Media Room

WINTER/SPRING 2012

Dear Journalist,

An Aspen vacation is many things to many people. But the common thread of any visit to Aspen is a trip that defies ordinary. Whether your itinerary includes learning to snowboard, dropping into Highland Bowl for the first time, sampling the surrounding backcountry on a hut trip, walking the trails in Aspen, or taking in Aspen's cultural offerings, the experience is extraordinary. Aspenites welcome visitors to their town to find their own unique and authentic experience.

Located in a pristine mountain valley at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River, Hunter Creek, Castle Creek and Maroon Creek, Aspen's beauty is awe-inspiring. The terrain and scenery has inspired locals and visitors for generations and continues to beckon newcomers and Aspen afficionados year-round.

This season, Aspen is fortunate to have more air service than ever before, with up to 30 nonstop flights daily. American Airlines began flying into Aspen for the first time with nonstop jet service from Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles International airports. In addition, United Airlines has added additional nonstop jet service from Denver, Los Angeles and Houston. And Frontier Airlines continues to fly into Aspen from Denver and Los Angeles.

In addition to access, Aspen has a great amount of news this season - from new, locally owned bistros and galleries to the new, high-speed Tiehack chairlift on Buttermilk. St. Regis Aspen Resort wrapped up a $35 million renovation, and more than 10 new eateries join Aspen's 130+ restaurants and bars, which continue to deliver legendary après-ski and nightly epicurean experiences.

Each winter, Aspen hosts many extraordinary events. The 2011/2012 winter calendar kicked off with the 12 Days of Aspen (Dec. 20-31, 2011), the 20th annual Aspen Academy Screenings (Dec. 21 - Jan. 1, 2011), and the 63rd annual Wintersköl celebration (Jan. 12 - 15, 2012). In February, Aspen Writers' Foundation hosts the 15th Annual Winter Words literary performance series (Feb. 7 - April 3, 2012), and Wheeler Opera House presents the Aspen Laff Festival (Feb. 22 - 25, 2012). Moving into March, Aspen Fashion Week brings high glamour to high altitude (March 12 - 14, 2012), and Wheeler Opera House sets the stage for 7908: Songwriters' Festival (March 21 - 24). April warms up with Aspen Film's 20th annual ShortsFest (April 10 - 15, 2012). For more upcoming events, visit our Winter 2011/2012 Calendar, and for the best warm-weather celebrations, read our Summer Preview!

After the lifts close, the fun continues in Aspen. Check out our media kit for story ideas about mountain adventure and summer's continuous cultural and intellectual pursuits - and the excellent value of visiting Aspen in the spring, summer and fall.

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about any of Aspen's intriguing seasons. We can provide information, images, give you a local's perspective, arrange interviews, or coordinate a visit.

For ongoing updates, follow us on Twitter at @AspenCo, Facebook at facebook.com/aspenchamber.

Sincerely,

Maureen Poschman
maureen@promocommunications.com
970-925-8480

Sarah-Jane Johnson
sarahjane@promocommunications.com

Alex de L'Arbre
alex@promocommunications.com