Holiday Wine Secrets from St. Regis Aspen Sommelier, LeeAnn Kaufman.

I know that not everyone feels this way, but I personally love to attend and throw holiday parties. The holiday music twinkling in the background, those festive fashions, and time to visit with people you don’t see often — what’s not to love? As we get closer to that special time of the year when people get closer together and share their love and friendship with each other, (this includes parties, dinners and an overall joyful experience for the most part) it’s just not a party if there is no drinking! So get creative with your wine choices and surprise your guests with something festive and completely different.

1. To awe your guests, serve a magnum of wine, which is inherently celebratory but not necessarily expensive (e.g., “J” sparkling wine or Saintsbury Pinot Noir). Have all of the guests sign the big bottle with a permanent marker as a keepsake.
2. Instead of a big-name bubbly, try a grower Champagne, which are essentially “indie Champagnes” prized for their individual personalities and fair prices.
3. Celebrate the holidays with a bottle of mature (i.e., aged) wine, which is easy to find in good wine shops and not necessarily expensive. The wine’s unusual taste and vintage year will make a special occasion even more memorable.
4. Discover Rueda, a tangy Spanish white that delivers more flavor for the buck than Pinot Grigio. Try drinking it via a porrón, a glass pitcher traditionally used with the Spanish sparkler cava.
5. Freeze some Moscato D’Asti in an ice tray, then chop it up, which essentially creates a simple form of granita, or flavored flakes of ice. Sprinkle the iced bits over fruit and serve it with glasses of Moscato D’Asti on the side.)
6. Use Tawny Port to introduce yourself to the nutty, caramel-tinged pleasures of Port. Try it with peanut brittle and your mind will be blown.
7. Build a night around opening a bottle of fine Madeira, a neglected treasure known for its caramel-and-molasses character and for-the-ages durability.
8. Opt for a red from the Loire Valley. Their light-to-medium weight and zesty red-berry flavors are splendidly versatile with food, including the spectrum of flavors at holiday tables.
9. To bring holiday cheer, try drinking a rich, moderately oaky red like California Cabernet through a licorice stick, as Stag’s Leap Cellars’ winemaker Nicki Pruss has been known to do.
10. Some people are under the impression that hosting a party involves purchasing the most expensive wine they can find, wine that would impress even the most seasoned connoisseur. However, when it comes down to it, the price of wine is not nearly as important as the variety.

 Cheers & Happy Holidays!

LeeAnn Kaufman
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Wine Director

With the winter season in full swing, there is nothing like the après scene in Aspen.  Après for most is just as important as catching the 1^st chair on a powder day.  For locals and travelers alike, après in Aspen is comparable to enjoying the sunset on the beach in Hawaii – it is something that you must do while you are here.  Après in our little mountain town is a timeless experience to say the least.   Whether you choose to indulge in cocktails and light fare or afternoon tea, there are plenty of choices for you to unwind with after a long day on the mountain.  Be warned, après can easily turn into an all night affair and you don’t want to be the one caught in your ski boots at 2am – it does happen. 

These are some of my favorite picks for après around town:

The Duchess of Bedford – Anna Maria Russell became accustomed to inviting her friends over for a light snack & tea to bridge the period between meals and converse about recent events, hence the idea of “afternoon tea” came into being.  Après Tea is the St. Regis Aspen Resort’s take on this timeless tradition and is presented daily during the winter season.  Joins us in the Shadow Mountain lounge from 3pm – 5pm & indulge yourself in finger sandwiches, scones, mini desserts and a choice selection of fine teas. Winnie the Pooh enjoyed his Elevenses with honey on bread & condensed milk. I prefer smoked salmon with a lemon crème fraiche, handcrafted macaroons, and organic green tee.  Join us.

Urban Lounge meets Mountain Town is the best way that I can describe 39 Degrees in the Sky Hotel.  39 degrees features indoor fireplaces, fire pits, a public pool & hot tub with signature cocktails and small plates.  On Sundays you can find DJ’s spinning the latest grooves and you will always find the newest ski videos playing on the monitors.  Be sure to come early if you don’t want to stand, as this venue typically fills up by 5:30pm.  Want to be seen?  Be at 39 degrees for après.  The fun begins at around 3:30pm but the bar service begins at 11am.

