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The Holidays You’ve Been Imagining

Downtown Aspen on a recent November day.

The middle of November in Aspen, that sliver of time between our spectacular autumn foliage and Thanksgiving, is about as close to an off-season as we get here. There’s still quite a bit of life in town but the place definitely feels as though everyone is catching their breath while slowly getting ready and getting excited for our busy winter. It’s a wonderful time for those of us who live here to see how town is shaping up, to take stock of the last several months, and to look ahead to the snow sports that drew us here in the first place.

Winter 2021-22 brought with it quite a number of changes to the retail and dining scene here, and 22-23 looks to be a little more settled. Strolling around downtown Aspen at the moment, we really enjoy peeking through windows at some new places and at old ones getting a freshening. We’ve had enough recent snowfall for the trails on all four mountains to look brilliantly white from the valley floor, and having Ajax’s trails in particular looking almost ready over the rooftops of the Wheeler Opera House and The Little Nell gets us all in the holiday spirit.

All of this is a nice reminder that although the glitz and glam of Aspen gets the spotlight and can dominate people’s impression of our resort across the globe, what truly sets us apart is that the access to world class dining, lodging, shopping, and winter sports that our guests expect of us still leaves room for a wonderfully atmospheric holiday season with all that we yearn for from that time of year. Strolling around Aspen, slowly breathing in the mountain air on a cold December evening after a warm meal in the company of friends and family is simply good for the spirit and reminds us why we chose this legendary mountain town to make our home.

It’s no wonder (and no surprise, really) that Travel & Leisure has just named Aspen the most charming town in America in which to spend Christmas. 25 Best Christmas Towns in the USA to Spend the Holiday Season (travelandleisure.com).

Thankfully we’re in the hospitality business here, and we very much look forward to sharing our Rocky Mountain home with all of those who choose to visit us for the holidays. Gareth Williams Properties does still have some availability for families to stay in our favorite spots for settling-in and making the most of Aspen Snowmass during the December holidays. We hope you’ll join us, and we’d love to help make the Aspen Snowmass holidays you imagine become a reality.

In the meantime, there are a number of ski lifts already spinning in Colorado. We’ve got some early season turns to make for ourselves so that we’re good and ready for our guests when you get here!

Posted in: Blog, Featured, Featured Blog Posts, Real Estate, Uncategorized, Winter Recreation Tagged: colorado holidays, family holidays, Holiday cheer, holiday vacations, mountain holidays

Fall 2022 Aspen Snowmass Market Update

We’ve had our first snowstorm of the season on the heels of weeks of gorgeous autumn weather. With town pretty quiet it’s a great time to pick our heads up, look at the big picture and, most importantly, get excited for the coming winter. It is true that so many of us came for the winters but stayed for the summers but skiing and riding does remain central to our lives and all of us here certainly are looking forward to getting back to what drew us here.

This fall, picking our heads up and taking quantitative look at the market has been particularly interesting. The Aspen Chamber Resort Association recently published their statistics for the 2022 summer season. As a result, we can now get a sense of where the market is trending, what the impact of the pandemic has been, and what that means for our clients. Whether you are considering entering the real estate market, assessing your real estate options, or simply planning your holidays here, it’s worthwhile taking a few minutes to consider what the numbers are showing us.

We’ve been working recently with our friends at Permafrost Information Strategies to better understand the long- and short-term impact of the pandemic on our marketplace, and their insightful analysis certainly has helped to crystalize our thinking. Along with Permafrost, we use lodging occupancy rates for Aspen Snowmass as a bellwether of our local economy. Though obviously limited in scope to one particular sector of the vacationing pubic, we find occupancy data to be a concise lens through which to see long-term trends for how our resort is doing generally. When assessing the impact of the pandemic on the market and looking ahead to what we expect from this winter, weekly and monthly occupancy averages against historical figures have been our focus. Looking at the recently released data from the busy 2022 summer season here provides us with the big picture view that we’ve been anxiously awaiting – it allows us to see the way in which the Aspen Snowmass lodging and real property markets may move post-pandemic and what long-term effects from the pandemic we are likely to see.

