lynn Britt Cabin requires a minimum of 25–30 people to run the event.)

On Wednesday evenings, enjoy a family fun-filled three-course chuckwagon dinner. Arrive at the cabin and enjoy hot cider and a warm fire before familyfriendly live entertainment and fun sing-a-longs commence. Seating is limited to 40 guests.

Guests will meet at Base Village at 4:45 p.m. for a 15-minute snowcat ride to the cabin and return by 7:30 p.m. Cost is $85 for adults, and $45 for kids age 3-11. Kids ages 2 and under are free.

ULLR NIGHTS

Every Friday night during the peak of winter season, Snowmass honors the Norse God of Snow — Ullr — with Ullr Nights, a nighttime, winter wonderland party at Elk Camp.

Friends and family come to enjoy old-fashioned — and modern — winter outdoor activities such as a tubing, ice skating, snowbiking, a snow slide, guided snowshoe tours, s'mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire. Dance to live music and enjoy great food. After playing in the snow, kids can warm up inside with fun activities and entertainment available downstairs in The Tent.

Ullr Nights are every Friday night from Dec. 18 through April 1, at Elk Camp Restaurant and Elk Camp Meadows. Cost: $9.

Snowbike Tours at Ullr Nights cost $69 and begin at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are needed and can be made at 970-923-1227.

Riders must be at least 12 years old and intermediate skiers or snowboarders.

Tubing at Ullr Nights is available from Dec. 19 through April 1. One-hour sessions begin every halfhour between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

NORDIC SKIING

Enjoy one of the largest free groomed cross-country ski systems in North America.

Sixty miles of free trails

connect Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt.

Visit the Snowmass Cross Country Center at 0446 Clubhouse Dr., in Snowmass Village. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Call 970923-5700, or visit www.aspennordic.com, for more information.

TUBING

Multiple, lift-served tubing lanes carve into The Meadows at Elk Camp, with lighting that illuminates the runs at night during Ullr Nights festivities and on special holidays.

Tubing at Snowmass opens in mid-December and will be open every day through the winter season in conjunction with winter lift operations, as well as during Ullr Nights. Tubing lanes can also be made available for special events and parties as requested. All riders must be at least 36" tall.

Non-Denominational Christian Worship Every Sunday, 9am. Featuring local and national guest musicians; outstanding children’s programs.

On Mountain Worship with Robert de Wetter Meet us on the mountain for a short, 15 min outdoor service every Sunday at 12 noon outside Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Starting Jan. 4th through ski season.

Creekside Café

Stop in to our Creekside Room for a warm cup of coffee and conversation with friends. Self-serve and open to the public during normal business hours.

Snowmass Chapel 5307 Owl Creek Road, Snowmass Village (970) 923-6192 Please visit our website for the most current information on all our offerings for children, youth, families, young adults, visitors and about Project 18, Bible studies, outstanding speaker series, retreats, community events, and women’s workshops…

www.snowmasschapel.org

Cost: $33 per person, all ages. Purchase tubing tickets at any Aspen Snowmass ticket office, by phone, online or at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. Advance purchase recommended.

Beginning Dec. 19, tubing will be offered with onehour sessions beginning at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Beginning Feb. 13, 2016, an additional session beginning at 2:30 p.m. will be offered.

SOURCE: Snowmass Tourism

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

19

family

SNOWMASS FOR THE

LITTLE ONES

'VERY IMPORTANT KID' PROGRAM LUMPS TOGETHER ALL OF THE VILLAGE'S FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Find out more at

WWW.VIKSNOWMASS.COM

STORY BY JILL BEATHARD

SNOWMASS VILLAGE HAS

always been popular with families, and with that have come lots of kid-friendly places and events offered by the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center in Base Village, the biggest ski school on Aspen’s four mountains and a host of free après-ski activities.

But it wasn’t always easy for parents to find out about all the options, so last year Related Colorado, the owner

20

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

of Base Village, launched the Very Important Kid — or VIK — program.

Passing out lanyards with a schedule of activities for two different time slots after ski hours, the program was a hit, and this year, with collaboration from Aspen Skiing Co. and Snowmass Tourism, it’s bigger and better than ever.

The lanyards are a free resource for families, said Rose Abello, director of Snowmass Tourism, and most of the

ABOVE Snowbiking/Photo by Jeremy Swanson.

OPPOSITE PAGE Playing in the snow/ Photo by Tyler Stableford.

TheVIK schedule lists activities in two time slots — 3:30 to 5 p.m. and evening hours — for every day of the week activities on the VIK schedule are free or discounted. This year, every child who goes to ski or snowboard school in Snowmass will receive a VIK lanyard, and lanyards also will be available at hotels, the Ice Age Discovery Center on the Snowmass Village Mall and the Snowmass Info Lounge in Base Village.

The VIK schedule lists activities in two time slots — 3:30 to 5 p.m. and evening hours — for every day of the week. Free activities that have been around for several years such as Sing-along and S’mores, Kids Crafts and Storytelling, rotate days in the early time slot, with the addition of juggling and magic on Sundays and Après on the Bricks, an après-ski event for all ages in Base Village, on Saturdays. All of these events require parental supervision.

The evening slot features the newest events this season. Sunday is family bowling night at Slopeside Lanes, when families can receive 10 percent off with a VIK lanyard. On Mondays, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies will bring one of its resident animals to the Snowmass Info Lounge for a free, interactive program called The Wild Side. And on Tuesdays, Snowy the Mammoth, Snowmass Village’s mascot, will roam around the mall and Base Village for free photo ops. Parental supervision is required for the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday events.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, VIK offers paid events with supervision so parents can have some adult fun and leave the kids on their own. Ski-school students can stay at the Treehouse, where there are play rooms for all age levels, during aprèsski hours on Wednesdays for the Kids Après Party. And at Kids Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, kids of all ages will get a pizza dinner and lots of fun activities, like hula hooping

with local legend Betty Hoops (you’ll spot her snowboarding on the mountain with a hoop around her waist). Kids Night Out starts on New Year’s Eve with a late pickup time of 10:15 p.m. for $50; on all other nights the activity costs $35.

Aspen Skiing Co. will again offer Ullr Nights on Fridays at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, a popular nighttime event with something for everyone, including tubing, dinner and drinks in the restaurant, live music, snow biking, ice skating and snowshoe tours. Gondola tickets for Ullr Nights cost $9.

