Want to plan that perfect Aspen wedding?

To assist you, contact our Group Sales Department for more information. The main focus of the department is to keep groups coming back to Aspen, and to attract new summer groups to stay with Frias Properties. Our group sales department has experience handling groups of up to 700 people and as few as 16 people. The average group size is around 30 people. The most common types of groups that contact our group sales department are ski clubs and wedding groups.

The conference room at the Chateau Roaring Fork is also attractive to business/corporate groups. With 1,150 square feet of space, a projector and large projector screen, state-of-the-art audio/video equipment, a full kitchen and a fireplace, the conference room can meet your needs. Also, if you book more than 20 people (or five condominiums), you can use the conference room for free! Groups are able to bring or cater their own food and beverages, allowing for flexibility with a variety of options! Your group can also arrange a dinner party at any of our conference rooms – Chateau Roaring Fork, Fasching Haus or the Silverglo – complimentary or for a discounted price, allowing for catering by any company you prefer. Or, if you want to book a dinner party at one of Aspen’s amazing restaurants, our group sales department will take care of it.

Our Galena Neighborhood and the Independence Square hotel are our most popular complexes for wedding groups because Frias can supplement any hotel block with condominiums – in the event that a family might want a fully stocked condo. For weddings, Frias offers a plethora of quality units that match any guests’ price range. We offer more than 200 properties in downtown Aspen that range from economy to luxury, studios to 5 bedrooms. Your wedding party could enjoy taking over the Independence Square hotel’s 27 units if your book your entire group in the quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown Aspen. Enjoy après-ski and the amazing rooftop sun deck and hot tub! The Independence Square truly is an Aspen original.

For summer getaways, groups enjoy the Galena Neighborhood and the Independence Square hotel as well. These accommodations provide the perfect getaway – due to their variety of amenities (outdoor heated pools and hot tubs) to their proximity to all of downtown Aspen’s restaurants, shops and entertainment, as well as their affordable pricing.

If your group is flying directly in to Aspen, Frias will provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport. For more flight information, CLICK HERE. For ground transportation info, CLICK HERE.

Call our group sales department to discuss the opportunities. Call our toll free reservations line now and ask to speak to a group sales manager (800) 633-0336 or e-mail Groups@FriasProperties.com.

CLICK HERE to search available units!

Vacation Specialist Julie Adams and Director of Marketing Eileen Tucker celebrate winning the Partner Support Award.

According to Tucker, Frias Properties has had a long-standing partnership with Vacation Roost/Mountain Reservations.  Working together, Frias can offer lodging only or full packages that include air fare, rental car, airport transfers, ski lift tickets and access to a number of other Aspen events and activities – to maximize the Aspen experience.

Vacation Roost/Mountain Reservations market management team, comprised of eight people, evaluates how partners participate, and then determine who should receive the award. The award criteria includes participation in promotions and initiatives over the past season, including e-marketing and special promotions, training and site tours. Each year, Frias provides site tours to agents that come to Aspen so the agents can learn about the broad scope of services that Frias offers, Tucker said.

The award was given to only two companies this season, Tucker said. The marketing management team selected Frias and one other company from a final field of six, with more than 250 total mountain destinations originally eligible for the award.

“Throughout the years, our dedicated staff has created professional ties and social friendships in the industry,” Tucker said. “We are grateful to work in an industry that focuses 100% on guest service and taking care of customers.”

Frias Properties of Aspen represents more than 200 homes and condos in Aspen as well as the Independence Square hotel in the heart of downtown Aspen. In addition to individually owned condominiums, Frias is also the #1 resource to book the luxury Ritz-Carlton Club, Hyatt Grand Aspen and the St. Regis Residence Clubs. Guests who book at Frias Properties can choose from units rated economy to luxury, ranging from studio efficiency units to 7-bedroom private homes with breath-taking views. Choose from a list of amenities that includes free Aspen airport transfers, an (remove) on-site heated pool and hot tub, and free wireless internet access.

All guests who stay with Frias Properties of Aspen will receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility. The Aspen Club & Spa offers everything from state-of-the-art exercise equipment to pampering spa treatments. Free passes to the Aspen Club & Spa can be obtained from any Frias Properties front desk during regular business.

Vacation Roost, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an online leader in vacation rental reservations in poplular ski, beach and island destinations. Mountain Reservations is a ski and mountain lodging leader in the Western United States, offering affordable lodging and vacation packages.