What Recent Data Shows About the COVID-19 Pandemic

What’s clear from the data is that we can now draw a tight circle around the months where occupancy was impacted directly by the pandemic. Those months that we view as skewing historical averages and affecting long-term trending are generally March 2020 through and including March 2021. While occupancy rates for February 2021, for example, were still significantly below long-term February averages, March 2021 saw a notable up-tick. March 2021 was still slightly below the seven March averages immediately preceding the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, but it did prove to be a significant correction from the pandemic months. Occupancy rates in April 2021 were strong compared to historical averages; and December 2021, and February and March 2022 saw the highest average occupancy rates for those months. Simply put, we can now see the big picture and understand it, and the way the data is trending it looks as though winter season occupancy is back to “normal” rates and that data demonstrates a general trend of growth similar to what we saw in the pre-pandemic winter seasons. As Permafrost’s Russ Kauff emphasizes, this analysis is not merely about throwing out high and low periods of economic performance so as to not include ‘force majeure’ and the like from our long-term view of discretionary spending; it’s about understanding how consumers prioritize components of their spending, where Aspen Snowmass fits into their thinking about their spending, and how their long-term behavior may be affected.

Summer and Shoulder-Season 2022

It is worth noting that the data from the summer months during the pandemic is where the most interesting trends have been in terms of what it tells us about how visitors’ behavior changed. In short, occupancy rates for the summer months were exceptionally strong in 2021 and 2022. Not surprisingly, we attribute this to travel having been curtailed and remote work having spiked significantly during those periods. Charting June, July and August over a long period that includes pre-pandemic years clearly shows summer 2022 to have been a return to pre-COVID trending, and the same is true of the traditionally quieter months of September and October.

Notably, August 2022 saw gross occupancy rates slightly lower than 2021 though still strong taking a long-term historical view. Internally, Russ at Permafrost has been using the tongue-in-cheek metaphor of ‘nesting travel versus adventure travel’ to describe how consumer behavior differed between the summers of 2021 and 2022. Synthesizing why that happened clearly involves a combination of a strong US dollar and pent-up demand for international travel as European nations in particular reduced or eliminated COVID restrictions. Still, taking the long view shows August 2022 to have been slightly less exceptional, perhaps less exuberant, but still quite strong and trending towards long-term growth.

Like the occupancy rates for summer 2022, we do expect some small amount of moderation of the spikes over the next couple of years. Still, as described above, we nonetheless foresee the progressive upward trend from the pre-pandemic years to continue.

The Effects of Short-Term Rentals

One of the shortcomings of the available data is that measuring ‘homeowner occupancy’ or the performance of Airbnb and VRBO properties as a way of generating a quantitative understanding of true lodging business levels is a challenging proposition. Anecdotally, summer 2022 certainly felt like an exceptionally busy season here in the Roaring Fork Valley. From a broader economic perspective, valley businesses that serve our guests did maintain notably high business levels throughout the summer months of 2022, and the numerous events that had been curtailed during the pandemic (Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, etc.) returned to enormous fanfare and record crowds. Again, it’s possible that this was attributable to that elusive ‘homeowner occupancy’ level, though that is speculative. There are some interesting new analytical tools making use of web search algorithms to derive short-term rental variations on traditional occupancy rate data, and we expect to be able to provide greater insight to our clients about those platforms later this year.

Looking Ahead, and Looking Forward to Winter

Where does this analysis leave us and what are we seeing and thinking here in our hometown of Aspen? The good news, we think, is that it leaves us approximately where we were pre-pandemic. Demand for lodging in Aspen Snowmass continues to grow at a rate that is consistent and far less elastic (to be polite) that the widely publicized single-family residential property market here.

