NEWS FROM ASPEN SKIING COMPANY WINTER 2016-17

Over the past five years Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) has invested over $70 million in capital projects with the goal of providing the best possible infrastructure and product available in the ski industry. In addition to capital improvements like the remodel of Gwynn’s High Alpine in Snowmass, Aspen will host the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals March 2017, flight options will increase with more direct non-stops from major airports, and new promotions like Kids Ski Free program and SKI30 will make Aspen Snowmass more affordable for all guests. On the hospitality front, Aspen Skiing Company is in the process of building a new Limelight Hotel Ketchum located in Sun Valley, Idaho with a scheduled opening date of December 2016.

 

Food & Beverage

Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant Remodel at Snowmass

Gwyn’s High Alpine restaurant located mid-mountain at Snowmass has been a staple at the resort for over 30 years. The popular locale serves breakfast and lunch and includes both a fine dining restaurant with items on the menu such as seared tuna salad and wild lingonberry elk medallions as well as a quick serve café that serves specialty burgers, homemade soups, stews, salads and wraps. This summer, the restaurant is undergoing an extensive remodel that will see a slight expansion of the building as well as the addition of a bar complete with a large wood-burning fire and big-screen televisions, and restrooms on the main level. Also, the previous cafeteria-style café will change into a “market” setup that will improve the flow of how diners access food and beverage options. Other improvements will include a satellite bar and coffee station downstairs, an update to the lower level bathrooms, heightened windows as well as all new tables and chairs. Seating capacity will expand from a total of 350 seats to 800 seats (550 inside and 250 outside).

Lynn Britt Cabin Après Ski

New as of spring 2016, Lynn Britt Cabin, located mid-mountain on Snowmass, introduced LBC Après, a lively après party at the quaint cabin featuring $6 Woody Creek Distillers Gin & Juice Cocktails alongside après food specials starting at $5. Further Entertainment included DJ Naka G and guest DJs as well as giveaways, a fire pit and outdoor lounge seating.

Hospitality

New Limelight Hotel Ketchum

Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) began construction on the new Limelight Hotel Ketchum last summer for a scheduled completion date of December 2016. The new hotel will feature 99 hotel rooms, 14 for-sale condominiums with 12 lock-off units, plus a new restaurant and lobby lounge. Modeled after the company’s existing property in Aspen, Colo., the hotel is in close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants as well as Sun Valley’s River Run Base area. The new hotel property will remain consistent with the Limelight brand featuring amenities and extras such as an expanded continental breakfast, après ski deals in the Lounge, adventure activities for guests as well as pet-friendly rooms. ASC chose Rowland+Broughton for interior design work on the new hotel project as the firm recently completed an interior renovation of the Limelight Hotel Aspen.

Events

FIS Ski World Cup Finals

Aspen will host the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals Mar. 15-19 marking the first time the event has been held in the U.S. in 20 years. The races will feature the best men’s and ladies’ alpine skiing athletes in the world competing in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and nation’s team event. Aspen has a long history of World Cup ski racing and not only hosted the first World Championships outside of Europe in 1950, but has also been a regular stop on the men’s and ladies’ FIS Ski World Cup circuit since its inception. Watch as the athletes take on the steep and challenging faces of Aspen Mountain and return to the historic site of America’s Downhill.

Ski School

Beginner Magic adopts Terrain Based Learning at Aspen Snowmass

New last season, it was with great pride and enthusiasm that The Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass introduced Terrain Based Learning™ (TBL) into the Beginner Magic Program at Snowmass and Buttermilk. Terrain Based Learning™(TBL) is a prescribed set of specifically shaped snow features designed to enhance the first time experience of skiing and snowboarding. Features include “Flats”, “Mini Pipe”, “Rollers with a Return Wall”, “Banked Turns” and “The Perfect Slope.” The features, with the assistance of the ski pro, help first timers experience the sensations of advanced skiing and riding in a safe, relaxed and fun learning environment. Last season, Aspen Snowmass premiered The Terrain Based Learning™ (TBL) features at Elk Camp Meadows on Snowmass and on Panda Peak at Buttermilk. The program was a success and the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass will continue to use and expand upon Terrain Based Learning™ (TBL).

Uphilling at Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass offers one of the most liberal uphilling policies in the industry. Uphilling, or what can also be referred to as ski touring or skinning, is accessible on all four mountains at Aspen Snowmass—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. At Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands, uphillers are granted access even during operating hours on specified designated routes and on Aspen Mountain, skinners can ski tour up outside of lift operation hours. New as of last year, Aspen Snowmass also introduced uphilling clinics as well as offered ski tour equipment rentals at the Four Mountain Sports store located downtown Aspen. In continuation of expanding options for uphillers, new last season, Buttermilk Mountain hosted three full moon dinners at the Cliffhouse restaurant located on top of the resort, which was only accessible via snowshoeing or skinning. Experience the joy of the mountains from the bottom up! Book an uphill private lesson or join one of our uphill clinics and we will cover everything from uphilling etiquette and policies to how to use the gear and travel up efficiently. 