Today, J.J. sits down with our blog team to share her experiences.

Frias extranet specialist Jenny Jacque and front desk manager Lynn Armstrong pose for a photo at the top of Smuggler during a recent lunch hike.

Q: What’s the attraction of hiking Smuggler? Why do people like it so much?

A: “Smuggler is a quick easy hike that most people can do on their lunch break or after work. You can easily make it up and down in under an hour. Once up, their the view is great and you can turn it into a much longer hike if you choose to by adding on the Hunter Creek loop.”

Q: On a scale of 1-10, how hard of a hike is it?

A: “3 or 4”

Q: How long does it take you?

A: “I average about 25 minutes up, 15 down.”

Q: When do you like to go – morning, noon, night?

A: “Lunch break or after work – it depends on when someone can join me as I rarely go alone.”

Q: What’s your normal gear like? Shoes?

A: “Work out sweats, runners, and iPod.”

Q: Are you keeping track of how many times you go?

A: “No, I haven’t been keeping track. I go up Smuggler about three times during the week and try to do something longer on the weekends.”

Q: What’s the difference between going alone and with someone?

A: “I rarely go alone because I like to talk along the way. It makes the time go by faster to have someone with you. And sometimes when I want to get a really good workout from it I take someone with me that is really going to push me to go faster.”

Q: Do you remember the first time you went?

A: “Yes, I made the front page of the Times on my first trip up. It was amusing because I had never been up and then there was a guy taking pictures. He asked my name and BAM, the next day it was front-page news.”

Q: What’s your favorite part of the hike?

A: “Running into people I know. It happened just the other day. I had a friend that moved out of town and she just happened to be back in town for the weekend. We got the opportunity the catch up for a bit.”

Q: Do you celebrate at the top a la Rocky Balboa?

A: “I have never celebrated like that, but it is a great idea. My goal is to run up by the end of the summer, if I accomplish this I’m sure I will celebrate Rocky Balboa style. I might even throw on a little ‘Eye of the Tiger’ while doing it.”

Q: What other hikes do you enjoy besides Smuggler?

A: “I hike the Ute Trail sometimes during lunch in the summer, but think that it might be too muddy right now so haven’t been up it yet. Sometimes on weekends I go all the way up Aspen Mountain. I have recently discovered the Arbaney-Kittle trail this spring and thought that was a great hike down valley. Excellent views of the Frying Pan from top.”

Q: What other outdoor activities do you like?

A: “I like doing anything outside. I normally do a lot of jogging in the summer training for a marathon. I really want to do some 14ers.  Been wanting to do that for a while and I have a few friends who said they would go with me this summer. I also enjoy rafting, biking, and going camping.”

Frias has a number of units still available for Spring and Summer rentals, all within walking distance of Smuggler Mountain. CLICK HERE to view units, or call (888) 633-0336 or (970) 920-2000 to speak with a Frias vacation specialist. For more hiking and biking information, CLICK HERE

The Estate At Starwood – This elegant estate is situated on a private 2.26-acre lot in the gated community of Starwood, with big, spectacular views and just minutes to downtown Aspen. This home is 13,500 square feet and can accommodate 16+ people. The ultimate in luxury home rentals!

This home includes the finest in luxury, including an indoor pool and hot tub; personal gym; private outdoor tennis court; wine room; theater room; private office; formal dining for 12; elevator; air conditioning and radiant heat; Wi-Fi internet; and only 3.2 miles to town!

• Kitchen: Sub-Zero appliances, Viking stove, two ovens, walk-in pantry, warming drawer, wine cooler
• Master Bedroom: King bed, deck, gas fireplace, steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, walk-in-closet, flatscreen TV
• 1^st Guest Bedroom: King bed, deck, gas fireplace, steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, flatscreen TV
• 2^nd Guest Bedroom: King bed, gas fireplace, steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, flatscreen TV
• 3^rd Guest Bedroom: King bed, steam shower, flatscreen TV
• 4^th Guest Bedroom: Bunk beds and two full beds, steam shower
• 5^th & 6^th Guest Bedrooms: Queen bed, steam shower
• Housekeeping: Daily maid service for weekly rentals; once per week for monthly rentals

Call Frias Properties broker Will Burggraf for availability and pricing – (970) 429-2415.

