It's been a long winter, and with Aspen Skiing Co.'s announcement of a season extension, it's going to be a long spring too.
Break out the tanning oil, bikinis and good-time radar because
warm-weather fun starts this weekend and doesn't end until the sun sets
on Highlands (second) closing day party at the end of April.
Oh, and bust out the sequins too. Spring Jam kicks off with Super
Diamond, a fabulous Neil Diamond cover group, during their downtown
free Core party on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. And even if you think
"Sweet Caroline" is the only thing worth listening to, don't forget
anthems such as "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Girl, You'll Be
a Woman Soon." All classics. (They play at Belly Up the following night
for those seeking back-to-back serenades.)
On Saturday, March 22, SkiCo's longest-running official spring event,
KickAspen Big Air, returns to the base of Ajax for its ninth year. If
you haven't checked out the kicker at the bottom, it's closer to the
size of a second hill and promises for big hits. SkiCo, in partnership
with local athletes and Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club coaches,
starts their terrain park boot camp on Saturday too. It's a free,
open-to-the-public clinic in Snowmass for anyone wanting to learn how
to hit features and rails - a chance to "dip your toes in terrain park
waters," says John Rigney, SkiCo's director of event marketing.
The second of three big concerts takes to Snowmass on Sunday, March 23
with Ky-mani Marley, of - you guessed it - the legendary Marley family.
If Damian, Stephen, Ziggy and Bob are up your reggae alley, then don't
miss the show that starts at 4 p.m. on Fanny Hill.
The following Friday, March 28, brings Grammy award-winning trio De La
Soul to the stage. From an early hip-hop scene in the late '80s, and
release of "3 Feet High and Rising," their eclectic lyrics launched
them into the public scope. Seven albums later, they're still garnering
respect as one of the most influential and long-lasting jazz rap groups
to grace the scene.
Then there's Schnee Tag, a quirky, yet entertaining event coming to
Snowmass on Saturday, March 29. Rules require that teams of four create
some sort of craft to carry them over a massive pond of water. But
don't underestimate the seriousness of this event - winners receive a
trip to Red Bull's annual and coveted Flugtag event. Taking place in
Chicago, Tampa Bay, Fla. and Oregon this year, it's the same idea but
launching a flying machine into the air and hoping it can also soar
across the water.
"We want to involve snow whenever possible," says Rigney. "It's
something new and different, and should be highly entertaining."
The following week, from April 4-6, local snowboarder, X Games champ
and Olympic medalist Gretchen Bleiler hosts the inaugural Snow Angels
Invitational at Snowmass. With some of the country's best female
rippers, they're changing venues from their Buttermilk home (X Games'
venue) to ride Snowmass' superpipe.
"(Besides Bleiler's event) The formula has remained the same,
with core party, live music and on-mountain events for several
years," says Rigney. "It always brings out a good crowd."
As always, Big Air Fridays continue through the season at Snowmass,
with live music, fireworks and, of course, big air on Fanny Hill. In
addition, Aspen Mountain is now hosting Throwdown Thursdays in their
new terrain park. Same idea. Different place.
Buttermilk Mountain closes April 6. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski
Area close April 13. Aspen Highlands is open on the weekends from April
6-27.
For more information, visit aspensnowmass.com.
