Tag Archives: Aspen rentals by owner

Michelle Obama and Kids at Aspen on President’s Day

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Michelle Obama SkiingIt has officially been confirmed that First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters are exploring Aspen, Colorado. According to a longtime ski instructor, Michelle, kids, and friends are lodging near Buttermilk Mountain in a large private home. In an effort to accommodate the family, the home’s owners Jim and Paula Crown have relocated to Aspen rentals.

In an effort to fully experience Aspen’s outdoor adventures, the Obamas and their friends have hired five private instructors and are skiing the day away. Their mountain of choice is Buttermilk, which is one of the beautifully groomed Aspen Snowmass properties.

According to sources, the Obamas have been “polite, charming and appreciative” while enjoying the charms of Aspen.

Rather than eating lunch at a lodge or in town, the Obamas and friends are expected to enjoy a moment at the Crown’s house. The privacy is indicative of the many advantages of enjoying a stay at a Aspen Vacation Rental by Owner with private amenities. The secluded site makes security much easier to maintain for the protection of the First Family. After lunch, the Obamas and friends are expected to hit the slopes and enjoy the experience, along with the other American families enjoying a President’s Day away from the office.

The trip was completely kept under wraps until the Obamas landed in Aspen. In order to keep the visit secret, code names were assigned to all members of the family. Prior to landing in Aspen for their vacation, the Secret Service was in town surveying and discovering spots that the Obamas can visit in peace.

In a 2011 Wall Street Journal article, it was revealed that Aspen is the “most expensive town in America” to live in, with the least expensive real estate listing at $559,000. While real estate can be quite pricy, there are definite opportunities for reasonably priced vacation rentals to be enjoyed by the family.

The Obamas’ visit makes them one of the several renowned families to enjoy the charms of Aspen. Famous Aspen home owners currently include the Kennedys, Goldie Hawn, Jimmy Buffet, Jack Nicholson, and Kevin Costner. Also, Oprah Winfrey frequents the resort in an effort to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago.

Three Ultra-Relaxing Aspen Spas to Consider in 2012

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Spa Day in Aspen CoLooking to plan a most relaxing getaway in the New Year? There are a number of reasons to choose Aspen for your spa retreat, especially if you are a spouse and/or parent. Not only are there beautiful Aspen rentals to choose from, your loved ones can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities while you enjoy multiple days at the spa!

The following are 3 top-notch spas that you may want to consider as you plan your Aspen relaxation fest:

  1. St. Regis’ Remede Spa. One of the most exclusive spas in all of Aspen, the St. Regis Spa is 15,000 square feet of pure luxury. There you can include anything from a custom massage, to warm body wraps, to manicures and pedicures, saunas, the oxygen lounge, steam caves and more. For more information call 970-429-9650.
  2. Aspen Club and Spa. This 77,000 square foot club is amazingly tranquil and includes a beautiful gym, open-aired Japanese Pagoda, and spa services. You can choose from a variety of relaxing treatments including massage, skin care, waxing and tinting, and colon hydrotherapy. The Aspen Club & Spa is a favorite of top stars and athletes including baseball star Alex Rodriguez.  To book a day of pure pleasure, call 970-925-8900.
  3. 3.     Samara Holistic Spa and Boutique.  Located in the heart of Aspen, Samara is extremely peaceful and holistic. While there you can enjoy infrared saunas, cozy footbaths, colon hydrotherapy, and numerous spa services. Many locals and out-of-towners alike visit the spa for its renowned body energy work. You are guaranteed pure relaxation while on the premises and pure energy in the days to follow. To book your spa services, call 970-925-2259.

Other Activities for the Family to Enjoy

Just to give you some ideas for keeping the family entertained while you enjoy your days at the spa, we hope the following ideas will help!

  • Downhill Skiing. For the adventurous souls in your group, dare them to enjoy a few days of skiing on some of the world’s best slopes.
  • Dogsledding or Snowmobiling. Inspire a day of dogsledding or snowmobiling fun. There are a variety of great companies to choose from in the Snowmass area.
  • Cross Country Skiing. Send them on a cross country ski tour in the area of their choice. It is a peaceful, yet invigorating sport!

