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February 29, 2008
Sunny Friday on Aspen Mountain
The Stay Aspen Snowmass took a break from the office today, to test, for you, the conditions on mountain. We all agreed that the ski conditions are perfect. See for yourself!
Need an escape from your job, make sure to check our last minute deals
Posted by Dina at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2008
THE 2008 STIHL COLORADO FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 1 IN SNOWMASS
Qualifiers on Friday, Championships on Saturday
Aspen/Snowmass, CO, February 27, 2008 - Aspen/Snowmass will once again host the STIHL Colorado Freeride Championships this Friday and Saturday, February 29 - March 1 at Snowmass. This is the seventh annual Colorado Freeride Championships. The event draws some of the best freeride skiers and snowboarders in the nation to Snowmass.
The STIHL Colorado Freeride Championships offers competitors a $7,500 prize purse and brings participants and guests a weekend of steeps, cliffs and monster hucks. Qualifying runs take place Friday, February 29 on Snowmass' famed Hanging Valley Headwall from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The championships take place on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the Burn Side Cliffs with viewing from Gwyn's High Alpine, located at the top of the Alpine Springs lift. Sunday, March 2 will be reserved for a weather day.
Competitors this weekend include Aspen/Snowmass Athlete Kiffor Berg, Aspen local Frank Shine, Aaron Estrada and Dave Watson. Past champions include local skiers Berg and Ted Davenport as well as two-time U.S. National Freeskiing Champion, Rex Wehrman.
There are more than 100 competitors entered in the competition. Interested athletes should sign up as soon as possible as the event is expected to sell out. Athletes can contact Traci Salemme at tsalemme@aspensnowmass.com or 970/300-7034.
This event could not take place without the support of Aspen/Snowmass sponsors STIHL, Helly Hansen, Town of Snowmass Village, Bud Light, Nature Valley, Audi, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Freeskier Magazine, Smith, Giro, American Express, Hertz, The Aspen Times and Peak Party Rental.
Bud Light Big Air Fridays continue at Snowmass this Friday and every Friday through April 4. Watch some of the area's best athletes launch off the massive jump located on Fanny Hill at the edge of the Snowmass Mall. This big air contest combines skiers and snowboarders in a 40 minute jam-session at 2 p.m. Judges will choose four skiers and four snowboarders from the jam session to continue on to the finals. The finalists will have one jump and then be placed according to best-trick. A live band performs after every Bud Light Big Air Friday from 3 - 4:30 p.m. then stick around for fireworks at 7 p.m. above Fanny Hill.
For more information please visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com.
Posted by Dina at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
February 27, 2008
COLORADO SNOWFALL RECORDS CONTINUE TO RISE
Skiers, under the watchful eyes of Aspen ski Patrol, wait for the rop to come down on Walshe's.
Nick DeVore, Aspen native and a member of the Balck Diamond team gets to go first.
Coming Down Walshes.
Photos by Jeremy Swanson
Resorts Get Double Dipped From Two Pronged Storm
DENVER, Colo. - Feb. 26, 2008 - Snow continues to blanket the Colorado
Rockies making the 2007-08 season one for the record books. The first of a two part storm swept across the western region of the state yesterday leaving mounds of snow in its wake. The second wave of the storm further steeped the state in snow last night and today resorts are enjoying the 60th powder day of the season (calculated as at least one resort receiving 5 or more inches of new snow).
More than 25 feet has fallen at both Telluride and Aspen/Snowmass this
winter, breaking both resorts' snowfall record for this time of year and surpassing their annual average.
Many resorts have broken snowfall records already this season and Colorado's snowiest month, March, is still to come. Snow is expected to continue to fall in the Colorado high country through today.
For more information on snow conditions in the Aspen/Snowmass area, visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 08:20 AM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2008
Frontier landing in Aspen early
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Locals planning an off-season trip to Mexico can now find a cheap flight on Frontier from Aspen three weeks earlier than expected.
On Friday, the low-cost airline quietly moved its start date up for Sardy Field service from May 15 to April 26, Frontier spokesman Joe Hodas confirmed Monday. Hodas announced the change on Plum TV's MorningNoon&Night Show on Saturday.