Base Camp (Snowmass) – After skiing around Elk Camp or taking in the mini ½ pipe, après at Base Camp in Snowmass is the place to be.  Situated right at the bottom of Fanny Hill you certainly can’t miss it.  Base Camp features 2 floors, an outdoor patio on the lower level and a large deck on the second floor offering seductive views of the Snowmass ski slopes.  You will find some of the best local bands playing here during après.  If you make it into late night, the second floor turns into a nightclub where some of the most talented local DJs can be found.  Base Camp specializes in “bar food” and for the hot wing connoisseur, some of the best wings in the Roaring Fork Valley are served right here.  

Ajax Tavern – Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern is the sensible solution for your après needs.  A large outdoor patio bar with heaters features a breathtaking view of Ajax.  Originally designed to be a French bistro, Ajax Tavern has delectable food and there is something on the menu for everyone – even a raw bar.  This tavern boasts the best burger in town and a visit to this Aspen staple wouldn’t be complete without an order of parmesan truffle fries.

Jimmy’s – Recently featured in the New York Times travel section, Jimmy’s is truly legendary and a must-visit while in Aspen.  Describing the bar scene as vibrant at Jimmy’s would be an understatement.  I recommend a visit there for après or late night. Specializing in steaks & seafood, dining at Jimmy’s is indeed a treat.  While enjoying a signature cocktail after a day on the slopes I recommend the Lobster Mac n’ Cheese or the baby lamb chops.

Justice Snow – A prohibition style mixologist bar with fabulous food.  Located in the historic Wheeler Opera House building, Justice Snow is a favorite for both the après experience and late night.  I recommend bellying up to the bar as your bartender creates carefully crafted cocktails showcasing exotic spirits and house made elixirs.  Feeling hungry?  Indulge yourself with the tempura fried pickles or the beet and kale salad.

With snow in the local forecast for the next seven days it seems as if this winter season is shaping up rather nicely.  With lots of snow there will be lots of skiing and riding.  With lots of skiing and riding there will certainly be lots of après.  I look forward to seeing you out and about in Aspen.

Stanton Moore
St. Regis Aspen Concierge

A chill is definitely in the air….We had an exceptional weekend storm bless us with inviting new snow coverage which left the mountain primed for the upcoming Women’s FIS World Cup, which is just around the corner. The launch of the winter 2012-2013 ski and snowboard season is also fast approaching and just on its coattails is the 1^st in a series of free Bud Light Hi-Fi concerts, which continue throughout the season, right in the central core of our beautiful little mountain town.  Not to mention the start of the winter holiday season with Thanksgiving knocking at our door.

If you are looking for the full Aspen experience this holiday weekend, here are some items that I just wouldn’t miss.
It is our hope that you will join us:

1^st Chair of the Season – It may be wishful thinking to be the first up the mountain on opening day, but the opportunity is definitely available to all of us. Be one of the 1^st to hit the slopes on either Aspen Mountain or Snowmass as the 2012-2013 Winter Season begins on November 22, 2012. The slopes open at 9am on Thanksgiving Day. No need to fret about equipment, as rental gear is available right on property at Aspen Sports (be sure to stop by the Concierge Desk for your discount coupons). 

For the planner in all of us, a rental reservation for ski and snowboard gear is offered prior to arrival at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. Please visit www.rentskis.com/stregis to reserve yours today.  Shuttle service is also available directly to the lift at Aspen Mountain via the hotel, or to Snowmass Mountain via a free shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes and picks up only half a block from the hotel. Total travel time to Snowmass is approximately 35 minutes.  If you prefer not to take a bus, pay a visit to our concierge desk for private transportation arrangements. If you are in need of lift tickets, they can be purchased in three different ways: The St. Regis Aspen concierge is pleased to make these arrangements for you, you may also purchase tickets at the base of any ski mountain, or you can order lift tickets directly from the Aspen Skiing Company in advance at www.aspensnowmass.com .

