(And Use a Rental Management Agency Instead)

The travel market is huge, and the fastest-growing segment happens to be vacation rentals.

What does this mean?

It means that private homes and condos have to be on par with hotels in terms of their level of service. As more travelers choose a more personal and private option for vacations through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, we must adapt to accommodate their needs.

Choosing a company that encompasses both property and rental management, a rental management agency, is the best way to maximize your investment and increase cash flow. There are many other benefits as well.

Here are 5 ways it pays to use a rental management company instead of just a property manager.

 

1. Outstanding financial results

When you have a cohesive local team on the ground taking care of every aspect of your rental home, you will find that you have more rentals and that your home looks better than ever. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the financial return.

Forget overpaying for multiple vendors, from landscapers and snow removers to housekeepers and plumbers – let your rental management company handle all of the headaches and make billing easy for you!

 

2. More privacy, better results

When renting your home, you are trusting a person or an entity to keep your asset clean, clear of damages, and well maintained, all while making sure the tenants are enjoying themselves.

There are a lot of components to think about when getting ready to rent your home – from cleaning and organizing the garage, to clearing out junk drawers and unifying the closet hangers. Privacy is key when renting your home. Trust one or two people to make sure your belongings are organized and put away then put back in order for your arrival.

 

3. Less hassle, increased communication

If you manage your own rental or work with a rental management company, you will get weekly updates regarding availability, rates, maintenance walkthroughs, and reservations. Know what is going on with your home with minimal involvement.

 

4. Outstanding Care for Your Home

Your vacation home is an asset – hopefully, one that will increase your cash flow and increase your income over time. It is imperative that while you are away from your second home, it is well cared for, with weekly inspections to make sure everything is running as it should.

Homes that are neglected when there are no tenants often develop issues when tenants are there. That’s why it is so important to have a team that will do weekly walkthroughs, and care for issues immediately to prevent further problems.

 

5. Better all-around knowledge of your home and its needs/quirks

It is important that your rental/property management company knows your home inside and out, so when issues affecting tenants arise, there is a quick solution.

Let’s be honest, every home has a few quirks. Perhaps your home is west facing and gets extremely warm in those summer afternoons – well no worries there.  Your rental management agency will know how to handle it when it comes up via a tenant complaint.

A full-service rental management agency is the most comprehensive option for your rental home’s needs. You, your guests, and your home will be taken care of at every touch point, making life easier for you.

Visit our property management services page, or contact us today to find out how you can get more value from your rental: Phone: (970) 205-9960 |Email: info@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com

Give a Key, take a key: 3RD HOME’s Exclusive Travel Club for Luxury Second Homeowners

Are you getting all you can out of your second home in Aspen?

We know you love spending time here, and owning your vacation home makes the experience so much more enjoyable and effortless. But, are you really getting all you can out of your property?

What if you could get even more value out of your Aspen vacation home by turning empty time directly into vacations in other exciting, luxurious and new destinations?

Just imagine – one week you’re cruising epic powdery ski slopes in the crisp, invigorating mountain air in Aspen, Colorado. And the next, you’re relaxing on the beach under the brilliant, warm sunshine, refreshing beverage in hand and the cool ocean breeze wafting across your body as the waves crash playfully on the shore nearby.

You have no cares, no worries – especially about whether your investment in your Aspen vacation home is paying off.

Sound too good to be true?

Well, it’s not…because Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals has partnered with 3RD HOME, a private reciprocal travel club for luxury second homeowners. This exclusive club provides second homeowners with a “…safe and trustworthy way to ‘expand’ the use of their second homes…,” without the hassles and expense of renting.

Sure, you can make a good return on your investment by renting out your home while you are not using it, and Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals works tirelessly to help you do this. But what about the empty weeks that inevitably still remain on the schedule?

How it works: Earning Key Credits

When signing your home exclusively with ALVR, 3RD Home waives the $2,500 initiation fee. Once you join, you will create your own personal account, list your home on the site, and select weeks you will make available for other members. For every week you make available for others, you will earn key credits. With every key, you can book fabulous vacations at other amazing destinations.

Then, when you plan your next vacation, all you have to do is go to their website, decide where to go, pay a small exchange fee and reserve your accommodations.

3RD HOME stands above timeshares and other exchange clubs by focusing exclusively on luxury, fully and privately owned second homes and letting you choose where you stay within the club network. Check out all of their affiliated resorts.

Is your second home eligible?

To be accepted into the club, members’ properties must be situated in a desirable location and offer, “quality furnishings, appointments and amenities.”.

This is where Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals comes in. Our special relationship with 3RD HOME helps prequalify your home to meet their standards.

Sound interesting? Contact us today to get find out more about how you can turn your second home into a third.

February is a fantastic time for a vacation in Aspen and Snowmass. The skiing and snowboarding conditions are typically awesome, and the towns rock in full swing winter activity mode at this time of the season.

