Living in the mountains, you’d think our favorite activities would be the plethora of outdoor ventures – hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

We hike the Hunter Creek Loop before work, or sneak over to the Aspen Mountain Gondola for a couple of quick ski runs. But here in Aspen we’re all about balance, so it’s a good thing there are over 100 bars and restaurants in Aspen to reward all your hard work.  Enjoying a specialty cocktail on Pacifica’s patio, the truffle fries on Ajax Tavern’s patio or downing a locally brewed beer at Aspen Brewery are a few places we look forward to after the mountain has exhausted us. 

While we are spoiled by all the amazing places to wine and dine in Aspen, there is one weekend we food lovers get extra, extra excited about. Most weekends we look forward to a new hike or bike ride; however for the weekend of June 14 – 16 our legs take a break and our taste buds get the workout! The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is the ultimate foodie event of the year. There is no better place to sip amazing wines from all over the world or take a cooking class from a famous chef. Walking around Aspen you’re sure to spot TV personalities that you’d usually have to tune into the Food Network to see. If you are a Top Chef fan, don’t forget that the winner of every season gets to come to the Aspen Food & Wine Classic! For those of us who are so strongly guided by our stomachs, it is tantamount to Thanksgiving in June. 

If you don’t have tickets to the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, don’t worry! The event sells out every year but one of our favorite things to do is enjoy al fresco dining on one of the many restaurant patios in Aspen. Enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail and some nibbles while enjoying the Rocky Mountain summer sunshine and dreaming up your next great recipe to cook up in your Aspen condominium at The Gant.  

Book your Aspen accommodations today to reserve your Food & Wine condominium rental with us at The Gant. Don’t forget to take advantage of our special rates!

Aspen/Snowmass, Colo., April 15, 2013 – Aspen Skiing Company announced today that Aspen Highlands will reopen for the weekend of April 27-28 in appreciation of skiers and riders for a great season. While Snowmass, Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk are closed for the season, Aspen Highlands will remain open today through April 21 as scheduled and then reopen April 27-28. Consistent snowfall over the last week has made for great conditions and enjoyable spring skiing and riding on the mountain.

“We are skiers and snowboarders and it is snowing like crazy, so of course we will reopen,” said David Perry, Senior Vice President, Aspen Skiing Company. "This is a big thank you to everyone. Let's finish the season with smiles on our faces."

The mountain will be open to the 12,392-foot summit of Highland Bowl. The Exhibition lift will run daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Loge, Cloud Nine and Deep Temerity lifts will run until 3:30 p.m., providing access to the entire mountain. The Merry-Go-Round restaurant, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro and Four-Mountain Sports will be open for business.

The Aspen Highlands Closing Day festivities will remain on Sunday, April 21.

All Aspen/Snowmass season passes are valid as they are during the regular season. As of today and through April 28, adult tickets are $62 per day, $57 for youth and senior tickets and $42 for children. As always children six and under ski for free. Additional days for Classic passholders from April 15-21 and April 27-28 are $35 for adults and $20 for Children, Youth and College. Double Flex and Flex passholders can also add a day for $35 from April 15-21 and April 27-28.

Colorado Season Passholders Deal:

Season passholders from any other Colorado resort are invited to experience Aspen/Snowmass and will pay just $39 for a lift ticket. The season pass must be a picture pass and presented at the ticket window.

Spring Deals:

Not only are there great deals on lift tickets, these last days of the season will allow for huge savings on everything from lodging to ski and snowboard school.  Lodging starts as low as $90 per night in Aspen/Snowmass based on availability and dates.* Visit www.stayaspensnowmass.com for lodging information.

To check out some of the action from spring skiing and riding at Aspen Highlands in previous seasons please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aspensnowmass/sets/72157626374528473/.

*All prices/offers are subject to applicable taxes, service fees and availability at time of booking. Rates are not guaranteed by Aspen/Snowmass and not available through Aspen/Snowmass tour operators or sales agents. Blackout dates and/or other restrictions may apply. Please contact property directly to customize your vacation package.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com.