When visitors book at least a two-night stay through Stay Aspen Snowmass, participating hotels offer them a $50 gas card redeemable only at the Shell station on the corner of Galena and Main streets. The cost of the gas is picked up by the hotel where the guest is staying. As of noon Wednesday, the Sky Hotel, Frias Properties and ResortQuest have committed to participate, with more coming soon, Johnson said.
 

Each free gas package also includes carbon offsets purchased through the city of Aspen’s Canary Tags program, which is designed to counteract the amount of greenhouse gas produced by driving a car averaging 25 miles per gallon round trip from Denver. ACRA is paying for the Canary Tags out of its marketing funds, which are supported through the city sales tax. The offsets are organized through the city’s Canary Initiative, which has created an office of government dedicated to addressing global warming issues.
   

Canary Tags, which have been available since last August, are tailored to offset flights and car trips into Aspen, as well as the energy used by homes and businesses. Carbon calculators at the Web site canarytags.com estimate usage, then offer the chance to purchase offsets at the rate of $20 per ton of carbon dioxide produced. The money, at the rate of 90 cents on the dollar, then funds various local and regional programs that eliminate greenhouse gases.
   

Programs include a coal methane capturing system at a mine near Price, Utah; local micro-hyrdroelectric power systems; and efficiency upgrades for public buildings. A trip from Denver plus the two-night stay in Aspen is estimated to create slightly less than one ton of carbon, according to Calla Ostrander of the Canary Initiative.
   

The package also includes vouchers for free bicycle rentals for all travelers. And, in a feature new to this year’s program, if the car in question happens to be a hybrid, the traveler will also receive two free gondola passes and two free passes to the Aspen Recreation Center.

— Curtis Wackerle