The low-cost airline will operate five daily departures from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lynx Aviation.
Hodas said that when the airline put out its original
schedule, "we thought we could exceed the timeline," and managed to get agreements from all its partners to do so. He said it was an advantage to the airline to get the service up and running, but it also benefits the consumer. Frontier is offering a $79 one-way introductory fare (before taxes) between Aspen and Denver through June 11.
The accelerated time frame likely won't be much of an advantage to Aspen's tourism community, said Stay Aspen Snowmass President Bill Tomcich, hitting in the depths of off-season, but locals planning spring trips after the mountains close April 13 will benefit.
"I think it's going to be a great thing for the locals getting out of town for the off-season, and they will be able to do so more affordably than ever before," said Tomcich.
Frontier is beginning service this spring to seven other regional destinations, including Durango, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs within the state.
Aspen will be served by the 74-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop, which proponents say is quieter, more reliable and more environmentally friendly than other similar aircraft. It's also not susceptible to weight restrictions like aircraft that used to serve Aspen, officials say, and because it burns 40 percent less fuel than comparable planes, that's one reason the airline can offer more affordable rates.
Since the low-cost airline's announcement that it will begin regional service, Delta Airlines has matched all fares to markets Frontier is serving, according to Tomcich. United Airlines, whose $25 charge for a second piece of baggage kicks in May 1, has not.
For more information on Frontier Airlines Specials, visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 07:56 AM | Comments (0)
February 25, 2008
Aspen, Snowmass lodging occupancy close to 2007 figures
ASPEN - Hoteliers, retailers and restaurateurs in Aspen and Snowmass Village can expect business to be about the same in March as it was last year, according to the latest occupancy report.
Business also was about on par with last season in February, said the report from the resort associations of Aspen and Snowmass Village.
for more information, visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Bookings for Aspen's lodging industry were running slightly behind last year's pace for February and slightly ahead in March.
The outlook was reversed for Snowmass Village's lodging industry, with bookings higher than last year in February but lagging behind in March, the report showed.
The report was based on a survey of lodging properties. It reflected the booking status as of Feb. 15.
In Snowmass, business on the books by mid-month indicated the occupancy level would be 76 percent for February. That matches the actually occupancy from February 2007.
Advanced bookings as of Feb. 15 would produce an occupancy of 66 percent in Snowmass in March. At the same point last season, advanced reservations produced an occupancy of 69 percent.
In Aspen, February business is close to matching last year's level. Reservations on the books as of Feb. 15 would produce an 82 percent occupancy, compared to an actual occupancy of 84 percent last year.
For March, advanced bookings in Aspen are running slightly ahead of last year's pace. Reservations on the books as of Feb. 15 would produce an occupancy of 72 percent compared to 70 percent at the same time last year. Actually occupancy for March 2007 ended up at 83 percent.
The occupancy report is sponsored by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Snowmass Village Resort Association as well as the Aspen Skiing Co. and Stay Aspen Snowmass, a central booking agency.
Skico officials have expressed optimism about the outlook for the last third of the season. David Perry, Skico's senior vice president, said earlier this week that Aspen and Snowmass are poised for at least as good of season as last winter.
For more information, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 12:44 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2008
iAspen going national
New Apple commercial features town - well ... kind of
ASPEN - A new 30-second iPhone commercial offers a window to Aspen through the handy little device.
An opening close-up shows hands holding an iPhone against a black background as a slow rhythmic guitar and simple synthesizer melody plays.
"What's so great about having the Internet in your pocket?" asks the soothing voice of the announcer.
The hand then adeptly puts the iPhone through its paces, flicking through pages on the tiny touch-screen.
"Well, then you can see the trail map when you're on the mountain," the announcer says.
The hand slides the touch-screen to a better view of a map of Buttermilk.
"Find a good place to eat in town ... when you're hungry," the announcer says.
The hand then flicks to the Zagat dining site and selects Aspen's Campo de Fiori.
"And change your flight when your just not ready to go home," the voice says, as the hand flicks to the JetBlue reservations site. "That's what's so great."