On Saturday nights, families will receive a discount to use the Snowmass Village Recreation Center, located in Town Park next to the rodeo grounds. A family of four can use the rec center facilities for $40, a $10 discount.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

21

Exceptional Partnership

PREMIER PROPERTIES

Greg Rulon and Stacey K. Kelly embrace the highly anticipated changes coming to Snowmass Village this spring with the re-ignition of Base Village’s construction.

Snowmass Village is already a world-class year-round resort destination and will continue to live up to its reputation as a thriving outdoor community welcoming guests from around the world.

It has been a year since Douglas Elliman Real Estate, one of the nation’s leading private companies, acquired Joshua & Co. and our network continues to grow.

With more than 6,000 agents throughout New York, Connecticut, Florida, Beverly Hills and now Aspen and Snowmass, we provide direct access to potential buyers and sellers. With its Knight Frank Residential international alliance, Douglas Elliman Real Estate shares marketing resources for domestic and international properties in the top 10% of each market they serve.

Greg and Stacey make you the first priority. Become part of this spectacular place by purchasing one of these premier properties. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.SnowmassBrokers.com to stay informed on the changes yet to come to this amazing community.

STACEY K. KELLY | 970. 948.4694 | stacey.kelly@elliman.com GREG RULON | 970. 948.2406 | greg.rulon@elliman.com 16 Kearns Road, Suite 113, Snowmass Village, CO 81615, 970.923.4700 ELLIMAN.COM/ASPEN

WWW.SNOWMASSBROKERS.COM | SNOWMASSASPENREALESTATE | @GREGRULON, @SKKELLY576

TOP OF THE VILLAGE SKI IN, SKI OUT

HAYDEN LODGE #2303

FOREST LANE CONTEMPORARY

$839,000 | MLS: 131575

$895,000 | MLS: 135993

$8,950,000 | MLS:136545

MAPLE RIDGE PRIVACY

WOODBRIDGE 19A

NORTH RIDGE DUPLEX

$2,795,000 | MLS: 136969

$445,000 | MLS: 140161

TOP OF THE VILLAGE SLOPE 103

MELTON RANCH HOME

$1,299,000 | MLS: 138848

$1,900,000 | MLS: 137482

$1,550,000 | MLS: 138822

AMAZING VIEWS FROM WILDRIDGE $2,395,000 | MLS: 140504

©2015 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS ARE DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. 300 SOUTH HUNTER STREET, ASPEN, COLORADO 81611. 970.925.8810.

VISION FOR

SNOW MASS STORY BY SCOTT CONDON

Aspen Skiing Co.'s plans for the future

A

SPEN SKIING CO. wants to tweak winter operations at Snowmass to broaden its appeal to skiers and snowboarders and it aims to add significant facilities to lure summer business.

Skico outlined its vision for the future in an updated Snowmass Master Development Plan. The White River National Forest formally accepted the plan in August. However, projects that weren’t previously approved by the agency must still go through review via the National Environmental Policy Act. Projects that were approved in 1994 but haven’t been implemented in the past 21 years will “likely” go through additional environmental review, according to Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer.

THE TOWN OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE

and Pitkin County also will review portions of the project.

A cornerstone of the winter improvements includes building a previously approved chairlift on Burnt Mountain and adding more terrain on the eastern flank of the ski area, which currently has a backcountry feel.

One new proposal in the plan for winter is building onmountain huts that would have a similar feel to the popular Tenth Mountain and Braun system backcountry huts, according to the master plan.

In the summer, Skico will seek approval for an alpine coaster — a gravity-fed system that whisks riders through the forest. It also wants approval for a zip line/canopy tour, climbing wall, challenge course and more mountain-bike trails, the plan said.

Fireworks and the Torchlight Parade in Snowmass on New Year’s Eve. Photo by Jeremy Swanson

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

25

Skiers on Snowmass.

Photo by Tyler Stableford

WINTER PLAN

Skico’s Snowmass Master Development Plan said it wants to enhance visitor opportunities without making the ski area crowded or taking away from the natural environment.

“This (plan) seeks to proactively address future trends in winter recreation at Snowmass over the next 10 to 15 years,” the plan said. “Understanding that guest’s preferences are constantly changing, this (plan) will address those trends in proactive and creative ways.”

Skico aims to “enhance the upper-mountain terrain access and user flow” by adding to and modifying the existing lifts and trails, according to the plan.

One new use is the proposed construction of three onmountain huts. They would be “simple structures” that sleep 10 to 20 people.

“These huts are intended to offer guests during winter and summer months, who may not have the proper equipment or sufficient stamina to use the backcountry hut systems, a 26

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

Skico is contemplating a chairlift with a 2,733-foot elevation gain with the capability to haul 1,800 skiers per hour similar on-mountain, overnight experience,” the plan said.

Potential locations for the three huts are the Dikes, a forested area between the Slider and Turkey Trot trails, and the Elk Camp Saddle between Sandy Park and Hanging Valley Wall, the plan proposed. The concept of the huts as well as specific locations will be subject to review.

Other new proposals for winter operations include: Updates to the Big Burn and Coney Glade chairlifts, which were first-generation detachable quad lifts. They would remain in existing alignments.

Skico proposes expanding Sam’s Smokehouse by 3,000 to 5,000 square feet and potentially adding

reservations for table service.

Skico wants to remodel and refurbish the High Alpine Restaurant, and redo the Lynn Britt Cabin and Spider Sabich Picnic area and race arena, which are on private land.

BURNT MOUNTAIN LIFT RETAINED The master plan retains lift and terrain projects on Burnt Mountain that were approved in 1994. Skico wants to eventually add chairlift service to the top of Burnt Mountain from the slopes of Two Creeks, the plan said.

Skiers and snowboarders must currently hike to the terrain.

Skico is contemplating a chairlift with a 2,733-foot

Leading Skico's summer wishlist is an alpine coaster on the Elk Camp side of the mountain elevation gain with the capability to haul 1,800 skiers per hour, the plan said. No date was proposed for installation.

About 30 acres of new terrain would be added off the lift, between the existing Long Shot trail and the upper Elk Camp area. Another 100 acres of terrain would be gladed.

“The hike to developed trail Long Shot would become a lift-served intermediate trail,” the plan said. “The gladed areas of Split Tree, A-Line and Rio would become lift-served but would remain glades.”

Skico’s expansion onto Burnt Mountain has faced fierce opposition in the past.

Backcountry skiers have feared Skico would ruin the feel of the area by installing a chairlift.

