With each new season comes a new class of events, attractions, and – in our world – centrally located Aspen vacation rentals. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of ski season, so we've put together a comprehensive guide on what our guests can expect to experience in Aspen Snowmass this winter! (Read about our new and renovated vacation rentals debuting for winter 2017-18 here.)
Aspen Snowmass Destination News
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) offers unrivaled convenience when flying into Ski Country, and this winter, the airport offers more flights than ever before with a 22 percent increase in air service across our three major airlines. Flight schedules are subject to change, but this increased service means airfare will be more available and more affordable for winter 2017-18 ski vacations!
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort News
There's a lot happening on-mountain this winter, with most of the developments occurring at Snowmass, the largest of our four ski areas.
- The new Breathtaker Alpine Coaster debuts this winter and takes riders on a thrilling descent through the Elk Camp trees at speeds up to 28 miles per hour! The coaster is open during the day and at night (on Ullr Nights and holidays). The Breathtaker is scheduled to open in late December, and will operate every day through early April.
- Snowmass celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a weekend of celebrations, Dec. 15 – 17, 2017. From apres-ski parties to a retro-ski-themed bash on top of the mountain, the weekend is sure to filled with roaring good times with a touch of nostalgia.
- The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, the penultimate Olympic selection event, comes to Snowmass Jan. 10 – 14, 2018. The U.S. Snowboard Team and the U.S. Freeski Team athletes will go head-to-head to see who will represent the red-white-and-blue in Pyeongchange, South Korea in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Those who know Aspen Snowmass well understand how our destination is special, but this year, the Aspen Skiing Company launched a new ad campaign that spoke about community values on and off the mountain. Titled "The Aspen Way," the campaign includes large-scale installations that guests may see on the four ski areas this winter. Look for big letters spelling out LOVE, RESPECT, UNITY and COMMIT.
New Restaurants and Shops in Downtown Aspen
- Aspen Brewing Company may have lost its space on Restaurant Row, but beer lovers will rejoice when Aspen Tap opens in the former Peach's space. Aspen Brewing Company's new tap room will serve their Aspen-brewed beers and "good bar food" and continue to host live music and community events in the brewpub space.
- Bangkok Happy Bowl purchased its neighboring space and is opening Tiki Mana Island Grill, a Hawaiian-style restaurant with a casual vibe.
- Locals' favorite Asie Restaurant is debuting an extensive remodel in mid-December.
- D'Angelico Guitars is opening an Aspen outpost at 240 South Mill Street. With locations in New York and Los Angeles, the Aspen shop is a six-month test to see if locals and visitors appreciate a "hang out and slash music store."
- SoulCycle returns to Aspen for a pop-up engagement over the holidays, Dec. 21, 2017 – Jan. 1, 2018. Ask our Concierge how to sign up for a class in the former Boogie's space at 534 East Cooper Avenue.
- Bringing athleisure to Aspen from across the pond, Sweaty Betty, a London-based activewear company, is opening a pop-up shop at 529 East Cooper this winter. Check out their retro ski wear and vibrant base layers.
- If you've seen CBNBC's "The Profit," you're familiar with Marcus Lemonis, who is bringing his luxury clothing store to the former Burberry space in Aspen at 501 East Hyman Avenue.
- East-coasters may recognize a new women's boutique, Shari's Place, which has locations in Palm Beach and Nantucket.
If you're excited to experience all these new attractions in Aspen Snowmass this ski season, reserve your vacation rental today. Browse our full inventory online, or get recommendations from our Aspen-based reservations team.