SPRING 2012

ASPEN, Colo. - With spring in the air, Aspen welcomes a bloom of budding businesses and big news for visitors, from redesigned iconic hotels and new summer air service to construction commencing at Aspen Art Museum's new home and  enticing additions to summer festivals. Aspen's newest and most notable news is detailed below. For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit www.aspenchamber.org or call 800.670.0788.  

AIRLINE NEWS

American Airlines Non-Stop Flights From Los Angeles & Dallas

During winter 2011/2012, American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, launched new nonstop seasonal service between Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport aboard CRJ-700 jet aircraft. Service will run from June 14 through Aug. 20.

HOTEL NEWS

The Sky Hotel, the center of Aspen's see-and-be-see scene, is preparing for a two-part renovation with the first stage starting in April 2012. Interior Designer Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studios will re-envision the guestrooms and corridors, employing a mix of retro and contemporary styles but staying true to the Sky Hotel's ski-lodge timber architecture and trademark playful aesthetic. (709 E. Durant Ave., www.theskyhotel.com) Hotel Jerome, Aspen's historic gem, is under new management with Auberge Resorts and undergoing a renovation beginning late summer 2012. While most details are not yet available, its 94 guestrooms will be refreshed, and a spa will be added. (330 E. Main St., www.hoteljerome.com) St. Regis Aspen Resort reopened December 2011 following a $40 million renovation and redesign by renowned designer Lauren Rottet. A comprehensive interior and exterior redesign represent a new standard of five-star luxury in Aspen. Changes include completely redesigned guestrooms offering a separate shower and tub experience; a new entrance; newly created library with fireplace, sofas, bookshelves, and game tables; new restaurant concept and location allowing for outside dining; embellished ballroom and meeting space inspired by the Gilded Age; and a renovated pool area. For details, visit www.stregisaspen.com/redesign. (315 E. Dean St., www.stregisaspen.com)

FOOD & WINE NEWS

• NEW! Restaurateurs Samantha and Craig Cordts-Pearce have added Above the Salt to their small restaurant empire in Aspen, which also includes Steakhouse No. 316, CP Burger, Brexi Brasserie and The Wild Fig. Located in a prominent space on the Mill Street Mall, Above the Salt serves mid-priced "rustic peasant and street food" with an Italian flair for lunch and dinner. The husband-wife team have also restored The Popcorn Wagon, bringing the menu back to its roots with items like gyros, crepes and hot dogs and staying open until 3 a.m. (305 S. Mill St., 970.544.3399)
• NEW! Justice Snow's, a new restaurant and bar named for the Justice of the Peace when the Wheeler Opera House was built in the 1880s, opened in the historic Wheeler Opera House in mid-January. Owners Marco Cingolani and Michele Kiley teamed up with Rowland + Broughton Architects and Matt Duncan Designs to preserve and enliven the historic space with mining-camp details like an antique copper-top bar and machine-age light fixtures made from repurposed bicycle parts. Chef Jonathan Lichleiter creates Colorado and Western-influenced cuisine with an emphasis on regional ingredients, and Mixologist Joshua Smith has crafted a cocktail list unlike anything Aspen has ever seen. Justice Snow's features both small and large plates with moderate prices amidst a lively bar scene. (221 S. Mill St., www.justicesnows.com)
• RENOVATED! Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar emerged from a facelift in December 2011. While interiors have been updated, owner Bryan Nelson stays true to his focus of presenting the freshest, most sustainable fish available, complemented by local produce and herbs grown in their rooftop garden. (307 S. Mill St., www.pacificaaspen.com)
• NEW! Creperie du Village is an authentic French café in the heart of Aspen, open daily 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., from lunch through après-ski and dinner until late, late night. With a full bar, cozy furnishings, rafters stacked with wine bottles and a sunny patio facing Aspen Mountain, Creperie offers a taste of the alps in its ambiance and its menu, featuring sweet and savory crepes, raclette, fondue, salads, charcuterie and cheese boards. (400 E. Hopkins Ave., 970.925.1566)
• NEW! Finbarr's Irish Pub is a true Gastropub with a sophisticated ambiance, serving tasty food and nine beers on tap. Crystal chandeliers, leather banquettes, dark wood beams, whitewashed brick walls and black-and-white photography add a rustic elegance to the former Mustang space on the Hyman Avenue pedestrian mall. Dishes served include traditional pub fare such as shepherd's pie, fish and chips and Guinness-braised lamb shank by Chef Joe Flamer. (415 E. Hyman Ave., 970.925.2719)
• NEW OWNERSHIP! Lunchtime hotspot and specialty foods retailer The Cheese Shop has reopened under new ownership. Andrew and Sarah Helsey, both former chefs at The Little Nell, have revamped the menu with new fare including a $7 dolcelatte grilled cheese with apple, endive and wildflower honey. In addition to affordable lunch items, specialty products like imported olive oils, unique wines, and cheese are available. (601 E. Hopkins Ave.)