Skico is proposing an intermediate step before adding the Burnt Mountain chairlift.

It proposed the Naked Man surface lift would go from the top of the Elk Camp lift to the top of Burnt Mountain, following a route similar to what is currently hiked. The lift, which was previously approved, would be removed once the Burnt Mountain chair is installed.

the country,” Skico’s plan said. “Snowmass and the Aspen/Snowmass area are experiencing more demand as a major summer destination for guests than in the past.

“Since the introduction of on-mountain summer activities in the Elk Camp area five years ago, Snowmass is rapidly experiencing increased use by summer guests,” the plan said.

Leading Skico’s summer wish list is an alpine coaster on the Elk Camp side of the mountain, between Elk Camp Meadows beginners’ area and Sandy Park.

“The gravity-driven coaster will use bobsled-like cars on tubular rail tracks,” the plan said. It will include an uphill track that will allow towing the rider to the top. It could be used both summer and winter.

The first-ever alpine coaster was approved in the White River

National Forest at Vail Mountain.

The Forest Service said it would consider the appropriateness of the rides on a case-by-case basis.

OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE SUMMER PLAN

• A zip line/canopy tour where users would be clipped into a harness and zip-pulled on heavy-duty steel cables. They would glide from one elevated platform to another, usually beneath the tree canopy.

• A climbing wall is contemplated adjacent to Elk Camp Restaurant, which is the current hub of summer activity at Snowmass.

• A challenge course with obstacles that requires team building to maneuver.

• Twenty miles of additional mountain biking trails in the Elk Camp and Alpine Springs areas.

Tubing at Snowmass/Photo

by Tyler Stableford.

SUMMER PLAN

Skico said in the master plan that it wants to add facilities to capitalize on surging summer growth in business.

“Summer recreation is fast becoming an opportunity for tourism growth in mountain resort communities across A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

27

How to

e d i R d n a i Sk

W O SN BY SCOTT CONDON

28 24 30

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

S S A M W 32 3 , 3 S A H R E A R A IN A I K S S S SNOWMSAOF SKIABLE TERAILS. ACRE 0 MILES OF TR A ND 1 5 THAT'S BIG, SO IT CAN BE A BIT DAUNTING FOR SKIERS

and snowboarders who aren’t intimately familiar with it to figure out what trails to hit and when.

Do you take the Elk Camp Gondola out of Base Village to the east side of the mountain or the six-pack Village Express chairlift to the western side? Do you warm up on Sam’s Knob or Alpine Springs? Do you forget the lower slopes altogether and head for the high country?

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

29

SNOW MASS

ER D W O P NT "IF I T ' S A A W U O DAY, Y AT THE TO BE EXPRESS E IT N VILLAG E H W M BY 8:30TAFIRES UP." F IR S ANAGER SKI SCHOOL M TOM HAZARD

/ SNOWMASS

Vital Stats

3,332

ACRES OF SKIABLE TERRAIN

4,406

FEET OF VERTICAL RISE

150

MILES OF TRAILS

30%

EXPERT TRAILS

17%

MOST DIFFICULT TRAILS

47%

INTERMEDIATE TRAILS

6%

EASIEST TRAILS

Tom Hazard, a manager of adult lessons in the Snowmass Ski School, first skied Snowmass in 1978. He said it is regrettable that it took him until 2003 to apply for a job there, but he’s made up for lost time. He’s immersed himself in the slopes of Snowmass and fallen in love with the ski area.

He said Snowmass’ gated, expert terrain is often overlooked for both its quantity and quality.

We asked Hazard to take us on a virtual tour of Snowmass, with a few key assumptions — first, that he’s guiding a strong intermediate or expert skier and, second, that it is a powder day.

“You want to be on the lift by 9:15 or 9:30,” he said.

And that’s being generous. If it’s a powder day, you want to be at the Village Express by 8:30 a.m. when it first fires up, he said.

Hazard likes to start his day on Sam’s Knob for a couple of reasons. First, the upper, gated terrain probably won’t open until 10:30 a.m. or so on a powder day. The ski patrol needs time to trigger slides and take other precautions. Second, Sam’s Knob provides some skiing at a steep enough pitch that it’s fun.

Zugspitze and Promenade trails are among his favorites. Skiers and snowboarders can usually count on making a few laps on relatively empty slopes, so

they can count on fresh, uncut powder.

“I can almost wear myself out on Sam’s Knob between 8:30 and 10,” Hazard said.

Even when powder is in short supply, he likes to start there and fly down the steep groomers, such as Slot.

On a powder day, he would recommend checking out the Powderhorn trail in the Campground section of the mountain after departing Sam’s Knob but before migrating over to the Big Burn.

Powderhorn is famed for its double fall line and long sections of bumps. After exploring there, he heads to the terrain served by the Big Burn and Sheer Bliss chairlifts. They unload near each other, but they also serve different terrain.

The Big Burn chair provides access to the Powerline Glades — low-angle, gladed terrain that is lots of fun on a powder day. Hazard’s tip is to “defy gravity” — don’t stick to the narrow strip where the terrain wants to funnel people under the overhead powerline. Explore off to the left and right. There are countless lines through trees that are sometimes tight and sometimes spread out.

“The wind settles the soft snow in there,” Hazard said. “It’s low-angle, soft-snow, gladed skiing for intermediates and experts.”

Skiers and snowboarders more interested in off-piste experiences should head to the Sheer Bliss lift and keep an eye on the Poma lift that pulls passengers up to the top of the Cirque. While waiting, maybe take a run through Garrett Gulch.

Once the poma lift starts operating, it provides access to several gated areas of expert terrain, including AMF, Gowdy’s and KT Gully. Laps can be made by hopping back on the Sheer Bliss chair, or that terrain can be skipped for the Cirque Headwall.

Of course, Hazard’s plan comes with a caveat.

“The question is, is it an epic day or a good day?” he said. “If it’s an epic day, you want to get to the steepest terrain as quickly as possible.”

In that case, he would still warm up on Sam’s Knob but then start working his way a little more quickly over to the Hanging Valley terrain. In that case, he would ride Sheer Bliss and the Poma but

then take the high trail at the top of the Cirque that traverses over to the Headwall and Roberto’s areas.

The possibilities on an epic powder day are nearly endless.

Most people will dive into Roberto’s or the Headwall. One variation is to ski Possible, a steep, short gully, and then cut sharply to skier’s right to access Wall One and Wall Two, Cassidy’s and surrounding terrain. It’s possible to find powder stashes in there for several days after a snow, Hazard said.