Silverlode Residence – This charming three-level, 5-bedroom, 5 ½-bath private home offers luxury, privacy and convenience at the base of Smuggler Mountain. Highlighted with big views and an open main floor with a gas fireplace and sizeable deck with a hot tub, this private home can sleep up to 12. The kitchen and dining area features stainless appliances, two ovens, three sinks, two dishwashers and a Wolf stove – so it’s great for entertaining! Call Frias broker Will Burggraf for availability and pricing – (970) 429-2415 – or CLICK HERE for e-mail.

• Master Bedroom: King-size bed, gas fireplace, 26-inch flatscreen TV, walk-in closet with washer/dryer, full en suite master bathroom with steam shower and Jacuzzi tub.
• 1^st Guest Bedroom: Top floor, two twin beds, dresser (no closet).
• 2^nd Guest Bedroom: Ground floor, two twin beds, full en suite bathroom with tub and steam shower.
• 3^rd Guest Bedroom: Ground floor, King-size bed, ¾ bathroom with steam shower.
• 4^th Guest Bedroom: Ground floor, King-size bed, ¾ bathroom with steam shower.
• Den: Ground floor. Can be 5^th guest bedroom, Queen-size fold-out, 25-inch flatscreen TV, ¾ bath with shower.
• Media Room: Top floor. 36-inch flatscreen TV with DVD player, iPod (house wired for sound)

Call Frias Properties broker Will Burggraf for availability and pricing – (970) 429-2415.

Summit House – This three-level 4-bedroom, 4-bath 5,500-square-foot luxury home rental is situated on the famous Red Mountain and has spectacular views of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain and the entire Roaring Fork Valley. This classic luxury mountain home features an open living area with vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, formal dining for eight people and a large library/media room, all with amazing views. Enjoy the multi-level deck that is highlighted by a large gas grill right off the kitchen and dining area.  All bedrooms have breathtaking views! Bedding is king (master), queen (guest master), two full beds (2nd guest) and a queen-size Murphy bed (3rd guest).

Other amenities include:

• a motorized indoor water fountain
• a two-car garage
• laundry room
• workout equipment in the 3rd bedroom
• steam showers and jetted tubs in the master and guest master bathrooms
• flatscreen TVs
• a ski locker
• two wet bars
• numerous walk-in closets

For more information, call a Frias vacation specialist at (888) 633-0336 or (970) 920-2000.

CLICK HERE to view more Frias Properties inventory!

Frias broker Will Burggraf executes a "donkey flip."

Frias Properties broker Will Burggraf is our resident expert on kayaking. He’s spent the last decade paddling the rivers of the Roaring Fork Valley, and beyond. An East Coast native, Will first experienced whitewater as a child, canoeing on the Delaware River. When he moved to Colorado in 2001, he was immediately drawn to kayaking. Even with the advancement in gear and the increased technical levels of the rivers, Will said it still felt very familiar to those childhood weekends. “I was addicted when I laid down my first stroke,” he says.

This week, our blog team sits down with Will to reflect on 10 years of memories:

Q: What attracted you to kayaking?

A: “It is really one of the only times you can really shut everything off. Not only can the river setting be beautiful and peaceful, it can also be incredibly intense. So much so that you cannot think about anything but what you are doing. It is a great way to clear the mind. Every time I get off the river I am completely rejuvenated.”

Q: When does the season typically start?

A: “Depending on which river, up-valley or down-valley, you can start paddling around mid-April. I would say most people do not go until mid-May but if you want to get after it, there are certainly a few rivers that will have enough water earlier. The peak is typically around June 10^th.”

Q: Where’s a good place for a beginner?

A: “The Lower Fork on a section called Pink to Black. It is a stretch of river between Carbondale and Glenwood. It is a Class II. For real beginner, you can go to pool sessions at the ARC.”

Q: Where do you like to go?

A: “We are fortunate enough to have one of the beefiest Class III+ whitewater runs in the state about two miles from our office. Slaughterhouse has to be done as much as possible as long as it is running. I like to hit it about three times a week if possible. I also like Castle Creek.”

Q: Do you go in a group? How many?

A: “We typically go with 2-6 people, depending on the day and flow of the river.  It is not something you can or should do alone.”

Q: Do you have any secret spots?

A: “Not secret, but certainly favorite play holes in the river. That is one of the great things about Slaughterhouse. It runs different at every water level.  No two days are ever the same.”

Q: What kind of gear do you have?