The  Après Experience – For some reason this happens to be my favorite time of the day.  After a long day of uncompromising powder turns, there is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, a sip of afternoon tea or your favorite libation and a small plate of culinary delights fireside.  Remove those uncomfortable boots, relax and let your hair down. The outdoor fire pits located in the courtyard of the St. Regis have been a longstanding favorite of locals and world travelers alike. Indulge in a specialty cocktail and handcrafted s ‘mores treat, a St. Regis Aspen tradition, available both in The Shadow Mountain Lounge and in The Fountain Courtyard.

For those that feel the need to turn it up a notch, another local favorite is Après at 39 Degrees in the Sky Hotel.  A brief walk from the St. Regis Aspen, The Sky possesses an outdoor pool that sits just outside of 39 Degrees with a contemporary urban lounge feel, highlighted by international melodies played over the lounge sound system. 

For the cocktail lover in all of us, a visit to Justice Snow may be in order. A prohibition style mixologist bar with an almost unlimited selection of cocktails to choose from – I would recommend a visit here for either après ski or late night libations. I propose approaching the bar with the name of your favorite spirit and allowing the mixologist to create a truly seductive experience.

A final favorite is Jimmy’s, featured recently in the New York Times for encompassing a truly compelling après experience here in Aspen, late afternoon or late night celebrations at Jimmy’s are always enthralling!

Thanksgiving Dining – On this 22^nd of November 2012 we will commemorate Thanksgiving here at The St. Regis Aspen and around the country.  A long standing holiday in American culture the Thanksgiving Feast is centered on one thing, Turkey.  As we treat ourselves to delicacies that our dietician tells us not to, we should all remember that this is the launch of the holiday season and it is meant to be enjoyed. 

For a rare epicurean experience, consider Thanksgiving dinner at the innovative Chefs Club by FOOD & WINE. With a captivating four course prix fixe that features mouthwatering offerings such as King Crab, Local Rabbit Crepinettes, & Pecan Cake, it is an evening of culinary delights not to miss.
View the Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu Here: Chefs Club Thanksgiving Prix Fixe

The Restaurant at the St. Regis Aspen is offering a delectable buffet on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are highly recommended (970.429.7373) and should be made early as this event sells out annually and is one not to be missed.  Join us for a rare epicurean feast, sure to be recounted for years to come, on Thanksgiving Day from 11am to 4pm. View the Menu Here:Thanksgiving Buffet 2012

World Cup – The only US stop for the Women’s FIS World Cup will be in Aspen on November 26^th & 27^th with activities beginning on the 25^th of November.  Want to meet the US team? On November 25, 2012 the Limelight Hotel will be hosting an autograph session from 5:30pm – 6:30pm followed by the Bib Draw featuring the top 15 female ski racers in the world. Support the US team, including athlete Lindsay Vonn as she makes her race debut this season.  On Saturday November 24, be sure to visit the sponsor village at the Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza from 10am – 4pm and the Taste of Winternational at the finish area which will feature complimentary food tastings, live music and prizes starting at 11:45am each day. On Saturday, November 24th competition begins at 10:15am with The Women’s Giant Slalom Final at 1:15pm. On Sunday, November 25th, competition begins at 10:00am with Women’s Slalom Final at1:00pm and the Taste of Winternational beginning at 11:45am.

Free shuttles to the finish area run from 8am – 3pm with a pickup at the St. Regis every 20 minutes.

Following the Taste of Winternational on the 24th, join us in the Fountain Courtyard for The St. Regis Aspen Resort’s First Annual Tree Lighting Ritual. The event takes place from 4pm-6pm and features local carolers from the Aspen School District, Santa Claus, Holiday Cookies, Beverages and more! If you are still looking for an enchanting backdrop for your annual Holiday Family Photo, look no further. View More Information: 2012 Tree Lighting Ritual

After the tree lighting, head to the upper Gondola plaza for the first Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert of the season. The Reverend Horton Heat, perhaps the most popular psychobilly artist of all time, will be performing from 6:30pm – 8:00pm with an awards ceremony and fireworks show immediately following. The concert is free to the public.