Word to the wise: If there is open terrain but no tracks into it, heed the warning, Hazard said. Hidden rocks and obstacles are likely lurking right under the surface. And don’t worry, he said — even the snow that is tracked remains soft for a long, long time in Hanging Valley.

If it’s a good but not epic day, he might spend more time on the slopes of High Alpine since so many people head to Hanging Valley.

When there’s powder, he also would recommend the short hike from the top of the Elk Camp lift onto Burnt Mountain for more low-angle, gladed skiing.

“Everyone has to do it at least once on their visit when it’s open and we have good snow,” Hazard said.

Less experienced skiers and snowboarders also have an option on Burnt Mountain. They can take the short hike and hit Longshot, an intermediate trail that is occasionally groomed.

There are numerous, subtle tricks to skiing Snowmass when trails are wind-swept, sunbaked and powder-choked. Hazard recommended enlisting the services of a ski pro — they know the mountain and they can help with skiing technique. It’s a shameless plug for the ski school, he acknowledged, but it’s also the best way for someone to acquaint themselves with the nuances of Snowmass.

“It’s an amazing mountain,” Hazard said.

I K SBETTER STORY BY ODE DALE STR

PHOTOS BY ALLACE JEREMY W

Get moving and get fit to improve your skiing and snowboarding WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIING?

And your skiing stamina?

Want to become a better rider on your board?

Simple: Get moving, get fit, and get stronger.

Overall fitness, strength, mobility and flexibility cannot be underestimated in terms of improved skiing performance, according to longtime fitness trainer Erik Larson of Aspen Crossfit.

A few simple exercises not only will help skiing and snowboarding performance but also will reduce injuries, said Larson, who has trained Aspen’s active set for years at the Crossfit location at the Aspen Business Center.

“There are some simple things you can do that are plyometric in nature,” Larson said. “Do a wall-sit. You don’t need any equipment for that. Just sit against the wall with a perfect 90-degree angle, vertical shins, back against the wall.”

32

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

dev elo p ex plo sive pow er

BOX JUM P

develop core strength

PUSHUPS

develop core strength and leg strength

WALL-SIT

ERIK LARSON Fitness trainer at Aspen Crossfit.

A simple staple of plyo strength-building, start with 30-second intervals with the wall-sit, he said.

“They’ve been around in dry-land training forever,” he said, adding that the move develops core strength as you hold yourself upright. Plus, you’ll feel the burn in the big muscles in your legs.

Build up with additional sets in the wall chair.

Larson said another effective exercise is the plyometric box jump.

“You can do that on a rock, a bench, steps,” he said of the power jump up onto the bench and then a full extension, followed by a step down or hop down.

“The idea is explosive power,” Larson said.

“This will develop explosive power in the hips.”

The explosive bench jumps can be done in short sets with brief rests for maximum effectiveness.

The ever-popular ice-skater hops also are valuable in improving ski fitness. The side-toside movements work muscle combinations, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Similarly, the squat-jump is a power exercise that develops core strength and muscle combinations. Larson recommends sets of squat-jumps for improved skiing performance.

The combination drills also are important because of balance, Larson said.

Simple one-leg balance exercises are especially helpful, Larson said, adding that they will help develop mobility and strength in the muscles of the feet — another key element for skiers and snowboarders.

“Stand on one leg… balance,” Larson said.

“Then the other. Learn to support yourself upright on one foot. When you get that, close your eyes and do it.”

And do not forget the upper body, the veteran trainer said.

“It’s not just legs and core; it’s also upper body,” Larson said. Upper-body strength and muscle tone are vital, he said.

“If you go headfirst into a tree well, you’d better be able to push yourself up and out,” Larson said.

Simple is effective, he said.

“Do pushups. A proper pushup is very good,” Larson said. “Use a pull-up bar if you have one.”

Try to keep your fitness work in balance, as well, he said.

“Our bodies are a system that works together,” he said. “You should have a strong anterior chain and a strong posterior chain.”

In other words, balanced strength in front and back.

“It’s all interconnected,” Larson said.

Skiing and snowboarding, like most actions, are multi-joint, compound movements, Larson said.

To ski better, to snowboard better, he said, integrate more multi-joint, compound movements.

One more thing, Larson said: Don’t forget to hydrate.

“Your tissues don’t move if they become dehydrated,” he said.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

33

fitness

GET OUT &

GET ON UP THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF PLACES TO WORK OUT YOUR LUNGS AND LEGS ON AN UPHILL ASCENT STORY BY RICK CARROLL

34

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

SO YOU WANT TO BE an

uphiller? Then you picked the right place.

Uphilling — that's the colloquial term for hiking in the winter — continues to soar in popularity in the Aspen-Snowmass area.

On any given ski day, chairlift passengers might gaze below and catch a glimpse of a solo uphiller, or a group, plodding up a ski run.

It's not the most glamorous activity to be had, and it can be downright painful on the lungs and legs. But

with it comes a sweet reward — the satisfaction of striking the right physical and mental rhythm on the ascent, and the ease of going down on skis, snowboard or foot.

Aspen Skiing Co., which operates the four local ski areas, has taken notice, as well.

Starting this winter, the company will have uphill rental gear at Four Mountain Sports in Aspen for the first time. And it also will be running two locals' clinics through its ski school for uphilling.

OPPOSITE PAGE Uphilling isn't just for humans. Dogs often get a piece of the vertical action too/Aspen Times file photo.

RIGHT America's Uphill, held on Aspen Mountain every March, is one of the area's most popular vertical events, attracting hundreds of participants/Aspen Times file photo.

HOW YOU GET UP OR DOWN IS A MATTER OF PREFERENCE, BUT THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS SHOES OR BOOTS / Indeed, you don't need to spend a lot of money on uphilling. Just throw on some running shoes or hiking boots, and you can uphill with the best of them. If you're on a ski run, however, it helps to have ski poles and groomed runs to get up. And if it's a powder day, you might be in for a demanding day on the hill with just shoes or boots.

SNOWSHOES / This is the appropriate gear for those who plan to walk or run up the mountain, especially when the snow is deep.

SKIS / Put some climbing skins on your skis, and you're good to go. Take them off for the ski down and enjoy the descent.

SPLITBOARD / This is a snowboard that functions as a pair of skis for the climb up. Attach the makeshift skis to each other at the top and cruise down as a snowboarder.