We believe that in the long term, Aspen Snowmass resort’s combination of limited hotel space, numerous hotel branded rental and ownership properties, and in-town short-term rental properties dampens the volatility which characterizes the top end of the private property market in recent quarters. This gives us confidence for the upcoming winter season. In short, we expect to welcome a great many guests to our mountains this winter, and we expect to see Aspen Snowmass continue to solidify its’ place in the hierarchy of North American vacation marketplaces. As always, we hope all of our guests fall in love with Aspen Snowmass in the same way we did when we arrived here thirty years ago, and that is a major part of why we derive such joy from working with our real estate clients.

The data compiled by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association and discussed here is available at Occupancy Reports | Aspen (aspenchamber.org)

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Real Estate, Uncategorized Tagged: Aspen, Aspen Real Estate, Aspen Real Estate Market, Aspen Snowmass, Pandemic Real Estate Market, Ski Season 2022-23, Snowmass, snowmass real estate, Winter 22-23

Aspen Non-Stop Air Options Increase!

aspen airport united flight

Austin, TX and Orange County, CA Now Offer New Non-Stop Service to Aspen for 2021/22!

According to last week's Aspen Times, "nonstop commercial flights to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport from up to six airports between Texas and California are part of a schedule that is all but finalized for the upcoming winter ski season."

The newest locations for non-stop service include Orange County, California and Austin, Texas.

“I think this is a pretty solid plan,” said Bill Tomcich, a consultant to Fly Aspen Snowmass, which is an alliance among Aspen Skiing Co., Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Snowmass Tourism.

On Friday, what Tomcich said is the final piece to the winter flight schedule came with the announcement of two daily direct flights between Santa Ana, California, and Aspen. United Airlines will offer the flights starting Dec. 16 and running through March 26. The incoming, nonstop flights to Aspen will originate from John Wayne Airport.

Image 9-2-21 at 10.54 AM

The two newcomers join San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Atlanta giving guests a wider choice of route options than the town has had in many years. This is surely a sign of the continued popularity of Aspen/Snowmass as a vacation destination. 

Now that you know how to get here why not pay us a visit this winter? Gareth can connect you with the best possible luxury lodging whenever you choose to come! Call (970) 309-7649 or email him at [email protected] and reserve your accommodations today!

Posted in: Uncategorized Tagged: Airlines, Aspen, Aspen Airport, Aspen Snowmass, Skiing, Snowmass Village, Winter Recreation

Spring Value Season is Here

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Spring value season has arrived in Aspen!

Spring in Aspen/Snowmass is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. According to recent reports our snowpack is well over 100% of average. The conditions outside swing from snow to sun every few days and the days are getting longer, leaving more time for sunny apres-ski celebrations!

snowfall

Aspen enters spring with a full slate of events including the Apres Ski Cocktail Classic (March 12-15), more Aspen Laugh Festival performances at the Wheeler Opera House (March 12-13), and The Bud Light Spring Jam (March 17-22) with contests, live music and big air competitions at all four mountains.

For the past few years Aspen Skiing Company has joined forces with 17 other prominent ski areas to offer the Mountain Collective pass. Passholders get two free days at Aspen/Snowmass and 50% the window ticket price for any days beyond that.

Aspen also accepts the 2019/2020 Ikon Pass, which entitles members to ski or ride for up to seven days out here - good enough for a nice vacation - hint, hint!  If you purchased either of these passes this past year now is definitely the time to get out here and use them!

We’re expecting a fantastic spring season out here so reach out to Gareth and come join us. Breathe the mountain air, enjoy the sunny (and snowy!) weather and live it up in the best place in the Rockies!

Posted in: Blog, Uncategorized, Winter Recreation Tagged: Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen Snowmass, Spring Skiing, Winter Recreation

Dining in Aspen – The Secret Code

The Bar at L'Hostaria
Bar at L'Hostaria - courtesy of Aspen Times

Getting your Money's Worth

While Aspen boasts amazing cuisine from around the world, sometimes the prices can be as elevated as the altitude of the town itself! What’s the secret code for locals and guests alike? Say hello to the bar menu, a select group of signature dishes available in the bar area (and even some dining rooms) of many of Aspen’s most sought-after restaurants. Join us as we dive in to discover what’s cooking!

