While the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, there is quite a bit of enjoyment to be had here after a day on the slopes. If you get there right after leaving the slopes, and eat a late dinner – after the center closes – you will have plenty of time to enjoy what the ARC has to offer. The climbing walls at the center are the biggest attraction. The ARC features approximately 3100 feet of climbing walls for your enjoyment. There is also a 3-D climbing tower with more than 25 routes and four auto belays. Another nice feature at the Aspen Recreation Center is the pool area. The James E. Moore Pool area features two pools. One pool is 25 yards in length and features six lanes, while the other pool is for recreation and has a two story slide, a lazy river, and spray features. You will also find a dry sauna, a steam room, and hot tubs in the pool area. The Lewis Ice Arena is also located at the Aspen Recreation Center. Completed in the Spring of 2003, the arena features an NHL regulation size skating surface, grandstand seating for 450, a skate shop, locker rooms, and shower rooms. Public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey, and skating shows are available. You can also host private parties at the arena. High altitude training is also offered here. You will also find cardio and weight rooms at the center, and many fitness classes are also offered. The Aspen Recreation Center hosts many off-site activities in the Aspen area as well, such as golf, tennis, climbing, aquatics, sailing, skateboarding, ceramics classes, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, and various camps. Babysitting services are available at the center as well. This place is a great way to wrap up a day of activity and wind down before your evening meal. Again, the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, so make sure you head there right after leaving the slopes for the day. Admission for guests is $13 for youths and $15 for adults. Admission includes access to the climbing towers, swimming pool area, ice skating rink, weight room, cardio room, adult fitness classes, water aerobics, climbing wall and playhouse, and tennis courts. The Aspen Recreation Center is a great place for every member of the family. Call ahead to find out about any planned events that are going on for even more entertainment options.
No matter what time of year it is when you visit Aspen, there is always something going on – even in the off season. The town is small, but there are usually several types of entertainment offered each evening in different parts of the small town. Generally, you won’t have to search too hard to find some entertainment – but it is better to know exactly what is going on all over town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife that best suits your interests. First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen a few months before your trip if possible. Ask them what events are planned for the time period that you will be there. Events are usually scheduled well in advance, and finding out about these events well in advance will not only help you to better make your plans, but it will also allow you to purchase needed tickets in advance. Nothing will be more disappointing than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your favorite band is in town for a sold out show! Events can come up at the last minute as well. Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the concierge about events that will be taking place during your stay. If you have already contacted the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most of what is going on around town – but there may be a few surprises in store for you. Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages! Snowmass is a village that almost seems to be a part of Aspen – but it isn’t. Contact the Snowmass town hall to find out what events are scheduled in the village during your visit. Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen. Use Internet resources, as well as the information that you learn from the various Chambers of Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime and night time activities while you will be in Aspen. Again, there is always something to do in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will waste a lot of time trying to decide what you want to do. While you want to go in with a plan, leave a day or two open – with no plans. Use these days for shopping expeditions or simply take a quiet walk through the quiet Victorian neighborhoods. Go to a restaurant that isn’t in your plans, or spend some time in the Great Room at your lodge. There is always something to do…but sometimes, it is nice to have nothing to do as well!
You may have been to many balls in your lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls, and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado, you are missing out on all the fun! Known as ‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East Dean Street every March. Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a celebration of Reebok shares trading on the stock market for the very first time. This black tie event was much like other balls – but everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first Sneaker Ball was born. The following year, Al Gross decided that this was the kind of party that people really liked – but instead of being limited to white Reeboks, the idea would be for the guests to wear formal gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where people know how to party – and thousands of people from all over the world fly into Aspen to attend. One of the nicest things guests like about the Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a program designed to help inner-city kids. These kids are brought to Aspen to experience what life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t even realize that places like Aspen really exist. Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too bad considering that the money is for a good cause. People from diverse backgrounds attend the Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are there, infamous people, and people who are neither famous nor infamous attend – and every one has a fantastic time. The party gets started at about 9:30pm and ends around 1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in various locations throughout Aspen. If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your chance! You will rub elbows with the famous, show off your custom designed sneakers along with your formal wear, and dance the night away – and all for a very good cause. This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and purchase your tickets right away. Also check with the various hotels and lodges to inquire about package deals and get your reservations set before everything is sold out!