A: “I have several boats for different types of activity. For playing in surf waves or at low water, I love my Dagger Crazy 88. Super-fun easy-to-maneuver boat. Great for cartwheels, donkey flips and whatever else you want it to do. I mainly paddle my Jackson 4fun, which is a great all-around river runner and play boat, so you get the best of both worlds. If it’s super big water, I like the Liquid Logic Hefe Grande.”

Q: What’s your Number One safety tip?

A: “Stay in the boat!”

Q: What’s the biggest myth about whitewater rafting/kayaking?

A: “I guess the only thing I would say is respect the river. It is a very dangerous sport that can be relatively safe if you take proper precautions.”

Q: What’s the best time of year?

A: “For big, heart-pounding water? Definitely June.  July is also a great time get on the river and cool off. Really it is whenever the water is flowing.  It is a short season and you have to go when nature tells you to.” 

To speak with Will about a vacation rental, real estate or kayaking, call him at (970) 429-2415 or e-mail Will@FriasProperties.com .  To read more about Will, CLICK HERE.

The weather has been so amazing here recently, you can tell that spring and summer are right around the corner. And, if you’re planning on taking a warm-weather vacation to Aspen, Colorado, then I have found a uniquely amazing luxury townhome, available as a Summer condo rental, in Aspen’s east end that offers outdoor opportunities galore!

Aspen Club #1422 at the Aspen Club Townhomes, located in east Aspen along Independence Pass, is a multi-level 3-bedroom, 3-bath luxury townhouse that features a deck with mountain views and a hot tub. The locations offers convenience to all of downtown Aspen’s amenities as well as easy access to some of the best nature and wilderness trails in the Rocky Mountains.

This unit offers something for everyone. Hikers love the unit’s location, which is near a number of off-the-beaten-path trails along local rivers and up into the mountains. Bikers adore the numerous bike paths and the ever-present challenge that is Independence Pass. Fishermen smile at the boundless possibilities while lovebirds appreciate the serenity and privacy. And everyone loves the proximity to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility.

Aspen Club #1422 features an open main level upon entering the unit. There’s a mud area that leads directly in to the open dining area and kitchen. There’s a formal dining area and a breakfast bar with seating. The kitchen is highlighted by granite countertops, a SubZero refrigerator and a dishwasher. Off of the kitchen is a laundry area with a stackable washer and dryer. The back deck off of the kitchen is where the hot tub is located. Guests can sit in the hot tub and enjoy the mountain views after a long day of adventure.

Off of the dining area is the main living area. Large windows in the main living area allow maximum light to enter. There’s a sofa and loveseat, as well as an additional leather chair for seating. Guests can enjoy the large TV with cable in the living area while cozying up the wood-burning fireplace. An additional deck outside the living area also offers mountain views.

On the top level, the master bedroom features a stone wood-burning fireplace and an amazing en suite master bathroom, complete with a jetted tub and separate water closet with shower and additional vanity. The first guest bedroom is light and spacious, with large windows, a sitting area, desk and an armoire with cable TV. The first guest bathroom has a full en suite bathroom.

The lower level features a private second guest bedroom with a full bathroom in the hallway. The second guest bedroom has a stone wood-burning fireplace, cable TV and a sliding glass door leading out to a small sitting area/deck.

Amenities at this unit include free Aspen airport transfers (to and from), free on-demand in-town transportation, free wireless internet access, on-site free parking and on-site maintenance. All guests of Frias Properties receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa. The Aspen Club & Spa is located only a short walk from the Aspen Club Townhomes.  (Passes to the Aspen Club & Spa can be obtained from any Frias Properties front desk during regular business hours).

Located only a short walk from the unit along a private trail, the Aspen Club & Spa is where members and guests not only exercise their bodies, but also expand their minds and rejuvenate their spirit through fitness training, mind/body classes and an array of other progressive offerings.

Inside the Health & Fitness Center is a large fitness studio, where daily classes offer cardiovascular training and conditioning for all fitness levels through specialized cardio classes. The specially designed mind/body studio with a suspended floor and adjustable lighting encourages relaxation during yoga, meditation and Pilates Mat classes.

Beyond this core area, the Health & Fitness Center includes an indoor lap pool, five tennis courts, racquetball and a private/semi-private boxing room. It also offers post-workout amenities like luxurious locker rooms with steam and sauna, and indoor and outdoor whirlpools. (Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Children are not allowed to use the fitness equipment but may use the swimming pool and locker facilities.)