Our Top Picks

MEZZALUNA

This lively, social Italian spot one block from the Aspen Mountain gondola features some delicious, wallet friendly bar menu options including salads for $8-$9, brick-oven pizzas for $10, traditional pastas from $11 to $14 and drink specials at the bar starting at 5:30 pm until closing. 624 E Cooper Ave., (970) 925-5882

7908 

Part restaurant, part lounge/nightclub, 7908 offers patrons a bar menu strong on decadent comfort food if not outright value. Chile-glazed fried chicken ($26) and achiote-marinated hanger steak ($31) share space with duck confit ($28) and an indulgent burger featuring a truffle parmesan sauce and tater tots ($20). Wash it all down with a few glasses of prosecco or even Moët & Chandon—7908 has three choices by the glass. 415 E Hyman Ave., (970) 516-7908

JING

Asian fusion cuisine comes to life at Jing’s bar with a menu featuring great sushi including nigiri ($5-$12 per 2 pieces), specialty rolls, and even the popular lobster taco ($20). Bar patrons can also enjoy spicy edamame and a wide assortment of dumplings from the dim sum menu. Add in a $5 sake and you’ve got a perfect far-east meal. 413 E Main St., (970) 920-9988

Owner Jimmy Yeager at the bar at Jimmy's Aspen
Owner Jimmy Yeager at the bar at Jimmy's Aspen

JIMMY’S

Another go-to spot for locals since 1997 is the bar at Jimmy’s. If you don’t mind a crowd, the high-top tables feature a menu of great comfort food including a delicious meatloaf ($17), a flat-iron steak ($21), and blackened fish tacos ($15). Jimmy’s also features an unparalleled selection of tequila (think high-end and exclusive anejo and reposado!) 205 S. Mill Street (Upstairs) (970) 925-6020

hostaria

L’HOSTARIA

A locals’ favorite for over 20 years, L’Hostaria owner Tiziano Gortan offers his guests a comprehensive bar menu that boasts more options than many competitors’ full menus. Think flavorful pastas and classic Italian entrees from both land and sea. Standouts include the carpaccio and burrata crostino appetizers, hearty carbonara and Bolognese pastas and grilled steak with mushrooms (all under $20). The welcoming bar staff stands ready with wonderful wine options ($10-$14 per glass) to accompany everything. 620 E Hyman Ave, 970-925-9022

STEAKHOUSE NO. 316

As befits the fashionable, rat-pack atmosphere, Steakhouse No. 316 has a bar menu with suitably decadent options that will more than satisfy your appetite. Think jumbo crab cakes ($21), tuna tartare ($21), fish and chips ($20) and a wonderful filet accompanied by steak sauce, chimichurri, and a fried egg ($26). 316 E Hopkins Ave, 970-920-1893

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Uncategorized Tagged: Aspen Bars, Aspen Cuisine, Aspen Dining, Aspen Nightlife, Aspen Restaurants, Bars in Aspen

Living Large in Aspen

@legoskierbro

Proving that Aspen appeals to guests of all sizes, @legoskierbro has carved out a following of over 28,000 fans on Instagram by living the Aspen lifestyle to its fullest.

The diminutive celebrity stands only 1.5 inches (or 3.81 centimeters) but that doesn't inhibit his ability to make the most of his time on the slopes.

@legoskierbro

According to the Aspen Times, "He skins up Aspen Mountain to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks like a true local, dresses up as a hot dog to take part in closing day festivities and charges through chest-deep powder, finding fresh lines on every mountain he visits. This winter he’s posted from the Powder Awards and tallied likes for straight-lining Ozone in Highland Bowl, chopping down his own Christmas tree and shredding with #LegoSanta at the North Pole."

