It’s May in the mountains. A time traditionally referred to as “Mud May” or Mudseason. The locals head to warmer climes while their trails dry out and visitors choose to ignore the sleepy time in exchange for higher prices and more predictable weather. In other words, places like Aspen are dead. But what people from big cities don’t get is that shoulder seasons are some of the best times to visit a resort town, and Aspen, Colo., is heading up that awareness campaign.

“The idea was to have something like the Teva Mountain Games in Vail,” said Campbell Levy, one of the original organizers of Outside in Aspen which takes place this weekend (June 8-10, 2012). “It attracts a big audience to Vail at a time when not a lot of people go. You know, because it’s nice out but not quite summer.” Rather than copy the Mountain Games formula, however, Aspen partnered with Outside Magazine to create an event that would not only attract off-season tourists but address a black hole in the sporting community. “The [Teva Mountain Games] is great if you’re an expert. Otherwise, it’s boring,” said Levy.

Outside in Aspen not only lures guests during a time they might not typically visit but it caters to those who want to learn new adventure sports. “How many times do you get to hang out with pro athletes, drink beers with them, listen to panel discussions about adventure and have the town to yourself?” said Levy.

Beginning with a slideshow by adventure sport photographer Lucas Gilman and welcome party at the posh Sky Hotel, the real challenge kicks off Saturday with 10 different clinics:

Rafting // Kayaking // Climb a Fourteener // Stand-up Paddle Boarding // Mountain Biking //Road Biking // Rock Climbing // Ski/Snowboard Independence Pass //Hiking // Trail Running// Fly-Fishing //Adventure Dog Workshop //and the newest addition-Adventure Sports Photography // 

The clinics are repeated on Sunday so you don’t have to stress about choosing one activity over another.  They cost $100 each for a five-hour session with a pro and a sack lunch. It doesn’t get more reasonable than that. “You can get quite a bit out of it,” said Levy. “The event is accessible. You can learn a new skill and be hooked for the rest of your life in just one weekend.” There aren’t a lot of places where a person of any ability can go without their own gear, have some pro teach you their ways, and do it in a beautiful locale like Aspen at unheard-of Aspen prices. Who would have thought you could stay right in the heart of the action for less than $100/nt?!

The fest concludes with an adventure symposium that features world-class athletes sharing their experience and insight on the role explorers and athletes play in social activism and philanthropy and the current state of adventure sports. Perhaps you could be part of that future with your new-found passion for white water kayaking or standup river paddleboarding? But Outside in Aspen isn’t just for newbies. Many come just to ride shotgun with their heroes like Mountaineer Jake Norton, back from his latest jaunt up Everest, Team Nike Mountain Bike Champ Sari Anderson or Christy Mahon, the first woman to ski all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000 foot mountains.

After three years the idea is starting to take hold. The crowd is predominantly from the Colorado Front Range but as people get wind of the event, organizers are welcoming people from all over the country. “Outside [Magazine] provides a lot of cache. They bring the athletes, sponsors, prizes and vibe,” said Levy. Then you have the basecamp with a kids nature corner, live music, beer garden, exhibits, Outside’s Buyers Gear Guide showcase and free chair massages. Families and even pets (thanks to Planet Dog’s Adventure Dog Workshop) will find all sorts of fun things to do in Aspen this weekend without blowing their summer vacation budget.

For the detes and to book lodging go to www.outsideinaspen.com. Follow Facebook or Twitter @OutsideinAspen) for the latest updates on athletes and activities throughout the weekend.

 

 

Where to Stay:

Limelight Hotel– The cozy, family owned ski lodge has spacious rooms, included continental breakfast, beautiful pool and hottubs and a staff that knows how to care for guests. Pets are welcome!

Molly Gibson Lodge – Smack in the heart of downtown Aspen, with three Jacuzzis, a heated outdoor pool and a full buffet breakfast every morning, your family and pets may never want to leave.

Hotel Aspen– The intimate, contemporary hotel recently renovated; redoing the rooms from the core and adding Buddha beds and water features to the outdoor deck. Fido even gets a welcome treat bag on arrival.

 

Where to Eat:

The best way to save money dining in Aspen is to order off the bar menus. Practically every restaurant in Aspen has one. After that, try grabbing a seat at Ajax Tavern, CP Burger, Taster’s Pizza, the Justice Snows in the Wheeler Opera House or plan ahead and snag a sandwich for later from Grateful Deli.

 
 

By Jill Adler

The time draws near. The sun radiates, the crowd swells and sounds move outdoors. The summer concert season is nigh. If you’ve never planned, geared up and marched onto a field like an army to battle, you have yet to experience the beast known as the Outdoor Music Festival. Yes, it’s a living, breathing collective that, unless you’re prepared to join, might leave you with the ickies for the rest of your life. Porta-potties, sweaty, sun-pinked bodies, muddy clothes, booze and bong smells with every turn. Sounds unpleasant but a weekend outdoor music festival where you can catch your favorite artist live, you’re surprised by unknown acts and you see so much music for relatively little cost, could take the top place on your most-amazing-time-of-your-life list.

