As the weather warms up in Aspen and Snowmass Village so too does the creativity around these mountain towns.  Art exhibits and shows crop up all over town as people pack away their skis and snowboards and begin to pull out their paintbrushes and canvases.

Currently on display at the Red Brick Center for the Arts is one of the community’s favorite art events all year, the Annual Kids’ Art Show/Art Student Exhibition. Artists from the local schools are featured in this exhibit, where others within the community can see their work within the context of other artists similarly aged and comparative in skill. Young people in particular enjoy the opportunity to see their work displayed and to have adults look at their work through a more professional lens.

Next month the Red Brick Center for the Arts will display their local artists competition.  Entries for this competition are due Monday, April 23^rd. In one of the few judged art shows at the Red Brick Center of the Arts, this exhibit showcases the best of the best in Aspen and Snowmass Village. Judged this year by artist, Jody Guralnick, art consultant, Carolyn Landis and gallery owner, Ann Korologos, this year’s work promises to be the best yet.

The Center offers Art Receptions on the first Thursday of every month, meaning that May exhibit will be celebrating its opening show on May 3^rd, from 5-7p.m. Join the artists in this personal display of their work and gain the opportunity to talk with them and discuss their perspective on their work and the creative process. While you’re at it, you may just get to know one of your neighbors, as the event is open exclusively to local artists.

In June things on exhibit at the Red Brick Center for the Arts will switch gears a bit to welcome a professional Eco Art Exhibition. However, while the professionals display their work in the gallery, behind the scenes more local art will be taking place in the summer workshops offered by the Red Brick Center.

Beginning in June a sculpting class will commence for artists ages 7-9. Artists in a slightly older category will kick the summer off learning about Impressionist artists and their art in a class titled, “ Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Expressionists…Oh My!” Other classes for younger artists will be available all summer long offering a variety of artistic experiences. Tweens can enjoy a photography class, while adults have a wide assortment of classes from color theory to landscape and textile work.

July and August will feature a resident artist and a ceramics exhibition respectively.  With openings all summer long for the community to come in and see the artistic side of the Aspen and Snowmass Village. Of course pieces are for sale at the Red Brick Center, and as a reflection of their commitment to art within the local community 20% of all proceeds go directly to the local Art Council.

For those looking to make Aspen or Snowmass Village their home, or their home away from home, there is no better way to decorate than with original, locally made art. Take the time to stop on in the Red Brick Center and peruse the art before heading out to find the home of your dreams. Click here to see a small sampling of homes, condos and investment properties in the area today!

International buyers interested in investing in a luxury home within the most prime real estate markets in the world are giving Aspen a second look this week. “The Wealth Report 2012” released its 2012 findings concerning the prime real-estate markets of the world. Not surprisingly to Aspenites, Aspen was ranked the 39^th most expensive market in the world, and the number one most expensive city for its size in the U.S.

The Wealth Report is an annual examination of prime real estate, both commercial and residential, produced in collaboration by Citi Private Bank and real-estate firm, Knight Frank. Through this report trends among the world’s most wealthy investors are identified and studied.

The Aspen Business Journal announced the news to the Aspen and Snowmass Village area last week in a detailed piece, which looked closely at The Wealth Report, its significance and the determining factors in the rankings it offers.

The Wealth Report found only one other city in United States that ranked higher than Aspen on its list of the 63 most expensive cities in the world. Only Manhattan ranked higher, coming in at #17 on the list with the average square foot of residential property costing $2,200. Aspen’s current price hovers around $1,000 per square foot. The most expensive city in the world is Monaco, with the average square foot costing roughly $5,400.

Other mountain resort cities throughout the world made the list including, Courchevel, St. Moritz, Gstaad and Chamonix. Perhaps hinting at a trend toward luxury ski towns for investment home purchases among the wealthy. Only two other American cities made the report, Telluride and Miami coming in at #46 and #53 respectively.

The Wealth Report noted that growth in one corner of the world prompted growth in other parts, likewise all real estate, even in the luxury markets, suffered due to the worldwide economic downturn. This interconnectivity is evidence that all markets in this day and age are global. The technology allowing us to buy and sell property internationally quickly and effectively is inevitably tying the housing markets worldwide to each other.

The Aspen Business Journal also noted that a contributing factor to Aspen’s allure among the world’s most wealthy investors was an increasing trend within this demographic to “invest in ‘life’s luxuries and pleasures.” Aspen is veritable Mecca of luxurious shopping, dining balanced with fantastic art, culture and intellectual exchange.  But perhaps most appealing about Aspen, beyond the skiing, scenery and culture, is the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere where one could sip coffee in a pair of jeans or unwind on the mountain skiing or hiking.