TRACTION DEVICES / Stabilicers, crampons and other devices you strap onto your shoes are ideal when the track is fast or icy.

WHERE TO GO SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN / This is the easiest trek up, and it doesn't require skis or a splitboard. In fact, we highly encourage you not to bring that equipment unless you're prepared for weird looks about your gear. It's best to use shoes, boots, stabilicers and occasionally showshoes when making the 1.5-mile, 800-foot ascent to the observation deck. Those more daring will bring a sled for the ride down.

ASPEN MOUNTAIN / The uphill route is from Little Nell to Bingo Slot to Spar to Silver Bell to the summit. Uphill traffic must be at the summit by 9 a.m. No dogs are permitted uphill on Aspen Mountain in the winter.

You can ski or snowboard down or enjoy a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola to the bottom.

ASPEN HIGHLANDS / The preferred route is from Jerome Bowl to Park Avenue to Memory Lane to the Merry Go Round

restaurant. If uphillers are traveling farther up Aspen Highlands, Skico asks that you pass Merry Go Round by 9 a.m.

BUTTERMILK / The designated routes up Main Buttermilk and Tiehack are marked and segregated.

There are no restrictions on West Buttermilk. The main route is closed during the X Games.

SNOWMASS / There are no restrictions with regard to time or route (dogs are permitted on leashes).

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

35

gearing up

WHEN WINTER BLOWS IN, SO DOES

THE NEW GEAR STORY BY SCOTT CONDON / PHOTOS BY JEREMY WALLACE

MOST SKIERS WON'T BE THICK

around the middle this season. Well, at least their skis won’t be thick around the middle.

The trend for years was for skis to grow wider underfoot.

Manufacturers hawked boards as wide as 140 millimeters at the waist in the not-so-distant past.

But the direction in recent years has been to slim down.

“It kind of settled down,” said David Stapleton, manager at Gorsuch ski shop in Aspen.

“The racks weren’t fitting the skis anymore.”

Trimmer lines will dominate the

36

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

rental fleets at ski shops in Aspen and Snowmass Village this season.

Manufacturers are promoting skis as slender as 88 to 90 millimeters underfoot, according to Ron Morehead, manager of Four Mountain Sports in Aspen.

Many skiers are still skiing 92 to 98 millimeters, and the most adventurous will go with an even wider ski in powder, he said.

But as baby boomers age, they are best suited to the slimmer skis, even if they don’t realize it, Stapleton and Morehead agreed.

Stapleton has observed that many skiers on Aspen Mountain aren’t able to get the fatter skis on edge.

ABOVE Displaying some of the new boots available this ski season.

OPPOSITE PAGE Jack Raferty, of Aspen SportsSnowmass, with this season's boots.

They are sliding instead of putting an edge to snow. He believes they would benefit from a narrower ski at the waist.

“There’s less effort to get on the edge,” he said.

Morehead’s advice to skiers — whether they are visitors or Roaring Fork Valley residents —

HERE ARE SOME SKIS AND BOOTS THAT CAUGHT THE EYES OF LOCAL EXPERTS FOR THE COMING WINTER RON MOREHEAD of Four Mountain Sports predicted the K2 Pinnacle 95 will be one of the more popular sellers at his shop this winter.

It’s also eye-catching with a green-and-black top design. The ski comes with a universal 95-millimeter waist.

DAVID STAPLETON of Gorsuch is excited about offering a “reinvented” ski boot brand that he said many old-timers will remember. The Hierling custom-fitted boot isn’t for everyone, at a price of about $1,900, but for those who can afford it, it will be worth it, he said.

is to go with the narrower waist and rent the fatties when they are going on a powder tour or when the ski areas get clobbered with deep snow.

Stapleton said he personally prefers a narrower ski even in the powder. The wide boards allow a skier to float on the powder at a higher speed. He likes the feeling of sinking into the powder and producing “face shots.”

Many ski makers still include a tip rocker, which helps skiers initiate a turn, but twin tips are out of style except for skiers who spend a lot of time in terrain parks.

“You cannot find a twin tip on our wall now,” Stapleton said.

And the tip rockers have become substantially smaller, he said.

Both ski shops focus on ski rentals.

“We really push people to have their own ski boots,” Stapleton said.

But for visitors who spend only a few days per winter on the slopes, it makes sense to rent skis, Morehead said. They keep up with the latest technology, and there’s greater convenience.

Both managers said their staffs definitely will be urging skiers to use narrower boards this season.

Morehead said snowy weather — which is predicted to be in ample supply this winter because of El Niño — spurs skiers to buy gear.

“When there’s great snow, they want to buy skis, they want to buy boots, they want to buy clothes,” Morehead said.

Skiers who haven’t invested in new boots in the past three or four seasons should do themselves

JACK RAFFERTY, a guy known as the boot man, was impressed during ski-boot tests

by Technica’s Mach 1, which the company touts as being designed from the inside out. It has one of the best anatomically shaped liners and shells to help with comfort without surrendering performance, he said.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

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TOP Ron Morehead, manager of Four Mountain Sports in Aspen, with the K2 Pinnacle ski.

ABOVE A closer look at the K2 Pinnacle ski.

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

a favor and invest in a new pair, according to Jack Rafferty, a master boot fitter and owner of Thotics Inc. He is an independent contractor who operates at Aspen Sports in the Snowmass Village Mall.

“We’ve probably improved leaps and bounds in ski boots in the last two years,” Rafferty said.

Manufacturers must sink a lot of money into substantial changes to boots, so it generally takes them five to seven years “to pull the trigger,” Rafferty said. But several companies have made recent changes, mostly designed to improve comfort.

“There’s a need to try to make people more comfortable,” Rafferty said.

Rafferty was part of a team that tried more than 40 pairs of boots for Ski and Skiing magazines in April 2015 at Mount Bachelor. In

general, boots will be “lighter and not nearly as clunky” for 2016, and they will have better insulation without added weight.

The types of plastics used in the shells are heat-moldable so customers can get a better, more comfortable fit during their first trip to the shop.

Rafferty said hybrid boots with their origins in the alpine world but with more freedom of movement and a different buckling system are becoming more prevalent, as well. Demand for such versatility is growing with the increase in terrain that skiers hike to at ski areas, such as Highland Bowl. Morehead noted the hybrid boots are just easier for people to walk in, whether it’s taking their kids to ski school or during après ski.

Some of the new generation of boots have soles for alpine bindings and for alpine touring bindings.