Art

Art in Unexpected Places

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) and Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) continue their longstanding collaboration called ‘Art in Unexpected Places’ for the 2016–17 ski and ride season with new lift ticket artwork as well as a new site-specific installation at Elk Camp restaurant located on Snowmass. In celebration of the 11 years of partnership, the ASC and AAM present 11 new and different lift tickets featuring the artwork of a contemporary artist.

Deals

40% Off Early & Spring Season: Valid Early Season: November 24 – December 18, 2016 and Spring Season: Valid April 3-16, 2017. Buy a minimum of 2 days, get 40% off lift tickets. Book 7 days prior to arrival.

KIDS SKI FREE - JUST RENT THEIR GEAR FROM FOUR MOUNTAIN SPORTS! Valid January 1 - April 2, 2017. Rent at least 2 days of equipment for your kids (ages 7 to 12) from Four Mountain Sports, and they’ll get a free lift ticket. Rent as often as you like and we’ll provide complimentary lift tickets for the same amount of days on their rental. Kids Ski Free Promotion must be booked by the 15th of the month for arrivals in the following month. (i.e. Book by January 15, 2017 for all February 2017 arrivals).

EARLY & PERFECT STORM PROMOTIONS: Valid January 1 – April 2, 2017.

EARLY STORM - BUY 3, GET 4: Book by October 15, 2016.

Buy a minimum of 3 days, get one day free on lift tickets and lodging. Book with this early deal and you will enjoy a free day, as well as a resort card with deep discounts on everything from dining to shopping.

PERFECT STORM - BUY 4, GET 5: Book by the 15th of the month for arrivals in the following month.

Our most versatile and popular promotion. Get a free day on lift tickets and lodging throughout most of the ski season when you buy a minimum 4-day package. Also receive a resort card with deep discounts on everything from dining to shopping.

SKI30 - PERFECTION IS WORTH THE JOURNEY: Valid January 1 - April 2, 2017.

SKI30 is back by popular demand! With a minimum stay of 7-nights at a participating property, this exclusive product gives you all the reason you need to extend your stay and savor some of North America’s finest terrain. In addition receive 10% off food at ASC on-mountain dining restaurants. SKI30 allows you to enjoy unlimited skiing and riding for 30 consecutive days.

NEW *International Only* SKI30 Super Early Purchase Offer: Valid - Jan 1, 2017 – Apr 2, 2017

SKI30 - Adult (18-64): USD $680

SKI30 - Child/Teen/Senior (Ages 7-17 & 65+): USD $365

Book by August 31, 2016. Up to 30 consecutive days of skiing/riding

All international markets: SKI30 Early Purchase Offer: Valid - Jan 1, 2017 – Apr 2, 2017

SKI30 Adult (18-64): USD $780

Child/Teen/Senior (7-17 & 65+): USD $415

Book by October 15, 2016.

NEW *Australia Only* SKI10: Valid - Jan 1, 2017 – Apr 2, 2017

SKI10 Adult (18-64) – no Child/Teen/Senior SKI10 product available: USD $550

Book by August 31, 2016. Up to 10 consecutive days of skiing/riding. SKI10 expires 10-days after first use regardless of number of days scanned.

 

New *Canada Only*: Canadian "at Par": Valid - Jan 1, 2017 – Apr 2, 2017

30% Off Adult Lift Tickets (18-64)

Book 7 days prior to arrival.

 

Winter Operating Schedule:

Aspen Mountain Opening: Nov. 24, 2016 Closing: Apr. 16, 2017

Aspen Highlands Opening: Dec. 10, 2016 Closing: Apr. 9, 2017

Buttermilk Opening: Dec. 10, 2016 Closing: Apr. 2, 2017

Snowmass Opening: Nov. 24, 2016 Closing: Apr. 16, 2017

 

Media Note

For a selection of What’s New 2015-16 photos visit:

https://aspensnowmass.imagerelay.com/sb/d65fc58c-2e96-4ad9-aeb0-19ac0c3bbb28

For a selection of Best of Winter 2015/16 photos visit:

https://aspensnowmass.imagerelay.com/sb/9c95dd87-2a7c-4e3a-9dbb-2fcfc86785e9

Photo credit goes to the photographer listed.

 

For more information, contact ASC’s in market PR representatives:

BRAZIL

Profession Comunicações e Promoções Ltda

Phone: + 55 11 3816.3769

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Isa Melaragno, Daniela Bonacorso

 

GERMANY

uschi liebl pr

Phone: 49 89 724 02 920

Email: [email protected]

Julia Moser

 

AUSTRALIA

Passport PR

Phone: 202-468-0839

Email: [email protected]

Alison Scott

Felicity Byrnes (Maternity leave)

 

UK

Black Diamond

Phone: 020 7845 6372

Email: [email protected]

Jim Odoire

 

MEXICO

Tourist Media Group

Phone: + 55  4196-0680 ext. 201

Email: [email protected]

Paola Maury

 

CANADA

SnowSavvy

Phone: 416-452-0407

Email: [email protected]

Richard Savage

 

CHINA

Petrie PR

Phone: +852 2521 9608

Email: [email protected]

Linda Petrie, Cyndi Cheng, Miki Mok, Fleur Hui

 

About Aspen Skiing Company

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (5 kilometers from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (112 kilometers from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com.

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