He rides with a crew of friends including #legoskierbabe, #legobrad, #legosnowboardbro, his robot #legoskierbot and his faithful companion #legodog (pictured up top).

The Aspen Times Weekly recently tracked him down and asked him a few questions.

ATW: What do you love about the Aspen area?

LSB: Aspen-Snowmass in the winter is the best place on Earth. There is snow everywhere and most days are sunny with clouds in the distance. What else could you want?

ATW: What is your favorite line to shred in Aspen-Snowmass?

LSB: I can shred anything, anywhere, anytime, but most of the time I’m skiing double black diamonds on the Crown Jewel. My favorite place to be is right in front of skiers who think they are better than me. I’ve never cared about being better than anyone (or everyone for that matter) when it comes to my skiing, but I am constantly surrounded by exceptional skiers who end up making me look even better. I’m not going to give away my favorite stashes; you could torture me and I would never tell — I don’t want them to get tracked out!

ATW: You share a lot of good tips on #ProTipTuesday, but what’s the best tip you’ve got to share?

LSB: I’ve given a lot of advice over the years, but the main thing I would like to impart is that you should be yourself and do something original — because that’s what everyone really wants to see.

ATW: Who makes a better ski/adventure companion? #legobrad, #legodog, #legoskierbot, #legosnowboardbro or #legoskierbabe?

LSB: My whole crew helps me survive and I need them to tell my story. #legoskierbabe has to be my number one, but #legodog and #legobrad are both a close second. #legoskierbot was fun to have around but he didn’t come around too much last year after his malfunction. #legosnowboardbro is perfect when you want to wait for him to buckle his back binding.

Size only matters when it comes to snow out here. You, your family and your friends can follow the Bro's lead and live large out here too. Give Gareth a call at (970) 309-7649 and book your vacation!

Posted in: Uncategorized Tagged: Aspen, Instagram, Lego, Skiing

Winter Alternatives on the Upswing

uphill skiers

While downhill skiing and snowboarding take the lion’s share of the spotlight in Aspen, a variety of winter recreation alternatives including uphilling, snowshoeing and nordic skiing are increasingly popular with locals and guests alike. These winter alternatives can be great options for those looking for new outdoor experiences!

Uphilling

Uphilling, skinning or ski touring is essentially hiking up the mountain on modified skis or a split snowboard. This method of scaling our four mountains includes attaching “skins” (adhesive strips) to the bottoms of skis that allow the ski to move freely forward but catch the snow and “stick” instead of sliding backwards. This method also requires special skis with bindings that release from the heels, (or a special snowboard that splits left and right for each foot).

Several local ski shops including Four Mountain Sports, Performance Ski, the Ute Mountaineer and Cripple Creek Backcountry rent this equipment.

Snowshoeing

As the snowpack rises, trail runners and hikers turn to snowshoes. Modern snowshoes are highly portable, lightweight, made of fabric and metal and attach easily to winter boots. Being able to set foot on top of the show rather than sink through it makes all the difference in the backcountry. A day hike becomes a treat rather than a slog!

Snowshoes can be found at almost all backcountry equipment retailers including Ute Mountaineer and Cripple Creek Backcountry.

Cross-Country Skiing

Nordic or cross-country skis have been transporting Aspenites around town and between the mountains for well over 100 years. Both classic and skate-skiing techniques are in full swing during the winters out here.

In fact, though the Winter Olympics Nordic events have always been the domain of the Europeans, the U.S. Ski Team has made serious strides in competition recently, thanks in part to local athletes Simi Hamilton and Noah Hoffman.

The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System boasts over 60 miles of trails stretching between and through the towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village, many of which are groomed daily and several that are dog-friendly.

Renters should head to the Aspen Golf Course or the Snowmass Golf Course for rentals and more information.

What’s the appeal?

If you follow the rules, uphilling can get you access to our ski mountains including on-mountain restaurants and earn you one free downhill run, i.e. save you the cost of a lift ticket. Any further lift access does require a lift ticket however.