While Aspen may rank as the 39^th most expensive place on earth, it is neither ostentatious, nor is it elitist. In Aspen, one can experience all of the luxuries of life in a prime real estate market while simultaneously enjoying the quiet, serenity of a mountain town. Aspen is truly an investment in lifestyle.

Click here to see just a few homes, condos and investment properties currently on the market in the Aspen and Snowmass Village and invest in your lifestyle today!

One glance around the Snowmass Club is enough to convince anyone that this is a club of another caliber. Regardless of the season, Snowmass Club is the premier private playground in Snowmass Village and Aspen.

The warm and inviting décor immediately makes one feel at home. Amenities year round, including golf, tennis, an athletic club including a pool, as well as a spa, cross country skiing in the winter and public dining at the world renowned Sage restaurant ensure members a one-of-a-kind experience.   Tucked cozily in against a backdrop of blue mountains and wrapped alternately with wild flowers and drifts of snow; Snowmass Club is more than just a great place to play, it is one of the most beautiful places in town.

While locals and many visitors have long cherished this gem within the community, Tennis magazine has let the secret slip to the greater population with its #2 ranking of Snowmass Club in the Northwest region in its recent Top 50 Tennis Resorts of the U.S.

The impressive 13 tennis courts, of which 2 are indoor Har-Tru clay and two are outdoor Har-Tru clay, found at Snowmass Club provide some of the absolute best tennis playing conditions in the nation. Additionally, the Tennis Pro Shop and Junior Tennis Program are worthy of note, contributing to an overall quality establishment.

Guests and locals alike appreciate the high level of training and professionalism found at the Snowmass Club. Like most things in Snowmass Village, there is more to Snowmass Club than meets the eye. Former U.S. Olympic tennis coach Gayle Godwin heads up the tennis training program at Snowmass Club, explaining the bar-none tennis training everyone at Snowmass Club experiences. The Snowmass Club general manager described Godwin in a recent Snowmass Sun article as having a reputation of being, “Not only…extremely talented on the court, but she epitomizes the culture of the game.” Virtually everyone with the good fortune to come into contact with Godwin experiences a significant improvement in his or her tennis game. This translates to not only an incredible tennis experience, but also a transformative experience.

Of course while the tennis at Snowmass Club is in the limelight, one must not overlook the exclusive experience throughout the entire resort and the town itself. Very often overlooked due to the rather large shadow Aspen casts over it, Snowmass Village is a luxury experience in and of itself and not simply as an accompaniment to Aspen. Restaurants, shopping and clubs accompany the award winning ski resort, in addition to a hometown atmosphere and incredible people popping up all over town with a variety of skills, talents and arts making Snowmass Village a Grand Slam in its own right.

Discover all there is to the Snowmass Club, and Snowmass Village itself. The Club offers housing on its property available for sale or partial ownership. For those wanting the total Snowmass Village experience, click here to see homes, properties and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area.

Six hundred people this May will have the opportunity to ride Colorado Highway 82 before anyone else in 2012. Traditionally, every winter Hwy 82 shuts down to vehicle traffic until the warm summer months. However, it opens up to cyclists for just one day during that period to support the Independence Pass Foundation in the Ride for the Pass Race. This year that day falls on May 19^th.

The Independence Pass Foundation is a private, nonprofit 501©(3), established to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Independence Pass.  The Pass serves as the historic connection between the Western Slope communities and the Front Range. During the summer months, thousands of people cross over the pass to witness its unique beauty and to experience its incredible recreation opportunities. Since 1989, the people within the Aspen community have supported and sustained the efforts of the Foundation to protect the Pass through donations of their time, money and volunteer work.

The Ride for the Pass Race is just one example of community-supported fundraisers that have helped in the objective to conserve Independence Pass for over twenty years. In this 10-mile recreational and competitive bike race, participants will head out the Winter Gate 4 and ride 10 miles west to Independence Ghost Town. Throughout this ten-mile ride, racers will climb 2,500 feet to go from 8,500 feet to 11,100 feet. Families and first time racers are welcome and encouraged to experience Hwy 82 before the summer traffic takes over.

This same weekend, The Aspen Cycling Criterium will also take place. This race is all about speed! In the heart of downtown Aspen, cyclists will hit speeds of 28mph around a track less than one mile around. As part of the Rocky Mountain Cup, hosted by PreRace.com, the winner in this competition will win big with a $2,500 prize. This is an exciting race to witness and a fan favorite to watch.