• For more information on Aspen Club #1422 – CLICK HERE

• To read more about the Aspen Club & Spa – CLICK HERE

• To reserve your lodging NOW! – CLICK HERE

Just recently, Myatt earned his fourth consecutive 100-day pin, a recognition given by the Aspen Skiing Company for those who reach the century mark in a single season. Myatt achieved the goal for the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 ski seasons.

“I came up a little short in 2008-09 and figured life is too short not to ski every day,” Myatt said.

To commemorate his accomplishment, Myatt sat down with our blog team to answer our Top 10 questions.

Q: When did you move to Aspen?

A: “I moved to Aspen on April 1,2006, after spending four weeks in Aspen over New Years.”

Q: How many seasons have you skied Aspen?

A: “This is the sixth season I have had a pass for Aspen.”

Q: Did you ski growing up? Where? 

A: “I first started skiing at the age of 4 at Holiday Valley outside of Rochester, New York.”

Q: Did you go on Opening Day? 

A: “Yes. I skied the early opening days this year at Snowmass and on Thanksgiving Day on Aspen with (my fiancée) Lauren.”

Q: Do you ski with friends or alone? 

A: “It depends.  During the week, I normally ski alone and, on the weekends, I ski with Lauren and my buddy, Brendan. Normally, I don’t like skiing in big groups.”

Q: Tell us about your gear. (Skis, boots brand)

A: “I just got new Nordica boots this year and I ski on a 184 Volki Montra.  It is a great all-mountain, all-condition ski.”

Q: What’s your favorite run? 

A: “I have a few, but would like to keep them secret.  S1 is one that I like to tell people about and take them to early in the day.  It is really steep at the top and intimidating to most people.”

Q: Have you spotted anyone famous this year on the hill? 

A: “A few. Seal, Paris Hilton (at Ajax Tavern), James Caan, Jeff Bagwell …  and a bunch of people that think they are famous.”

Q: What’s the riskiest maneuver you attempted/accomplished this season? 

A: “Not really sure. Most days I ski aggressively and enjoy jumping cliffs and skiing lines that are really difficult.”

Q: What will you do with your 100-day pin?

A: “I keep them at my desk.  I also take them with me to the ski show I do in Australia.”

The Aspen Club & Spa is a private-membership club that invites the outdoors in. Skylights, expansive windows and Colorado’s natural elements provide a perfectly pristine backdrop at this 77,000-square-foot facility, allowing guests to achieve total balance and well being.

Need a quick tour? Check out the video below.

The heart of the Aspen Club & Spa is undoubtedly the Health & Fitness Center, where members and guests can rejuvenate their spirit through mind/body classes as well as push their personal limits with progressive fitness training.

But the Aspen Club & Spa is more than just a gym. Members and guests rave about the world-renowned SpaAspen and the internationally recognized Sports Medicine Institute, as well its highly advanced fitness programming.

The Health & Fitness Center provides a large studio space, where daily classes offer conditioning and cardiovascular training for all fitness levels through specialized class. And, a suspended floor and adjustable lighting encourages relaxation during yoga, meditation and Pilates mat classes at the specially designed mind/body studio. The Health & Fitness Center also includes an indoor lap pool, five tennis courts, a racquetball and a private/semi-private boxing room, luxurious locker rooms, a steam and sauna area, and indoor and outdoor whirlpools.

Another amenity – the Sports Medicine Institute – is a healing center that combines contemporary medicine with time-honored knowledge. The institute boasts seven highly trained physical therapists, an acupuncturist and a chiropractor.

Feel like being pampered? SpaAspen is the second largest spa in Colorado, boasting 34 treatment rooms. It offers a wide assortment of luxury spa services, signature body treatments and spa packages to fulfill members’ and guests’ needs.  Groups are welcome and customized spa packages are available. Whatever you are looking for, SpaAspen will go above and beyond your needs.

The Aspen Club Boutique is the place to outfit your lifestyle. From the yoga studio straight to the street, the boutique will keep you looking stylish from a workout to the office and into the night. The boutique is open to the public and adds new lines almost every week. The Aspen Club Boutique also allows clients and members to purchase the products used during spa treatments.

Need a bite to eat? Visit the on-site café for an scrumptious selection of healthy dining fare, including fresh salads.

If you’re already booked to stay at Frias Properties, call our front desk at (970) 920-2000 to inquire about complimentary passes. Passes to the Aspen Club & Spa are available at any Frias Properties front desk during regular business hours.