Whether you visit the area with your family, your organization, your significant other, or even if you just come by yourself, you will discover something wonderful to do while you are here, despite the current circumstances.

From unparalleled fine dining and haute shopping, to exhilarating outdoor activities and fantastic live entertainment, Aspen and Snowmass offer something exciting and fun for everyone,

If you are planning a February vacation in Aspen, here are 5 fun tips for having a truly memorable time while you are here:

1. Check Out What’s New This Season

Dining and shopping are major activities during any vacation, and when visiting Aspen and Snowmass this is no exception.

While the area boasts a large selection of restaurants and retail establishments from which to choose, first-time visitors and repeat guests want to know, “What’s new in town this year?”

Here is a little sampling of what’s new in the local dining, shopping scene & on the mountain this season:

Dining:

CASA D’ANGELO
The renowned Fort Lauderdale restaurant, Casa D’Angelo has opened a new location on South Mill St, at the former location of Piñons. The second story restaurant offers authentic yet innovative Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list.

CHICA
The latest establishment to open at The Little Nell Residences at the base of Aspen Mountain. Chica is a “celebration of Latin Flavors” by Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia. The menu has a vibrant mix of latin dishes and an inventive cocktail and drinks list.

CATCH STEAK
The sister restaurant of famed NYC seafood restaurant Catch. Catch Steak is planning on opening a new rooftop steakhouse on the corner of Galena Street and Hopkins Avenue. This location offers panoramic views of Aspen mountain and beyond from its phenomenal outdoor patio, which complements is vast indoor space.

ASPEN SPORTS BISTRO 
Aspen’s newest sports bar opened this past summer on the Hyman Mall, in the heart of downtown Aspen. The bistro, which is in the former HOPS culture space, offers a vast beer selection and affordable food menu, with sports on TV all day, every day.

WOODY CREEK TAVERN
One of the valley’s most renowned establishments, the iconic Woody Creek Tavern has re-opened in 2021. Under new ownership, the tavern has upgraded its kitchen, menu and floor layout while still keeping the classic style of tavern that has been loved by locals for so long.

Retail Shopping:

As usual, February in Aspen showcases a selection of high-end, new and seasonal pop-up stores. This season, you’ll find:

ASPENX
Aspen Skiing Company’s new premium retail and experimental concept brand. The brand will include the first clothing line developed by a ski resort, launching with custom collaborations and outerwear designed for thee community who spends most of their time on the slopes. The store itself will open on Aspen’s Gondola Plaza.

TECOVAS
Tecovas, the Austin, Texas based cowboy boot and leather goods store has opened its latest retail location on Aspen’s Cooper Ave Mall. It is the latest store in Aspen to offer custom leather detailing and personalization. 

BALENCIAGA
The world-famous luxury brand has opened its Aspen boutique store on S Galena Street. Balenciaga offer’s various lavish garments from jackets to shoes to bags and accessories.

What’s New on the Hill:

ASPEN MOUNTAIN CLUB
The legendary Aspen Mountain Club will re-open for winter 2021/2022. This private members club sits atop Aspen Mountain, and will be opening up again after its renovation. The club has been redesigned for the first time since its opening. The latest interiors have been designed by Luis Bustamante, who recently renovated the lobby at The Little Nell.

ALPIN ROOM
Alpin Room is a new sit-down restaurant on Snowmass Mountain which pays tribute to the cuisine and dining style of the French, Austrian and Swiss Alps. Alpin Room will serve breakfast and dinner, and will be a welcome addition to the mountain after Covid-19 delaying it’s grand opening.

For more information about what’s new in the area this season, please visit the Chamber Resort website (aspenchamber.org), or contact them at 800.670.0792

2. Don’t Miss Out on Some Amazing Events 

A lot of Aspen’s usual exciting and attractive events have unfortunately not been able to ahead this year, or least not with a crowd, but fear not – there is still a growing amount of things to do throughout the rest of this Winter season.

Get Out & Get Active  

There is always some type of activity or adventure to be explored in Aspen, and this season, though it may be somewhat limited, there is plenty organized events . So give yourself an excuse to get outdoors!

SKI FOR THE PASS
Registration is open for the 3rd event in the Aspen Nordic Cup series. A cross-country race which trails 7km up Independence pass. This classic race is a family favorite and a benefit event for The Independence Pass Foundation.

FULL MOON DINNERS AT BUTTERMILK 
An event which is favored by so many locals returns this season after a break during covid last year. On each month’s full moon, the Cliffhouse restaurant on Buttermilk Mountain offers a wonderful dinner for those willing to make the journey to the top. Skin up to the top of Buttermilk on the 16th of February under the full moon and partake in one of Aspen’s most loved traditions.

