Category Archives: Events Calendar

aspen skii race

International Ski Federation Race Still On

After Aspen was awarded the 2017 World Cup Finals in fall 2014, reports surfaced that some International Ski Federation (FIS) officials wanted to pull the event if Aspen did not commit to certain upgrades of the Lift 1A and its base area. Now, Atle Skaardal, race director for women’s World Cup alpine ski racing, has stated that “We want to have this happen here.”

Aspen International Ski Federation Race
Aspen International Ski Federation Race

Skaardal’s recent visit to Aspen focused on working with community organizers, the Aspen Skiing Co. and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association to make the 2017 World Cup Finals the best possible event. He spent four hours walking the course and base area with Skico’s vice president of sales and events, John Rigney, and other local officials. Skaardal stated that “the hill is amazing” and concluded that the courses will be challenging for competitors. He also stated that Aspen is one of 16 to 18 “classic sites” on the circuit and among the best of Ski resorts.

Despite this, Skaardal did say that the Lift 1A base area has failed to meet the World Cup’s brand standards and falls short of the “Aspen experience” he expects. It has been reported that there is “good faith” on all sides and that progress will be made to improve the chairlift and surrounding base area before the event. Skaardal concluded that, “This is already a decided case…But requirements must be filled, same as it’s always been. I am convinced that everything is going to turn out in a perfect way for everybody.”

The World Cup Finals

The annual World Cup Finals event is one of the most prestigious events on the popular alpine skiing circuit. Throughout the finals, 25 top point leaders in both men’s and women’s disciplines will compete. Each of the nine races, held over five days, will occur on the Lift 1A side of the mountain. Some of the events include downhill, super G, slalom and giant slalom. There will also be a team event. This unique and thrilling event is set to take place March 15-19, 2017.

Aspen Food Wine Classic

2015 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

From June 19-21, 2015 you can enjoy a wide range of foods and wines at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Considered “America’s premier culinary weekend,” the event will feature a variety of culinary giants and wine experts like Richard Blais, Tyler Florence, David Chang, Carla Hall, Morimoto and more. This three-day event will combine a range of activities including: Continue reading 2015 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

Aspen Style Outdoor Concert and USA Pro Cycling Challenge

The Aspen City Council is excited to announce that they have agreed to invest a fair amount of cash into a “grassroots, old-school, Aspen-style concert” when the USA Pro Cycling Challenge rolls into town in August.

Join the Aspen Cycling Challenge

The actual date of the concert is still up in the air, according to Nancy Lesley the director of Special Events for the city of Aspen, Colorado. She revealed that two concert dates will most likely take place, with one on an evening between August 10 and 12 and the other on August 22. The second date would correspond with pro cyclists descending into Aspen from Independence Pass on the first stage of the Cycling Challenge.

The concert will be an open event, free to the public and held in a city park. While the actual race doesn’t kickoff until August 22, 2012, the first concert will help build excitement for the grueling challenge and serve as a countdown to the sporting event.

According to Lesley, last year there weren’t many events and activities planned around the race, which didn’t generate enough fan fair and disappointed vendors. “Because we are a two-stage host (of a seven-stage race), it will keep people in town and the enthusiasm for the race alive.”

Looking to attend the USA Pro Cycling Challenge? The event will feature an exciting 131-mile Queen Stage between Gunnison and Aspen on August 22. Secondly, on August 23, competitors will climb Independence Pass for a 97-mile expedition and will end in Beaver Creek.

There will be 135 of the best cyclists from around the world who will take part in the race that has been noted as “the most challenging race ever held on American soil.” The entire race will span a total of 518 miles through the Rockies.

For cyclists and race fans alike, Aspen vacation rentals are an excellent option for lodging. It is possible to find a beautiful Aspen home rental on Aspen VRBO. Aspen rentals normally come equipped with full kitchens, which is ideal for three or more travelers in their effort to fix healthy meals and get plenty of rest. Some even include two-car (or more) garages to safeguard cars, road bikes, and equipment.

Don’t miss out on all the racing fun in Aspen!!

Triathlon-Duathlon-Aquabike Coming to Aspen June 9th

Have you ever wanted to compete in a triathlon or watch an event? Come play outside in beautiful Aspen, CO! Check out the Outside in Aspen Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquabike competition starting at 7:00 a.m. on June 9, 2012.