Frias Properties has front desk locations at:

• The Main Office, 730 E. Durant Ave.
• Fasching Haus, 747 S. Galena St.
• The Independence Square, 404 S. Galena St.
• Silverglo Condominiums, 940 Waters Ave.

Those interested in joining the Aspen Club & Spa full time should call the front desk at the Aspen Club & Spa at (970) 925-8500.

We are currently offering three specials for Summer 2012. Below is a brief outline of each special:

LUXURY SPECIAL

Book any 2 or 3 bedroom at the Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Regis Residences or Hyatt Grand Aspen and receive a 7^th night free! Applies to stays May 5, 2012, through Sept. 29, 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton Club

Experience the finest Aspen has to offer at one of our 2- or 3-bedroom residences at the Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Regis Residences or Hyatt Grand Aspen. These high-end luxury condominiums feature top-of-the-line furniture, appliances and linens. Enjoy a number of on-site amenities at each of the three complexes.

The Ritz-Carlton Club at Aspen Highlands is a full-service facility, ideally situated at the base of the Aspen Highlands Ski Area that is just five minutes from the excitement of downtown Aspen.  Meet with friends for a wine tasting in the Members’ Lounge, or relax while your dedicated concierge arranges your dining plans at one of Aspen’s best restaurants.

The St. Regis Residence Club Resort, located in downtown Aspen, is a perfect environment for superb summer sports and the arts. The Residence Club delivers 5-star personalized service and unending attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Residences offer twice-daily maid service, on-site concierge service, complimentary airport transportation, a heated outdoor pool, the renowned Remede Spa.

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and walking distance to art, fashion and fine-dining restaurants, the Hyatt Grand Aspen Residence Club delivers top-of-the-line personalized service and unending attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Unwind and refresh at the Member’s Lounge. Feed your body at the high-vitality fitness room or take a dip in the heated pool.

*Requirements: Must book a minimum of 6 nights. Must book by 09/27/12. This offer cannot be combined with any other special or offer by Frias Properties of Aspen. For more information, call (800) 633-0336 and speak to a Frias vacation specialist.

GALENA STREET NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL

Book any Galena Street Neighborhood property and receive a 7^th night free! Applies to stays May 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2012.

The Fasching Haus

The Galena Street Neighborhood is a collection of properties noted for their quality and location to all of Aspen’s amenities. Complexes included in the Galena Street Neighborhood collection include the Fasching Haus, Fifth Avenue, Durant Condominiums, Alpenblick, Dolomite Villas, Cottonwoods, Mountain Queen, Aspen Mountain Townhouse, Silver Shadow and Shadow Mountain. Properties range in size from 1-bedrooms to 5-bedrooms, rated standard to luxury.

Guests of the Galena Street Neighborhood will enjoy free Aspen airport transfers and complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa. Guests can also benefit from the on-site check in and concierge services offered at the Fasching Haus, 747 S. Galena St. Our on-site concierge is available to help guests do everything from book whitewater rafting trips to planning intimate dinner reservations at Aspen’s finest restaurants.

*Requirements: Must book a minimum of 6 nights. Must book by 09/28/12. This offer cannot be combined with any other special or offer by Frias Properties of Aspen. For more information, call (800) 633-0336 and speak to a Frias vacation specialist. To watch an informative video about the Galena Street Neighborhood, CLICK HERE.

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE SPECIAL

Can’t come for a full week? Try our Getaway Special at the Indy! Reserve any unit at the historic Independence Square and receive a 4^th night free! Applies to Sunday-night arrivals for stays June 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2012.

The Independence Square

The Independence Square hotel is Aspen’s only lodge on the downtown mall. It sits in the heart of Aspen. Amenities at the Independence Square include daily housekeeping services, a rooftop sun deck and hot tub, free continental breakfast served daily, on-site check in and front desk services and on-site laundry facilities.

All Frias Properties of Aspen guests also receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility. The Aspen Club & Spa offers everything from state-of-the-art exercise equipment to pampering spa treatments! (Passes to the Aspen Club & Spa can be obtained from any Frias Properties front desk during regular business hours.)

*Requirements: Guests must check in on Sundays to receive this special. Must book by 09/28/12. This offer cannot be combined with any other special or offer by Frias Properties of Aspen. For more information, call (800) 633-0336 and speak to a Frias vacation specialist.

For additional information, or to view other Frias specials, CLICK HERE.