There are a plethora of ways to indulge this upcoming Thanksgiving Day weekend in Aspen. 
Life is all about experiences… LIVE IT!
Stanton Moore
St. Regis Aspen Concierge

Photograph by Caitlin Page

Discussed by Sommelier LeeAnn Kaufman

Brine or no brine? Roast or deep fry? Mashed or whipped potatoes? Brussels sprouts or green beans? Homemade stuffing or the good stuff in a bag? How many pies to bake? Assigned seats at the table or a free for all? Forget worrying about all of that stuff. It’s time to focus on what’s really important – finding the right wines to go with the big Thanksgiving Day meal.

Every year we find ourselves asking the same question, “What wine should I serve at Thanksgiving dinner?” But just as Thanksgiving comes and goes every year, so too does the never-ending annual barrage of wine pairing advice.

So where do you start? First take a look at what’s being served, and when. Are you doing several courses or will everything be out at once? If you’re going to serve a salad or soup before putting out all of the sides and the turkey, you can pair your wine with those initial dishes. Look for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to go with fall salads. I love the Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling from Washington State and the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The acidity and citrus notes of the wines will pair well with vinaigrettes. You can also always start the meal with a sparkling wine or champagne – they’re extremely food-friendly.

When you get to the main dishes, you want a wine that will find harmony with everything from a robust stuffing to tart cranberries to roasted vegetables and finally to the turkey. My recommendation is to serve a white and red for your guests. When choosing a white wine look for something that’s dry and crisp. A Riesling is again a great choice, as is a spicy Gewurztraminer. Both wines pair well with foods with lots of flavor. When choosing a red to serve, look for something that’s dry, but fruity. Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for the Thanksgiving feast thanks to its savory notes and earthiness. I love the Cherry Pie Pinot Noir from California or the Ken Wright “Meredith’s Vineyard” from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

And don’t forget about dessert! A good rule of thumb is to make sure the dessert wine is sweeter than what you’re gobbling up. Ports and Sherries are wonderful with the varieties of pies you’re likely serving. Ice wines from Canada or the Finger Lakes region in New York are also great options to showcase something new to your guests.

No matter what wine you choose for your Thanksgiving Day sips, remember it’s all about spending time with family and friends and enjoying a lovely meal together.

Cheers!
LeeAnn Kaufman
Wine Director
St. Regis Aspen Resort

Discussed by Sommelier LeeAnn Kaufman

Wine can be a very subjective thing. I can’t tell you the number of times I have been involved in a tasting and just about everyone at the tasting table smelled or tasted something different in the same wine. To some that can seem strange or frustrating but that is really one of the beautiful aspects of wine – that it can reveal so many different characteristics to different people and it is ever changing. Trying to capture all of those different characteristics on paper can seem to be a very daunting task. So why do it? What is the point?

The Purpose
There are many reasons to write tasting notes and I will hit on a few of them. I take tasting notes for a few reasons and I think each of these reasons pretty much define the purpose of a tasting note. I am sure there are others, but since this is my newsletter I am going to go with mine.

First:
I like to document what I experience with a wine each time I taste it to capture my personal experience. This not only helps me to go back and sort of relive the experience through my words but it also allows me to track a wine’s development over time. I have a number of wines in the St. Regis cellar that need a fair amount of bottle aging before they hit a peak window for drinking. These tasting notes are like a written photo album of the wine’s life. A written documentary of the seasons of life the wine has gone through. For those wines I only get to experience once, a detailed tasting note will allow me, perhaps many years later, to recall the experience in vivid detail and to some degree relive the wine.

Second:
I like to write tasting notes to share with friends and family, By no means am I an expert (pretty close though). I have tasted and written notes on thousands of wines, but I believe this is a constant learning experience. That said, the best education in wine is to taste and drink a lot of it and write tasting notes to help better understand what kind of wines you like, how different wines age, what is the difference between regions that make the same varietal etc. Over the years my wine notes, along with others whose tasting experience and notes I have come to respect, have served as an amazing education. Again, there is no better wine education than to taste as many wines as you possibly can from all over the world and write tasting notes on each.

Third:
The very act of writing a tasting note forces me to focus on a wine and its characteristics in a way I wouldn’t if I were just drinking it. Simply tasting, even using good tasting techniques, isn’t enough. The fact that I am committing myself to writing about all of the wine’s characteristics forces me to go through the tasting in steps and stages, carefully focusing on each of those phases and using my senses and mind to associate the characteristics with other things within my frame of reference. Then gathering those thoughts and putting them into words allows me to experience wine in a way that is really a thing of beauty.