Looking for an Aspen Vacation Rentals? You may want to check out Aspen VRBO for some exciting properties!

5 Reasons to Give Dogsledding a Try in Aspen, Colorado

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Aspen Vacation Rentals Planning your trip to a Aspen Vacation Rentals in Colorado and looking to book some exciting adventures while you’re here? We would definitely recommend giving dogsledding a try! The following are five reasons you won’t want to miss out:

  1. Sled Dogs are Brilliant Animals – Imagine coming face to face with a pack of beautiful dogs with amazing energy and the undying determination to make your day unforgettable. These pups are specifically bred to fly across the snow and look forward to every minute of it. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to raise a sled dog team of your own before the day is over!
  2. Out in Nature – The beauty of a sledding adventure lies in the fact that you will be taken out into the middle of nature surrounded by towering pine trees. Beyond intermittent dog barks, the only thing you’ll hear is the sled gliding on the snow and the wind as you move across the rugged terrain.
  3. Great Group Adventure – The whole family can enjoy a dogsledding experience! There is nothing better than taking the entire clan out into nature for an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of photo ops, so you won’t want to forget your camera!
  4. Educational Experience – You will be amazed at how much you will learn about sled dogs, the history of the sport, helpful techniques, top dog sled events, and the surrounding area. Most guides are more than excited to answer questions about the sport and the area – don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you’d like.
  5. Ultimate Freedom – As you glide along behind the sled team, you will feel so very free. It is a truly magical experience!

To book your dogsled adventure, you can give Krabloonik Dogsledding a call at 970-923-3953. They offer an amazingly fun and educational experience to all. Krabloonik’s location is in Snowmass Village, just moments from Aspen rentals.

Still looking for a vacation rental? Definitely check out VRBO Aspen for the perfect rental!

Aspen Hosting Winter X Games 16 January 26-29th 2012

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X Games Aspen COLooking for an inspiring event to share with family and friends in Aspen, Colorado? You definitely shouldn’t miss out on the ESPN WinterX Games 16 taking place between January 26 and 29, 2012. The event will attract 125 of the most talented and adventurous professional trick skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers from around the world to compete for medals and prize money. All of the fun can be enjoyed for FREE!

The games will be held at Aspen/Snowmass’ very own Buttermilk Mountain, a prime spot for winter sports enthusiasts to root for their favorite stars, while enjoying the natural beauty of Aspen. If you are thinking of attending, it is a prime idea to book your Aspen Rentals as soon as possible, as properties tend to sell out quickly in lieu of the event.

The ESPN WinterX Games will kick off on January 27th, featuring the Skiing Slopestyle Men’s Elimination from 10 am – 12 pm, Snowmobile Freestyle Elimination from 11:30 am – 1 pm, Skiing Slopestyle Women’s Final from 1 pm – 2 pm, Snowmobile Freestyle Round One from 7pm – 8 pm, Snowboard SuperPipe Men’s Elimination from 7 pm – 8:30 pm, Snowmobile Freestyle final from 8:30 pm – 9 pm, and Skiing SuperPipe Women’s Final from 9 pm – 9:40 pm.

Saturday and Sunday will see the fun continue, while featuring thrilling events including mono skiing, women’s SuperPipe, snowboarding, Slopstyle skiing, and snowmobiling. Saturday the competitions begin at 9:30 am and end at 9pm, while Sunday they kick off at 10:30 am and end at 8 pm.

You are sure to have a blast no matter which events you decide to take in! You can either watch all day long or split your time between watching and hitting the slopes.

This marks the 11th consecutive year the event will be held at Snowmass, just a short drive from favorite Aspen vacation rentals.  You definitely won’t want to miss out! Looking for the right vacation rental for your family and friends? Search VRBO Aspen to find the perfect spot.

For more information on the ESPN WinterX Games, visit www.xgames.com.