Nevermind that JetBlue does not fly out of Aspen, or that the Zagat site has no listings in Aspen - the Aspen Skiing Co., Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), and certainly the folks at Campo de Fiori, like it.
For more information about Aspen/Snowmass, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
"They called us and told us they were featuring us in a story for Apple," said David Ellsweig, general manager of Campo de Fiori. "Of course, we said yes."
A week later, Apple sent disclaimers for the restaurant owners to sign, and the next day the commercial appeared, Ellsweig said.
"It's probably the best free advertising we've ever had," Ellsweig said.
The commercial played during the Grammy Awards on Feb. 9 and is still airing on national television.
Asked why the restaurant was chosen, Ellsweig said the company wanted to feature Aspen and probably chose Campo because of the restaurant's reputation and website.
"We couldn't be any happier," Ellsweig said, adding that many patrons have talked about the commercial.
"I think anytime we get the Aspen name out, it's a good thing," ACRA President Debbie Braun said.
"They're a great company and to be associated with that, that's a good fit," Braun said.
It's not the first time Aspen's been featured in a commercial, Braun said. Jeep, Chrysler and Victoria's Secret, among others, have used Aspen as a backdrop.
The city of Aspen acts as the local film commission, Braun said. But there was no live action footage in the recent iPhone commercial so no need for any special permits.
"I thought it looked fabulous and I think it's a great plug for our resort,” Braun said. "And I think any time we can get in front of cameras, we should try."
Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle said, "It's like product placement in a TV show or a movie."
Apple representatives contacted Skico officials, who provided maps of area mountains, Hanle said.
"They had some folks here for what they called an internal marketing piece," Hanle said. "I think they liked what they saw."
Hanle wasn't sure why Apple chose Buttermilk.
"It was an interesting choice. It may have had something to do with X Games," Hanle said. Buttermilk was the host mountain for the X Games.
Hanle also added that it may also have had to do with the shape of the Buttermilk ski map. The map of Aspen is vertical, while the Buttermilk map is wider, and can show the unique iPhone ability to scan across a larger image with just a touch of a finger.
"What a great piece of equipment to be associated with," Hanle said, pointing to the "certain cache" of both the iPhone name and Aspen.
cagar@aspentimes.com
Posted by Dina at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)
Frontier Airlines Flying to Aspen
See the new ad launched by Frontier!
For more information and great airline deals, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 08:15 AM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2008
Aspen Mountain Bluebird powder day - Over 20 Feet of Snow!
Today was a beautiful day to live and work in Aspen/Snowmass. The last storm produced 6-9 inches of fresh snow and we had to get out so we could share the love with our friends!
A telemarker, Skier, and Snowboarder spent an hour and half ripping untouched boot to knee deep powder ...
Get your chance to ski this year's epic conditions, check out last minute lodging deals in Aspen
Posted by efullerton at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Frontier Airlines Service to Aspen Begins May 15th!
Good afternoon!
After months of speculation, Frontier Airlines has at last officially announced that it will begin service between Aspen and Denver on May 15th! Service will begin with five flights each day, using 74 seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft, one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly regional aircraft in use today. As of today, flights will depart daily from Aspen at 7:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., 1:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. Flights from Denver will arrive in Aspen at 9:25 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 4:05 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.
From Denver, Frontier currently flies to dozens of non-stops destinations from Denver, as shown on their route map above. Presently, Frontier is offering flights between Aspen and Denver for as low $89 per person each way (plus taxes) if purchased by March 31, 2008, plus taxes. For more information and other special fares to several destinations, visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)
Will Aspen extend the ski season?
Skico officials aren't making any promises, but they are pondering the question
ASPEN - Less than three months ago, Aspenites wondered if there was enough snow for the ski areas to open on time. Now, there's so much snow people wonder if the ski season will be extended.
The answer from the Aspen Skiing Co. brass is … they can't say yet.
"We have talked about the possibility of extending the season - but at this point it has literally only been preliminary and conceptual in nature - certainly nothing definitive at all," said David Perry, Skico senior vice president - mountain division, in response to an e-mail from The Aspen Times. "With all this snow we suspect that we will have snow to ski on long past when we have guests wanting to ski."