Enjoy Some Good Entertainment:

It’s true, town might get a little bit quieter and calm after the holiday season. Despite this, there are so many amazing events happening in Aspen and Snowmass during February. Here are a couple we are looking forward to.

ANDY WARHOL: LIFETIMES 

The Aspen Art Museum will be hosting a winter-long exhibition which showcases the life work and biography of Andy Warhol, the illustrious artist who had a monumental influence on American pop-culture. The exhibit had been first organized by Tate Modern, London, however it will be re-imagined by Monica Majoli who will conceptualize the AAM version of the exhibition.

“This museum-wide survey exhibition focuses on the biographical underpinnings of Warhol’s practice and specifically expands on the less exposed aspects of his work and persona”

ATTEND A SHOW AT BELLYUP!
After a short hiatus, BellyUp is back! Aspen’s favorite music venue has got a full list for the winter season, and we cannot wait to get back in there. The concert venue has been home to so many amazing shows over the years and has become the most popular spot in town for a show and a party.  Their February line-up includes Donavon Frankenreiter and Flight Facilities.

3. Try Something Out of the Ordinary This Year

Even though many people come here for the exquisite dining and shopping, many visitors come here for the many exhilarating outdoor activities available in the area as well.

Some things may have changed this season, but there is still an abundance of ways to explore our area – here are a few of our suggestions for what to do outdoors in Aspen in February:

Relish the Great Outdoors in a New Way:

Cross-Country Skiing – Try out Aspen’s “5th Mountain:
If you still want to slide around on the snow, and you’re looking for alternatives to alpine winter recreation activities, cross-country skiing is an excellent choice. Catch some incredible views of the surrounding mountains while you take advantage of the over 60 miles of free cross-country skiing trails in the area maintained by the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council.

These trails offer a wide variety of terrain and difficulty, providing fun and exercise for all ages and abilities. Check out our complete guide to cross-country skiing in Aspen for full information.

Take an exciting ride on a snowmobile:
Cruise through the snow even faster on a breathtaking snowmobile ride courtesy of the T-Lazy-7 Ranch.

The snowmobile guides of “Aspen’s Oldest Working Ranch” take you safely to such grand local attractions as the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and various other scenic locations within the surrounding White River National Forest.

 Make Valentine’s Day Super Special:

 Want to do something really out of the ordinary (and, of course, romantic) this Valentine’s Day?

For a true one-of-a-kind experience, you should consider a romantic snowcat dinner ride. The renowned Cloud 9 Bistro at Highlands Mountain offers private dinners after hours at the top of the mountain. As the lifts are closed, the restaurant is accessed by snowcats, usually used to groom the slopes.

Imagine the setting of a cozy cabin, secluded and peaceful with views of Maroon Bells and beyond. The ride itself is magical, as you ascend some of the world’s best ski slopes under the moonlight and clear skies. To top it off, Cloud 9 offers exquisite, elegant cuisine perfect for a valentine’s dinner.

4. Recover from all the Fun

With so much to see and do here, it is quite possible that you will want or need a little energy boost to keep you going at top pace. Or, perhaps you’re still not quite used to the altitude or you’ve been indulging a bit more than you are used to.

If that’s the case, or if you are just feeling a little lethargic (or you’ve managed to come down with the latest bug), we have just the suggestion for you – Rescue Lounge Aspen.

The Rescue Lounge offers intravenous (IV) hydration, oxygen and booster shots in the tranquility of their downtown Aspen location, or in the convenience of your hotel, condo or vacation rental home.

5. Take Advantage of Our Awesome Comprehensive Concierge Services

 There’s so much going on in Aspen in February that we’ve just barely scratched the surface. To find out more about things to do in Aspen in February, please contact one of our luxury guest services concierges a call at (970) 205-9960, or email us at concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com

The season for viewing the famous fall colors in Aspen, Colorado, is just around the corner, so now is the time to plan your fall Aspen or Snowmass vacation in order to coincide with this wonderful annual show.

While there are many excellent locations in and near Aspen and Snowmass where you can take in this fantastic gift from mother nature, such as the Maroon Creek, Castle Creek, and Owl Creek valleys, and Independence Pass, how about surrounding yourself with this vibrant cascade of color in the comfort of your luxurious vacation rental home this year?

At Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals we have a selection of spectacular rental homes that are surrounded by, and that offer incredible expansive views of, this special fall treat. Here are a few from which to choose:

Two Creeks Home

Enjoy the fall colors from this ultimate vacation home which features some of the most incredible views in Snowmass. Situated in the luxurious Two Creeks neighborhood, this 5 bedroom ultimate vacation rental is perfect for fall retreats, weddings or just relaxing on the patio or in the private hot tub. This property is located within a 5 minute drive to Snowmass Base Village or 20 minute drive to Downtown Aspen.

