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.airden.com, email: sales@airdenver.com .Celebrating 31 years of Accident Free Operation!!!

The Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort, is a spectacular setting in Aspen for dining and imbibing. Join your local friends in the J-Bar, Aspen's favorite watering hole since 1889. Casual food. Cold beer. Come as you are. The J-Bar serves food from 11:30am-11pm, but is open until 1am. Prospect, the newly renovated fine dining restaurant, serves classic American Cuisine in a contemporary setting and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new lobby Living Room is a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Shared plates and handcrafted cocktails are available fireside.

Summer: The Pine Creek Cookhouse - Ashcroft serves exquisite gourmet meals in spectacular surroundings with breath-taking views of the Elk Mountain Range. Enjoy healthful lunches on the sunny deck or wild game and fresh seafood as the sun goes down. Bring the whole family for a campfire gourmet barbecue, or enjoy dinner outside around our wood-burning stove. The Pine Creek Cookhouse welcomes groups of all sizes and hosts a variety of private functions including weddings, luncheons, barbecues and corporate events. Located 11 miles up Castle Creek Road in Ashcroft. Open 11:30am to 8:30pm for lunch, patio, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Reservations suggested but not necessary. Come and discover the best day of your vacation!

Winter: Ski Ashcroft... ski to lunch... ski to dinner or join the sleigh ride adventure with giant horses. This premiere cross-country ski area is located in the pristine Castle Creek Valley, surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Elk Mountains. Miles of groomed trails offer ski terrain for all levels and dedicated trails for snowshoes. Rentals, lessons and guided tours are available. Pine Creek Cookhouse, the culinary center of the resort, is renowned for mountain gourmet lunches and dinners in the ambiance of the beautiful log lodge. At night, the legendary Aspen adventure is a guided cross-country ski or snowshoe tour by miner’s lamp or the sleigh ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Lunch starts at noon, dinner tours begin at 6:30pm. Star Peak Cabin, a luxury 5 bedroom log lodge is available for the ultimate overnight adventure. For reservations and information: (970) 925-1044. www.pinecreekcookhouse.com or www.starpeakcabin.com

Ellina Restaurant offers world influenced cuisine with a "farm to table" concept. Ellina's remodeled bar area, with increased seating, has a fantastic bar menu. The inviting dining room is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal by Chef Miguel Diaz, who reinvents the menu each season. To compliment the chef's cuisine, their Sommelier helps patrons pick the perfect bottle of wine from Ellina’s extensive wine list, which has been awarded Wine Spectator magazine's prestigious Award of Excellence. Reservations are highly recommended and dinner is served each evening beginning at 6pm. They warmly welcome you to join them for a truly amazing dining experience.

Apres ski is an age-old tradition that is taken quite seriously on Aspen's illustrious slopes, where most of its patrons look as good as they ski. Il Mulino New York's Aspen outpost brings the long-celebrated fare of Italian rustic cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients, from seafood to handmade pasta, to the Rockies. There’s no better place to enjoy friends and food after a hard day of skiing than under a café umbrella on our heated patio in front of a bottle of wine and a plate of antipasti where suddenly, the Italian Alps don’t feel so far away. Patio daily at 11am. Lunch 11am – 3pm. Dinner served nightly, beginning at 5pm.

Summer: Anderson Ranch is dedicated to creativity and growth through the making and understanding of the visual arts. Located on a beautiful, historic 5-acre mountain ranch, they offer 150 summer workshops, artists' residencies, artists' lectures, exhibitions, and public events. In summer, Lunchtime Auctionettes are a wonderful opportunity to purchase original artwork by faculty and visiting artists; the ArtWorks Store features artwork, gifts and art supplies. Selected Thursdays, the Featured Artists Lecture Series offers presentations by top contemporary artists. On Saturday, August 10th, the Annual Art Auction offers over 250 pieces of art by renowned artists in silent and live auctions with a picnic lunch. Starting in June, the Ranch Café is open to the public Monday-Friday for lunch. For guided tour information, events, workshop calendars and more, visit www.andersonranch.org, email info@andersonranch.org or call (970) 923-3181. Photo: In the Maloof Wood Barn at Anderson Ranch. Photo Credit: Rachel DeBoard

Winter: Anderson Ranch provides transformative experiences that celebrate artists, art making, creative dialog and community. Join them for these exciting events: Dec. 18 – Holiday Open House and Live Auction; Jan. 10 – 12 Wintersculpt; March 19 – Annual Monothon; weekly - Sip & Shop and See most Tuesdays at 3pm. Self-guided tour of their studios - M-F, 9am – 5pm. ArtWorks Gift Shop is open M – F, 9am – 5pm. Public invited! 2013 Workshop Catalog available in January!