Of course, I love to just drink it too, and I don’t suggest you have to go through an entire formal tasting process each time you open a bottle. That said, I do think once you get into the habit of doing it right it is a very hard habit to break no matter where you are drinking wine or the occassion. I have been known to write tasting notes on the palm of my hand at formal restaurants – shhh, don’t tell anyone!

Cheers!

LeeAnn Kaufman
Wine Director / Sommelier
St. Regis Aspen Resort

Photo Credit Jason Dewey

Travel + Leisure issued it’s “World’s Best” ratings last week, with Remède Spa at the St Regis Aspen Resort ranking as the #2 Hotel Spa in the United States.  We were so ecstatic that our ‘little spa that could’ was held in such high regard, that we completely missed the fact that they had also ranked us the #6 Hotel Spa in the entire world.

We are not the largest spa by far, nor the most modern, nor even the newest spa on these lists.  So what was it that set a small spa in Aspen, Colorado apart from so many thousands of others in the world?

Three magical ingredients:  World-class technicians, revolutionary treatments, and an approach to corporate culture that focused on positivity and happiness before all else.  When the goal of an entity is to create uncompromising happiness, and when the calling of team of exceptional individuals is to ensure that all our guests leave the spa happier and healthier, something extraordinary happens.  It just works.

Our take-away from all of this is simple.  We acquire this immense honor happily (and yes – we admit – a little giddily) and use it as a renewal of our vows to never stop striving to be the very best escape our guests could hope for. 

Come see for yourself – and find out what the sixth best spa in the entire world feels like! 

Julie Oliff
Spa Director

The Denver Business Journal 9/18/12

Travel + Leisure October 2012

Photo Credit Douglas Hayes

As the seasons change so do the colors of the leaves of the trees and there is no time more beautiful to be in the Roaring Fork Valley then now!  Whether you choose horseback riding, cycling, hiking, a hot air balloon ride, a guided tour or just a scenic drive, you must experience the explosions of red, orange and gold that sweep over the Rocky Mountains as fall approaches.  There is no right or wrong way to do this – just get it done!  Here are some of our most captivating ideas…

Independence Pass – Only open for several months a year “the pass” is an extraordinary drive at any time, but a must-do this time of year and indeed one of my favorite ways to enjoy the fall foliage.  You can actually “kill 2 birds with one stone” as you can take a short drive up the pass pull over and enjoy one of the many hikes that are offered in that area.  For those not motivated to do any physical activity a drive from the St. Regis to the top of the pass and back to town is just 90 minutes.  Access to Independence Pass is via Cooper Avenue located right in downtown Aspen just a few blocks from the hotel.  Do not hesitate to contact the concierge desk for your transportation needs. To get the full experience I suggest renting either an Audi TT convertible or a Jeep Wrangler Soft Top – do the needful… plug in your pod device, drop the top & enjoy the ride.

West Maroon Trail (Maroon Bells) – I just tackled this exhilarating hike the other day with friends and I now consider it a must-do.  An extension of the ever so popular Crater Lake trail – the West Maroon Trail allows for what many would consider a mild/moderate hike to become a bit of a workout and definitely a great way to break a sweat.  Twisting and turning through a dense forest of Aspen trees with picturesque mountain peaks stretching above as you reach one of the many small meadows that you will encounter… have your cameras ready!  Unfortunately this late in the season the Crater Lake is dry but don’t let that deter you as the scenery is astounding.  A 20 minute car ride from the hotel to the trailhead – 4 turns and you are there.  Allow at least 3.5 hours round-trip for the hike. Guides are available (but not necessary).  If the explanation of this experience enchants you, but not the hiking bit…. the West Maroon trail is also popular for horseback riders.  Want just half of the workout?  There is also an outfitter that will drive you all the way up to the Bells and you can enjoy an all downhill ride back to town.  Allow the St. Regis Aspen concierge desk to arrange any of these excursions for you.