Snowmass Creek Ranch

Sit back and take in the views in this villa-style mountain home. Everything you need for a relaxed and secluded mountain vacation. A beautiful property with 32 acres of National Forrest land to explore along the Snowmass Creek River and Just a short drive to Snowmass Village, and close to the Campground ski lift. This home really is a mountain-living dream, all year round, but especially breathtaking during the fall.

McLain Flats Contemporary

Ideal for a deluxe ski retreat or a relaxing summer holiday, this gorgeous, newly constructed vacation home offers the ultimate in style and convenience. This expansive home features two chef’s kitchens, five luxurious en-suite bedrooms, billiard room, movie theater, gym, easy access to downtown Aspen, the airport and all four ski mountains, and a panoramic fall color viewing extravaganza.

Moore Drive

One of our most gorgeous homes on offer, this Aspen Highlands property features expansive views, ultimate privacy and living space for fall viewing. With 4 bedrooms and an additional guest house, exquisite furnishings, multiple fire places and living areas. Located within a `10 minute drive to Downtown Aspen or 20 minute drive to the renowned Maroon Bells. This Highlands home is perfect for viewing the beauty of fall in Aspen.

Contemporary Core Townhome

This 3+ bedroom, Aspen Core property is an ideal central location to view the changing colors in town. With views of Aspen Mountain and proximity to all the best hiking and sight seeing, Contemporary Core is a great fall property. This home features a recent renovation, wood fireplace, additional sleeper sofa and dining seating for 6. Contemporary Core Townhome is within a 10 minute walk to the Aspen Mountain gondola for some elevated fall viewing!

For more information about these, or any of our other fabulous vacation rental homes, please contact us at 970-205-9960, or info@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com today!

Wow, suddenly August is here, and the Aspen summer has been filled already with its signature exhilarating events. From outdoor sports and activities, delectable food and wine festivals, stimulating science, political and sociological lectures and uplifting music festival concerts. Perhaps a bit lessor known is that summer in Aspen is also a fantastic time to appreciate fine art while surrounded by abundant natural beauty as well.

From acclaimed upscale commercial galleries, an outstanding art museum, and a new wave of contemporary street art, to engaging exhibits by talented local and regional artists hosted by various public galleries in the area, the opportunities to enjoy Aspen art abound.

Here are a few suggestions for exploring Aspen art while you are in town:

Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum moved to its new downtown location in August, 2014. The museum is a non-collecting contemporary art museum that presents international contemporary art through exhibitions, education, programs, and community activities.

Current exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum include:

“Jonathan Berger: The Store”: This exhibit is a total reimagining of the Aspen Art Museums’ shop. It’s an exhibitions and place of commerce in one, with luxury items both for sale and some just for exhibition. The Store is inspired primarily by the artist’s own first-hand experiences working and shopping in downtown New York in the 1990s.

“Precious Okoyomon: Every Earthly Morning the Sky’s Light touches Ur Life is Unprecedented in its Beauty”: Okoyomon’s exhibition is a live project which aims to create a garden combining indigenous plants with invasive plant species to create a juxtaposition.  “Poet and artist Precious Okoyomon will transform the AAM rooftop, installing a mixture of sculpture and organic matter to create a garden based on themes of pleasure, abundance, and desire.”

“Cerith Wyn Evans: Aspen Drift”: Cerith Wyn Evans is known for his intricate neon sculptures, often described as drawings in light. This exhibition in particular in inspired by traditional Japanese Noh theatre. Aspen Drift will be the artist’s first US museum presentation in over seventeen years, and will include sculpture, installation, painting, and works on paper.

The Red Brick

In addition to offering affordable art programs for children and adults, this Aspen art center supports the art community by featuring monthly and biennial gallery exhibits by local artists. The Red Brick has two showcasing spaces – The Main Gallery and The West Gallery. This gallery is a local institution providing the community with access to all forms of art and media.

One of the upcoming exhibitions, “INEFFABLE GREEN THING”,  provides a series of artworks by Gunnison-base painter Anders Johnson complimented by the poetry of Kristy Odelius. “Through seeing the layered rhythms in Odelius’ poetry and reading the layered stories in Johnson’s paintings, viewers will have an opportunity to explore the divergent concurrences of language and image while also discovering the similarities that echo through the work.”

Aspen Chapel Gallery

The gallery at the Aspen Chapel features the works of talented Roaring Fork Valley artists. This gallery offers free exhibitions, giving local artists a great opportunity to display their art. The works reflect a wide variety of artistic mediums and are displayed during nine unique exhibitions annually.

The current exhibit at the Chapel Gallery showcases the works of various local artists in an exhibition called “Five x 5″ x 5” in partnership with A Way Out, to support vulnerable and at risk individuals in Western Colorado.