Summer: ACES Kids and Adult summer classes are available now for online registration. Visit www.aspennature.org to sign up for a summer full of fun with ACES! Space is limited and filling fast, register today! ACES has something for everyone in the summer time! 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. Stop in to Rock Bottom Ranch, ACES mid-valley location for daily farm and garden tours. Throughout the summer ACES offers various programs for children and adults, as well as free naturalist-guided walks at Aspen Mountain, at the Maroon Bells and in Snowmass, including a Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Hike! Experience our popular Green World Day Hike, offered daily with lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse, or, hire a guide for an ACES adventure on your own time. Photo: ACES Staff

Winter: During the winter ACES daily programs include naturalist-guided snowshoe tours on top of Aspen Mountain, at Snowmass and at Ashcroft; naturalist-guided ski tours at Snowmass; Friday evening snowshoe tours at Snowmass; and weekly slideshows where local adventurers share tales from abroad and regional experts teach on naturalist topics. The Hallam Lake nature center in Aspen is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm where visitors can enjoy snowshoe walks and bird watching in the heart of downtown Aspen.

The Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution presenting the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Exhibitions: Continental Drift (October 19-November 25), BLOCK, PILLAR, SLAB, BEAM (December 14-January 20, 2013), Morgan Fisher (December 14-February 3, 2013), Monika Sosnowska | Kathrin Sonntag (February 15-April 21, 2013). Special Event: AAM Freestyle Winter Benefit (après-ski party/fashion show), Friday, December 28, 4:00-7:30pm. Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Thursday, 10am-7pm, Sunday, noon-6pm. Thursdays 5-7pm, admission to the AAM is free courtesy of Amy and John Phelan. 590 North Mill Street, (970) 925-8050, www.aspenartmuseum.org. Image: Monika Sosnowska, Stairway, 2010. Installation view, Herzliya Museum, Israel, (2010). Courtesy the artist, Foksal Gallery Foundation, The Modern Institute, Galerie Gisela Capitain, Kurimanzutto, Hauser & Wirth

Summer: The Aspen Music Festival and School is the United States' premier classical music festival, presenting more than 300 musical events during its eight-week summer season, from June 28 - August 19. The institution brings together 630 pre-professional students from more than 40 countries, joining them with over 200 guest artists and artist-faculty members. This signature mix of uniting education and performance gives Aspen events a special energy that permeates all the Festival offerings including symphonic and chamber music concerts, solo recitals, vocal programs, fully-staged operas, children’s programs, public master classes, lectures, and backstage tours. This year’s season theme, “Made in America”, features works inspired by America’s sights, sounds, and sensibilities. For concert and ticket information, (970) 925-9042 or www.aspenmusicfestival.com. AMFS photo by Alex Irvin

Winter: The Aspen Music Festival and School’s 2013 winter season includes its beloved Winter Music Series as well as five encore airings of the Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed The Met: Live in HD series. Launching the WM Series are two internationally acclaimed artists, Gil Shaham, violin and Akira Eguchi, piano, on February 5, followed by the Takács Quartet on February 28 and amazing young pianist Conrad Tao on March 16. The Met: Live in HD series brings Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore on January 31, Verdi’s Otello on February 19, Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera on March 7, Berlioz’s Les Troyens on March 14, and Wagner’s Parsifal on March 28. All performances and airings take place at the Wheeler Opera House. Purchase tickets at the Wheeler Box Office, call (970) 920-5770, or visit www.aspenshowtix.com. Mark Your Calendar! Summer Festival 2013 June 27 – August 18.

First Class Grocery Delivery. No need to hassle with grocery shopping after a long day of travel. Let SkiCountryGrocer.com shop for all of your grocery and liquor needs. Place your order online with their user-friendly website in the comfort of your home and they will deliver to your accommodations in Aspen or Snowmass. They also carry a complete menu of gourmet prepared meals as well as kosher meals. Arrive to a fully stocked kitchen so you can spend your vacation time on the things you really want to do! Don’t forget to ask about their equipment storage program.