The lack of business after April 13 isn't the only determining factor, he said. An extension also could be a "reward or thank you" for local passholders.
The calendar creates an early closure to the ski season this year. Easter falls earlier than normal, March 23, so the scheduled end of ski season is earlier. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are slated to close April 6; Snowmass and Aspen Mountain are scheduled to close April 13.
The Skico already made one scheduling concession this winter. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk usually close two weeks before the other ski areas. That would have closed them too early, so Skico narrowed the gap to only one week.
Skico also is extending the hours that some chairlifts stay open from Saturday until the end of the season. Starting Feb. 16, the following lifts will be open until 4 p.m.: Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express at Aspen Mountain; Village Express, Big Burn and Elk Camp at Snowmass; Exhibition and Cloud 9 at Aspen Highlands; and Summit Express and Panda Peak at Buttermilk. All other lifts will close at their normal time.
Vail Mountain announced this week that it will close as scheduled April 13. The new head of Vail's mountain operations, Chris Jarnot, said the early date of Easter "evaporates" business among skiers from outside the area.
Perry said the Skico is under no pressure to make a quick decision about extending the season. It won't "drive business" by staying open longer, so the company doesn't have to get the word out to perspective guests.
There are precedents for prolonging the season. In past winters, Skico opened Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on weekends after the scheduled closing because there was so much snow. Just last season, the season at Aspen Highlands was extended for a week.
Perry noted that passholders were drifting away from skiing last March because conditions were so warm and dry. They were heading west to hike and ride mountain bikes in the desert. So Skico announced that Highlands would remain open a week longer than scheduled to redirect attention to the slopes.
Weather will play a part in this season's decision. Superb snow conditions could evaporate between now and April 13 and make the decision easy.
"We haven't ruled anything out," Perry said, noting that applied to both closing on time and extending the season.
for more information on all four-mountains, please visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2008
ASPEN/SNOWMASS OPEN SKI SLOPESTYLE AND SNOWBOARD SUPERPIPE RESULTS
Aspen/Snowmass Athletes Matt Walker and Meg Olenick Podium for Ski Slopestyle
Aspen/Snowmass, CO., February 10, 2008 - Aspen/Snowmass Athlete Matt Walker took first in men's ski slopestyle at the Aspen/Snowmass Open presented by Audi while Meg Olenick, also an Aspen/Snowmass Athlete, took third in women's ski slopestyle.
Photo by Dina Bloom
Results - Sunday, February 10
Men's Ski Slopestyle:
1. Matt Walker, Aspen/Snowmass Athlete - $5,000
2. Tom Walish - $2,500
3. Alexis Godbout - $1,500
4. Sean Decker - $ 700
5. Derek Spong - $250
Photo by Dina Bloom
Women's Ski Slopestyle:
1. Keri Herman - $1,500
2. Anna Segal - $750
3. Meg Olenick, Aspen/Snowmass Athlete - $300
Men's Snowboard Superpipe:
1. Joe Eddy - $5,000
2. Drew Brighton - $2,500
3. Luke Wynen - $1,500
4. Michael Farnum - $700
5. Cody Tyler Weselis - $250
Women's Snowboard Superpipe:
1. Leslie Glenn - $1,500
2. Kyla Sobieralski - $750
3. Shirley Caron - $300
The third annual Aspen/Snowmass Open presented by Audi offers up-and-coming athletes a chance to compete on the renowned ESPN Winter X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses. The Open took place at Buttermilk Thursday, February 7 – Sunday, February 10. Qualifying days were Thursday and Saturday while finals were Friday and Sunday.
Photo by Dina Bloom
Results - Friday, February 9
Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle:
1. Eric Willet - $5,000
2. Joe Eddy - $2,500
3. Teddy Karlinski, Aspen/Snowmass Athlete - $1,500
4. Bobby Witty - $ 700
5. Ian Thorley - $250
Women's Snowboard Slopestyle:
1. Mary Sallah - $1,500
2. Joanna Dzierzawski - $750
3. Molly Wilson - $300
Men's Ski Superpipe:
1. Tucker Perkins - $5,000
2. David Wise - $2,500
3. Tony Seibert - $1,500
4. Christian Allen - $700
5. Banks Gilberti - $250
Women's Ski Superpipe:
1. Dania Assaly - $1,500
2. Anais Caradeux - $750
3. Claudia Bouvier - $300
Photo by Dina Bloom
Over $50,000 of prize money was on the line this year, almost double the prize purse from last year's event. This unique event has open categories to skiers and snowboarders, men and women, in both slopestyle and superpipe.