All of the above offer terrific exercise, giving you the benefits of being outdoors and the freedom to go where you please. Aspen/Snowmass has tons of recreational trails outside of the ski mountains themselves that can be accessed this way. In fact, most people going on hut trips use ski mountaineering including nordic and uphilling techniques to get from one hut to the next.

Regardless of the method you choose, book your vacation with Gareth, then get out there and enjoy the best of winter in the Rocky Mountains!

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Uncategorized, Winter Recreation Tagged: Aspen Snowmass, Outdoors, Winter Recreation, Winter Sports

Over 3 Feet of October Snow in Aspen

This was just the beginning!

Mother Nature’s Treat – Snow!

How good has October in Aspen been? From a weather standpoint, if you’re a skier or snowboarder (or both) it’s about as good as it gets! “The upper slopes of the Aspen-Snowmass ski areas have been blanketed with more than three feet of snow in October, including more than 25 inches in the past week,” according to the Aspen Times on Wednesday, October 30th.

This makes this year one of the snowiest Octobers since 1934-1935!

Man Made Icing

The icing on this already snowy cake is these recent storms have come with temperatures dropping into the single digits and even below zero last night (October 30th), creating the ideal scenario for snowmaking! The snowmaking guns started up on Aspen Mountain earlier this week and according to the Times they will be going, “full-force at midnight on Halloween night tonight!”

Downtown Aspen on October 30

Aspenweather.net, a local forecasting service, reported Wednesday that the unofficial low of 1 degree above for Aspen was the all-time coldest temperature in the town for October. The record was forecast shattered Wednesday night and Thursday morning with a low of minus-4 degrees.

Will Aspen Open Early?

While the favorable conditions have Aspen Skiing Company executives starting to think about an early opening for both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain, no decisions have been made yet. 

“It’s definitely on our minds but too early to pin down a day,” said spokesman Jeff Hanle to the Times. “I think we have 10 days to two weeks” before a decision is made.

Opening Day 2018

While it’s far too soon to say how snowy this winter will become, “the Roaring Fork Valley is undeniably off to a good start,” declared the Times. This year Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are slated to open Nov. 28. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are slated to open Dec. 7.

Last year early snow and strong snowmaking meant Aspen Mountain opened a week ahead of schedule on November 17th.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Aspen Snowmass Real Estate Update

1227AltaVista_WEB

The most recent third quarter reports for Aspen Snowmass real estate are now out and the results show solid demand, pricing and sales for our local market.

Total sales of residential properties are 4.3% ahead of last year’s pace, with a total volume of $972 million. A continuation of this current trend would eclipse last year’s total  volume by more than 2%.

314 residential real estate transactions are on the books for this year so far, just below the 323 that were recorded for this period last year. Looking ahead, the total number of residential transactions (419) will still fall short of the average totals (465) from the last two years. Inventory is a bit down as well for the month of September, from 580 active listings at the beginning of the month to 569 at the end.

The number of pending listings (or listings under contract) rose dramatically this past month. The year to date monthly average was 46 but September saw an increase to 73 or 9% of the active listings. This represents a new high-water mark since the great recession’s all time low in 2009. This is a positive sign as we enter the final quarter of the year, showing that buyers and sellers are finding common ground and moving forward.

That statistic will have an upward impact on prices as will the pace of sales shown by the 90 and 180-day moving averages outperforming the 270-day moving average. Naturally, a closer look inside the different market segments here shows a fair amount of variation.

Digging into the various Aspen Snowmass market segments, the properties listed for under $5 million win out with the most activity (i.e. highest rate of closings). 82% of the total market falls into this category and there is a 14-month supply in this group.

Things slow down as we move up to the $5-10 million range. Only 11% of this year’s properties were in this segment and the supply stretches all the way to 67 months (over 5 years).

Things slow even further above the $10 million mark. 117 properties are currently listed and only 6% of all sales this year were in this category. How slow are things? There’s over a 6-year supply of inventory!

