A glance around the city of Aspen reminds one of all the reasons for the enduring popularity of Aspen. In this quaint mountain town, posh and exclusive shopping meets intellectual and artistic stimulation, offset by incredible athletic opportunity year-round, all in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Beyond the fantastic culture and beauty of Aspen, another phenomenon has occurred as well. In Aspen, Colorado, the home of your dreams is truly a reality.

In Aspen, you name it – it’s here, from leather walls, theatres, indoor gyms, saunas and spas, outdoor heated pools, full tennis and basketball courts, guest-houses and horse stalls ~ anything the heart could desire can be and is found in the homes here.

These incredible homes have resulted from careful planning on the part of city planners since Aspen’s inception. Zoning laws and Mother Nature limit land development to 13% of available land. As a result Aspen is insured against over development.

Last spring The Wall Street Journal reported that Aspen emerged from the economic downturn as the most expensive city in the country to call home. In its piece, The Wall Street Journal cited a study from the San Francisco-based Altos Research in which the median price for a single-family home in Aspen exceeded homes in the Hamptons, Beverly Hills and Palm Beach.

The Wall Street Journal also commented on the role of the continuing influx of wealth flowing into Aspen, remarking that this wealth ensures the relevance of Aspen in the world of fashion, culture and influence and home design. Longtime residents like Goldie Hawn and Lance Armstrong, in combination with new residents like hedge-fund millionaires, Russian billionaires, and other foreigners support homes of this caliber over the long-term. Unlike other real estate markets in the U.S., this sustained interest from celebrities, international visitors, and even royalty, in visiting, partying and living in Aspen helps to maintain home values.

Despite the economic hiccup of 2008, homes and properties in the area continue to sell for millions of dollars, and not at all uncommonly for tens, twenties and forty millions of dollars. While nationwide the average home value was down 31% in 2011, Aspen grew 17% in 2010 from its rock bottom home price.

It is universally understood that Aspen is a Mecca for the rich and famous, however the young and aspiring have found their own niche in this city. The abundance of wealth creates job opportunities in retail, investment, design and even charitable organizations.  These young professionals have also benefited from the culture, art and experiences Aspen offers them. Young professionals may be initially drawn to Aspen for its ‘hipness,’ but end up becoming drawn into deeper and more meaningful relationship with Aspen.

Due to the incredible nature of the homes and properties in Aspen, an excellent real estate agent is a must. Greg Rulon and his team have served the Snowmass Village and Aspen area for over thirty years. Let him introduce you to the home of your dreams! Click here to learn more about Greg and his team and check out the remarkable homes, residences and condos in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area today.

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”   ~Abraham Lincoln

This quote resonates with the skiing and winter sports community this week, with particular poignancy in Aspen and Snowmass Village, as the countdown to the 2012 ESPN Winter X-Games finally winds down to zero and athletes prepare to compete for the title of X-Games Champion.  As events kick off tomorrow at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, the focus will not be on ‘who is there,’ but rather on ‘who is not.’ The absence of Sarah Burke, the vivacious freestyle skier, and one of the brightest stars in the sport, will be acutely felt – in every turn, every run and every moment.

Late last week Burke lost her fight against a brain injury, less than a week away from the commencement of Winter X-Games. Her injury was sustained while practicing on the half-pipe in Park City, Utah.

Although only twenty-nine years old, Sarah Burke like Lincoln, lived many years within her short life. A pioneer of super-pipe skiing, Burke redefined the sport of skiing, and the role of women within this sport. She, as a teenager, would sneak onto the snowboard half pipes with her skis after the snowboarders had left the mountain. As she experimented with new skiing techniques she also envisioned a completely new kind of skiing.

So strong was her ambition, she was able to create an entirely new sport, and ultimately played a role in introducing it to the X-Games competition. Sarah pushed beyond her titles of first place in the 2001 US Freeskiing Open in the half-pipe, the first world champion in the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships, and four freestyle gold medals in the Winter X Games to incorporate women’s half-pipe in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Sarah was passionate about freestyle and half-pipe skiing, willing to compete against any competitor – even men, and tirelessly promoting it through film, discussion on display.

Burke had been a favorite for medals this weekend in Aspen in the freestyle skiing competitions and half-pipe competitions, as well as in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Her memory and her contributions will be remembered in a tribute on Thursday, January 26^th. ESPN will air the memorial early in the evening broadcast. Several athletes are expected to speak about her influence in the sport and about her as a person, friend, wife, athlete and competitor.