 

Annual Events 

Throughout the year, in addition to the many exhibits and showings in galleries across town, Aspen also hosts some amazing events which showcase the town’s evolving art scene through various media.

“Aspen Ideas Festival”
The Aspen Ideas Festival is an annual collection of world renowned speakers and presentations, which occurs every summer in multiple locations across one weekend in the town. Topics and conversations often cover everything from performing arts to technology and everything in between.

“Aspen Arts Festival”
Now in it’s 18th year, The Aspen Arts Festival provides an exclusive opportunity to experience a range of phenomenal creations by national and local artists. This weekend provides an amazing community atmosphere as showcasing some outstanding photography, painting and sculptures.

“Aspen FilmFest”
A real staple in Aspen, the Filmfest celebrating it’s 41st year, is a week of cinema showings ranging from shorts to documentaries, with a selection of award winning directors and actors from around the world. The festival caters for experts and casual moviegoers alike and is a perfect festival to see out the summer in our valley.

Street Art

Artistic advertisements have graced the sides of several commercial buildings in Aspen since the early days. However, in modern times the town has not encouraged, allowed or embraced urban style street art within the city limits – until now.

For one example, local entrepreneur, Reuben Sadowsky of Gravity Productions, received permission from the city’s Historic Preservation Office and Crystal Palace building owner, Mark Hunt, to engage Venice, California, street artist, Christina Angelina, to create a large piece to adorn the venerable building.

Angelina’s creation, which depicts the face of an attractive dark-haired woman looking down, hangs on the west-facing wall of the structure, just above an historic old Aspen Commission Co. and Owl Cigar advertisement. Be on the lookout for more in the near future!

Another standout piece is that of acclaimed street artist Shepard Fairey. His installation, curated by local arts activist Katie Kiernan, can be seen on the brick wall of the building which houses Big Wrap among other businesses, just off of Hunter Street.

Aspen Art Galleries

We mentioned upscale commercial art galleries earlier, and the town currently boasts a whopping number of them. Cruise the downtown pedestrian mall and nearby, and you will find one or two on every block –  too many to go into a lot of detail here.  You can find a comprehensive list of them at aspenchamber.org.
So, what’s so artsy about Aspen? Just take a little walk about town and you will find out. We are sure you will find something that strikes your artistic fancy. For more ideas on how to spend your time while you are here, please visit our Activities page on this website.

If you have visited Aspen in the summer before, you have probably enjoyed many of the popular activities the area has to offer, such as sightseeing, hiking, biking, rafting, attending concerts and other live entertainment shows, fine dining, and shopping at some of the well-known high-end retail establishments and charming boutiques in town. If you are looking for something different to add to your experience on your next visit, something you just might not find at other summer vacation locales, here are 5 out of the ordinary things to do in Aspen in the summer. 

Connect with Nature in a New Way

Photo Credit: Rich Pearce | All Rights Reserved)

You may be familiar with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), and you may have even visited their Hallam Lake nature preserve and environmental learning center, but have you taken advantage of their summer programs?

ACES offers free guided daily hikes to popular local spots, as well as longer excursions to the ghost town of Ashcroft and other parts of the Castle Creek valley. They also offer farm tours and farm-to-table events at their Rock Bottom Ranch, located just a few miles down valley, between Basalt and Carbondale.

To find out more about the summer programs available at ACES, please visit AspenNature.org.

Indulge your Desire for a Little Thrill Seeking

(Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass)

While Aspen is known for world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and biking in the summer, standup paddle boarding (SUP),  has become the latest local outdoor summer craze.

This sport, an offshoot of surfing, originated in Hawaii, spread to other coastal areas, and recently made its way to the larger mountain rivers of Colorado. Paddle boarding  on the local rivers ranges from floating the relatively easy, flat stretches of water found just outside of town at the North Star Nature Preserve, to taking on the slightly more challenging small rapids of the lower Roaring Fork near Carbondale, to challenging the adrenaline pumping rapids of the Colorado River in and around nearby Glenwood Springs.

For more details, please visit the following websites:

https://www.aspenbikes.com

https://www.aspenkayakacademy.com/

http://www.basaltchamber.org/recreation/paddle-boarding/

https://www.blazingadventures.com/sups/

If you would rather get your kicks on mountain inclines instead, try ATV riding up Aspen Mountain or nearby Kobey Park and Taylor Pass. You may find ATV rental information on the Aspen Bike Tours and Rentals website: https://www.aspenbikes.com/rzr.

Cruise Aspen Like You Never Have Before

(“Segway” | Flickr – Photo Sharing by jsogo is licensed under CC BY 2.0 – photo is re-sized)

While bike riding and walking are great ways to cruise the streets of Aspen, there is another fun way to get around town, riding a Segway Personal Transporter. Segways are battery-powered, self-balancing, two-wheeled electric vehicles designed to be a fun and environmentally friendly way to get you where you want to go, quickly and efficiently.