Aspen Colorado Ski Forecast Predictions for 2011-2012

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Aspen Vacation RentalsIt has recently been reported that the National Weather Service is looking into the role that La Niña will play in the Aspen ski season. Thus far, skiers and snowboarders are curious as to their fate as they plan to soon trek to their Aspen home rental.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac La Niña won’t play a role, on the other hand 2011-2012 may be one of the mildest and driest winters on the books for Colorado in recent history. The famed book places Colorado in the south of the intermountain region and further predicts that “winter temperatures will be above normal, especially in the south, with the coldest periods in early and late December and mid- and late February.  Precipitation and snowfall will be above normal in the north and below normal in the south. The snowiest periods will occur in early November, mid-December, mid-January and early and late March.”

Much like last year that saw those who enjoyed Aspen vacation rentals experience a chilly April and May, the almanac expects for the two months to be cooler and snowier than average. Additionally, if you’re planning a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado, you may want to consider the weeks of or after January 13 and March 22, as the almanac predicts heavy snow fall during those periods.

Aspen RentalsJust how valid are the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s predictions? Last year it predicted mild and dry conditions for Colorado last winter, and Aspen visitors experienced mixed results. There ended up being plentiful amounts of snow above 8,000 feet for the majority of the winter, and to skiers’ and snowboarders’ delight the snow continued to fall into April and May. Hooray for spring skiing!

While the almanac predicts a quite dry year in Aspen, the National Weather Service is hedging against it and predicts there to be plenty of snowfall in the fall and throughout the winter. Time will definitely tell.

Just a word of advice…last year was an amazing ski season, so you don’t want to hold off on making a decision on booking Aspen rentals because of conflicting weather reports. Good luck on your ski adventures!!

Discover the Scenic Railways of Aspen and Greater Colorado

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Railways Trains of AspenHave a fascination with railways and want to view Colorado from a unique perspective? The beauty of train expeditions lays in the fact that you are able to enjoy some of the most remote and picturesque regions while letting the rails guide your adventurous self. To access Colorado’s railways, it’s best to take a day trip from your Aspen vacation rentals.

The following is a list of recommended railways for you and your family to enjoy:

Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Noted as one of the most exciting cog railways in the world, adventurers are led 14,110 feet up the summit of Pikes Peak! You are guaranteed numerous spectacular views throughout your journey.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Imagine rolling on the tracks of a railway that hauled more than $300 million in gold and silver during the mining era. You and your family can enjoy the thrill of riding in restored 1880 passenger cars and exploring abandoned mine sites, the wild Animas River, San Juan Mountains, and the historic town of Silverton.

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad: This four-mile round trip journey takes you through old mining sites and the historic gold-rush town of Cripple Creek.

George Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park: This historic loop was built in 1884 to accommodate the booming mining industry. You are sure to revel in the area’s rugged wilderness and beautiful views. Plus, Georgetown is an adorable town with plenty to offer visitors from around the world.

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad: Discover Colorado’s newest scenic steam engine driven train. The route will guide you through hundreds of miles of breathtaking scenery and historic towns.

Royal Gorge Scenic Railway: This 30-minute journey within open-air cars offers spectacular views of Royal Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is a great trek for children, as they love riding in the open-air and it’s one of the shorter routes.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad:  Built in the 1950s, this rail line takes you into one of America’s most majestic canyons. Soon you’ll find yourself at the bottom of the Royal Gorge, peering up 1,200 feet to the Royal Gorge Bridge.

After a day on the rails, you can review the day’s adventures within the comfort of your Aspen rentals. Looking for vacation rentals in Aspen? You will be amazed at what you can find through VRBO Aspen. Wishing you amazing railway journeys throughout Colorado!