In a remembrance posted to their website, ESPN has recorded the thoughts and reflections of fellow skiers, X-Games participants and friends of Sarah Burke. Ashley Battersby, a fellow competitor remembers, “She had a smile for everyone. She had a heart of GOLD. She left the sweetest memories for all of us to hold.”  Burke’s beautiful smile and fantastic smile has long made her one of Aspen’s most beloved personalities. Like Battersby, many

Sarah Burke’s agent created a fund to assist Sarah’s family in covering her medical bills from the accident, totaling over $200,000. To date the fund has reached its goal. All additional money will go toward her memorial service and to establish a foundation in her memory. Stickers reminding skiers to ‘Believe in Sarah,’ and ‘Remember Sarah’ are for sale. Proceeds from these sales will also contribute to the foundation and memorial. Without a doubt, many a helmet and skis will don this simple memorial this week at the X-Games.

Athletes and residents alike on and off the slopes will sorely miss her shining presence, for a long time to come.

Greg Rulon and his team offer their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sarah Burke. May she rest in peace.

In 2005 Bob Beattie was inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame with a lifetime’s worth of titles, accomplishments and experiences, from head coach of the United States Ski Team, President of the World Wide Ski Corporation, founder of the World Pro Racing Tour to commentator for ABC’S ‘Wide World of Sports.’ But the title Bob Beattie is most proud of is his title as member of the World Pro Skiing Foundation Board of Directors.  In this role, Beattie has enabled children who would not have otherwise experienced skiing to try the sport, and in some cases to fall in love.

It is this tremendous accomplishment that will draw skiers from every skill level and age to the slopes of Aspen and Snowmass Village this coming March for the World Pro Skiing Foundation Tribute Honoring Bob Beattie. This weekend of events and special gala dinner will honor Bob Beattie’s work within the ski community as a whole, and specifically within the ski community of Aspen and Snowmass Village. Beginning on Thursday, March 29^th, racers and guests, such as ski legend Billy Kidd and Andre Arnold, will gather for a VIP party at Limelight Lodge. In this intimate gathering, Beattie will reconnect with his old friends, colleagues and professional skiers.

Friday morning, March 30^th, Aspen Highlands will host the racers for the first skiing portion of the event, allowing them time to train on the mountain along side Beattie’s new protégés, the Aspen Valley Ski Club Kids.  After lunch at the base of the mountain, and an afternoon of personal time, the gala will get underway at the famous Hotel Jerome. Here cocktails, a delicious dinner and party will celebrate Bob Beattie’s legend. Music from Starwood will take guests back to the ‘70’s.

Saturday will dawn with the head-to-head races on Aspen Highlands in which racers match up in the most unlikely combinations; a former pro, a kid and a member of the public face off for the Reunion Cup Championship. Once the skiers are all down the hill, John Oates will perform at the base of the mountain. The weekend will draw to a close celebrating the 75^th year of Aspen Valley Ski Club. This celebration will be open to the public, professional skiers and special guests.

The Aspen and Snowmass Village communities will raise their glasses to Bob Beattie, the tremendous impact of his work, and all the work achieved by the World Pro Skiing Foundation during these unforgettable 75 years. While there is a history so deeply engrained within the ski community, the outsider might wonder at their ongoing connection through the years and their continued commitment to skiing, youth skiing and ski communities. However the highs and lows, the deep love, astonishing victories and the years of work come to life when one takes the time to glimpse through the photo album listed on the World Pro Skiing Foundation website. Over seven decades of American ski history unfolds through these shots. It is the kind of history that endures, builds legends and legendary skiers.

There is not a professional or serious skier in North America who does not owe some aspect of their career or experience to Mr. Beattie’s lifelong dedication to the sport. Join Aspen and Snowmass Village in thanking him for it all! As a resident of Colorado for more than 30 years, Beattie knows where the skiing is best; the people are the most remarkable and the quality of life unbeatable! Click here to see homes, investment properties and condos in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area today!

Great powder and fabulous skiing and snowboarding may be the first thing that comes to mind during the winter months when one thinks of Aspen and Snowmass Village. However, Aspen and Snowmass Village take pride in not being a one-trick-pony.

Resort towns throughout the world are often guilty of advertising their strengths, drawing visitors to their towns, and then offering an entirely one-dimensional experience, with limited activities beyond their main draw. Aspen and Snowmass Village have almost the opposite problem – there are so many things going on, it’s hard to know where to start.