Go Deep into Part of Aspen’s Storied Past

(Photo Credit: Rich Pearce | All Rights Reserved)

If you like history, the Wheeler/Stallard Museum and Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum have informative and entertaining exhibits, but if you really want to experience a piece of Aspen’s past, we suggest a tour of the Smuggler Mine, from which the largest silver nugget ever mined in the United States was extracted. This still-operating mine once produced nearly twenty percent of the world’s total silver, and the mine was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

For mine tour information, please call 970-925-2049.

Stimulate Your Mind

(“Bill Gates & Walter Isaacson in Discussion” Flickr – Photo Sharing by Nathan Laurell is licensed under CC BY 2.0 – photo is re-sized)

Nurturing the mind, body and spirit – that, they say, is the Aspen Idea and philosophy. We have already listed some out of the ordinary things to do in Aspen in the summer as far as body and spirit go, and here are some ways to invigorate the gray matter while you are here as well:

• Aspen Ideas Festival – Attend discussions and presentations from global leaders from many disciplines about the ideas and issues that, ”shape our lives and challenge our times”. Hosted by the Aspen Institute, one of the nation’s most renowned educational and policy studies organizations, the festival features some 350 presenters, 200 sessions, and 3,000 attendees. Please visit Aspenideas.org for more information.
• McCloskey Speaker Series – Also hosted by the Aspen Institute, this program features distinguished speakers from diverse backgrounds discussing politics and other interesting contemporary topics.
• Aspen Physics Center Heinz Pagels Public Lectures – During the summer months, renowned physicists share their latest research in a fun and entertaining way.
• Aspen Summer Words – This program focuses primarily on workshops for writers learning to develop their craft, but they do also offer public passes and tickets to their afternoon and evening readings and conversations with seasoned authors and up and coming writers participating in the program.

There are, of course, other out of the ordinary activities things to do in Aspen in the summer, and you probably can find similar activities in other vacation destinations, but where else can you do all of these out of the ordinary activities in one place?  Please contact our luxury concierge for more information: 970-618-8290 | concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com.

So he dropped to one knee, looked up and popped the question. Rings were exchanged, followed by lots of crying and excitement over the phone. Then you go right into the nitty-gritty of “Who? What? Where? When?” It’s time for a wedding!

But don’t let that “Who? What? Where? When?” take the fun out of it all.

If you’re planning an Aspen wedding, especially on private property, be sure you’ve got a good, local wedding event organizer on your side. It’s more than just a day-of event planner, but a coordinator who brings the best vendors and knows the challenges of a stand-alone, one-time, private venue.

Where do you put that 90-foot X 90-foot tent on the right piece of flat ground? What are the local noise ordinances? How about parking? These are the questions that can throw a monkey wrench into your important moment.

If you’re working with an agency that doesn’t specialize in private parties and events, or if you go it alone, you can incur lots of unnecessary cost and hassle. Vendor hunting is time consuming and complicated, and you pile on cost when there is any miscommunication, vendors working at cross-purposes, or the whole effort is not coordinated. At Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals, wedding receptions, private parties and events are our specialty.

We have a list of preferred vendors, know the ins and outs of local ordinances, and can anticipate any eventuality.And it is with an eye always to the sanctity of your special day that we set you up for success, arranging everything from luxury accommodations for guests to just the right temperature for the champagne. With the Beauty of the Rocky Mountains as our canvas, we will create a perfect memory – leave your Aspen wedding in our hands and let the celebration begin!

Email us at concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com, or give us a call at (970) 205-9962 for more information.

Missed the Winter X Games? Didn’t plan a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? Tired of whooping it up with the mass of spring break humanity at the crowded beaches of South Padre or Cabo? How about an incredible, fun-filled spring break vacation in Aspen, Colorado instead?

If you are looking for something different to do this year, we have the answer. Something exciting, invigorating, and memorable. 

Just to let you know…

Aspen Snowmass ranked #3 in the “2022 Best of the West Resort of the Year Awards” from SKI Magazine (the Rocky Mountains always seem to come out on top!)

As usual, we have great snow this ski season. And great skiing and snowboarding are always on tap in March and April in Aspen and Snowmass. So are lots of fun off-mountain activities and events.

Just think about it ­­— reveling in the abundant sunshine and pure Colorado mountain snow by day. And enjoying world-class entertainment by night in one of America’s greatest winter resorts!

Sure, you could do the usual program of hitting the beach with thunderous hordes. Or you could battle the frenetic crowds at other United States ski areas like Jackson Hole, Park City, or Vail. But wouldn’t you rather enjoy the uncrowded, but still wildly festive, fun that an Aspen spring break vacation offers? Oh, and be sure to bring the kids – we are quite family-friendly here as well.