You may have been to many balls in your lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls, and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado, you are missing out on all the fun! Known as ‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East Dean Street every March. Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a celebration of Reebok shares trading on the stock market for the very first time. This black tie event was much like other balls – but everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first Sneaker Ball was born. The following year, Al Gross decided that this was the kind of party that people really liked – but instead of being limited to white Reeboks, the idea would be for the guests to wear formal gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where people know how to party – and thousands of people from all over the world fly into Aspen to attend. One of the nicest things guests like about the Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a program designed to help inner-city kids. These kids are brought to Aspen to experience what life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t even realize that places like Aspen really exist. Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too bad considering that the money is for a good cause. People from diverse backgrounds attend the Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are there, infamous people, and people who are neither famous nor infamous attend – and every one has a fantastic time. The party gets started at about 9:30pm and ends around 1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in various locations throughout Aspen. If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your chance! You will rub elbows with the famous, show off your custom designed sneakers along with your formal wear, and dance the night away – and all for a very good cause. This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and purchase your tickets right away. Also check with the various hotels and lodges to inquire about package deals and get your reservations set before everything is sold out!
Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the day isn’t difficult – get out on the slopes and ski or enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love. At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with Aspen nightlife! No matter how old or young you are, there is something to do in Aspen twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Music and dancing are the biggest Aspen nightlife attractions, but there is more to do than just that – so if you aren’t quite old enough to get into the various bars and clubs in the area, don’t think that you will be bored at night – you won’t be! Start by finding out what activities are planned for the evening at your lodge or hotel. Most lodges and hotels have events planned throughout the season – and this is a good place to start finding things to do after the slopes have closed for the day. Shopping in Aspen is another highlight. There are many galleries and specialty shops that you won’t find in your own hometown. Take advantage of this. Most shops are open after the slopes have closed for the day, and many stay open late because they understand that you want to spend your daylight hours out on the slopes. If you aren’t old enough for the club scene, take advantage of the teen nights that are offered by many of the resorts. These are safe fun nights for teens, which parents will approve of. Teens also enjoy the offerings at many of the spas. Spas aren’t just for adults. Enjoy the skin treatments, massages, saunas, and hot tubs. Some resorts also have game rooms for the teens and younger kids. If you are old enough for the bars and clubs – finding something to do won’t be hard at all. Again, find out what is happening in the evening at your lodge or hotel first. If you aren’t interested, hit the streets. Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen, and anything that is out of walking distance is accessible by bus or taxi. If you will be drinking, do not drive your car to the bar or club – find alternate transportation. The Aspen Recreation center has many planned events throughout the season that are appropriate for adults and kids. However, if you are planning to bring the kids, but you want to enjoy some adult Aspen nightlife as well, child care may be available through your lodge or hotel.
Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the day isn’t difficult – get out on the slopes and ski or enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love. At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with Aspen nightlife! No matter how old or young you are, there is something to do in Aspen twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Music and dancing are the biggest Aspen nightlife attractions, but there is more to do than just that – so if you aren’t quite old enough to get into the various bars and clubs in the area, don’t think that you will be bored at night – you won’t be! Start by finding out what activities are planned for the evening at your lodge or hotel. Most lodges and hotels have events planned throughout the season – and this is a good place to start finding things to do after the slopes have closed for the day. Shopping in Aspen is another highlight. There are many galleries and specialty shops that you won’t find in your own hometown. Take advantage of this. Most shops are open after the slopes have closed for the day, and many stay open late because they understand that you want to spend your daylight hours out on the slopes. If you aren’t old enough for the club scene, take advantage of the teen nights that are offered by many of the resorts. These are safe fun nights for teens, which parents will approve of. Teens also enjoy the offerings at many of the spas. Spas aren’t just for adults. Enjoy the skin treatments, massages, saunas, and hot tubs. Some resorts also have game rooms for the teens and younger kids. If you are old enough for the bars and clubs – finding something to do won’t be hard at all. Again, find out what is happening in the evening at your lodge or hotel first. If you aren’t interested, hit the streets. Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen, and anything that is out of walking distance is accessible by bus or taxi. If you will be drinking, do not drive your car to the bar or club – find alternate transportation. The Aspen Recreation center has many planned events throughout the season that are appropriate for adults and kids. However, if you are planning to bring the kids, but you want to enjoy some adult Aspen nightlife as well, child care may be available through your lodge or hotel.