Fortunately, the four big mountains in the area offer a pretty big hint. As a result, they are generally the first place visitors hit. However, those without considerable skiing and snowboarding experience often find they are too sore and tired to ski all day, everyday of their visit. Even the hardcore winter sportsmen and women have to concede and take a break when the sun sets. As visitors hobble off the mountains at the end of the day, or for a brief hiatus, they will find every month of the year there are stimulating, cultural and downright fun things to do in and around both towns.

For example, never one to take itself too seriously, this February the Wheeler Opera House will host its second consecutive Aspen Laff Festival. The Wheeler Opera House is an experienced comic host, considering their 13 years as the featured site for HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and their 3 years as the home to the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival.

Hilarious stand-up comedians such as Maria Baford, Keith Alberstadt, Sarah Tiana, Bobcat Goldthwait and Hippieman, Phil Palisoul, and Ben Bailey will take the stage starting February 22^nd and continuing through the 25^th. In addition to these already well known comics, The New Faces Finals on Saturday will showcase the freshest, most hysterical talent 2012 has to offer. Full festival passes are available for a screaming deal, only $125 for eleven full acts over the course of four full days. Opening night with comic Tom Simmons and the New Faces Final are both free and open to the public, all others will require a ticket.

No subject will be considered too sacred during these laugh-filled days. The line-up promises enlightening perspectives on parenting, Wall Street and our nation’s current economic debacle. While the subject matters will vary widely, every comic invited fits the one common requirement – individuality. The Aspen Laff Festival considers unique and out-of-the-box humorists their signature mark. Many of these comics have written for comedy shows, famous actors and actresses, but the jokes and thoughts to be shared on-stage during the Laff Festival won’t be heard on the average cable comedy special. This is a unique and totally Aspen/Snowmass Village

If you are seeking more than just a superficial experience, take a closer look at the diverse activities and festivals happening in Aspen and Snowmass Village.  While you’re at it, pop in for a good laugh at the Aspen Laff Festival, and then click here to see homes, condos and residences in the heart of the action!

A cold, snowy evening, punctuated with snowflakes on eyelashes and frosty kisses, witnessed only by the gorgeous and timeless Rocky Mountains looming up in the background, is a romantic moment worthy of any love affair. Warming up later by the fire while the snow noiselessly falls outside is the perfect way to fall in love, or fall in love all over again. Aspen and Snowmass Village offer exactly this perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.

Whisk your loved one away on one of the many flights that zip in and out of Aspen each day. Aspen and Snowmass Village offer a variety of hotels to suit any couple’s fancy. The luxurious Sky Hotel allows visitors to experience the celebrity side of Aspen, while the Hotel Jerome accentuates the historic and romantic side of Aspen. The St. Regis defines luxury for its guests, and the Silvertree provides intimacy and privacy that allows couples to really get away.

A romantic escape in Aspen and Snowmass Village offers a variety of experiences. Couples can take on the slopes together for a fun and exciting few days. Experienced skiers can enjoy the diverse and challenging terrain the area offers skiers. Those seeking to bond through a new experience, private ski or snowboard lessons in an intimate and safe setting are a fun way to create memories.

For those seeking a more relaxed get-away, couples massage is offered at all of the major resorts and at the Aspen Club and Spa. Followed by a few hours at the Aspen Museum of Art, this quiet and romantic escape allows couples to reconnect spiritually and intellectually as well.

Throughout both Snowmass Village and Aspen there is a wide range of fantastic and romantic dining options from which to choose. However, this Valentine’s Day go beyond the traditional candlelit dinner. The Blind Café is offering an exquisite sensory experience; proceeds from this year’s Blind Café Valentine’s Day dinner will benefit Challenge Aspen, a local organization dedicated to benefitting the blind within the Aspen area. The Blind Café offers its patrons the opportunity to experience food in a different light, or rather no light at all, in the meantime couples experience a heightened sensory environment. Enhanced smell, taste, touch and hearing allow couples to bond on a different level. During this three-course meal, Rosh and One Eye Glass Broken will play a private concert and a keynote speaker will discuss issues confronting the blind, while a sightless wait staff will serve the various courses.

For those last minute, or spontaneous Valentine’s Day gifts, Cheeks, and Lacy Stuff Lingerie offer patrons fun and intimate gifts to really ignite the spark in a relationship. Many jewelers in the area create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces.  Harmony Scott and Aspen Jewelers, to name a few, offer timeless mementos of an unforgettable get-away.