Where to Stay in Aspen and Snowmass

Planning a spring break vacation starts with securing your accommodations. You will find many excellent vacation rental options in Aspen and Snowmass. Choose from plush condos, 5-star luxury hotels, or economical and comfortable family-owned ski lodges. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you’ll find suitable options up and down the Roaring Fork Valley.

If you desire more privacy, space, and personalized concierge service, talk to our Aspen vacation experts. We’d be happy to set you up in one of our luxurious private homes and estates.

What to See and Do on Your Aspen Spring Break Vacation

Your overall vacation experience will be even more pleasurable and satisfying if you consult a local expert. They can help plan your itinerary and assist in making all the arrangements.

You can certainly search online for package deals that include accommodations, lift tickets, and ski/snowboard lessons. But if you would like to truly customize your experience, and take advantage of all that Aspen Snowmass has to offer, please contact one of our local vacation experts. We will be happy to help you make your vacation dreams come true. Read on below for some ideas to get you started.

Skiing and Snowboarding

An Aspen spring break vacation revolves around winter recreational sports. And like other Colorado resorts, the later season, spring skiing and snowboarding here is excellent.

The exact weather, temperature, and snow conditions can vary widely this time of year. This might dictate your specific skiing strategy. Here are some valuable “Spring Skiing Tips from Mark Elling.”

Also, training and preparing your body ahead of time for the rigors of skiing, especially at our high altitude, is important any time of year. It is especially essential for avoiding injury (and having more fun) when challenged by the varied conditions often found in the spring. You will find some useful ski training tips for a more enjoyable spring skiing experience at sport-fitness-advisor.com.

If alpine skiing isn’t your thing, there are other ways to have a good time – with the whole family. Try a cross-country skiing outing up Independence Pass or an uphilling adventure on Aspen Highlands.

If you’re not into putting on skis at all, you can still enjoy gondola rides on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass.

What to bring

Remember, the Aspen spring skiing weather can be unpredictable (from day to day and hour to hour), so be prepared for anything. You might encounter anything, from a cold January-like freeze to a balmy day.

Bring enough layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions in the weather and on the slopes. Usually, you will wear a slightly “lighter” ensemble than you would in mid-winter (including less weighty spring gloves) *. You should concentrate also on protecting your skin from the intense sun. Here are some useful resources for how to prepare for both:

What to wear:  How to Dress for Spring Skiing | What to Pack for Spring Skiing

Skin care tips:  Winter Skin Survival Guide

*For a general ski and snowboard vacation packing list, please visit stayaspensnowmass.com here:

Of course, it’s not just the skiing and snowboarding that make Aspen a great place for a fabulous spring break vacation. If you don’t ski or snowboard, check out our post, “The 7 Best Things to Do In Aspen in Winter Besides Ski” for more ideas for fun activities to do outdoors.

Other Things to Do in Aspen Snowmass

Aspen and Snowmass have a bit of everything. It’s one of the things that separates us from other ski towns. If you like art, visit the  Aspen Art Museum to see “…the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art…”. There are also many galleries sprinkled around town to satisfy your yen for vintage and contemporary art. Please visit our Art Museums and Galleries page on this website for an extensive gallery list.

If local Aspen area history piques your interest, check out the Historical Society’s Wheeler / Stallard Museum. The museum was constructed during the height of the Colorado silver boom and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It hosts exhibits and archives of Aspen’s interesting history and pre-settlement past.

As we mentioned before, there are a lot of things to do outdoors around Aspen in the winter besides skiing and snowboarding. You can go snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, and ice skating. If you’ve got an early spring break, we suggest you check out Ullr Nights. This event offers an evening of outdoor snow-based family activities on Elk Camp at Snowmass.

One of our other favorite outdoor activities is connecting with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Schedule a guided snowshoe or skiing tour. Or visit their Hallam Lake location (open to the public) which features education animals, including their resident birds of prey.

Shopping in Aspen and Snowmass: A Real Treat

If shopping helps you wind down while on vacation, downtown Aspen offers a wide variety of shopping choices. You will find everything from consignment to high-end, and upscale brand to boutique. Whether you are looking for art, antiques, gifts, or designer clothing, you will be sure to find the right gift for yourself or someone special.

Where to relax

Speaking of winding down, why not try an exquisite, relaxing massage at one of the great local day spas while you are here? If you really want to take it easy, consider using one of the local mobile massage and body care providers. Treat yourself to a massage or facial right in the comfort of your vacation rental home or condominium.

What to do at night

What can we say? Many polls rate Aspen as one of the best places in the country for nighttime festivities. Its fabled bars, nightclubs, and restaurant happy hour venues are legendary. But there are other great options for entertainment and other nighttime diversions as well.