As the first real race of the USA Cycling Races season in the Rockies, all racers must have their USAC license. One-day licenses are available for those interesting in participating in this single event. USAC youth racers race for free, while adults race for a mere $20.

Many in the cycling community see these two races as the commencement of cycling season in Aspen and Snowmass Village and refer to this weekend as the “Aspen Cycling Festival.” Last year LIVESTRONG hosted a pre-party the night before The Ride for the Pass at Belly Up with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win Lance Armstrong memorabilia.

The Aspen Cycling Festival will wind down with a party at the Sky Hotel in Aspen, with free beer and drawing prizes from businesses within the Roaring Fork Valley. As with any Aspen event, the parties and celebration will go on all week throughout town in various restaurants and bars. There will be plenty of fun to be had on the racecourse and off.

The Aspen and Snowmass communities embrace high intensity sports in every season. As the ski season draws to a close in the last weeks of April, Roaring Forks residents don’t waste any time kicking off the cycling season. Come on down and join the fun! When you aren’t racing or enjoying the beautiful spring season in the Rockies, you can take a moment to check out homes, condos and residences in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Click here to get started today! www.GregRulon.com

Looking for a fun way to spend the weekend or the afternoon with the kids? Snowmass Village and Aspen offer a wide selection of activities for every age and interest to get the family out of the house and making memories.

While there is still snow on the ground, grab the kids and go tubing or sledding. More low-key than skiing and snowboarding, tubing and sledding are a great way to bring out the competitive spirit in any group. Race down the hill in groups, pile the kids on one tube and send them flying down the hill or challenge them to parents vs. children races. Trekking up and down the hill is bound to wear the kids out, while filling the afternoon air with laughter. Occasionally a good few hours of sledding can evolve into snowman making, snowball fights and snow fort building.

Warm up afterwards with a cup of hot chocolate or espresso from any of Aspen’s incredible, local coffee houses. Parallel 15 is commonly accepted to be the best place in town for a cup of Joe. Victoria’s Espresso and Wine Bar is also well loved by locals. Other coffee spots like ink! Coffee Company and the Dark Horse Alley Café also offer great drinks and fun ambiance.

Tired of Mother Nature and her temperamental weather? Head on down to the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center Experience in Snowmass Village for outdoor adventure – inside. The family-friendly climbing gym is a big hit with all ages, and offers every person an opportunity to challenge him or herself to push just a bit farther, and hold on just a bit longer. Themed rooms for every age and interest open the doors of imagination and provide learning experiences through hands-on activities.

An afternoon at The Lewis Ice Arena is another fun way to mix up winter activities by slapping on ice skates and taking a spin around the rink. The Lewis Ice Arena offers figure skating lessons for adults and children alike interested in improving their ice skating skills. Schedules are available on the Aspen Recreation Center website.

Or take a break from winter weather altogether by taking a dip in the James E. Moore pool. Competitive swimmers can use the 4-12ft pool with diving board. Recreational swimmers will enjoy a 2-story slide, lazy river and spray. Parents can sneak away for a little relaxation in the dry sauna, steam room or hot tub.

As warmer weather arrives, challenge your kids to a game of outdoor paintball! Groups of ten, above the age of ten, depart from Snowmass Base Village and head out into the wild for their own, private paint war. Beginning in June, public paintball sessions will take place every Saturday and Sunday at either 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.

While spring can be unpredictable, with great drifting snow, warm, bright days and everything in between, there is a lot to see and do no matter the weather. Grab the kids, get out into the community and enjoy all of the wonderful amenities that come with life in Aspen and Snowmass Village!

Of course shopping for a new home is a wonderful family activity as well, and spring is a great time to find that perfect new home! Click here for a preview of some of the properties available in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area today and schedule your viewings today!

It’s hard to say when one looks around the landscape of Snowmass Village what is most remarkable; the beautiful mountains, the foliage, the quaint town tucked in the valley or the people who live and visit here. Most of the time this question could be debated long and hard, however last week there is no doubt about the most remarkable sight that popped up all over town. The men and women who have served our country could be seen skiing on the slopes, climbing the mountains, trap-shooting and playing sled hockey in every corner of Snowmass Village. While witnessing this multitude of service men and women is remarkable in everyday circumstances, even more remarkable is the testimony this specific set of service men and women offer concerning pursuit of quality life after traumatic injury, either in the war zone or outside.