Hot Air Balloon Ride – Sunrise with a bird’s eye view of the majestic Elk Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains.  Enjoy the early morning wildlife and, of course, the fall foliage from your basket floating a few thousand feet above the mountains.  After the ride enjoy a continental breakfast and a sip of champagne.  This is an experience unlike any other. Accomplish more before 8am than most people do all day!

There are a lot of ways to experience Aspen as the fall foliage is upon us.  Give us a call at the concierge desk or simply stop by upon your arrival and it would be our pleasure to discuss any available options with you. Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Stanton Moore
St. Regis Aspen Concierge

Photo Credit Kristen Merselis

The beautiful gold, red and orange of the Rocky Mountain fall foliage is already starting to show in the mountains here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Before we know it the exterior of the St. Regis and the town of Aspen are going to be aglow with striking autumnal colors. As usual, the changing of the trees aligns perfectly with the 37th Annual Snowmass Balloon Festival.

Growing up in the Roaring Fork Valley, the Snowmass Balloon Festival has been a favorite event of mine. As a small child, I remember being woken early one morning by a balloon that had drifted off course and was forced to land in my backyard. If you have never seen a hot air balloon up close, I can guarantee you that there is nothing quite like it.

Taking place September 14^th-16^th the Festival is one of the highest hot air balloon festivals in the nation and is a definite reason for a visit to Aspen in the fall. Coupled with Alex Seidel’s visit to Chefs Club by FOOD & WINE, this will surely be a weekend to remember.

We hope you will join us and experience the full grandeur of the St. Regis Aspen Resort and the Rocky Mountains this autumn.

Photo Credit Douglas Hayes

What does happiness look like? Since it’s our job description to create happy experiences, we put some serious thought into this question. For me, it’s quite simply a cup of tea, my cat and a really good book – but that makes me sound a little like a crazy cat lady – so I tried to find a slightly more socially acceptable definition.

What we came up with was that we are most happy when all our senses are aligned and satisfied – when taste, smell, touch and sight are tantalized and inspired. We though it would be simply amazing to have a spa service that accomplished all that – so we created one.

The Remède team put their thinking caps on – we looked a little funny, but one must make sacrifices for greatness – and and the Farm-to-Massage-Table concept was born almost by accident. When we were exitedly describing the idea to the first technicians to try it out – and talking about how we were going to be using locally-sourced and natural incredients – they joked it was a twist on the already popular Farm-to-Table concept… Our “table” just happens to be more comfortable than most.

Little did we realize as we tasted test bites and tested products, that we were creating something wholly new and terribly exciting. When we found the perfect partnership with Salt of the Earth, a highly customized product line out of Utah, all the pieces of the puzzle fit together quite magically.

Imagine this: you plan on spending the entire day at Remède. Your experience starts with a scent journey, where you can select a savory and a sweet choice. (My personal favorites are Cabernet-Neroli for the savory and Almond-Biscotti for the sweet!) Once you’ve picked your scent, you’re offered a tailored bite that echoes and compliments the scent you selected. You then go in to a 30-minute salt glow scrub made from the savory scent, followed by a 60-minute customized massage, a ‘palate-cleansing’ eucalyptus warm compress, and then topped off with a 30-minute scalp massage and Sweet whipped body butter application.

But life is not complete without dessert, so when you emerge from your body butter application, you’re offered a hand-crafted bite of dessert that echoes the flavors that were just used in your service – and of course, a glass of bubbly.

Your senses have been aligned – you’ve tasted what you’ve smelled, sensed and seen. You’ve treated your body like your palate and been scrubbed, massaged and fed. You also leave the spa with a complimentary salt-scrub made fresh, just for you.

That sounds like happiness to us.