The Aspen Club & Spa is Aspen's most comprehensive health and fitness facility. SpaAspen, Aspen's Premier Spa, offers an incredible menu of massages, body treatments and signature services. This 77,000 sq. ft. facility is dedicated to giving you the tools to reach your fitness, wellness and relaxation objectives. As a guest at SpaAspen you receive complimentary access to all the amenities - luxurious locker rooms with whirlpools, steam and sauna, the vast fitness classes, yoga, Pilates, swimming pool, childcare and more! The Sports Medicine Institute at The Aspen Club and Spa boasts seven highly trained physical therapists, an acupuncturist and a chiropractor who work as a team to bring the valley’s athletic community back in the game.

Enjoy the World's Largest Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs, CO. Located between Aspen and Vail, Glenwood Hot Springs is one of the top attractions in Colorado. Soothe your muscles after strenuous outdoor activities any time of year. The larger pool is always kept at a comfortable 90°-93° F and the smaller therapy pool averages about 104° F. Treat aggravated joints and dehydrated skin with all-natural, therapeutic minerals. You will feel the difference throughout your body within minutes of stepping in. Then jump into the big pool that spans over two city blocks and "cool down." Swim laps in the deep end and practice your form in the diving pool. Hit the water slides, play mini golf, or frolic in the kiddie pool in the warmer months. Rafts, floats, masks, snorkels and foam discs or balls are all welcome. Don't worry if you forgot your swimwear or sunscreen, because our Sports Shop has everything you need plus more. Bring your own cooler with food and beverages, or stop by the Poolside Grill to grab a bite. Come visit us at Colorado's premier hot springs.

Summer: Ride the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain or ride the Elk Camp Gondola and chairlift on Snowmass and enjoy spectacular views of the Elk Mountains and surrounding valleys. At the top, you'll experience a wide variety of activities – mountain biking, hiking and nature tours, music performances and yoga, disc golf, climbing walls, an obstacle course, paintball and more. There’s something for the whole family. Kids are sure to enjoy a variety of exciting activities with Camp Aspen/Snowmass (See Kids’ Corner). Work up an appetite and treat yourself to lunch at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain or Sneaky's Tavern in Snowmass Base Village. (877) 282-7736, (970) 923-1227 or www.aspensnowmass.com

Winter: With over 5,300 acres, a variety of terrain and four unique mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – there’s something for everyone at Aspen/Snowmass, and not just on the slopes. If there’s a winter playground with a bigger selection of off-snow activities and entertainment, we haven’t heard of it. Headliner concerts and events, award-winning family activities and programs, endless shopping and over 100 bars and gourmet restaurants will keep you occupied ‘til the wee hours. If you could, you would stay all winter long. (970) 925-1220, www.aspensnowmass.com.

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (R.F.T.A.) provides year-round ground transportation - bus service throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and I-70 corridor, from Aspen to Rifle. Bus service is free within the cities of Aspen and Snowmass, and between Aspen and Snowmass. Free Ski Shuttles run all winter long. RFTA is currently building VelociRFTA, the nation’s first bus rapid transit system which will go from Glenwood to Aspen in about an hour. RFTA also manages most of the Rio Grande Trail, a multi-use paved trail that runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. For more information, visit www.rfta.com for maps, schedules, and information.

The Aspen Recreation Center is fun for the whole family! There is no better way to cool down this summer than by taking a dip in the pool and skating in the NHL-sized ice rink. 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 skate around the rink, climb the 32-foot, 3D climbing tower, cardio and weight rooms, and more! Visit www.aspenrecreation.com or call (970) 544-4100 for more information.

Western Adventures offers snowmobile tours from Lenado, north of Aspen and Snowmass, to Kobey Park, one of Colorado's most scenic areas. Kobey Park has panoramic views of all four ski areas, the Maroon Bells, Pyramid, Capital, Daly and Sopris Peaks. Tours travel on miles of groomed trails with open parks available for some free ride time with a more customized feel. Daily "go on your own" rentals are also available. Tours have U.S.F.S. approval. Phone (970) 923-3337.

Summer: Snowmass Tourism offers a full season of activities, festivals and events for visitors of all ages. June 3-4, Chili Pepper and Brew Fest features International Chili Society Cook-offs, 50 microbreweries, live music with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and reggae with Black Uhuru. June 30-July 3, EMU-the Eco-musical Festival brings world renowned headlining bands to perform in a pioneering, carbon neutral festival. June 30-August 18, Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series - hear some of the country’s best rock, funk and Cajun music. July 23-24, Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival brings foodies, wine connoisseurs, and art lovers together. August 12-14, Forty highly respected dealers participate in the Snowmass Antique Fair. The 36th Snowmass Balloon Festival September 16-18 is one of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country. www.snowmasstourism.com or call (800) SNOWMASS.

Winter: Come to Snowmass Village this winter for 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.