Last week marked the 26^th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Since March 25^th and until the 30^th, the VA and the Disabled American Veterans sponsored the Grand Junction VA Medical Center of the Rockies and the VA’s Rocky Mountain Network in a clinic offering veterans the opportunity to experience Alpine and Nordic skiing as well as many other winter sports.

Of the 400 veterans in town last week, many had never experienced winter sports before and due to the severity of some of their injuries, many thought these experiences would never be possible. The inspiration and training offered by ski instructors for the disabled, members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and physical therapists through the VA and other veteran hospitals nationwide has helped many veterans overcome incredible obstacles.

In a piece in the Snowmass Sun last week, recreational therapist Jose Laguna, of San Antonio, Texas, and escort to veterans to Snowmass Village since 1993, spoke of his strong belief in the benefit offered to veterans, many of whom come year after year to Snowmass Village to meet up with old friends, make new friends, learn new sports and to improve at those they have discovered in years past.

The clinic is much more than a week of fun. It is also another step in the healing process. Many veterans return home from war injured and traumatized, with poor support systems and with family members at a loss of how to cope with the consequences of combat or injury. Rehabilitation through the various VA hospitals throughout the country aim to restore these men and women to the life they left behind, and to help them to make that life even better.  The summer and winter clinics are one aspect of this rehabilitation. In these clinics veterans are asked to push themselves into the unknown of their abilities. Many are learning to walk with prosthetics, function with injured limbs or take risks after traumatic brain injury. For every veteran in every individual circumstance, this leap of faith is invigorating and terrifying at the same time.

Laguna phrases it best in his comments, “We don’t live in a bubble. What we do, in our roll, is take them (the veterans) to the threshold of the bubble.” In Snowmass Village, they hope to cross it independently.

The courage required to cross that threshold reminds one of all the reasons these people put on the uniform in the first place; they are brave, honorable and willing to put everything on the line for the country and fellow countrymen and women. And that is truly the most remarkable national treasure any country or town could hope to host. Snowmass Village is honored to serve these men and women.

Click here to see homes, residences and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen areas.

Tomorrow tickets to the 20^th annual Aspen Shortsfest will go on sale. Fans of short film look forward to this world-renowned festival every year. Here original films from one minute to forty minutes, in a variety of genres, debut for the first time to an audience of film aficionados. Hosted by Aspen Film on April 10^th through April 15th, the Aspen Shortsfest is self described as the, ‘little festival that could.’ That positive thinking, combined with the incredible talent teeming within Aspen and the Aspen area, has lead the Aspen Shortsfest to earn a prominent place within the film community.

The brainchild of Ellen Hunt and Gail Hostein in 1992 with only 3 screenings of 20 shorts has grown into a five-day event packed with two screenings per day in Aspen and a weekend screening in Carbondale. An astonishing 3,300 films will be up for consideration this year, making the Aspen Shortsfest the Oscar-qualifying competition in North America not to be missed.

While many in the community look forward to this sneak peak into the hottest short films of 2012, others regard this gathering as more than film previews. Rather they appreciate the conversation, collaboration and inspiration instigated by this event. Almost as exciting as the films themselves are the Question and Answer sessions held after screenings with the filmmakers and the after-parties where the artistic conversations really warm up and ideas begin to flow. Last year participants in the Shortsfest were so inspired by each other that they created a spontaneous short film during the week, which was shown during the awards ceremony.

Awards for films at the Aspen Shortsfest are offered in the following categories; Best Animation, Best Comedy, Best Documentary, Best Drama, Best Student and Best Short Short. Winners in the Best Comedy, Best Drama and Best Short Short Awards categories may eligible for the Academy Award consideration. In addition to these formal awards, the festival offers awards for Audience Favorite, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, The Ellen, Digital Postcards: Colorado and a Youth Jury Prize.

This year in a collaborative effort, the Shortsfest is joining forces with The Writers Guild Foundation to write comedy on par with Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Oscar Wild and Woody Allen.  This conversation and the work therein promises to be light-hearted and inspirational – not to mention completely hilarious. Moderated by writer Elias Davis, this discussion with Shauna Cross, Alexander Payne, Mike Reiss and Robert Weide will reveal the tricks of their joke-making trade. These writers have in their credentials Oscars, Emmys and a number of other awards, not to mention award winning shows and movies. Their insight on the industry and their art will be both enlightening and inspiring.