Julie Oliff
Director of Remède Spa

A true summertime experience in Aspen/Snowmass is one that is filled with the sound of music. With JAS Aspen, the Aspen Music Festival, the Blue Grass series at Aspen Mountain, Belly Up concerts, and the Snowmass concert series there is literally music everywhere.  Everything from chamber music, to classical, jazz, rock, blue grass, country, R&B, and even electronic sounds can be experienced right here in our little mountain town.  Below is just an introduction to music in Aspen:

Snowmass Summer Concert Series: 6/28 – 8/16: This is my TOP pick for the summer.  Located on Fanny Hill in Snowmass this weekly concert series brings out world class entertainment every Thursday from 6:15pm to 8:30pm.  Some of the highlights of this year’s schedule include:  Monophonics – a San Francisco Psychedelic Soul band on 7/12.  The Quick & Easy Boys – Funky R&B with a pinch of honky-tonk on 7/19.  The Honey Island Swamp Band from New Orleans playing their own brand of Rock & Roll on 8/2.  This concert series is FREE and offers $10 bottles of wine, $2 beers, grilled meats, pet friendly area and a kid’s zone with clowns, games, bouncing house and face painting. There is only lawn seating available but why sit when you can dance…. One of the most popular areas of the concert series is the make shift dance floor that happens right in front of the stage every week.  But if you would rather relax than groove be sure to bring a blanket or a low back folding chair as the grass is soft (and feels great in between your toes) but can be a bit rocky and uncomfortable after some time. This concert series is definitely for everyone and I can almost personally guarantee a FABULOUS time to be had by all.  Do as the locals do – enjoy an adult beverage or two and take public transportation (RFTA) to and from the series.  The bus station is less than ½ block from the hotel and that travel time is 35 minutes.    Be sure to stop by the concierge desk on your way out for dinner recommendations after the show if you are interested in dining in the Snowmass area. For the full concert schedule visit: Snowmass Free Thursday Night Concerts 

Aspen Music Festival: 6/20 – 8/19:  For the true music lover in all of us!! Aspen Music Festival & School brings top notch classical, chamber & opera to beautiful Aspen.  From student recitals to evening symphonies this festival sets the tone for summer in the Rocky Mountains.  Averaging 6 concert events a day the Aspen Music Festival always has something to offer.  For those taking a stroll around town be sure to support the student performers on the streets of Aspen.  These same students will fill your symphony halls in the near future – why not take an early look.  Where can you find them?  You can catch these rising stars anywhere on the walking mall & nightly in front of Paradise Bakery.  Do as the locals do – for evening events being held at the Benedict Music Tent grab a blanket, maybe a cheese plate, a bottle of red (I prefer the Phelps ’06) and head over to the tent to enjoy the concert (and wine) on the lawn area that surrounds the tent.  You can’t see the performance but music is in the air.  Make some new friends and enjoy the evening.  The tent is a 25 minute walk from the St. Regis or the St. Regis transportation department can offer you a ride to & from the venue. For a complete list of performers please visit:  http://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/.

Bluegrass Sundays on Aspen Mountain: every Sunday until 9/2 –This is a two for one deal.  For those that want a physical challenge a hike up the Ute trail to the summit of Aspen mountain (advanced hike – 2 hours time) gets you a free gondola ride back down.  For the traveler that prefers a more mellow experience a 14 minute gondola ride gets you there all the same – be sure to stop by the concierge desk to pick up a discount coupon for the cost of the gondola ticket.  But there is music too!  This concert series features some of the best bluegrass musicians in Colorado and from around the country. And the views are absolutely amazing. The concert is from 12noon – 3pm and the Sundeck restaurant is available for your dining and beverage needs.  There is also a similar series featuring the Music Festival School students on Saturdays.  This is a fabulous way to spend a relaxing afternoon in Aspen.

Belly Up Aspen – this late night venue is the place where all of your musical dreams may come true.  Located just 1 block from the beautiful St. Regis Aspen, Belly Up features all genres of music and even offers some all ages shows.  The venue can only hold 400 people and has a state of the art lighting and sound system which makes for really special experiences when listening to your favorite artists.  Some of the highlights for their summer season concerts include: Chris Isaak (7/17), Al Green (7/24), Kaskade (7/30), Pat Benatar (8/4), & Buddy Guy(9/2).  With a line up like that where could you go wrong?  For a complete schedule visit: http://www.bellyupaspen.com/.  You can order tickets directly from the website or contact us at the concierge desk and it would be our pleasure to take care of things for you.

Offering a bit something musically for everyone Aspen in the summer is a very special place to be. Whether you want to have a very refined experience or you just want to dance – you can do it all here.

Stanton Moore
St. Regis Aspen Concierge