After a day on the slopes, you may be wondering what there is to do for the rest of the evening. Well, don’t use up all of your energy, and leave the slopes early enough to get in a short nap – you will need all of the energy you can muster for the Aspen nightlife. No matter how much skiing you get in or how many of the runs you have mastered, you have not truly experienced Aspen until you venture out after dark! Aspen has three basic areas: downtown, the West end, and the East end. The town is remarkably small, considering how many people venture here each season – but surprisingly, everyone and everything just fits. The town is actually small enough to leave your car parked at your lodge or hotel and walk anywhere that you want to go. In fact, this is recommended. Not everyone pays heed to this advice, which can make driving around and parking very difficult. You can also take a free shuttle from one mountain to another, take the Roaring Fork Transit Authority Bus, or go to the Rubey Park Transportation Center to get a ride anywhere in the valley. Don’t worry about getting lost. The town is well laid out. Starting on the West end, you will find a quiet Victorian neighborhood. While this is a residential district, where locals live, you will also find many hotels and condos on the West end, particularly on Main Street. You will also find the Aspen Meadows Conference Center and Hotel. This is a 40-acre area where you will also find the Aspen Institute, the Music Tent, the Harris Concert Hall, the Paepcke Auditorium, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, and the Aspen Center for Physics. In the East end of Aspen you will find another residential area, as well as the Roaring Fork River and the Aspen Club and Spa. The East end features more forests than the West end, which has been developed a great deal more. Between the West End and the East End, you will find downtown Aspen. Downtown is where most of the action is. Featuring old Victorian buildings, downtown Aspen boasts pubs, restaurants, shops, and everything else you could ever possibly need – all housed in beautiful historical landmark buildings. Down the valley a ways, you will find Snowmass Village. To the west, you will also find Roaring Fork Valley. These two villages are compliments of Aspen, and you should take the time to visit them as well.
There is always something going on in Aspen, Colorado and the Aspen nightlife is very active. You can find a wide variety of things to do – but if you want a little culture, you should definitely find out what events are planned at the Harris Concert Hall. At the Harris Concert Hall, you will find everything from Piano Recitals to Rock-n-Roll Concerts. Events are planned well in advance, so you should be able to find out what concerts and events are scheduled to coincide with your Aspen vacation. The Harris Concert Hall is located in the West end of Aspen, in a quaint residential neighborhood. Due to parking and traffic problems, you should strongly consider walking to the concert hall. It is a short ten minute walk from the downtown area. Other transportation options include biking or taking the bus. When there are events at the concert, it is very difficult to find parking. The Aspen Music Festival and School were founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke from Chicago. Many music professionals train here and all of the school and festival performances take place in the Harris Concert Hall, which seats over 2000 people. You should definitely try to visit Aspen during the Music Festival. This takes place over a nine week period in the summer, and there are usually more than 200 planned events. People from all over the world come to the Aspen Music Festival, so be sure that you make your plans and reservations early! Another exciting event that takes place at the Harris Concert Hall is the Aspen Film Festival. This festival takes place three times each year. The Aspen Shortsfest is held in the Spring. The Aspen Filmfest is held during the Fall, and the Aspen Academy Screenings are held during the Winter. Again, people come from all over the world for these events, so make your plans early. The Harris Concert Hall is full of history, even though the newest section of it wasn’t built until recently. This is a major part of Aspen’s history and culture, and you should try to attend at least one event at the Harris Concert Hall while you are in Aspen. Most events take place in the evening; however there are also events that take place during the day. You can check with your lodge or hotel to find out what events are planned at the Concert Hall each day. Also inquire about the need to purchase advance tickets for specific events.
Aspen | 
Comments (0) 