Snowmass in the light of a full moon.

Photo by Jeremy Swanson.

EVENTS NOVEMBER 26 | ASPEN MOUNTAIN AND SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN OPENING DAY More information: Races, concerts and competitions.

Gondola rides begin at 9 a.m.

CALENDAR

28 | HI-FI CONCERT: JAMESTOWN REVIVAL Where: Aspen Mountain. More information: Series continues through the end of March.

DECEMBER

27 | THANKSJIBBING Where: Snowmass Base Village.

When: 2 p.m. More information: An inviteonly rail jam with a cash purse for skiers and snowboarders. Website: www.aspensnowmass.com/ while-you-are-here/events/ thanksjibbing.

Phone: 970-923-1227.

1 – 31 | ART EXHIBITION: “MY FAVORITE THINGS” Where: Red Brick Center for the Arts, Aspen. More information: Featuring Michael Bonds, Lynn Waldorf, Anne Goldberg, Maria Rodina MacFarland, Jacqualine Spiro, Mary Lackner, Seth Beckton and Dinah Kinsman. Website: www.aspenart.org.

28 – 29 | ASPEN WINTERNATIONAL Where: Aspen Mountain.

More information: The only stop of the women’s FIS Ski World Cup tour in the United States. Website: www. aspensnowmass.com/whileyou-are-here/events/aspenwinternational.

1 | PERFORMANCE ART SHORT COURSE Where: Aspen Art Museum. More information: Each two-hour session unpacks a question through the format of a lecture, discussion and time in the galleries. The course can be taken as a three-part series

and is taught by museum curator Courtenay Finn and learning director Michelle Dezember. $20 to $30 for entire course; $8 to $10 per session. Email: education@ aspenartmuseum.org.

Phone: 970-925-8050.

5 | SUMMIT FOR LIFE Where: Aspen Mountain. When: 5 p.m. recreational start; 6 p.m. competitive start. More information: A nighttime uphill race on Aspen Mountain benefiting the Chris Klug Foundation, a cause dedicated to promoting lifesaving organ and tissue donation.

Email: summitforlife@ bluebirdaspen.com.

8 | PERFORMANCE ART SHORT COURSE Where: Aspen Art Museum. When: 5:30 p.m.

More information: Lecture, discussion and time in the galleries.

Phone: 970-925-8050.

9 | HOLIDAY BOOK SIGNING AND BAZAAR Where: Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St., Aspen.

When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

More information: Meet local authors, and purchase holiday gifts from local vendors.

12 | ASPEN HIGHLANDS AND BUTTERMILK OPENING DAY 12 | OPENING PARTY: ASPEN EXTREME Where: Chair 9, Aspen. When: 2 to 8 p.m.

More information: Vintage skiwear encouraged. Free coozy gets $3 beer all season.

Website: www.thelittlenell. com/aspen-experience/events/ chair-9-opening.

12 – 13 | ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET: “THE NUTCRACKER” Where: Aspen District Theatre. When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 1 and 5 p.m.

Dec. 13. More information: $25 to $74. Website: www. aspensantafeballet.com.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

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EVENTS 13 | THIRD ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING Where: The Little Nell, Aspen. When: 5 to 6 p.m. More information: Family-friendly event.

Website: www.thelittlenell. com/aspen-experience/events/ tree-lighting.

15 | ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION Where: PattonMalott Gallery at Anderson Ranch, Snowmass. When: 5 to 7 p.m. More information: “Finding Place,” works by Alleghany Meadows and Sara Ransford. Free. Website: www.andersonranch.org.

15 | HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Where: Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass. When: 4:30 to 7 p.m. More information: Art activities for children, s’mores around a bonfire and holiday dinner. Dinner RSVP required

by Dec. 11. $20. Website: http://andersonranch.org.

Phone: 970-923-3181.

17 – 19 | “DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS” THE MUSICAL Where: Aspen District Theatre. When: 7:30 p.m.

More information: A Winter Teen Conservatory production by students in grades seven through 12. $12 for students; $20 for adults. Website: www. theatreaspen.org/education.

17 – 19 | WORLD SNOW POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 Where: Rio Grande Park, Aspen. More information: Free sideline viewing. VIP catered tent tickets available.

Phone: 970-710-1663.

18 | WARREN MILLER'S “CHASING SHADOWS” Where: Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen. When: 7:30 p.m. More information: Film featuring skiers and snowboarders J.T. Holmes, Seth Wescott, Caroline Gleich, Steven Nyman, Marcus

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

CALENDAR

Caston and more in France, Alaska, Utah and the Himalayas. $15.

19 | ANNUAL TREE-LIGHTING RITUAL Where: St. Regis Hotel, Aspen. When: 4 to 6 p.m.

More information: Carolers from the Aspen School District, photo booth with Santa Claus, holiday treats, drinks and a champagne sabering. Free. Website: www.stregisaspen.com/event/ annual-tree-lighting.

19 | SCOTT BRADLEE'S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Where: Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen. When: 8 p.m. More information: $45 to $60.

20 – 31 | 12 DAYS OF ASPEN Where: Downtown Aspen.

More information: Free ice skating, holiday treats, carolers and fireworks over Aspen Mountain. Website: www.aspenchamber.org// events/acra-annual-events/12days-aspen.

20 | KEVIN SMITH Where: Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen. When: 8:30 p.m. More information: Comedian; podcaster; writer and director of “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” and “Dogma”; and creator of “Comic Book Men.” $35 to $45.

21 – 24 | SNOWMASS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Where: Snowmass Mall and Base Village. When: 2 to 4 p.m., daily. Free photos with Santa and holiday caroling. More information: www.gosnowmass.com/event/ snowmass-holiday-festivities.

22 – Jan. 2 24TH ANNUAL ASPEN FILM ACADEMY SCREENINGS Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. More information: Film-industry professionals and fans catch up on the best films of the year.

Website: http://aspenfilm.org/

index.php/events/academyscreenings.

jazzaspensnowmass.org/ winter-series.html

22 | OLD-FASHIONED CAROLING AND COOKIE EXCHANGE WITH ASPEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Where: Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St., Aspen.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. More information: Traditional cookie exchange paired with holiday caroling in the museum’s main room. Website: www. aspenhistory.org.

8 | ONE-MAN STAR WARS™ TRILOGY Charles Ross’ One-Man Star Wars™ Trilogy, where he single-handedly plays all the characters, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots into just sixty minutes. All tickets are $20 ($15 for Wheeler Wins members). Wheeler Opera House. More information: www.wheeleroperahouse.com.