5 Ways to Enjoy Aspen in the Fall

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Aspen in the FallThinking of heading to Aspen in the fall for some family fun? Or wanting to get away with some friends and adventure your way through its rugged nature? There are many options in the fall when staying at an Aspen vacation rentals. The season is host to many exciting events and activities for people of all ages. Here are five reasons to consider heading to Aspen in the fall:

  1. Fall Colors. You’ll be amazed at all of the amazing colors that grace Aspen, Colorado when the fall sets in during your stay in your Aspen Rentals. Green leaves turn to yellow and orange and the sky takes on a beautiful hue. You can enjoy amazing picnics and hikes with your loved ones while taking in the beauty.
  2. Music, Tributes and Art. October is a great month for music and art. John Denver Week runs from October 6-17. During the week, the city will be host to inspirational exhibit, music events and celebrations to remember the famed musician. Also, local art museums are in full swing.
  3. Aspen Alpine Guides. Take advantage of the opportunity to hike, rock climb or mountaineer with professional guides. You will be taken to some of the most amazing spots in the area and provided gear to make your adventures safe. Call 888-649-5982 for more information.
  4. Hot Air Ballooning. You will be amazed as you soar over Aspen in a hot air balloon! Nothing beats drifting along in the blue skies and taking in the fall colors from above. Most services offer a brunch and snacks after landing. Google Above it All or Unicorn Balloon Company for more information.
  5. Spas and Relaxation. The fall is the perfect time to pamper your body. There are numerous amazing spas at which you can enjoy a massage, facial, or other body treatment. Some spas offer treatments for healthier immune systems to help you through the change in seasons.

The fall offers a multitude of opportunities for those looking for adventure, fun, inspiration and relaxation. All of the excitement is just moments away from Aspen VRBO. If you are looking for Aspen lodging, there are also many exciting options to make your stay most comfortable!

Oktoberfest Aspen, CO at Snowmass October 10, 2011

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Oktoberfest AspenEnjoy a great party for the whole family? You won’t want to miss out on Oktoberfest in Snowmass Village on October 10, 2011. For one day only, the village will be transformed into a Bavarian bazaar that will feature everything from spirited dancing, succulent food, delicious beer and pure celebration.

To join in the fun, all you have to do is drive your car or take a cab from your Aspen vacation rentals.  Once at the scenic village, you can choose from a variety of German foods and numerous beers in the “biergartens.” You’ll also be encouraged to sing along with traditional Oktoberfest songs, dance until your heart’s content, and meet people from all over the world.

Children can also enjoy the celebration! There is plenty of delicious food for youngsters to gobble up, shops to browse through and fun acts to watch including Jammin’ Jim the Juggler, Kimothy the Stilt Walker and Sparkles the clown. The area also boasts of outdoor fun within walking distance of the village including hiking, biking, rock climbing and river rafting.

A Short History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest AspenMany Oktoberfest fanatics may be surprised to find that the festival traditionally kicked off on the third week of September and ended on the first Sunday of October. It all began in 1810 with the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig who later became King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The tradition continued in 1811 and included a horse races and an agricultural show. Oktoberfest was given a boost in 1818 when a carousel, two swings, and small beer stands were added to the mix.  By 1896, beer stands were replaced by beer tents and breweries began to make a name for their products. The rest is history, as many people around the world look forward to the celebration!

If you haven’t decided to head to Aspen for the weekend or want to plan for next Oktoberfest, you should definitely consider Aspen rentals or Aspen VRBO. Dare yourself to come and enjoy all the fun!!

The Thrill of Paragliding in Aspen Colorado

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Paragliding AspenImagine waking at dawn and taking a short drive from your Aspen vacation rentals. Once at your destination, you realize that very soon you will be soaring through the air as you take the breathtaking scenery of Aspen, Colorado. At the top of one of Aspen’s famed mountain slopes, your heart beats double time as you and your paragliding partner prepare to take a step of faith. In the air, you are amazed at how amazingly beautiful and quaint the town of Aspen is from above. You are also amazed by the awe inspiring beauty of the many trees, lakes, rock formation and fluffy clouds.

This experience can be yours without any prior experience! Aspen Paragliding offers tandem flights with USHGA certified tandem pilots.  Depending on the weather, tandem paragliding flights can be scheduled either in the summer or winter and are very close to Aspen rentals. Prior to stepping off the gentle slope of a mountain, you are provided full instruction and then fastened in front of the pilot. You can be sure that he or she has been flying tandem for years!