Get to know the softer, romantic side of Snowmass Village and Aspen this Valentine’s Day. After you have fallen head over heels in love, click here to see homes, condos and investment properties in the area, and continue your love affair indefinitely.

The sun dawned this week on over a foot of new snow in Aspen and Snowmass Village to the great joy of skiers, and to the tremendous relief of residents of Pitkin County and the state of Colorado as a whole.

While this year’s snow season started off well with an early storm in October, snow levels had been low up until this week. As January opened with unusually warm weather, people began to actively worry about the repercussions for the tourism industry and drought conditions statewide should the temperate winter continue.

It seems that these worries have been eased as the forecast for the next seven days calls for more snow, with as much as another foot expected on Saturday. Of course the snow could not have chosen a better week to pay a visit. Midway through Gay Ski Week, and just two short weeks before the ESPN Winter X-Games, some wonderful powder and a great base remind everyone why Aspen and Snowmass are considered some of the hottest ski slopes this side of the Atlantic.

Meteorologist, Jim Daniels with the National Weather Service was quoted in The Aspen Times this week explaining the sudden shift in weather pattern over the Rocky Mountains saying, “Things started kind of changing over this past weekend and will continue in a pattern that’s a little more typical of La Nina, at least for the next seven days.” La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, is a weather pattern that originates in low surface pressures over the warm waters of the equatorial Western Pacific Ocean. Typically the La Nina weather pattern translates to high snow levels and wet winters in the Rocky Mountains. Last year’s record snow levels and long ski season were the result of a particularly active La Nina season. However, this year, also a La Nina season has been irregular in that a high-pressure ridge has hovered over the Rockies pushing most of the wet weather to the North or to the South.

While there has been a lot of chatter about the low snow levels this year, in reality most of the snow to fall in the Rocky Mountains typically comes in the spring. March is commonly accepted as the best month to ski in Aspen and Snowmass Village. As Jeff Hanle pointed out in Aspen Business Journal earlier this week, despite low levels of snow levels during the holiday season, most guests had booked their travel plans in advance, meaning the snow had little or no effect on travel bookings or ski lift ticket purchases. As a case in point, December 30^th was the biggest day on the mountain, with December 28^th a close second.

Hanle has also indicated that bookings through February are strong. Promotions targeting consumers for Spring Break debut this month attracting skiers to the mountains during their best month. Aspen/Snowmass is currently offering a special for the months of March and April, in which kids ages 7-12 ski and stay free at the resort with the purchase of adult lodging and comparable lift tickets. Kids receive a free rental with adult ski equipment rentals, plus a free group ski lesson. The Spring Escape Mini-Vacation has also recently become available; offering a buy 2, get one free promotion for lifts, accommodations, lessons and equipment.

Whether El Nino or La Nina, snow or no snow, Aspen and Snowmass Village know how to make your winter unforgettable! Click here to see condos, homes and residences in the heart of the city or set deep within the woods. Enjoy every season and every weather pattern in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

On February 17^th – 19^th the most extreme skiers in the Colorado will descend upon the cliffs of Snowmass Mountain to show just how much air they can catch and how fat their landings can be off some of the most picturesque cliffs in the world.

Qualifying runs in the Helly Hansen Colorado Freeride Championships will begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. and will continue through 2:30 p.m. that day on the Hanging Valley Headwall.

Those who qualify for the championships will take to the cliffs again on Saturday at 10:30, this time on the Burn Side Cliffs. In the off chance the unpredictable weather of Colorado strikes, Sunday has been set aside as a reserve day. Those who love big air, but love it much more from the spectator’s point of view, Gwyn’s High Alpine will serve as the viewing location for the championship.

For those unfamiliar with this extreme form of adventure, the first few skiers and snowboarders heading down the mountain are literally breathtaking. Athletes choose their own path down the cliffs, selecting their jumps and landings based on their own abilities and willingness to scare themselves. Once their path has been selected, skiers and snowboarders fly down unimaginable heights and cliffs at high speed with mini-avalanches chasing them, rocks and trees springing into their path. These incredible athletes jump and flip, seemingly without effort landing in pillows of snow in truly awe-inspiring performances.