ARTS, CULTURE & RETAIL NEWS

• NEW MUSEUM! Following an official groundbreaking on Aug. 16, 2011, Aspen Art Museum begins construction of its new 30,000-square-foot Shigeru Ban-designed building, commencing spring 2012 with a targeted completion date in late 2013, and a grand opening in early 2014. The AAM will continue its programming of internationally significant contemporary art at its current location throughout the construction of the new facility. Founded in 1979, the Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting museum for contemporary art, one of only four art institutions in Colorado accredited by the American Association of Museums and a leading voice in the intellectual discourse of international contemporary art. Construction of the new AAM facility is completely privately funded. (Corner of S. Spring St. and E. Hyman Ave., www.aspenartmuseum.com)
• NEW! Kate Spade is opening an Aspen outpost in summer 2012, adding the only Colorado location to their cache of 38 stores nationwide. The quaint Galena Street store will outfit Aspen's well-heeled residents and visitors in chic Kate Spade clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories and more. (307 S. Galena St., www.katespade.com)
• NEW! Aspen Emporium & Flying Circus opened just before Christmas 2011, giving local entrepreneurs and artists a storefront for homegrown goods. Pick up locally made hats, jewelry, pottery plus edible goods like coffee roasted in Basalt and Jack Reed's produce, pastas, sauces and soups. Hook up to the self-serve oxygen bar, and take a gander at locally produced sculpture, photography and fine art. (315 E. Main St., on.fb.me/AspenEmporium)
• NEW! Jewelry designer Kathryn Penn opened her own shop on Cooper Avenue in December 2011. Having started at the Aspen Saturday Market and formerly sharing space with Kali's Denim, Penn now has ample space to display her collection of Indian diamond jewelry. (525 E. Cooper Ave., facebook.com/kathrynpennfinejewelry)
• NEW! Luxe knitwear specialist Souchi offers exquisite cashmere knits in a palette ranging from muted earth tones to bright ice cream colors. The store began 13 years ago in San Francisco and has since graced the pages of Vogue and W Magazine. (205 S. Mill St., www.souchi.com)
• NEW! At Union of Angels, equestrian-meets-rock-star is the look du jour. Prepare to swoon over flirty party dresses toughened up with velvet bolero riding jackets. (205 S. Mill St., www.unionofangels.com)
• NEW! Argentina-based La Martina brings clothing, boots and accessories from the polo world to Aspen. (218 S. Mill St., www.lamartina.com)
• NEW! Drasner Gallery is the newest edition to Aspen's vibrant art-gallery scene. Owned by artist Linda Drasner, the gallery showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary artists. (520 E. Hyman Ave., www.drasnergallery.com)
• NEW! Palaso is a boutique filled with gorgeous jewelry, clothing and accessories to fit any budget, located next to Cache Cache on the lower level of the Mill St. shopping center. (205 Mill St., www.palasoluxe.com)

2012 SUMMER CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Aspen's summer calendar fêtes everything from cycling and kayaking, to food and wine, even fine writing and independent film, with festivals and special events ranking among the very best in their genres. While Aspen's summer visitors can avail themselves of the multitude of outdoor and cultural pursuits all season, following are some highlights of Aspen's summer 2012 events calendar:

• Outside in Aspen, June 8 - 10, 2012 - Kicking off Aspen's summer season, Outside in Aspen™ returns to its classic mountain setting for the third year this June. Led by renowned professional athletes, Outside in Aspen is a participatory weekend, inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all levels to hone skills or learn a new sport among like-minded enthusiasts against a stunning Aspen backdrop. Confirmed athletes include professional cyclist Tyler Hamilton, elite kayaker and SUP innovator Charlie MacArthur, professional kayaker Willie Kern, celebrated triathlete Jesse Thomas, and adventure dog specialist Mike Stewart. www.outsideinaspen.com

• FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, June 15 - 17, 2012 - Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012, the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen further cements its reputation as the nation's premier culinary festival with a line-up of NEW events and the greatest number of chefs and winemakers ever gathered in Aspen. Together, epicurean masters, Mario Batali, Giada DeLaurentiis, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Tom Colicchio, Danny Meyer, Jacques Pépin, Michael Symon, Ming Tsai and many more will lead more than 80 cooking seminars and demonstrations. Attendees will also be treated to special 30th anniversary events and new programming including a hands-on knife skills seminar, a butchering demonstration, a 5K charity run, an anniversary party, and a late-night dessert bash. For additional detail, to purchase tickets, and receive event updates, visit www.foodandwine.com/classic.

• USA Pro Cycling Challenge, Aug. 22 - 23, 2012 - Aspen hosts TWO of the seven stages of the second annual 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, including a finish on Aug. 22 and a start on Aug. 23. The brainchild of part-time Aspenite Lance Armstrong, the UPCC has the highest registration level next to the Tour de France, runs from Aug. 20 - 26, 2012 and covers nearly 600 miles of Colorado's most demanding terrain. Last year, Aspen hosted the "Queen Stage," where nearly 4,000 spectators gathered on Independence Pass to watch elite cyclists descend into the finish in downtown Aspen. www.aspenupcc.com 

Booking Trips

There are ongoing lodging packages available through Aspen/Snowmass official tour operators. For a list of tour operators, visit: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/touroperators.cfm for the "welcome international guests" page including access to our multi language vacation planners in PDF:http://www.aspensnowmass.com/internationalguests.cfm.

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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