It may seem in the month of June, with all of skis and snowboards packed away, that everyone in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village pulls out their thinking caps and engages in deep thought, writing and solving the world’s problems – literally.
Aspen Summer Words, a writing retreat, takes place June 17th through the 22nd. Here a five-day juried workshop alongside a five-day non-juried workshop and interactive writing workshops will take place in a number of genres. From fiction, to non-fiction, to poetry and publication tips for authors of all levels, these workshops expand writer’s horizons, polish their style and introduce completely new ideas. Publishers from major publishing houses have taken part in discussion to help new and aspiring writers break into the writing world. Likewise well known, and loved authors regularly make an appearance at the Aspen Words retreat to engage in fresh literary conversations, to share their experiences and to get new inspiration from the beautiful mountains and serene surroundings.
This year, as fire rages throughout the Southwest with extra intensity during this particularly dry spring and summer, many in Colorado are seeking a conversation about the impact of forest fire, human causes of fire, and the potential property damage of fire and the health of the forest. On June 24th and 25th the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies will host a public symposium on just these topics. Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will lead the discussion with Bill Possiel, President of the National Forest Foundation, Ethan Aumack, Director of Restoration Programs for the Grand Canyon Trust, Maggie Fox, President of the Climate Reality Project along with many other senior USFS policy makers, scientists and private sector leaders.
Just days after wrapping up the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Environment Forum, the Institute will also host the Aspen Ideas Festival. For an entire week, from June 27th through July 3rd the problems of the world will literally be on the table for discussion of solutions, debate of ideas and possible courses of action. If it seems like an ambitious prospect, it is. Everything from World problems, National struggles, Environmental, Technological, Scientific, Health, Education, Arts and Economic struggles and issues will be discussed. A complete list of speakers and a schedule of times is available on the Aspen Ideas Festival website along with a number of facts collected by the Aspen Ideas Festival to help encourage provocative thought on these issues.
With all of the deep thinking and inspired writing, it is no wonder that Aspen is as synonymous with innovative and creative solutions to the world’s problems as it is with powder snow, après ski and extreme sports.
Sharpen your pencil, and settle in for a summer of inspiring thought, challenging ideas and the opportunity to learn from experts in their fields from around the world as they congregate in Aspen and Snowmass Village during the gorgeous summer months.
Between symposiums, meetings and forums, take a moment to tour homes in the Aspen/Snowmass Village area. Click here to see the latest homes, properties and condos on the market!