While every year this event draws big name athletes to complete, including Rex Wehrman, two-time U.S. National Freeskiing Champion, Frank Shine, Brandon Clabaugh, Jesse Wright and Jennifer Allen. The really great thing about the Helly Hansen Colorado Freeride Championship competition is its openness. Locals, with the proper experience and technical skill are invited to compete in the competition.  Last year locals Kiffor Berg took on the challenge for the second year running. Likewise, AspenSnowmass recognizes the skill, and dare devil in some younger riders, allowing qualified participants as young as 16 to enter with parental consent.

At 12,510 feet, Snowmass Mountain offers extreme athletes 4,406 vertical feet – the most found anywhere in the country, making Snowmass Mountain the absolute best location to experience the thrills of Freeriding, and perhaps even better the best spot to experience these same thrills vicariously.

Earlier this week eight new inches of powder coated the mountain creating the perfect foundation for this extreme skiing course. Mike Kaplan at AspenSnowmass.com reported the morning after the storm, “Mother Nature’s delivery of new snow overnight and sunshine during the day, we call that a classic ‘brochure day’ in the Roaring Fork Valley.“ Contestants in the Helly Hansen Colorado Freeride Championship, along with locals and visitors to the valley will be hoping for more great powder in the weeks leading up to the contest.

Snowmass Village is once again proving its cutting edge nature hosting this exciting and extreme event on fantastic powder and breathtaking cliffs. For those with the same adventuresome spirit, Snowmass Village and Aspen are calling you! Click here to see homes, residences and condos just one fat jump off the mountain.

Will the words duumvir or axolotl or tyiyn make an appearance in this year’s Spell What? Competition?

There’s only one way to find out, head on down to the historic Hotel Jerome on February 11^th and see which words and which local celebrities made this year’s cut.

Unlike the third grade Spelling Bee at the Aspen Elementary School, Spell What? depends on contestants and audience members cheating to ‘outwit, outspell and outlast’ their competitors. The last speller standing (not necessarily the best speller) wins the grand prize. Meanwhile Aspen Youth Center wins even bigger, as all proceeds from the event benefit the AYC.

Before the thinking and spelling really begin, the Spell What? event invites ticket holders to a cocktail hour and a silent auction in the Hotel Jerome Antler Bar. After all the bids are placed, contestants and audience members enter the ‘sound stage’ where dinner and drinks are served. Once fat and happy, contestants endeavor to outspell each other with the help of their fans and tablemates to tremendous laughter, scheming and an all around good time.

The Aspen Youth Center was created in response to the startling statistic that 3-6p.m. is the riskiest time of day for children and teens. In 1991 the AYC was established to provide children with a safe, fun and active environment to hang out with friends, play games and work on homework until parents and guardians were home from work. According to their website, the AYC does more than simply keep kids safe, they are actively working to enrich the lives of Aspen youth through self-confidence exercises, team building work and teaching decision making skills. As a result of AYC the youth of today, will become strong minded and positive adults to lead the Aspen and Snowmass Village communities tomorrow.

The AYC states in their mission statement, “The Aspen Youth Center is a safe and supportive place for youth to connect, learn and grow.” An anonymous donor has ensured free admission to all children, enabling families from every demographic the ability to participate and attend the AYC. Fundraisers such as Spell What? provide the AYC with the necessary funds for scholarships for programs and money for new equipment and safe facilities.

Tickets and entire tables are on sale now. For more information go to the aspenyouthcenter.org, this event is one for the most fun of the year in Aspen and Snowmass Village, don’t wait too long to buy your tickets.

In a world where children are often overlooked, particularly the school aged child, it is great to know that every child, regardless of age or income level is cared about, provided for and looked after. Aspen and Snowmass Village are the kind of community in which no one has to fall between the cracks or be a ‘latch key kid.’

Grab your dictionary and find your place in this community of excellent spellers, happy kids and generous souls, click here to see condos, properties and land in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area, and then spell it up with echidna, hryvnia and anesthetic, while making a difference in the lives of the children within Pitkin County.

Grainy, black and white photos of men and their land, buildings and ranches, mules, mines, women with parasols, and people on skis, offer just a snapshot of a moment in the history of Aspen and Snowmass Village. For today’s viewer, the silent, often unsmiling faces from these images seem frozen in time. However, many of the stories behind these images are not lost. In fact, they are the treasured stories of how Aspen and Snowmass Village came to be the cities they are today.