The Aspen/Snowmass Open was presented by Audi and proudly sponsored by Salomon, Helly Hansen, American Express, Crocs, Nature Valley Granola Bars, the Aspen Times, Smith Optics, Freeskier Magazine, Skullcandy and D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop.
Up-and-coming Aspen/Snowmass events include Bud Light Big Air Fridays, which begin February 15 at 2 p.m. and continue every Friday through April 4 in Snowmass. North Mississippi Allstars will play for free in Snowmass on Sunday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. as a part of the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series.
For more information on winter events, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2008
Aspen/snowmass open results: Snowboard Slopestyle and Ski Superpipe Results Announced
Getting up-close in the pipe - Photo by Dina Bloom
Aspen/Snowmass, CO., February 8, 2008 - Eric Willet and Mary Sallan take first in snowboard slopestyle at the Aspen/Snowmass Open presented by Audi while Tucker Perkins and Dania Assaly take ski superpipe.
photo by Dina Bloom
Men's Snowboard Slopestyle:
Eric Willet - $5,000
Joe Eddy - $2,500
Teddy Karlinski, Aspen/Snowmass Athlete - $1,500
Bobby Witty - $ 700
Ian Thorley - $250
Women's Snowboard Slopestyle:
Mary Sallah - $1,500
Joanna Dzierzawski - $750
Molly Wilson - $300
Men's Ski Superpipe:
Tucker Perkins - $5,000
David Wise - $2,500
Tony Seibert - $1,500
Christian Allen - $700
Banks Gilberti - $250
Women's Ski Superpipe:
Dania Assaly - $1,500
Anais Caradeux - $750
Claudia Bouvier - $300
Photo by Dina Bloom
The third annual Aspen/Snowmass Open presented by Audi is underway at Buttermilk and will continue through Sunday, February 10. The event offers the opportunity for up-and-coming athletes to compete on the renowned ESPN Winter X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses.
Over $50,000 of prize money is on the line, almost double the prize purse from last year.
This unique event has open categories to skiers and snowboarders, men and women, in both slopestyle and superpipe.
Photo by Dina Bloom
The Aspen/Snowmass Open is presented by Audi and proudly sponsored by Salomon, Helly Hansen, American Express, Crocs, Nature Valley Granola Bars, the Aspen Times, Smith Optics, Freeskier Magazine, Skullcandy and D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop.
For more information on events in Aspen/Snowmass, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 09:25 PM | Comments (0)
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS TO PLAY BUD LIGHT HI-FI IN SNOWMASS
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS TO PLAY BUD LIGHT HI-FI IN SNOWMASS
Southern-rock Phenomenon Plays Free Show on February 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Aspen/Snowmass, CO., February 5, 2008 - Southern-rock phenomenon, North Mississippi Allstars will play as a part of the popular and free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series in Snowmass on Sunday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m.
The rock trio, lead by guitarist-vocalist Luther Dickinson, is known for soulful songs "Eyes," and "Meet Me in the City," as well as high-energy hits "Shake 'Em On Down," and "Hurry Up Sunrise." The band is also comprised of Dickinson's brother and drummer, Cody, and longtime friend Chris Chew on bass.
North Mississippi Allstars recently released their fifth studio album, Hernando, which is the first album on the trio's own record label, Songs of the South, and a return to the band's blues-rock roots.
Guitarist-vocalist Dickenson has called Hernando the band's "most solid statement" during their twelve-year career.
"It's just real natural and organic and honest," says Dickenson. "The key phrase, while we were making it, was, "It's just heavy."
North Mississippi Allstars will play at the end of the Snowmass Village mall.
Additional free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series shows will take place on March 23 in Snowmass and March 28 in Aspen. The Bud Light Spring Jam Core Party will feature longtime local favorite Super Diamond for a free concert in downtown Aspen, at the corner of Cooper and Galena Street, on March 21.