With a mind on all of its audience, the Aspen Shortsfest has created a special Family Fun screening on April 15^th. The rest of the schedule includes shorts from over 79 countries; details about the films, their content and their creators are available at www.aspenfilm.org. Take the time to purchase your tickets well in advance as this popular festival sells out quickly!

While the IndieWIRE has recognized the Aspen Shortsfest as one of the 50 Top Leading Film Festivals in the world, Aspen is more than just a great place to catch a cutting edge film or enjoy a great film festival – it is the perfect place to create your own script. Find the perfect setting by clicking here to see homes, residences and condos in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area today!

On April 1^st and 2^nd landmarks throughout the entire world, from the Empire State Building to the Sydney Opera House to Aspen Mountain, will light up blue to bring attention to autism and individuals on the autism spectrum. In Aspen, the Light It Up Blue Aspen is more than just the lighting of Aspen Mountain; it is three days of educational events and fun for families with members on the autism spectrum, educators and community members.

Author Rupert Issacson’s movie, The Horse Boy, detailing his family’s use of horse therapy, and their subsequent journey to Mongolia as part of his son’s treatment for autism, has brought him critical and professional acclaim. He and his business partner, Iliane Lorenz from the Horse Boy Foundation will offer an equine therapy demonstration on Sunday, April 1^st at 1:00p.m at the WindWalker’s Ranch. Together they will demonstrate the techniques and healing effects of horses on the autism spectrum individual as well as those suffering from other neuro-psychiatric conditions through the Horse Boy’s Methods.

As the sun sets Sunday evening, Aspen Mountain will light up bright blue for all in the community to experience. Acclaimed lighting designer and local, Robert Singer designed the display for Aspen Mountain. His other work includes the famous nightclub, Dusk, in Caesar’s Las Vegas as well as the Buddha Bar, as well as many remarkable homes throughout Aspen and the world.  Talent of his caliber will certainly ensure a remarkable and unforgettable display.

Just moments later the Gala fundraiser will kick off at the Little Nell where Rob Mullins, a Grammy nominated musician, will entertain guests with his diverse collection of music. Composer and songwriter for over 400 songs, Mullins will keep the party hopping until the very end. Along with great music, a live auction and celebrity hosts, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, along with local chairs, Sallie and Tom Bernard, cocktails by Patron’s mixologist and dinner; it is sure to be a night to remember. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit autistic families within the Pitkin County community.

April 2^nd, World Autism Awareness Day, Isaacson and Peete, former NFL player, will talk at two regional high schools. Later that day, the Wheeler Opera House will host a community evening, allowing locals the opportunity to meet and talk with Mr. Isaacson about his techniques and experiences during the 6p.m. cocktail reception. Followed by an exclusive viewing of The Horse Boy and a Q & A with Isaacson.

On April 3^rd the Roaring Fork High School Library will wrap up the Light It Up Blue Aspen events with an evening discussion on providing a great home and school experience for children and adults living with autism. The RE-1 School District will also make available for teachers a workshop on autism behavior which promises to be helpful.

Believe in the power of hope this April and embrace the Light It Up Blue Aspen. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend! When the lights have died down, take a moment to invest in your own dreams by looking at homes, residences and properties in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Click here to get started today www.GregRulon.com

Just this week tulips, daffodils and lilies have started pushing up through the earth like little green swords stabbing the remnants of winter. Tiny leaves are uncurling on the branches of trees, while fragrant blossoms have started to release their perfume. The signs of spring are everywhere, which can only mean one thing – Easter is just around the corner.

Aspen holds a few Easter traditions close to its heart, like the sunrise Easter service. This non-denominational ceremony has traditionally been held at 8:30a.m. on top of Aspen Mountain early Easter morning. Last year’s late Easter date caused it to be moved to the Aspen Chapel as the mountain and lifts had closed for the season. However, things this year look to be on schedule for a mountaintop Easter celebration. For those early risers on Easter morning, the gondola will be up and running by 7 a.m. The service will be followed with breakfast items, coffee and tea available for purchase. There is nothing more beautiful than a sunrise in the Rocky Mountains, and the opportunity to experience it on Easter morning is even more remarkable.

Easter baskets throughout Aspen and Snowmass Village will be filled with gourmet chocolate and handmade fudge from the Aspen Candy Company.  Not even the Easter Bunny himself can hatch chocolate eggs to rival the Aspen Candy Company treats! For those sour candy lovers, an entire section of bulk gummies and sour candies line the wall of the Aspen Candy Company as well, ensuring every basket with every candy lover will be satisfied.