Aspen Colorado triatholon

If you are a beginner, the triathlon, which is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, is the perfect race for you to get your feet wet while still competing on a challenging course.

If a competition involving water isn’t what floats your boat, try the dry Duathlon, which consists of a 2-mile run, a 17-mile bike ride and ending with a 4-mile finishing run.

Not into running? Then the Aquabike Duathlon is just the right fit for you! Get started in the water with an 800-yard swim and then jump on the saddle for a 17-mile bike ride while taking in the beautiful scenery of Aspen.

Being that the competition is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, all participants must be members or purchase a single day event permit.  The cost to participate in the competition ranges from $50 – $90 depending on the event and membership status.

Are you planning on competing with a group of friends? Staying at an Aspen Vacation Rental may be the perfect option for you, your teammates and friends to stay.  Aspen rentals usually provide you with a full-kitchen so you may prepare the meals you need before heading out to compete. They also have a living room, fireplace, entertainment system (TV, Stereo and DVD player), full bathrooms and one or more bedrooms. This allows for everyone to bring the fun inside to one place after your outdoor adventures.

As far as value is concerned, Aspen luxury home rentals  are a great option for large groups, especially when you consider the need for multiple rooms and cost of food.

No matter what you decide to do, or where you decide to stay in Aspen, you are definitely in for a great time! For more information about the Outside in Aspen Triathlon please visit: Outside in Apen Triathlon/Duathlon.

Good luck…be sure to enjoy all that Aspen has to offer!

The 12 Hour Bike Race Coming to Aspen this Weekend!

12 Hour Bike Ride Aspen, COMore than 200 mountain bikers will be participating in the much anticipated 12 Hour Bike Race in Aspen, Colorado. You can take a short drive from your vrbo aspen rental to take in the grueling race first hand.

At the crack of dawn, racers will head to the Snowmass Base village to prepare for the 7am to 7pm event. Once the gun is fired at the starting line, riders will be put to the test as the maneuver through one of the most famous single-tracks in the nation.

As a spectator, you can walk around the track and gain inspiration as the world’s top mountain bikers put on an unforgettable show that will include plenty of high flying jumps, sprints and agility intensive moves. The event is perfect for people of all ages, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the Aspen Youth Center.

12 Hour Bike Ride Aspen, COIf you are a mountain biker yourself, you may want to think of signing up for the 12 Hour Mountain Bike Race!  There are opportunities for all ability levels, and you can even inspire your friends to race as a team. Racers can register as Solos, Duo Teams, Trio Teams and Open Teams (This is a team of up to eight riders).

For more information, check out the 12 Hour Bike Ride event Website at www.12hoursofsnowmass.com or call Nat Ross at 970-390-9730. There are also opportunities for sponsors, so if you would like to gain exposure for your company (while helping the Aspen Youth Center thrive) there are plenty of amazing opportunities!

The 12 Hour Bike Ride is one of the many events going on in September! You can enjoy everything from jazz concerts, art exhibits, the Golden Lear Marathon and more all within driving distance from your Aspen vacation rentals.

Snow Angel Invitational by CoverGirl

Fourth Annual Aspen Snow Angel by Covergirl

The 4th annual Snow Angel Invitational sponsored by CoverGirl

The best female snowboarders from across the globe will be participating in the fourth annual Snow Angel Invitational sponsored by the famous CoverGirl Cosmetics. The event will take place in the beautiful Aspen, Colorado on arguably the best ski mountain in the country, Snowmass. Gretchen Bleiler, a professional half pipe snowboarder, will be hosting the event. Bleiler is a current Aspen resident who has won several snowboarding competitions and even competed in Olympic events, will be talking about her new interior design company and her activity in supporting environmental issues. The other professional women will be competing in multiple Olympic-like events, the most rigorous being the superpipe. In between competitions the ladies will indulge in an array of spa treatments and photo shoots in addition to participating in a question and answer session about the opportunities that Aspen and Snowmass have to offer. The festivities will being on April third and end on April fifth. April is undeniably one of the most pleasant times for winter sports in Aspen, so book your hotel room now because the town will be packed. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a girl’s weekend, the Snow Angel Invitational guarantees an unforgettable time. After attending this incredible weekend on Snowmass Mountain, Aspen will quickly become one of your favorite vacation spots.

