Take One for a Spin | June 20-30, 2019 | Aspen Gondola Plaza

A fleet of Audi e-tron vehicles are coming to Aspen Snowmass all revved and ready for test drives June 20-30. These all-electric Audi SUVs integrate roominess, quattro® all-wheel drive and charging technology with a sophisticated battery design to provide a range of up to 204 miles. Audi e-trons will be available at the Aspen Mountain Lower Gondola Plaza for anyone to test drive on designated routes on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The fit-for-Colorado specification highlights of the Audi e-tron include an acceleration speed of 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, 402 hp/300 kw with boost technology and air suspension with five modes including off-road. The available tow package provides towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.

“The Audi e-tron is amazing up hill and off-roading. There will be a few options for guests to take the car uphill as well as a short drive on Aspen Mountain to test off-road abilities,” Aspen Skiing Company Strategic Alliances Manager Michael Olenick said. “Electric vehicles fit in with the Aspen Snowmass commitment to protect the environment and lead the way on corporate responsibility and sustainability.”
Interior of the new Audi E-tron
Interior of the new Audi E-tron.

E-Shuttling for the Aspen Ideas Festival


Audi is also partnering with the Aspen Ideas Festival, providing an additional Audi e-trons to shuttle festival attendees June 23-29. With eight electric chargers in the Rio Grande Parking Garage and 14 newly installed chargers at The Little Nell and Limelight properties, Aspen Snowmass is ready for the fleet. A mere 10-minute charge on a Level 3 DC fast charger offers a range of 54 miles.

A Commitment to Electric Vehicles


Following the program in June, Aspen Snowmass will getting 5 Audi e-tron’s where one will go to each hotel property to be used as complimentary shuttles for guest and test drives for guest. “We are working to become more sustainable as a company as well as being a great model for others to follow,” Olenick said.


An Electrifying Talk at Aspen Ideas Festival

If you’re attending Aspen Ideas Festival, you can learn more about the future of electric vehicles in the auto industry, with Cody Thacker, head of electrification at Audi. Cody will be joined by Chris Womack, EVP and President of External Affairs at Southern Company and Jonathan Levy, VP of Strategic Initiatives at EVgo on a panel moderated by Chelsea Sexton, an electric vehicle expert and advisor on June 25, from 10:20 - 11:10 am at the Koch Tent. The panel topic, “Does the Future of Electric Vehicles Depend on Collaborative Design?” will speak to how we as a society can prepare for an electric transportation future. The panel will offer the vision of the disruption and opportunities in the automotive industry and share how industry electrification investments are influencing our future.

Kick off your summer with a spin in an Audi e-tron for a glimpse into the future of the auto industry!
Audi's Cody Thacker comes to Aspen to talk about Audi's electrification of America.
Cody Thacker head of Audi's electrification of America will speak at Aspen U's newest installment.

Cody Thacker 

About the Author

Susan Linden IAS
Susan Linden, writer

SUSAN LINDEN

Susan Linden has been wordsmithing as an advertising copywriter, feature writer, and storyteller since her college days. She left the whirlwind corporate world to live in the mountains and spends as much time as she can hiking, biking, and skiing in them. Working, playing, and raising a family in the Roaring Fork Valley for the last 29 years gives Susan a unique insider’s perspective to share.

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