If you have any other questions, please call (800) 633-0336 and speak to a Frias vacation specialist or e-mail Reservations@FriasProperties.com.

That’s because this year, Farr celebrated his 20^th season skiing Aspen, and has been bringing his Trek Climb Ski group here for ski Aspen tours for more than 17 years. What started as a chance encounter on an airplane eventually led to week-long skiing getaway back in 1991. That trip manifested into a love affair with skiing Aspen that has lasted two decades – with no signs of stopping any time soon, Farr said.

These days, Farr’s ski Aspen tours through Trek Climb Ski have grown into an all-inclusive program that run for 16 days and 15 nights.

“During this time, we operate a 10-day fully guided and instructional on-snow program,” Farr said. “On these days, you’ll ski with your instructor for 5-6 hours per day. While personalized group skiing is our core product, our tours have become renowned for so much more.”

The Trek Climb Ski group prepares for another big day on Aspen Mountain!

“We actually don’t have any competitors that come close to providing what we do for the price,” he said. “With great, centrally located accommodations, the amazing ski town that is Aspen, regular après activities and the best skiing conditions on the planet, we provide the best ski package in the world to this incredible resort destination.”

And, according to Farr, it all started on that airplane in 1991.

“I was in Canada participating a ski instructors course and I decided that I wanted to ski somewhere in the States,” Farr said. “I met a guy on the plane and he said I should try Aspen. I did, and it was a fantastic week.”

Over the next few years, Farr began to frequent Aspen as he continued his ski instructor training in Colorado, Utah and Canada. Then, a trip to Aspen in 1995 gave Farr an idea.

“I realized there were a lot of Australians going to Canada for arranged skiing programs,” Farr said. “I wondered, ‘Why not Aspen?’ … We commenced operating our Aspen Tours in 1995 and today we enjoy a guests return rate of around 70 percent each year.”

Farr then contacted the Aspen Skiing Company about perhaps bringing a group of his own to ski the Aspen area. He said the Skico “welcomed the idea with open arms,” and Trek Climb Ski was born.

Farr brought his first group to Aspen in 1996. There were “eight or nine” people in the group and they stayed at the Mountain Chalet.

“By and large it was a good experience,” Farr said.

The group continued to grow year after year, and quickly outgrew the Mountain Chalet. He first approached Frias Properties about lodging in 2007 as his Aspen lodging demands continued to grow. Since 2009, he has worked closely with Frias Properties Group Sales Manager Alex Cox-Cuzzi to work out the details on each specific trip.

“Alex understands our needs and blocks out lots of accommodations for us,” Farr said. “The biggest concern for me as a tour organizer is to make sure to get the accommodations right. The relationship we’ve developed with Frias takes a lot of the pressure off because they are flexible and work with us to make sure we have all the accommodations we need.”

Farr said the Trek Climb Ski group has been staying at the Chateau Chaumont and Chateau Dumont since 2009, and his Aussie guests love it.

“Fantastic,” Farr says about the Chateau units. “It’s a 5-star experience.”

Frias Properties currently offers a number of units at both the Chateau Chaumont and Chateau Dumont complexes. Located only one block from downtown Aspen, the Silver Queen Gondola and Aspen Mountain, both complexes have units rated from standard to deluxe. According to Farr, his group members appreciate the location and price offered at the Chateaus.

“The biggest misconception by Australians about Aspen is that you have to be rich to ski there,” Farr said. “They say that it’s all rich people and movie stars. … We tell them, ‘you don’t have to be rich to ski with us.’ We offer a fantastic ski experience at a good price as our core product. That’s why people come with us.”

Farr also credits the amazing local terrain as a major selling point.

“People love the variety of the four mountains,” Farr said. “It’s an incredible amount of terrain – everything from beginners to advanced skiers. Plus the après-ski and social events we hold in conjunction with the skiing only add to the overall experience. Everything just works.”

Just how great was the experience? Have a look at this video, courtesy of Trek Climb Ski:

Trek Climb Ski is already planning ski Aspen tours for 2013. For more information, CLICK HERE.

To document their adventures, Farr and his team created a Trek Climb Ski website and blog. The group is constantly updating the site and blog with posts and photos of their on-hill adventures.  To read more about Trek Climb Ski, CLICK HERE.

To inquire about lodging with Frias Properties of Aspen, CLICK HERE. To contact Group Sales Manager Alex Cox-Cuzzi, CLICK HERE.