Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Blazing Adventures
( 800-282-7238;
www.blazingadventures.com
; 48 Upper Village Mall, Snowmass)
A popular Snowmass-
based outfitter that will get you in a raft, kayak or jeep, or on a bike or high-altitude ridge
at sunset. It's based in the upper mall (main mall) and consistently gets rave reviews, most
notably for the white-water-rafting trips on the nearby Colorado River.
OUTDOORS
OUTDOORS
Aspen Expeditions
( 970-925-7625;
www.aspenexpeditions.com
;
115 Boomerang Rd)
Based in the Aspen Highlands ski
area, this guiding company is notable for its adventurous itineraries, including some stel-
lar hiking, mountaineering and rock-climbing trips to some of Aspen's most spectacular
destinations, as well as ice climbing and cross-country and downhill ski trips in winter. It
also runs level one and two avalanche courses.
Festivals & Events
Jazz Aspen Snowmass
( 970-920-4996;
www.jazzaspen.org
; Jun & Labor Day)
Aspen's June festival is true to its jazz
roots, with horn players such as Christian McBride and Nicholas Payton, crooners such as
Harry Connick Jr and Natalie Cole and fusionists such as Pink Martini gracing the Bene-
dict Music Tent or the downstairs venue at the Little Nell in the week leading up to the
Fourth of July. A second concert series is held over the Labor Day weekend.
JAZZ
Aspen Music Festival
( 970-925-9042;
www.aspenmusicfestival.com
; Jul & Aug)
Every summer for the past 60 or so
years, some of the best classical musicians from around the world have come to play, per-
form and learn from the masters of their craft. Students form orchestras led by world-fam-
ous conductors and perform at the Wheeler Opera House or the Benedict Music Tent, or in
smaller duos, trios, quartets and quintets on Aspen street corners.
The event schedule is also peppered with classical music stars, many of whom are
themselves alumni. All told there are more than 350 classical music events taking place
over eight weeks. You can't escape, nor would you want to. And if you're hungry to hear
the best music in the sweetest venue, the Benedict is a must. And you don't even have to
pay - just unfurl a blanket on the grass outside the tent and let the music wash over you.
MUSIC
