The most up-to-date information for the Roaring Fork Valley

Are you tired of long security lines, airline delays and/or cancellations? If so, contact Air Denver for your charter needs. Call for great Aspen "one-way" rates or from anywhere in North America. With over 18,000 aircraft to choose from, Air Denver can easily accommodate your needs. As a "Charter Referral Service", they make chartering affordable. There are no memberships, deposits, monthly dues or aircraft acquisition fees, just excellent service at the lowest price available. Office hours are 7am-5:30pm, Mountain Time, Monday-Friday. They are available 24/7/365 for your immediate needs at (800) 333-4057 or (303) 333-3332. www.airdenver.com, email: sales@airdenver.com

The Aspen traveler deserves a long-term, high-quality aircraft charter service. Powered by one of the most recognized names in the industry, Aspen CharterOps is returning the golden age of on-demand aircraft service to its rightful place – deep within the Colorado Rockies. Based at the Aspen Airport and staffed by the very best of local talent, Aspen CharterOps will deliver the promise of reliability while mountaintrained crews will ensure your safety over and over again. To learn more, please call them today. For more info visit website:- http://www.aspencharterops.com/

The Ski Service Center/Board Werks has been Aspen's premiere performance tuning center for 29 years. Enjoy their laid back location, out of the hustle and bustle of downtown, where everyone receives personalized service. Let them find the perfect ski or snowboard to match your style and ability. They offer expert race, backcountry, freestyle, big mountain, park and pipe tunes for the quality concerned clientele. The Ski Service Center/Board Werks opened a new race tuning center in Mt. Hood Oregon this summer and tuned for the best international ski & snowboard champions. Racers from alpine, freestyle and snowboard camps have noticed the difference in these professional tunes. The basic custom hand tune is a 28-step process done on world class state-of-the-art wintersteiger race machines and every ski/ snowboard is hand finished to the specification of the manufacture. They are Aspen's only SWIX Performance Center and carry Nordica skis, Smith optics and helmets, empire gloves and accessories, Swix, Sun Valley, Kuu of Canada and Swany. Don't miss them at the World Cup, X Games and Olympics this year!

Blue Gallery features distinctive contemporary Israeli art collections by internationally acclaimed artists David Schluss, Calman Shemi, Isaac Maimon, Sveta Esser, Avi Ben Simhon, Lenner Gogli, Isaac Kahn, Mark Kanovich, Harry Guttman, B. Guy, Natalie Rozenbaum, and more. Also exhibiting Cuban artist Orlando Rafael Quevedo, a collection of “magical realism” oil paintings. Introducing glass works by Italian Massimiliano Schiavon. Showing a variety of landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic, realistic, and figurative works. Photo: Isaac Maimon "Snow Slide" acrylic on canvas 47x71 inches.

For a full day of family fun this winter, head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, It's a great complement to your winter vacation, with a variety of exciting activities for both kids and adults. Ride the scenic tram to the top of Iron Mountain then enjoy a guided tour of Glenwood Caverns’ amazing Fairy Caves or experience the thrill of Colorado’s only alpine coaster as it plunges down the mountainside. Inside, kids love our high-tech laser tag arena and Colorado’s only 4D theater, with special effects that make you feel like you're actually inside the movie! Ask about the ‘Winter Fun Pass’ that includes your tram ride, park admission and unlimited turns at all attractions for the day...plus, a cave tour…all at a huge savings. This special winter deal runs through April 30th. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located midway between Aspen and Vail on I-70. Photo by Norm Thompson

The Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution that presents the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Exhibitions: 2009 Roaring Fork Open (October 30 - November 29, 2009), Kris Martin (December 11, 2009 - January 24, 2010), Claire Fontaine: After Marx April After Mao June (December 11, 2009 – January 31, 2010) Mark Bradford (February 12 – April 4, 2010), Disembodied (February 12 – April 11, 2010). Special Event: Winter Benefit, DENNIS BASSO Freestyle sponsored by Phillips De Pury & Co. (après-ski party/fashion show), Monday, December 28, 4:30-7:00 pm, Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-7pm, Sunday, noon-6pm. Thursdays free 5-7pm. Admission is free courtesy of John and Amy Phelan. 590 North Mill Street, (970) 925-8050, www.aspenartmuseum.org PHOTO: Mark Bradford, Untitled, 2007. Image courtesy of the artist and Sikkema Jenkins & Co., New York.