In 2022, live music has re-ignited, and attending live shows at Belly Up Aspen is one of the most fun things to do in Aspen in the spring. And the Aspen Music Festival and School has resumed its Winter Recital Series.

Please visit their respective websites for detailed show dates:

•   Belly Up Aspen
•   Aspen Music Festival and School

Fun Aspen Spring Break Events

• Bud Light Spring Jam: One of Aspen’s signature events, This spring festival features a week of competitions, free concerts downtown, and parties. March 25 – April 3, 2022
• Nastar Championships: The largest public grassroots ski racing program in the world. Developed by SKI Magazine in 1968 boasting more than 100,000 races at over 100 resorts around the country. April 4-9, 2022

New in 2022: Aspen Snowmass Resort Anniversary, New Art, and a Selection of New Restaurants and Retail Shops

Aspen 75

Aspen Snowmass is celebrating its 75th anniversary season! This year, they are honoring the area’s storied skiing and snowboarding history. And they are revealing their vision of the future of innovations and sustainability of the sport.

Some of the highlights of this celebration are:

• $75 adult lift tickets on lodging/lift/equipment rental packages booked through Stay Aspen Snowmass and $75 lift tickets during the late spring season (Apr. 3 – 17).
• Season-long cocktail special (available for $7.50) in all on-mountain restaurants: the Aspen 75 cocktail (like the French 75)
• A Pop-Up Magazine sponsored live event at the Wheeler Opera House. Showcase of the history of Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Skiing Company’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion (March 11 and 12)

“Andy Warhol: Lifetimes”

Art Exhibit at the Aspen Art Museum. An intimate focus on the influence of Warhol’s “outsider and disrupter” persona on his work (Dec 3, 2021-Mar 27, 2022)

New Restaurants in 2022

•  Chica:
•  Catch Steak
•  Casa D’Angelo
•  Felix Roasting Co
• The Snow Lodge Supper Club

To preview more new dining establishments, please visit EatAspen.com

Hot Off The Presses

The W Aspen hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain is reopening the Wet Deck for après ski services on weekends! Starting President’s Day weekend, the public rooftop pool and bar will feature full food-and-beverage service and ongoing DJ entertainment. 

New Shops

• POSSESSION Obsession: Located at the Aspen Art Museum and thematically tied to the Andy Warhol exhibit, this shop offers an eclectic mix of discovered or thoughtfully created one-of-a-kind items ranging in price from free to $50,000
• ASPENX: Retail store located at Aspen’s Gondola Plaza featuring custom-built, premium, ski performance wear based on the Aspen Skiing Company’s innovative employee uniforms
• Re/Done: Located next to Dior on East Hyman Avenue, this venture by the L.A.-based sustainable clothing company features “Vintage-Inspired Denim & Ready to Wear”

So, Choose Aspen This Year

Whether you are making up for missed Valentine’s Day plans or are finally tired of hitting the beach with the masses, try something new and exciting in 2022. Visit Aspen Snowmass for incredible skiing in the bright Colorado sunshine and fresh mountain air.  And savor the sumptuous food and drink, and top-notch entertainment in our lively little mountain town.

Contact one of our Guest Services representatives at (970) 205-9960 | concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com to get your Aspen spring break vacation started today!

Pine Creek Cookhouse — Aspen’s Romantic Winter Wonderland

Watch the Alpenglow on high valley walls as you sample fine foods by a roaring fire with someone you love. Sound like a good way to spend Valentines Day this year? You can have that and more at the legendary Pine Creek Cookhouse just a few miles outside Aspen in what has become a mountain vacation tradition for many.

The best part about your Pine Creek Cookhouse experience is that the journey there is as good as the destination. Stopping at the foot of the majestic Elk Range, the road to Pine Creek Cookhouse leads you to the old ghost town of Ashcroft, where you’ll park and choose your route into the back country and to the restaurant.

If you feel strong and adventurous, you can cover the miles by snowshoe or ski across the more than 600 acres of valley touring. You can rent all the gear you need from the friendly folks at Ashcroft Ski Touring, and make your way to the restaurant by navigating well-marked trails and following a detailed map.

But for others it’s “over the river and through the woods” in an open sleigh pulled by an impressive team of dray horses. It’s a fun and romantic throwback to another time, and a great way to experience some incredible scenery in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Then there’s the food. Private dining nooks at fireside in this stunning high mountain lodge set the stage for an incredible dining experience, heavy on local specialties such as elk and rainbow trout.

Lunch is served daily from 11:45 and 1:45 and dinner from 6:30 p.m. Learn all you need to know and make your reservation at pinecreekcookhouse.com – 970-925-1044.

Not going to be able make it to Aspen / Snowmass in time for Valentine’s Day? Stay tuned for our upcoming Aspen Spring Break Vacation post coming your way shortly!

 

 

 

Take a peek inside…Need we say more?