In this issue ... Getting to Aspen World Cup Racing Returns! Music, Music, Music! A Holiday Tradition Fun Night on Aspen Mountain A New Christmas Tradition Movies, Movies, Movies!

Aspen is Open for the Winter Season!
The winter season kicked off on Thanksgiving Day, with both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass ready to greet skiers and snowboarders with good snow on top, and fun skiing all the way down. We had amazing snow over the past weekend, and more on the way this week. Skiing is excellent, top to bottom. Highlands and Buttermilk open on December 10. We are looking forward to a TERRIFIC winter season ahead!

New at Snowmass this year is the "Village Express" lift, a six-seater that whisks skiers and boarders from the bottom of Fanny Hill to the top of Sam's Knob, with a midway unloading station for those wishing to head over to the Coney Glade or Big Burn lifts. Aspen Highlands unveils "Deep Temerity," acres of new advanced and expert terrain that will open for this season along with the Deep Temerity triple chair, which rises 1700 vertical feet in just 7.3 minutes making it easier to get in another lap in Highlands Bowl!

New Online Booking!
Lodging Packages, lifts, air, everything!
Check out our new Book On Line link, making it easier than ever to check availability and to buy your Aspen Square vacation. You can now buy lodging and arrange your whole trip with a full vacation package: airfare, ground transportation, lifts, rentals and ski school. Buy as much or as little you want, all at great rates. Check it out -- it's terrific! For lodging availability, rates and package information, www.aspensquarehotel.com

Save on Early December Lodging/lift Packages
4 nights lodging in a Fireplace Studio Suite, 3 days skiing
Just $503 per person, double occupancy
Rate available December 1 - 15. Similar savings available
for longer stays and for larger condominiums.
Tax and service fee additional.
Enjoy Aspen as the season begins and save!
For details or reservations, just give us a call!
1-800-470-0530.

Check the Aspen Square Web Cam to see the latest weather at Gondola Plaza.

	GETTING TO ASPEN
Flights Into Aspen Flights come into Aspen's Sardy Field from Denver and Los Angeles on United Express, from Minneapolis and Memphis on Northwest and from Phoenix on America West. There are numerous direct flights from major cities to nearby Eagle Airport, just 70 miles from Aspen and an easy "no pass" drive. Aspen is a 3 to 4 hours drive from Denver over Vail Pass and through Glenwood Springs. Aspen is just 2.5 hours from Grand Junction. Need help with travel plans? Just give us a call!

	WORLD CUP RACING RETURNS
Aspen's passion for World Cup is deeply rooted in our community. The Aspen Winternational tradition continues December 9th -11th, when Olympic favorites and hopefuls will descend on Aspen for a weekend of nonstop action and entertainment. The fastest women in the world will compete for three days in the disciplines of giant slalom, super G and slalom to garner international notoriety before heading off to the Olympics in Italy in February. Television coverage by NBC and OLN will capture the excitement and despair that embodies World Cup racing. MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC! This winter, the Budweiser Hi-Fi Concert Series presents five live concerts that correspond with key events throughout ski season. These free, outdoor music extravaganzas generate huge excitement among the captive audience of visitors & locals alike, as they feature top national acts around holidays and/or events in Aspen and Snowmass. The December 10th concert, which coincides with Aspen Winternational, will feature the Gin Blossoms in Aspen at the intersection of Hyman and Hunter, one block from Aspen Square. The concert begins at 6:00 pm. A HOLIDAY TRADITION Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns for the winter season with its original production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. With lavish scenic designs by Roger LaVoie, this production seamlessly blends classical ballet with circus artists, traditional dances and other unexpected surprises. Performances are December 16th, 17th and 18th at 7:30 pm, with matinees on December 17th and 18th at 2:00 pm. All performances are at the Aspen District Theatre. Tickets range from $20-$58. FUN AT NIGHT ON ASPEN MOUNTAIN The second annual "Storm the Stars" uphill race will take place on the evening of December 17th on Aspen Mountain, followed by an energized "Rock the Stars" party at the Sundeck. Adrenaline junkies charge up 3000 vertical feet to the top of the mountain using their preferred choice of equipment in the only nighttime endurance event in the area. Upon finishing, they gain entry into a rocking fundraiser from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with music, food and drink. For $10, non-hikers can join the party at the Sundeck as well! A NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITION "It's a Wonderful Life"...in Aspen! Theatre Aspen's annual production, lovingly faithful to Frank Capra's classic film, is Aspen's newest holiday tradition. Performances will be December 20th - 23rd at 7:30 pm, with two matinees on December 21st and 24th at 2:00 pm. All performances will be at the historic Wheeler Opera House.

	MOVIES, MOVIES, MOVIES!
As the Oscar race heats up, December is now synonymous with the release of the year's most critically acclaimed, most eagerly anticipated movies. Since 1992, Aspen Filmfest has been adding celluloid excitement to Aspen's winter holidays with a slate of the hottest films headlined by top directors and stars. Open to everyone, this two-week extravaganza that runs from December 19th through January 1st offers a sneak peek at some of the films everyone will be talking about as the Academy Awards approach.

Local Links ...

Aspen Square Hotel Aspen Activity Guide

The Aspen Times See our Web Cam!