Some of these pictures and their stories will be shared in a ten-week series of discussions called “Time Travel Tuesdays,” lead by the Aspen Historical Society beginning on January 24^th. The first six weeks of discussions will focus on the theme, “Embodying the Pioneer Spirit: Making Aspen Ignite through Winter Sports.” In this series, discussions will explore AVSC, back country skiing, cross country skiing, mountain rescue, ice skating and snowboarding.

The remaining four weeks of the series will explore the theme, “Define the Mountain.” In this series of discussions, each of the four mountains in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area will get its own evening of discussion and exploration of its history as well as a search for its respective soul.

In addition to this ten-week series, the Aspen Historical Society is offering an additional conversation on the mastodon dig of Snowmass Village as well.  Dr. Kirk Johnson, Vice President of Research & Collections and Chief Curator of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science will lead the conversation. This discussion ought not be missed; Dr. Johnson specializes in fossil studies of plants and works to reconstruct the landscapes, climate and evolution of species and ecosystems. His work at the Snowmass site and his thoughts on the findings there will be both awe inspiring and extremely educational.

Every Tuesday night from January 24^th through March 22^nd, in various venues throughout Aspen and Snowmass Village, these special presentations and conversations will take place. Attendance to these events is $8, check the Aspen Historical website for times and locations for these events.

In addition to these special events, the Aspen Historical Society has also been busy hosting a daily piece on the Aspen Public Radio called, “Roots of Aspen.” In this short, minute-and-a-half piece, Aspenite Mike Monroney recalls an event from the Aspen archives that took place on that specific day. In this quick and intriguing bit, listeners gain a touch of history and a quick glimpse back into the past.

With long, cold winter nights still holding Aspen and Snowmass Village firmly in their grasp for a few more months, a warm evening inside, with the forefathers and mothers of Aspen and Snowmass Village is a great way to stay warm and learn more about the place we call home and the people who helped mold and shape it.

Like those that have gone before you, a whole life and history await you here in the glorious Rocky Mountains. Start building your legacy today! Click here to see homes, residences and investment properties in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area today!

For all of those who walk the trails, camp, watch wildlife and enjoy nature in the Roaring Fork River Valley, the Town-to-Town Tour is a great way to thank the volunteers who maintain the trails and campgrounds and to offer support for their ongoing work.

Fortunately, saying thanks to the Roaring Forks Outdoor Volunteers will be as much fun for participants as for the volunteers themselves. The Town-to-Town Tour is an exciting and fun, non-competitive cross-country ski and snowshoe event taking participants all the way from Aspen to Basalt over the very trails these volunteers have built and continue to support and maintain.

Just this week organizers announced the official date for the Town-to-Town as January 21^st. With the date officially set, supporters and organizers are now crossing their fingers for more snow as they begin final preparations. Previous years have seen as many as 350 participants; it is hoped, that in this fourth year of the event a new record for attendance will be broken.

Every year the Town-to-Town Tour gets better, this year in conjunction with the RFOV’s launch of their Young Stewards Initiative, they have added a family friendly start point in Old Snowmass where children and teenagers can join the fun for the last 3.5 miles of the course.  The Snowmass Sun quoted David Hamilton, executive director of RFOV saying, “Getting youngsters out on the course for the 3.5-mile ski or snowshoe only makes sense” to encourage youth involvement in the outdoors and working to improve their world.

This year the Town-to-Town Tour will begin at the Rio Grand Park in Aspen. From there participants will follow the Rio Grande Trail 7.5 miles to the mid-course ski/snowshoe start at Woody Creek, to allow those who want to participate but at a lesser distance the chance to join in the fun. The group will proceed another 8 miles to the family-friendly start in Old Snowmass where families and children can start their portion of the course. This final homestretch will consist of 3.5 miles to end at Basalt High School, for a total of 19 miles in all.

All proceeds from entry fees will directly benefit the RFOV organization. The mission of the RFOV as detailed on their website is, “to promote the stewardship of our public lands by creating volunteer opportunities for trail work and projects.” Individuals who volunteer through the RFOV have the opportunity to participate in projects lasting from 1-7 days within the community or to adopt their own piece of land to maintain and protect, as well as community outreach and work with other organizations within the community to maintain the beautiful Roaring Forks River Valley.

Grab your snowshoes, strap on those cross-country skis and get out to support those who support your wildlife experience!

After taking an extensive back county trail tour of Aspen and Basalt, click here to find homes, properties and residences along the way and adopt your very own piece of land in the heart of the Roaring Forks River Valley to call home!