23 – 24 | TEDDY BEAR STORY HOUR Where: Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St., Aspen. When: 10:30 a.m.

More information: Classic tales from around the world. $3 per child. Website: www. aspenhistory.org.

31 | SNOWMASS TORCHLIGHT PARADE AND NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS Where: Fanny Hill. When: Parade begins at 5:15 p.m. and fireworks begin around 10 p.m. More information: Visit guest services in the ticket pavilion on the Snowmass Mall or call 970-923-0560.

31 | THE SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS OF DREAMS New Year’s Eve Celebration. Early bird tickets are $89 (Floor GA) and $99 (balcony reserved) until Dec. 15, after which all tickets are $120. All tickets include complimentary wine, beer and light appetizers (until the concert starts), and a celebratory champagne toast at midnight. Age 16+, must be with guardian. Wheeler Opera House.

10 | SETH GLIER A singersongwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Free concert made possible by Real Estate Transfer Tax. When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

12 | WINTER WORDS Juan Felipe Herrera Where: Paepcke Auditorium. When: 6 to 7 p.m. $20. More information: www.aspenwords.org.

12 – 21 | LOCAL ART PREVIEW AND AUCTION Where: Red Brick Center for the Arts, 110 E. Hallam St., Aspen. More information: Works from more than 50 local artists available for purchase before silent auction on Jan. 21. Auction followed by free party from 4 to 7 p.m. with live music, food and drinks. All proceeds benefit the arts center’s education and outreach efforts. Website: www. aspenart.org.

JANUARY

14 – 17 | WINTERSKÖL Where: Downtown Aspen.

More information: Annual celebration with on-mountain and in-town activities and fireworks. Free. Website: www. aspenchamber.org/winterskol.

2 – 3 | TAKE 6 AT THE JAS CAFÉ Where: JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell. When: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $45.

More information: www.

14 | ASPEN HISTORY 101 Where: Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m. More information: Local stories featuring

Hiking on the RIm Creek Trail (Mount Daly in background).

Photo by Blaine Harrington III

actors, actresses, song and dance. Free. Website: www. aspenhistory.org.

15 – 16 | GUITAR SUMMIT featuring Andreas Oberg, Kruno Spisic and Ted Gottsegen Where: JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell.

When: 7 p.m. sand 9:15 p.m. $35. More information: www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/ winter-series.html

Free. Website: http://xgames. espn.go.com/events/aspen.

28 | THE MET: LIVE IN HD: “IL TROVATORE” Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m. More information: Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s production. $20. Website: www.aspenshowtix.com.

FEBRUARY

17 | SING-A-LONG-A GREASE A musical about teens in love in the ‘50s. Tickets are $30 regular and $22 children ($22/$12.50 for Wheeler Wins members).

When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

2 | ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL WINTER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES Where: Harris Concert Hall, Aspen. When: 6:30 p.m. More information: Featuring David Finckel and Wu Han. Website: www.aspenmusicfestival.com.

17 – 24 | ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK Website: www.gayskiweek.com.

9 | THE MET: LIVE IN HD: “OTELLO” Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m. More information: Verdi’s Shakespeare-inspired opera. $20.

23 | SANDY HACKETT’S RAT PACK SHOW Sandy's Hackett's father, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett was great friends with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop - and together, they all made history. All tickets are $65 ($50 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

26 | TIME TRAVEL TUESDAYS When: 5:30 p.m. More information: Scenes From the Vault: Aspen Historical Society cinema. Website: www.aspenhistory.org.

27 | WINTER WORDS Alison Bechdel and Beth Malone Where: Paepcke Auditorium.

When: 6 to 7 p.m. Cost: $20.

More information: www.aspenwords.org.

28 – 31 | WINTER X GAMES Where: Base of Buttermilk Mountain. More information: Winter action sports, music and festival featuring more than 200 athletes competing for medals and prize money.

9 | SNOWMASS MARDI GRAS & FIREWORKS Where: Music in Base Village and the Snowmass Mall, fireworks on Snowmass Mountain. When: Festivities are all day. Base Village music begins at 5:15 p.m., fireworks begin at 7:30 p.m. More information: www.gosnowmass.com/event/ mardi-gras-celebration.

11 | ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL WINTER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES Where: Harris Concert Hall, Aspen. When: 6:30 p.m. More information: Featuring violinist Sarah Chang. Website: www. aspenmusicfestival.com.

Phone: 970-925-9042.

11 – 12 | YELLOWJACKETS Where: JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell. When: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $45.

More information: www. jazzaspensnowmass.org/ winter-series.html

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

41

EVENTS 13 | ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET Where: Aspen District Theatre. When: 7:30 p.m.

More information: Kickoff of contemporary dance company’s 20th season. $25 to $74.

13 | WINTER WORDS Adam Johnson Where: Paepcke Auditorium. When: 6 to 7 p.m. $20. More information: www.aspenwords.org.

13 | HI-FI CONCERT SERIES More information: www. aspensnowmass.com.

17 – 19 | ASPEN LAFF FEST Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. More information: Comedy by Gilbert Gottfried, Heather McDonald, Pete Holmes, Second City Comedy and Steve Byrne.

18 | HOOKING UP WITH THE SECOND CITY/LAFF FEST KICK-OFF SHOW See all 5 shows with the Laff Pass for $125. Single tickets are $40. When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

More information: www. wheeleroperahouse.com.

18 – 20 | ASPEN SNOWMASS FREESKIING OPEN Where: Buttermilk Mountain.

More information: Open competition of more than 200 athletes on the X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses. Website: www. aspensnowmass.com/whileyou-are-here/events.

19 | HEATHER MCDONALD, LAFF FEST Friday passes are $55 and include tickets to both Friday performances. Single tickets to Heather McDonald are $35. When: 7 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

19 | GILBERT GOTTFRIED, LAFF FEST See all 5 shows with the Laff Pass for $125.

Friday passes are $55 and include tickets to both Friday

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WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

CALENDAR

performances. Single tickets to Gilbert Gottfried are $45.

When: 9:30 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

20 | STEVE BYRNE, LAFF FEST See all 5 shows with a festival pass for $125. Saturday passes are $55 and include tickets to both Saturday performances.

