ASPEN, Colo. (Winter 2008) — The après-ski scene is popular in every ski town, but Aspen has it all. Ranked the top après-ski resort in Ski magazine, Aspen has après for the wild and crazy, culturally astute and those that just want to relax and rest their weary muscles after a day of skiing, snowboarding or engaging in other pursuits. Aspen offers the best après-everything.

Cultural Après
Aspen has a rich cultural and intellectual life. Following are some of the highlights:

Famed artist and sculptor Andy Goldsworthy will be featured in a new exhibition “Two Creeks – Andy Goldsworthy: Ephemeral Works of the Roaring Fork Valley” this Dec. 21, 2007 – Mar. 28, 2008.  The new exhibit will debut in the Resnick Gallery at the Aspen Institute’s Doerr Hosier Center this winter and showcase Goldsworthy’s local artistic creations. (www.aspeninstitute.org; 970.544.7950)

Après Ski for the Mind. The Aspen Writer’s Foundation’s Winter Words 2008 presents a new lineup of readings and talks with notable authors. Richard Russo, Ann Patchett, Sebastian Junger, Ishmael Beah, Amy Bloom, Edward Hirsch and Binyavanga Wainaina will be featured in stand alone events throughout the winter. Tickets are now on sale via the Wheeler box office. (www.aspenwriters.org; 970.925.3122)

16th Annual Aspen Film Academy Screenings. Aspen Film is adding excitement to the winter holidays with a slate of the hottest films headlined by top directors and stars. Open to everyone, this two-week extravaganza offers a sneak peek at some of the films everyone will be talking about come the Academy Awards®. Films are shown at the Wheeler Opera House and Harris Concert Hall from Dec. 21 – Jan. 2, 2008. (970.920.5770; www.aspenfilm.org)

Aspen Winter Music Festival. Experience electrifying music performed by the masters, up-close and personal. Cellist David Finkel and pianist Wu Han launch the series (February 12). And don't miss Piotr Anderszewski (February 20) or Emanuel Ax (February 26). Pianist Stephen Hough (March 6) and violinist Leila Josefowicz  (March 10) finish up the season. (970.925.9042; www.aspenmusic.org)

The Aspen Sojourner has organized a new social and culture savvy ArtWalk on the first Thursday of every month. Red flags along the brick sidewalks throughout Aspen indicate which galleries around town participate. Locals and visitors can participate and network as they view and experience the newest displays around town. (Aspen Sojourner; 970.925.7809)

Nestled among aspen groves on the Roaring Fork River, the Aspen Art Museum chooses not to house a permanent collection, but instead hosts rotating, high-caliber, contemporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as children’s and adult workshops and other outreach programs. This winter they are featuring works by Karen Kilmnik, Jeremy Deller and Yan Lei. (www.aspenartmuseum.org; 970.925.8050)

Hip Aspen Après
39 Degrees Lounge at Sky Hotel – One of the hippest places to chill and see the wildlife along with the spectacular views of Ajax. The newly remodeled lounge is the place to be and be seen while sipping the cocktails, lounging around the outdoor fire pits or relaxing in the hot tub and heated pool. (970.925.6760)

The Tavern – One of the best places to soak up some late afternoon rays, listen to music and see the skiers and boarders come to rest at the bottom of the hill.

ZG Grill and Crust Pizza at Aspen Highlands are the place to be after a day of hiking the bowl or just enjoying the steeps. ZG Grill is a great place to grab a burger and a beer. Crust Pizza has thick and thin crust pizza to satisfy everyone’s tastes. (970.920.9449)

If you aren’t interested in these, the crowd spreads to The Little Nell Bar, Shadow Mt. Lounge in the St. Regis, Mezzaluna, J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome and Cantina

Relaxing Après
Most  hotels have hot tubs to relax those sore muscles after skiing or boarding or enjoy a massage at one of the following spas.

Aspen Back Institute – The Aspen Back Institute is a great place to go get stretched, massaged or realigned whether you are in pain or not. ( 970.920.7772)

Remède Spa - The premier Remède Spa at St. Regis Resort, Aspen epitomizes sophistication and indulgence, transporting each guest to an oasis of rejuvenation and relaxation in an exquisite mountain setting. Remède Spa offers a comprehensive menu of customized and results-oriented facial, massage and body treatments, as well as wax and nail services. (970.920.6783)

The Aspen Club & Spa. This elaborate 77,000-square-foot facility, open to the public at a day rate, incorporates a full health club with a swimming pool, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, and the comprehensive, cutting-edge Spa Aspen. Massage therapy and ayurvedic treatments are all part of this facility’s holistic approach to well-being. Spa treatments come with a full day’s access to the fitness center, Pilate’s Studio and new Mind/Body Studio. Located at the end of Ute Avenue, a short walk from downtown Aspen. (970.925.8900)

For more information, visit the Aspen Chamber Resort Association at www.aspenchamber.org, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.

Contact:      Promo Communications/970.925.8480
Maureen Poschman; maureen@promoinc.net
Chelsea VanVleet; chelsea@promoinc.net