Summer: Visit new exhibits and recently discovered features at the Aspen Historical Society's Holden-Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, housed in an 1890's ore sampling building overlooking Castle Creek on Aspen's western edge. The Society also operates the Wheeler-Stallard Museum, a classic 1888 brick Queen Anne Victorian at 620 West Bleeker, as well as the nearby ghost towns of Ashcroft and Independence. Attend one of their Time Travel Tuesday events (Tuesdays at 5:30) from June – September or Playing with the Past children's programs on Saturday mornings in July and August. Historic walking or electric HISTORY COACH tours are also offered. For more information, visit www.aspenhistory.org or call (970) 925-3721. Photo: From Aspen Historical Society, Webner/Oblock Collection

Winter: Enjoy an evening of Aspen history with the Aspen Historical Society’s Time Travel Tuesdays programs, every Tuesday at 5:30pm from December to mid-April. Most events are held at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, an 1888 Queen Anne Victorian mansion (corner of 6th and Bleeker in Aspen’s historic West End neighborhood) and feature living history performances, engaging lectures, first-person recollections, historical games, and more. For a more intimate look at Aspen’s colorful past try a guided tour of Aspen’s historic downtown core on the Society’s brand new electric HISTORY COACH tour vehicle, visit the Society’s two museums or perhaps take a West End Walking Tour of Aspen’s 19th century Victorian homes. Call (970) 925-3721 or visit www.aspenhistory.org for museum hours, program and event information. 620 West Bleeker St., Aspen. Tour information: (970) 925-3721, ext. 104. Fax (970) 925-5347, e-mail info@aspenhistory.org. Photo: “Winterskol historically gets zany! Circa 1975” by Jim Kahnweiler.

Summer: For nine weeks every summer, conductors, composers, seasoned performers, artist-faculty, gifted students, and audience members from around the world come together in the staggering beauty of Aspen to share their love of music. Their mutual passion creates something rare and marvelous in music. From July 1 through August 22, AMFS will offer more than 400 events, including symphonic and chamber music concerts, solo recitals, vocal programs, fully-staged operas, children’s programs, public master classes, lectures, and backstage tours. For concert and ticket information, (970) 925-9042 or www.aspenmusicfestival.com Photo: Alex Irvin

Winter: America’s premier music festival continues its tradition of offering a winter concert series showcasing world-renowned artists. The 2010 Winter Music series brings both beloved, international artists as well as phenomenal, rising stars to Aspen in February and March. All concerts are held in the acoustically acclaimed, 500-seat Harris Concert Hall where Grammy-winning recordings have been performed. For concert and ticket information call (970) 925-9042 or visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com. Mark your calendar! Summer Festival 2010 July 1 – August 22. Photo: Alex Irvin

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents its 2009-2010 Winter Dance Season. Don't miss your chance to see the following performances: Aspen's own classic presentation of The Nutcracker, December 5-6 (matinee and evening performances); making their fifth appearance in Aspen, Pilobolus, January 18-19; a special Valentine's weekend of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, February 12-13; and an encore presentation of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet on March 6. All performances are at 7:30pm at the Aspen District Theatre unless otherwise noted. Tickets go on sale in early October. To purchase, call (970) 920-5770, or go online, www.aspensantafeballet.com. Photo:© 2009 Lynn Goldsmith

For the best in local arts, community events, and recreation, visit the Red Brick Center for the Arts in the heart of Aspen. The Center houses ten artist studios, the Red Brick Gallery, ten non-profit organizations and the Recreation Department. Art receptions take place every first Thursday of each month, 5-7pm. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 10am – 6pm. 110 East Hallam Street, Aspen (two blocks north of Aspen and Main) Call (970) 429-2777, e-mail info@aspenart.org, or visit their website www.aspenart.org for the latest schedule of events.

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC and Aspen, Colorado and has an international network of partners. The Institute hosts programs for the Aspen community and visitors year round. For more information please visit www.aspeninstitute.org/aspenevents or call (970) 544-7914

For more than 20 years, chefs/founders Fernando and Gino Masci have delighted guests and gourmands from around the world with the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and an absolute devotion to exemplary service. It's no wonder that Il Mulino has been voted the #1 Italian restaurant in New York City for two solid decades by Zagat’s! Il Mulino reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy the Mascis take in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh – it’s the Il Mulino tradition. Enjoy lunch from 11:30am-3pm sitting on their heated patio overlooking Aspen Mountain and the gondola. Dinner is served nightly 5-11pm. Bar menu is available 11am - 11pm.

For a casual yet upscale dining experience, The Restaurant @ the St. Regis Aspen exudes warmth and style in a relaxed mountain setting. Its menu of contemporary American cuisine is the creation of Chef Adam Tanner, who incorporates the finest ingredients from the Roaring Fork Valley and across America to create gourmet offerings using a “farm to table” cooking style. Signature dishes include flame-grilled Milagro Ranch sirloin burgers with parmesan fries, citrus poached Maine lobster cob salad and Meyer Ranch prime beef tenderloin.

