TOP 10 THINGS ABOUT ASPEN MOUNTAIN

Aspen/Snowmass, Colo… Aspen Mountain is known as one of the world's classic ski mountains.  Known for steeps, powder and bumps the mountain also holds some great wide-open blue cruiser runs. The mountain rises straight out of the heart of downtown Aspen and is a must for anyone who calls themselves a skier or snowboarder.

1.      The newly renovated Ajax Tavern, steps from the base of the Silver Queen Gondola, will have more space and updated menu this season.  With an expanded bar area and deck, Ajax Tavern will continue to offer a French Bistro menu at lunch, with favorites such as Truffle Fries.  This is the place to see and been seen.  New this year, Ajax Tavern will be open for dinner. 

2.      After last year's record-breaking season, powder will be in high demand once again.  Get your cat skiing fix with Powder Tours on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Luxury snowcats take you to prime, untracked stashes. Fresh tracks guaranteed and gourmet lunch included.

3.      Best-kept secret:  Groomed, intermediate, cruising runs under Ruthie's and Shadow Mountain lifts.  Carve long, smooth turns on the very runs where World Cup racers do.

4.      This year marks the 40^th year of World Cup racing in Aspen, when the Aspen Winternational FIS Women's World Cup returns to Aspen Mountain November 28-29, 2008, with Giant Slalom and Slalom races.  Grandstand seating and a jumbotron at the base of Lift 1A provide for excellent spectator views.

5.      Ski or ride the steep and deep on Silver Queen, a double-black diamond trail over looking downtown Aspen.  Speaking of steep, the Elevator Shaft section of Silver Queen is the steepest terrain on Aspen Mountain with a slope of 42 degrees.

6.      Sweeping views and lunch at The Sundeck – Even if you don't ski or ridethe surrounding views and comfort food from The Sundeck are worth a trip up the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain.  360 degree views, encompassing the legendary Highland Bowl, make for a perfect family photo taken by SharpShooter.  Lunch at the Sundeck ranges from energizing Pad Thai to gourmet salads and soups. 

7.      Bell Mountain – The local's first destination on a powder day.  Bell Mountain is covered in bumps and perfectly gladed runs that hold powder stashes well after a big storm. Take a full tour and hit the Face, the Back, the Ridge, the Shoulder and the Nose of Bell.

8.      The Shrines – Ask a mountain ambassador for a tour or take off on your own and explore the glades of Aspen Mountain in search of the infamous shrines.  Elvis, Jerry Garcia, Marilyn Monroe and Jimi Hendrix, among others are immortalized in these hidden gems tucked in the trees between runs.

9.      Strudel and other yummies from Bonnie's - Located on Aspen Mountain the two-tiered deck famously known as Bonnie's is filled with some of the best treats to take care of anyone's sweet tooth. Guests make the journey to Bonnie's to sit out on the deck and enjoy the famous apple strudel.

10.  Always wanted to get a bird's eye view of Aspen/Snowmass? Aspen Paragliding offers a never-to-forget paragliding thrill over mountain peaks.  Jump off Walsh's or Ruthie's Run and descend on Aspen as never before.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company's website at www.aspensnowmass.com.

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