Aspen Mountain

Winter 2010-2011                                       Contact:  Jeff Hanle 970/300-7022

                                                                             jhanle@aspensnowmass.com

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.      Groovin’ In The Gondola- Aspen Mountain in the Silver Queen Gondola and put your own soundtrack to it. Every red gondola cabin is equipped with a state-of-the-art MP3/iPOD docking station. Plug in your own or listen to the varied pre-programmed playlist. Mozart? Snoop Dog? Sinead O’Connor? Whatever suits your fancy, there’s no better way to take in expansive views to your favorite tunes. Scale

2.      Ajax Tavern- A few steps from the base of the gondola, hosts a lively dining space, expansive outdoor patio and a food and drink menu that will cure any sore muscle! Ajax Tavern continues its distinctive bistro fare inspired by Colorado's bounty of sustainably raised meats and locally-grown seasonal produce. One of Aspen’s favorite après spots, it’s a great place to soak up afternoon sun and watch the graceful, and not so graceful skiers make their way down Little Nell.

3.      Powder Tours- Get your cat skiing fix with these guided tours on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Luxury snowcats take you to prime, untracked stashes. Fresh tracks guaranteed and gourmet lunch included.

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

5.     Aspen Winternational FIS Women’s World Cup- This annual race returns to Aspen Mountain November 27^th & 28^th, 2010, with Giant Slalom and Slalom races. This highly anticipated event is one of the most important for professional female skiers. Grandstand seating and a jumbotron at the base of Lift 1A provide for excellent spectator views.

6.     Silver Queen- Ski or ride the steep and deep on this double-black diamond trail overlooking 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.

7.     The Sundeck – Expansive. Breath-taking. 360 degree views. Enough said! A few steps from the top of the Silver Queen Gondola, The Sundeck rests atop Aspen Mountain at 11,212 ft. With a variety of food options, cozy fireplaces to warm up next to, and large chairs on the patio to bask in those warm spring sun rays, The Sundeck is a great place even for foot passengers

8.     Bell Mountain – Always the local’s first destination on a powder day; Bell Mountain is covered in bumps and perfect, gladed terrain 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- any run will leave you mesmerized!

9.     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, are merely a few among others who are immortalized in these hidden gems tucked in the trees.

10.   Bonnie’s Strudel- Located mid-mountain, this beloved Aspen Mountain restaurant offers an expansive, two tiered deck where you can recline into the surrounding scenery, watch skiers from all angles, and indulge in some of the best treats like Bonnie’s famous Apple Strudel.

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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