#TheAspenWay

This past spring we placed four big, meaningful words on the mountains. Each word reflects the intersection of values, principles and ideas that Aspen Snowmass holds close. What’s the point? We believe there’s never been a more important time to proclaim from the mountaintops what we stand for, and embrace what brings us together as people. Be on the lookout for a four-part series showing just how much these values mean to us—and consider stepping into the conversation. It’s #TheAspenWay.

LOVE

Is love a choice you make, or something that chooses you? It’s both—that’s the magic. Aspen fell for Gay Ski Week in the 1970s. Only regret is not finding each other sooner. The question now is how we open our hearts even bigger. Not just to people, but to the whole world around us. Love—it's #TheAspenWay.

UNITY

The mountains don’t discriminate. Neither do we. Neither should anyone. Ethnicity, religion, race, gender-identity. We’re better together. On the mountain, at work, as a nation, as members of the human race. It’s easy to give in to fear of the different. Please, don’t. Unity—it’s #TheAspenWay.

RESPECT

Respect requires more than leaving things be. Sometimes it means taking a stand for something. Like the environment, so the next generation can ski or ride. Or the value of science and the certainty of facts. Because the mountains were here first. Respect—It’s #TheAspenWay.

COMMIT

That knot in your stomach? It’s a sign you’re about to do something uncomfortable, risky even. Could be dropping into a big line or heading to a peaceful protest. Could be speaking up when it’s not easy or listening when it’s even harder. Bottom line: it’s always worth it. Commit—it's #TheAspenWay.