As you can see, the overall market is doing well but the picture changes dramatically depending on the market segment. Buyers looking for homes above $10 million have ample inventory to choose from, but those looking for properties below $5 million should move fast. Going forward we expect to see some pricing flexibility at the top end of the market but less and less at the lower price points. Buyers have more leverage at the higher end, sellers at the lower end.

The overall U.S. economy and the stock market have remained resilient in the face of the ongoing tariff battles between the United States and China. This could have impacts going forward, but what remains a strength is the cache and desirability of living in the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen in particular. There are few places that have more enduring appeal. We expect that 2019 will come to a close as a successful year for real estate sales here.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Aspen Music Festival – Free Music for You!

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The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) is one of the world’s premier classical music festivals, bringing together superstars and emerging young artists from the most prestigious orchestras and conservatories in the world for more than 400 events in eight weeks. The 2019 summer season runs from June 28 through August 18. Sounds impressive right?

It's actually remarkable how many opportunities there are to experience AMFS's world-class performances for free. From the classical music-curious, to the casual fan, to the aficionado seeking musical immersion, here's how to treat your ears and your wallet at the same time!

1. Lawn Seating

The AMFS is known around the world for its incredible orchestras and you can experience these weekly concerts for no charge at all! Simply bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music from the David Karetsky Music Lawn outside the Benedict Music Tent. Because the Music Festival's tent walls are adjustable louvers, the sound quality from outside the venue is extraordinary. There’s nothing quite like sitting outside, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Aspen on a perfect summer day, and listening to classical music. During the season, come by the Benedict Music Tent at 6 pm on Wednesdays to hear the Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra, at 6 pm on Fridays to hear the Aspen Chamber Symphony, and at 4 pm on Sundays to hear the Aspen Festival Orchestra.

2. ACA Orchestra

You can also experience an orchestra concert inside the Tent for free with our series of Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra concerts. These events take place at 4 pm on July 2, 9, 16, and 30 and August 6 and 13, and are led by students in the AMFS’s prestigious conducting program. A different student conductor leads each movement of each piece, making the pacing a bit more digestible for newcomers and fresh and exciting for seasoned concert-goers. The students are eager to hone their skills in front of an audience and you reap the benefits!

3. Music on the Mountain

Saturday afternoons are tailor made for picnicking at the top of a mountain with beautiful chamber music playing nearby! You can do just that with the AMFS’s Music on the Mountain series (1 pm Saturdays from July 6 through August 10). Though a gondola ticket or strenuous hike to the top of Aspen Mountain is required, the event itself is free of charge, and it offers a great casual atmosphere that proves classical music is just as vibrant outside the concert hall.

4. Music with a View

This series, in collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum, combines phenomenal visual art with chamber music performed by some of the AMFS’s top students and visiting musicians. Head to the Roof Deck Sculpture Garden at the museum (637 E. Hyman Ave.) and enjoy one-hour performances as well as refreshments available for purchase from SO café. Music with a View takes place at 6 pm on Tuesdays from July 9 through August 13.

5. Spotlight Recitals

Sprinkled throughout the season are Spotlight Recitals, featuring a juried selection of the AMFS’s brilliant student musicians performing chamber music masterworks. The programs and performers are announced at the events, so what you end up hearing is always a fun surprise. Spotlight Recitals take place at Harris Concert Hall, Aspen Community Church, Aspen Chapel, and Christ Episcopal Church. Visit the AMFS’s online calendar at www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar for exact dates, times, and locations.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Uncategorized

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About Gareth Williams

As an experienced Aspen real estate broker specializing in vacation rentals featuring luxury lodging at St. Regis Aspen, Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain Residences, I provide my clients exceptional pricing and outstanding customer service to ensure a wonderful luxury vacation rental experience in Aspen, Colorado. Gareth Williams Aspen Snowmass Real Estate also offers a comprehensive portfolio of luxury homes for sale in Aspen, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass Village, Colorado. Book online or call me directly! Read more ...

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