As inspired as their Snowmass address, dining and lounging selections at Viceroy appeal to formal palates and simple appetites alike. Accented by the freshest regionally sourced and organic ingredients, seasonal menus complement and characterize the settings where they are served. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Viceroy Snowmass Eight K Restaurant, where a bold new take on mountain fare reigns. Toast and nibble solo or with a circle of intimates in the lobby lounge. Take a picnic box on the trail or sip a cocktail at the poolside café and bar. Or order a favorite specialty without leaving your resort residence, any hour of the day.

In the landmark Red Barn Building in Snowmass Base Village, you'll find the perfect place to grab a meal with the family and satisfy your sweet tooth! With an eight top S'mores table, ice cream that you can watch being made and a complete menu of comfort foods, The Sweet Life offers the ultimate opportunity to indulge! The Sweet Life's menu includes five different mouth watering burger options, seven varieties of hot dogs and a dozen choices of your favorite sandwiches and salads. Each plate is served with curly fries and a two-ounce milk shake shooter of the day. The downstairs opens at 8am serving a full menu of coffee drinks and breakfast to-go. The restaurant starts serving lunch at 11am and will be introducing a new menu of dinner specials this winter! Sitting at their outdoor firepit with a candy inspired cocktail in hand, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven! Open from 8am - 9pm (10pm during peak weeks). Become a fan on FaceBook to receive specials and promotions!

Sledding in the Wild! Take a one and half hour ride through the exquisite mountain wilderness in a hand-crafted Eskimo-style sled, drawn by a team of 10 strong, big hearted Huskies. Krabloonik is the largest dog sledding operation of its kind in the country and offers the finest sledding, bar none, based on the European traditions. Morning, afternoon and twilight rides. Sledding includes lunch/dinner, excluding tax, gratuity or alcohol. 3 course gourmet lunch included with morning and afternoon rides, 4 course gourmet dinner included with twilight ride. Minimum age of riders is 3 years. Scenic 1 ½ - 2 hour ride through the rugged Snowmass/Maroon Bells wilderness. Rides are never cancelled due to weather. Winter Season: November 26 to April 15 (as snow allows). Sledding Available and Restaurant Open Seven (7) Days A Week. Reservations Preferred. Credit Cards: Amex, Visa and Mastercard.

Balloon the Rockies! with the area's only year-round balloon company. See the spectacular Rocky Mountains and their wildlife from a bird's-eye perspective that you would never have on the ground. Beginning at sunrise, flights average about an hour and the total trip time is around three hours. Your flight includes a souvenir balloon pin, a flight certificate and a delightful champagne brunch. Call today to plan your family adventure or romantic escapade. Group rates and private flights are available. Local transportation is provided.

Imagine the World's Largest Hot Springs Pool, a three-hundred foot long swimming pool kept at 90 degrees all year long, and a therapy pool that relaxes muscles and relieves aches at 104 degrees. Water This is a must do attraction to elevate the experience of your Colorado ski vacation.

Summer: Visit the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, a wild place in the heart of Aspen, featuring an environmental learning center, resident birds of prey, an indoor trout stream, self-guided trail, bird watching, and a naturalist on site to answer questions. The preserve encompasses lush riparian ecosystems including woodland, meadow, pond, and marsh communities. ACES offers programs for children and adults through its Naturalist Field School, as well as free naturalist-guided walks on Aspen Mountain, at the Maroon Bells and in Snowmass. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-5pm. Also, check out Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt for its organic garden and farm animals! (970) 925-5756. aces@aspennature.org. www.aspennature.org.

Winter: Stop, look, listen to the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains while skiing or snowshoeing with a naturalist from ACES. Daily snowshoe walks leave from the top of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains and from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center. Free downhill skiing tours are offered at Snowmass. Snowshoe walks and bird watching can be enjoyed at the center. Evening programs include the Potbelly Perspective Lecture Series and Naturalist Nights. Open daily, ACES is located on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve in the heart of Aspen. Phone (970) 925-5756. aces@aspennature.org. www.aspennature.org. Photo by Lindsy Fortier.

Aspen Recreation Center is fun for the whole family! There is no better way to cool off this summer than by taking a few laps around the ice rink followed by a dip in the pool. The kids will love to feel the rush as they zoom down the two-story water slide, race through the water spray features, or take a lap around the lazy river. If that just isn’t enough visit their 32-foot, three-dimensional climbing tower, cardio and weight rooms, fitness classes, tennis courts, batting cages and more! Visit www.aspenrecreation.com for costs, schedules and more information or call (970) 544-4100!