Aspen Balloon Festival

Aspen/Snowmass Balloon Festival

Where:  Snowmass, CO
When:   September 16 – 19, 2010

Aspen Balloon Festival Photo

Aspen – Snowmass Balloon Festival

The Aspen Balloon Festival is the perfect event to capture the beauty of the Aspen Skyline as hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky.  It’s one of the most thrilling events of the valley and perhaps the entire country.  Of course, there will be fun, food, live music and entertainment for the whole family.

What an Experience

We have an adult trip with 3 other couples planned for this event to celebrate a good friends 50th birthday.  We are all pretty excited as it will be our first fall trip to see these magnificent balloons.  Friends who have ridden in these gigantic balloons claim its something they will never forget. I would imagine the views from 2000 feeet in the Aspen mountains would be extraordinary.

Event Description

The Rat Race – Down Valley Distance Race

The first scheduled event is famously called the Colorado Rat Race.  This is basically a distance race which starts at the Cozy Point and ends somewhere near Glenwood.  The winner is the ballooon that can travel the longest distance in 3 hours.  Last year’s winner ended up close to the side of Red Mountain in Glenwood.  The balloons typically fly along the 82 highway and begin close to 5pm.  A great vantage point to view the race is McLane Flats or Starwood.

Next: The Dawn Quixote

This is a contest to see how many gigantic helium balloons each team can pop with an extended ski pole while being launched from their own respective balloons. Its a fun event as each team competes in close proximity to each other and from only 50 feet off the ground.

Third: The Nite Glow

The Nite Glow event starts at about sundown where each balloon choreographs their burners to the music so as to burn as brightly as possible.  The event lasts only 15 seconds and the winner is the balloon who displays the brightest glow from their burner.

Target Tubing

This event consist of each balloon, from an elevation of only 100 feet or so, tossing balls into carefully placed tubes on the ponds located in the Aspen gold curse. Each team gets to toss only 2 balls.

Click here to learn more about the upcoming Aspen Snowmass Balloon Festival

For Local Accommodations

Looking for the perfect Aspen vacation home rental for the whole family?  Call the owner direcct – book online at www.myaspenrental.com/aspen-rentals/aspen-vacation-rentals.html

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

September 11, 2010
Snowmass, CO

Aspen Snowmass Oktoberfest

Description of Oktoberfest Event

Welcome (Willkommen!) to Snowmass Village!  The Snowmass Village Mall will be transformed into a Bavarian-like fest of food, fun, music, and dancing.  Don’t miss this fun event and put the dates on your calendar now. Expereince for yourself what genuine german beer and food is all about whithout having to travel to Germany. Bring the whole family, your frinds and neighbors for a fun night og good old fashion german tradition. You won’t be disapointed. 

For the Kids

Event starts at 12 pm noon

  • Jammin Jim — the famous Juggler
  • Kimothy –  the great Stilt Walker
  • Sparkles – the funny Clown

Vacation Rentals Info

For event lodging and information, call the owner direct at 949.281.8200 to find great Aspen Vacation Rentals or, visit www.myaspenrental.com/aspen-rentals/aspen-vacation-rentals.html

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Aspen Volleyball Tournament

The MotherLode Classic Volleyball Tournament

MotherLode Volleyball Classic in Aspen
Aspen, CO
September 2 – 6, 2010
MotherLode Volleyball Classic in Aspen - Men's Competition

About the Tournament

The Aspen MotherLode Volleyball Classic takes place over Labor Day Weekend in parks surrounding downtown Aspen, CO.  It is currently rated as the #1  Pro-Am Event in the nation and it will be the site of the future USA Volleyball National Park Volley National Championships.  How may teams participate?  There are over 700 teams registered that travel here from all parts of the country: weekend volleyball enthusiasts, beach pro’s, volleyball legends, some of the country’s top amateur players, and of course the  USA National Team. This event is surely becoming America’s largest and most complete beach doubles volleyball tournament. The tournament will feature  eighteen divisions  at seven sites in and around the Aspen downtown area. The main Championship courts will be  located at Wagner Park and Koch Lumber Park.  Admission is totally  FREE.  There will be live music, food, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this fantastic event – the Aspen Volleyball Tournament.

Registration Information

More information on registration for the MotherLode Volleyball Tournament in Aspen.

Lodging & Event Information

Call the owner direct for Aspen vacation rental information at (970) 430-6950 or visit us at Aspen Vacation Rentals.