For the young and the young at heart, Aspen generally hosts a variety of Easter Egg Hunts throughout town. Traditionally the Aspen Historical Society hosts a hunt on the grounds of the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. However in a new tradition last year, both Aspen Recreational Center, and The Inn at Aspen hosted hunts. The Inn threw in cookie decorating and an Easter basket decoration contest as well.

After a candy-filled morning, Buttermilk Mountain invites residents and visitors alike to take one last spin down the mountain before they close the lifts for the season. Who knows, maybe the Easter Bunny will leave lift tickets in your Easter Basket this year? Tickets purchased more than seven days in advance are a great deal and a great way to celebrate an unconventional Easter Sunday.

Of course such a busy Easter will inevitably work up a big appetite. Meaning the traditional Easter Brunch at the Regis is a must!  From noon until 4p.m. the Regis will hold nothing back, serving a delicious and diverse buffet of food, along with an Easter egg hunt and live music. Reservations for this event are recommended.

Those looking for a more traditional Easter Dinner, consider begin preparations now with a class offered through The Kitchen Hotline. An Easter Celebration class will be offered this weekend, March 24^th from 10a.m.-12a.m. teaching the home cook the tricks of putting on a flawless Easter Dinner. Chef Sarah will introduce the first fruits and vegetables of the spring season in new and appetizing ways. Sign up now as classes through The Kitchen Hotline often sell out.

One of the great beauties of Aspen and Snowmass Village is this community’s ability to carry on old traditions for while simultaneously creating new traditions along the way. Whether you love a traditional Easter celebration with sunrise service and an Easter Ham, or an Easter spent on the slopes of Aspen and Snowmass Village’s fantastic mountains, followed by brunch at the Regis, there is the perfect Easter waiting for you here this year!

Between Easter egg hunts, runs down the mountain and delicious food, take a moment to see homes, condos and investment properties in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Begin your new Easter tradition this year!

The last day to get out and enjoy Aspen and Snowmass Mountain this ski season will be April 15^th. To ensure that every one in Aspen and Snowmass Village has one last chance to feel the childlike joy of winter, the 5^th annual Schneetag will take place that same day just in front of Bonnie’s on Aspen Mountain.

Schneetag is the German word for ‘snow day.’ In Aspen it has a slightly different meaning. Here, Schneetag means grab your three closest, craziest friends, a sled and head out into the glorious spring air to create your own skit and zany sled to jump over a pond, or sometimes into the pond and float across. To up the ante just a little bit, there will be prizes such as a trip to L.A. to see the Summer X Games, tickets to a Rockies game in Denver, or the ever-enviable Helly Hansen jackets or Smith goggles.

Teams will be judged on the performance of their 400 lb. sled, but equally important will be their costumes, skit and overall performance. Per the official rules of Schneetag, the sled may have only one pilot, and it must be manpowered with no external energy sources.

Last year everything from Angry Birds, a group of bananas, people in their pajamas and a gorilla made their way down the mountain. While the objective is to jump across or float through the 75×20 ft. pond, most teams land somewhere in the middle of the pond with a resounding splash and flounder across. This may be due in part to the fact that the sleds making the jump are couches, giant shot glasses and buckets on skis.

In Olympic style judging, three judges hold up cards with each team’s score and an average of these scores determine the winner of the Schneetag competition. Not to be outdone by more serious winter competitions, the Schneetag awards ceremony is complete with podiums and an official ceremony. The winners and losers of the Schneetag competition tend to be slightly less serious about podium conduct, and have been known to push, pull and generally misbehave while receiving their awards.

The Schneetag competition captures the light-hearted spirit of Aspen and Snowmass Village. In a community where winter sports and snow itself are the lifeblood of the community, Aspen and Snowmass Village do not take themselves too seriously. The fun of Schneetag is contagious, making it one of the best events of the year on the mountain.

While Schneetag is the last hurrah for Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain in the 2012 season, Aspen Highlands will stay open an additional week.  Buttermilk’s closing day is slightly earlier in April, on the 8^th.

Aspen/Snowmass is offering specials throughout the month of April in which kids ski, stay and eat for free. This great deal makes it possible for families to get up to the mountains before closing day for an annual ski trip, or to return to the mountains for one last go.

Seize this great deal and head up to the mountains this April to catch the Schneetag competition and bid the winter farewell. Between watching crazy teams jump into a pond, skiing and playing in the snow, take a few moments to see homes, properties and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area. Despite being one of the most beautiful and cultured places on earth, it is also one of the most fun! Join the party today! Click here to see properties available in Aspen and Snowmass Village.