Summer: The Aspen Recreation Department has found the cure for kids with summer vacation boredom! Summer camp is here for kids ages 5 to 14. Go on field trips to places like the Maroon Bells, go sailing, rock climbing, golfing, play tennis, swim, skateboard, ice skate and so much more! Camp is open to all visitors and guests in the Aspen Valley for a minimal daily fee. Register at least 24 hours in advance. They also offer activities for the whole family - rock climbing, adult fitness classes, sports leagues, gymnastics and more! Visit www.aspenrecreation.com for more information or call (970) 920-5140.

Winter: Classes and programs include soccer, volleyball, basketball, intramurals, gymnastics and Winter Holiday Day Camp! Enjoy fitness and wellness classes in aerobics, Pilates, Tae-Bo, yoga and more at the Red Brick Gym. Youth rock climbing classes are available on their 3,200-sq./ft. climbing wall. Take a private lesson with a trained professional and experienced instructor. They also offer tots gymnastics and a tot's playhouse for indoor playtime. Public ice-skating is offered at the Aspen Ice Garden and Lewis Ice Arena (Aspen Recreation Center). Aspen Recreation Department (Red Brick) is located at 110 East Hallam Street, at Aspen Street just off Main Street. (970) 544-4100 ARC (Aspen Recreation Center). (970) 920-4117 Lewis Ice Arena. (970) 920-5141 Aspen Ice Garden.

Summer: Ashcroft / Pine Creek Cookhouse - located in the beautiful Ashcroft Valley, surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. The Pine Creek Cookhouse, with its fabulous new log lodge, has been serving gourmet lunches and dinners since 1971. Activities include guided naturalist tours, hiking on the areas many scenic trails and visiting isolated mountain lakes. The numerous beaver ponds are ideal for fishing and fishing lessons are available. The ghost town of Ashcroft offers a glimpse of the Old West. Come and discover the best day of your vacation! Reservations suggested but not necessary for lunch and dinner.

Winter: Ashcroft is the premiere cross-country area in the nation with miles of groomed trails. The towering 14,000-foot peaks of the Elk Mountains surround this pristine valley. Spectacular ski terrain offers something for everybody with dedicated trails for snowshoers. Phone the King Cabin for information, rentals, and lessons, (970) 925-1971. The legendary Pine Creek Cookhouse has been recreated in a spectacular new log cabin. This renowned restaurant serves gourmet lunches and dinners. Enjoy an Aspen winter tradition with a guided cross-country ski, snowshoe tour by miner's lamp or a romantic sleigh ride to the Cookhouse. Lunches begin at noon. Dinner tours begin at 6:30pm. Luxury backcountry cabin rental also available. Reservations (970) 925-1044.

T Lazy 7 Ranch is Aspen's premier snowmobiling tour operator. They offer frequent two-hour snowmobile tours to the world-famous Maroon Bells. Hot refreshments are served overlooking Maroon Lake and the majestic Bells. Their popular Klondike Lunch Tour leaves twice a day and takes you to a small, cozy cabin offering stunning views of 14,000-ft. Pyramid Peak. The lunch is known for its naturally raised beef hamburgers. No experience is necessary. Call early for reservations. Closed on Sunday and Monday, except holidays. Phone (970) 925-4614. www.tlazy7.com

Summer: Snowmass Village offers a full season of activities, festivals and events for visitors of all ages. June 5-6, Chili Pepper and Brew Fest features International Chili Society Cook-offs, competitions from regional microbreweries, live music with Leftover Salmon, Moe Paricle and more. July 2-August 6, Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series draws crowds by the thousands to Fanny Hill to hear some of the country’s best rock, R&B, soul and more. Bring a blanket and a picnic for the ultimate al fresco experience. August 7-9, the 9th annual Blast the Mass launches bikers through extreme downhill, cross country, and mountain-cross terrain for regional champion titles. The 33rd Balloon Festival wraps up the summer season on September 18-20 with one of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country. www.snowmassvillage.com or call (800) SNOWMASS

Winter: Winter in Snowmass is a season long, action packed adventure both on and off the slopes. From the free daily activities such as campfire sing-a-longs to the diverse 3,100 acres of massive mountain terrain, Snowmass Village boasts something for everyone. Don't miss the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, Sheer Bliss lift and new nightspots and restaurants. Season highlights range from holiday extravaganzas around Christmas, Mardi Gras and St. Paddy’s Day to the Colorado Free Ride Series, one of the foremost extreme skiing competitions (February and March) to weekly Friday Big Air competitions with some of the nation’s hottest athletics. Visit www.snowmassvillage.com to find out more.