If you aren’t familiar with the specifics of paragliding, it allows for you to soar through the sky in the simplest of forms. Your pilot will come equipped with a transportable backpack. This art has been around for quite some time and is relatively safe. The well-sized paraglider makes for easy lift off most picturesque mountainsides and a gentle ride to your destination.

Packages through Aspen Paragliding begin at $225 per person. You must allow 2 hours round trip for their offices. For more information, dial 970-925-6975.

You won’t regret the decision to give a paragliding adventure a try. You will wave to your friends on earth with excitement, as you gain a full understanding of how lucky birds of the sky are as they glide through the air freely. When you return to your Aspen vacation rental by owner, you will be able to share your adventure with pride!

The 12 Hour Bike Race Coming to Aspen this Weekend!

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12 Hour Bike Ride Aspen, COMore than 200 mountain bikers will be participating in the much anticipated 12 Hour Bike Race in Aspen, Colorado. You can take a short drive from your vrbo aspen rental to take in the grueling race first hand.

At the crack of dawn, racers will head to the Snowmass Base village to prepare for the 7am to 7pm event. Once the gun is fired at the starting line, riders will be put to the test as the maneuver through one of the most famous single-tracks in the nation.

As a spectator, you can walk around the track and gain inspiration as the world’s top mountain bikers put on an unforgettable show that will include plenty of high flying jumps, sprints and agility intensive moves. The event is perfect for people of all ages, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the Aspen Youth Center.

12 Hour Bike Ride Aspen, COIf you are a mountain biker yourself, you may want to think of signing up for the 12 Hour Mountain Bike Race!  There are opportunities for all ability levels, and you can even inspire your friends to race as a team. Racers can register as Solos, Duo Teams, Trio Teams and Open Teams (This is a team of up to eight riders).

For more information, check out the 12 Hour Bike Ride event Website at www.12hoursofsnowmass.com or call Nat Ross at 970-390-9730. There are also opportunities for sponsors, so if you would like to gain exposure for your company (while helping the Aspen Youth Center thrive) there are plenty of amazing opportunities!

The 12 Hour Bike Ride is one of the many events going on in September! You can enjoy everything from jazz concerts, art exhibits, the Golden Lear Marathon and more all within driving distance from your Aspen vacation rentals.

What to Do for Labor Day in Aspen Colorado!

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jazz festival aspenLabor Day is rapidly approaching! What better way to spend your days in Aspen, Colorado as men, women and children celebrate the much coveted long weekend?  There are all sorts of fun and inspiring things going on during Labor Day weekend (just driving distance from your aspen home rental) including:

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival

From September 2-4, there will be an exciting festival that will take place at the Snowmass Town Park in Snowmass Village. There you can enjoy world-class music, two stages featuring a variety of artists, tons of great food, plenty of time to use your hula-hoop in the park, and lots of arts & crafts to browse. The 2011 lineup of artists includes Thievery Corporation, Paper Diamon, Girl Talk, The Congress, Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, Rodrigo y Gabriela , Nit Grit, Steely Dan, Lean and The Peoples, Fitz & the Tantrums, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Porter Robinson, and the Zac Brown Band! Tickets range from $40-$200. Go to http://www.stayaspensnowmass.com for more info.

Crested Butte

Take a drive from your luxury vacation rental to the small town of Crested Butte during Labor Day weekend. There you can enjoy take a walk down Elk Avenue on Saturday and/or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take in all sorts of local crafts. There will be 70 booths showcasing everything from arts & crafts to antiques to delicious foods. For more information, visit www.paragongallery.org.

Winter Park Resort

For those looking for high-octane, outdoor fun Winter Park Resort is a short drive from your Aspen vacation rentals. The resort features the expansive Trestle Bike Park, Colorado’s longest and most exciting Alpine Slide, great hikes and more! Also, throughout the day there will be an unforgettable Labor Day Block Party there that will include dancing, sidewalk sale, and kid’s crafts!

These are only a few of the exciting things going on throughout Aspen as you enjoy staying in your vrbo aspen rental! There are also great opportunities for rock climbing, swimming in crystal clear lakes and river rafting. The sky is the limit on Labor Day Weekend in Aspen and surrounding areas!