Single tickets to Steve Byrne are $35. When: 7 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House 20 | PETE HOLMES, LAFF FEST See all 5 shows with the Laff Pass for $125. Saturday passes are $55 and include tickets to both Saturday performances.

Single tickets to Pete Holmes are $45. When: 9:30 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

21 | THE JASON BISHOP SHOW Jason Bishop performs stunning and original stateof-the-art magic. Tickets are $38 regular and $22 children ($30/$15 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 6:30 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

25 | THE MET: LIVE IN HD: “LULU” Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m.

More information: Theatrical production by director William Kentridge. $20.

26 | EDWIN MCCAIN TRIO McCain’s innate ability to write and perform songs that somehow every listener claims as their own has made him one of the most enduring and downright likable entertainers of our generation. All tickets are $60 ($45 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

27 | SUSAN EGAN Co-presented with Theatre Aspen Susan Egan has headlined on Broadway and won critical acclaim. All tickets are $55 ($35 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

27 | POWER OF FOUR SKI MOUNTAINEERING RACE More information: Teams of two race across the four Aspen Skiing Co. mountains. The course covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 vertical feet of climbs. Teams start in Snowmass Village, traverse to West Buttermilk and then Aspen Highlands, ski to Aspen Mountain and end in gondola plaza. Website: www.aspensnowmass.com/ while-you-are-here/events/ audi-power-of-four-skimountaineering.

MARCH 3 | THE MET: LIVE IN HD: “TURANDOT” Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m. More information: $20.

"The Comedy Boom.” He’s had several HBO specials, and has appeared on numerous talk shows and sitcoms All tickets are $45 ($35 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

11 – 12 | SARA MCKENZIE Where: The JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell. When: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $35.

More information: www. jazzaspensnowmass.org/winterseries.html.

12 | ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL WINTER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES Where: Harris Concert Hall. When: 6:30 p.m. More information: Curtis on Tour featuring Michael Rusinek. Website: www. aspenmusicfestival.com.

3 – 6 | APRÈS SKI COCKTAIL CLASSIC Where: The Little Nell, Aspen. More information: Grand Tasting Village and Private Reserve Room of spirits, cocktails, seminars, parties, popup bars, demonstrations, fireside chats, spirit-paired dinners, on-mountain events and The Great Après-Ski Pub Crawl. Website: www. apresskicocktailclassic.com.

13 – 29 | 16TH ANNUAL BUD LIGHT SPRING JAM Various locations and events. More information: www.aspensnowmass.com/ while-you-are-here/events/ bud-light-spring-jam.

4 | THE FAB FOUR: The Ultimate Tribute The ultimate Beatles show. All tickets are $60 ($45 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

More information: www. wheeleroperahouse.com.

15 | SING ALONG WITH THE MUPPET MOVIE Comparable to participatory film experiences like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Heather Henson's Sing Alongs provide family-friendly, raucous interactions with the classic films of Heather’s father, Jim Henson. All tickets are $45 ($35 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 6:30 p.m.

Wheeler Opera House.

4 – 5 | ALICIA OLATUJA Where: The JAS Café Downstairs @ The Little Nell. When: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $35.

More information: www. jazzaspensnowmass.org/ winter-series.html.

11 | DANA GOULD Dana Gould spent 20 years performing during the halcyon days of

15 | WINTER WORDS Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz Where: Paepcke Auditorium.

When: 6 to 7 p.m. $20.

More information: www.aspenwords.org.

17 | THE MET: LIVE IN HD: “MANON LESCAUT” Where: Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. When: 5:30 p.m. More information: $20. Website: www.aspenshowtix.com.

17 | CLINT BLACK Co-Presented with Belly Up Aspen Frequently credited with kick-starting the popularity of country music in the early ‘90s, CLINT BLACK brings his traditional Texas sounds (as well as that charming, engaging smile) to Aspen. When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

31 – APRIL 1 | RENE MARIE WITH THE JAMES HOROWITZ TRIO Where: JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell. When: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $40.

More information: www. jazzaspensnowmass.org/ winter-series.html.

19 | HI-FI CONCERT More information: Free. Phone: 970-923-1227.

2 | MIKE SUPER MAGIC & ILLUSION One of the most sought-after mystifiers in the world, Mike Super has led a life characterized by an obsession and passion for magic. Tickets are $38 regular and $22 children ($30/$15 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 6:30 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

More information: www. wheeleroperahouse.com.

20 | ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN A spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time. All tickets are $45 ($35 for Wheeler Wins members). When: 8 p.m. Wheeler Opera House.

25 – 26 | ELK MOUNTAINS GRAND TRAVERSE Where: Crested Butte to Aspen. More information: Forty-mile backcountry ski race across the Elk Mountains. Racers climb more than 7,800 vertical feet in teams of two. Website: http:// elkmountainstraverse.com.

25 | HI-FI CONCERT CORE PARTY More information: Free.

Phone: 970-923-1227.

26 | ENCORE! BY ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET Where: Aspen District Theatre. When: 7:30 p.m. More information: Three works by Brazilian choreographer Fernando Melo, Cayetano Soto and Alejandro Cerrudo. $25 to $74. Website: www.aspensantafeballet.com.

26 | BANKED SLALOM RACE Where: Buttermilk Mountain.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Registration information: www. aspensnowmass.com/while-youare-here/events/banked-slalom.

26 | HI-FI CONCERT More information: Free. Phone: 970-923-1227.

APRIL

3 | BUTTERMILK CLOSING DAY Website: http:// aspensnowmass.com/ buttermilk.

5 | WINTER WORDS Sandra Cisneros Where: Paepcke Auditorium. When: 6 to 7 p.m. $20. More information: www.aspenwords.org.

5 – 10 | ASPEN SHORTSFEST More information: Oscarqualifying international competition of drama, comedy, animation and documentary films of 40 minutes or less. Website: www.aspenfilm.org.

10 | SCHNEETAG AND ASPEN HIGHLANDS CLOSING DAY Website: www.aspensnowmass.com/ aspen-highlands.

10 | SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN CLOSING DAY Website: www.aspensnowmass.com/ snowmass.

17 | ASPEN MOUNTAIN CLOSING DAY Website: http:// aspensnowmass.com/aspenmountain.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SNOWMASS SUN

43

LAST RUN

of the day

Aspen Skiing Co. President and CEO Mike Kaplan enjoys some turns on freshly groomed Snowmass corduroy last winter.

Aspen Skiing Co. courtesy photo.

44

WINTER IN SNOWMASS // 2015

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