Five outdoor concerts in Aspen and Snowmass are held during key events and peak weekends throughout the season. Blues Traveler and Dinosaur Jr. played earlier this season and past seasons have featured The English Beat, Everclear, P.O.D., The Vandals, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and more.
Thanks to our sponsors Audi, Helly Hansen, D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop,
Bud Light, Crocs, Salomon, Resort Quest, Town of Snowmass Village, American Express, Sprint and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
For more information on the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series or any other Aspen/Snowmass event, please visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com.
Posted by Dina at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2008
SNOWMASS ANNOUNCES KING & QUEEN FOR MARDI GRAS ON FEBRUARY 5TH
SNOWMASS ANNOUNCES KING & QUEEN FOR MARDI GRAS ON FEBRUARY 5TH
Sign up now for floats, costume contests & Mother of All Ascensions race
January 30, 2008-- On February 5, Snowmass Village morphs into the "Biggest Show on Snow" for the 26th annual Mardi Gras Festival. Leading the festivities will be this year's reigning King, Steve Rausch, and Queen, Susan "Mouse" Carollo, both year-round employees on Snowmass mountain.
Mardi Gras kings and queens are chosen traditionally based on "the luck of the bean" where nominees are each given a box that either contains a winning golden bean or a piece of cake. In Snowmass Village, it takes more than a legume to receive the royal nod, and the King and Queen are chosen based on their dedication and commitment to Snowmass.
"I can’t think of two people who exemplify the spirit of Snowmass more than Susan "Mouse" Carollo and Steve Rausch," says Snowmass Mountain Manager Steve Sewell, a former Mardi Gras king himself. "They are both long time ski patrollers and summer rangers, and I credit the success of our summer bike program to the hard work and vision of these two. But perhaps the trait that they both possess that is absolutely critical for the King and Queen of Mardi Gras is their ability to have fun. I have no doubt that they will reign over the Snowmass Mardi Gras celebration with style and exuberance."
Steve Rausch
Steve Rausch is an avid skier and mountain biker and has worked at Snowmass for 15 years. Since 1998 he has worked as a ski patroller in the winter time and with the summer bike program each summer. "No matter the season," says Rausch, "Snowmass has the best atmosphere. I've got great friends here and I look forward to going to work." Rausch is thrilled and not a little surprised this year to follow in the footsteps of his boss, Steve Sewell, as Mardi Gras King.
Susan Carollo (a.k.a Mouse)
While Carollo has only lived in Snowmass for three years, she has worked at Snowmass for over 30 years as a ski patroller in the wintertime and on bike ranger patrol in the summertime. Carollo, who earned her nickname Mouse during a game of flag football that involved wearing powder puffs which made her look like Mickey Mouse, is accompanied throughout her work by her trusty canine avalanche and rescue dog Caleb. Carollo also cites last year's Mardi Gras with King Steve Sewell as one of her most memorable.
Snowmass Mardi Gras Festivities:
Sponsored by KSNO and The Aspen Times, this annual Fat Tuesday celebration comes earlier than usual in 2008 and is one of the biggest parties of the season in Snowmass, annually drawing between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors. Fat Tuesday starts at dawn on February 5 with the Mother of All Ascensions uphill race. Local restaurants kick off the afternoon with Cajun cuisine and drink specials, while a King Cake will be served on the mall at 1 p.m.
The afternoon is filled with festivities including a Kids' Carnival with face painters and stilt-walkers and a popular bead throw at 3 p.m. with nearly 30,000 bead necklaces thrown into the crowds. The annual parade at 4 p.m. is filled with floats, bagpipers, dancers, stilt walkers, clowns, costumed revelers and more. After the parade, the parties move indoors to local hot spots such as Zane’s Tavern, Mountain Dragon, Big Hoss Grille, and the Cirque, which celebrate with live music, Mardi Gras giveaways, and Fat Tuesday drink and food specials.
For the complete Mardi Gras schedule, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS.
For all information on aspen/snowmass, please visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 01:44 PM | Comments (0)