To Make It Happen

Decide well in advance whether you’ll book a hotel or crash at a campground. Hotels are more civilized but if you can handle ‘showering’ with baby wipes and neighbors practically on top of you, you’ll make more lasting friendships and memories under a tent. Start saving up. The green bleeding doesn’t end with the tickets, the lodging, the travel. Expect to pay dearly for carnie food and domestic brews.

For venues that don’t allow outside food, tape snacks to your pant legs or tuck them strategically in your pack or jacket; save your money for bigger meals. Oh and make sure you bring cash. Festival ATM fees are ridiculous and you can’t count on vendors taking plastic.

Fests have waterstations. Bring refillable jugs or hydration bladders so you spend your money on beer instead of water bottles. Remember – one glass of water for every beer if you plan to last all day in the sun.

No matter how great the music is, there will come a time when your ears are done. Pop in plugs for peace as well as protection. If you have little kids or babies go bigger. Pack a pair of gun earmuffs. Seriously. Repeated exposure to 85+ decibels causes hearing loss.

As for the rest of your wardrobe, think layers. It’s cool in the morning, sweltering by noon, cool again at dusk, then you work up a sweat dancing at night among a crowd that just seemed to double with the glow of the moon. Wear technical T-shirts like something from Sports Science (wicks better and dries faster than cotton), cargo shorts, durable shoes, hat, tons of sunscreen, Otterbox your electronics, Wal-Mart rain poncho, sunglasses.

It never hurts to pack a costume and watergun either. Just don’t bring anything you’ll cry over when it gets dirty, lost, broken or stolen. Lastly, pack cough drops. Throats don’t appreciate screaming, cheering, singing your head off and yelling over music for four days. Now get out there and fest!

BEST FEST GEAR

Chaco Z2 Vibram Unaweep Sandals

Flipflops are for amateurs. Real festivarians do Chacos. No slippage- the Chaco Unaweep toe and heel wraps secure your foot; no cramping- the firm contoured footbed gives you lasting arch support; no cold- tug on the strap to flatten the toe loop, slip on some thick merino socks and keep your feet warm till the last song. $100, www.chacos.com.

Kelsyus Backpack Chair w/ UV Canopy 

Don’t let those height restrictions keep you from sitting pretty. The lightweight Kelsyus chair has armrests that convert into backpack shoulder straps. There’s even a little place behind the pillow to stash snacks or beverages. The Canopy’s huge so expect to either sit in the back or use it between sets. $40, Big 5, Costco, Amazon, Target, etc.

Boreal Switchvision Sunglasses

Wear these steezy shades from the lowlight of dawn or dusk to full exposure. Whatever the lighting, pop in the right shade of lens with the patented magnetic interchange system. $115.

Toys

The hours can drag at certain times- especially if you have kids. Bust out the Toss ‘n Catch Foambeez or Zartz Throwing Dartz by Zing or Ringstix if you don’t mind staying to the rear to play. If you don’t mind carrying the extra gear, a kiddie inflatable pool and squirtguns go a long way. $4-13, ToysRUs.com

Loki Kids Fuse Hoody

It’s all about the layers when you’re outside from morning to midnight. Slip on the Loki Fuse with its built-in neck gaiter and mittens so you don’t have to worry about collecting kids’ gear from lost and found at the end of the fest. Plus, he gets to look like a stealth ninja. $75.

BEST FESTS OF THE WEST

Coachella, Indio, Calif.- Rock, hip hop and electronica come together over three days, five stages, and an epic campground. 2011 Headliners include Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong, Mazzy Star, The Black Keys, The Shins, Squeeze, Bon Iver and Florence + the Machine. Mid-April. You missed this one but tickets are already on sale for 2013. Coachella.com

Sasquatch Music Festival, The Gorge near Seattle, Wash.- The premiere rock/alternative indie music fest. Camp out all three days so you don’t miss a beat from up and coming artists. There’s also a comedy tent that morphs into a dance party late at night for you and your 25,000 friends. Don’t miss Pretty Lights, The Roots, Tenacious D, and Beck. Memorial Day Weekend.

Desert Rocks Music Festival

, Green River, UT –  a 4-day camping event in the red rock desert. Expect socially responsible bands, speakers, DJ’s, performers, venders, artists, workshops, and films that have a positive message. The Wailers, Elephant Revival, Chali 2na and The House of Vibe, Holy Water Buffalo, Scenic Byway and more. 6/7-10/2012.

Groovefest American Music Festival, Cedar City, Utah- A five-day festival dedicated to American music; that’s blues and folk, bluegrass and country, Western, Americana, jazz, and jam. 6/19-24/2012.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride, Colo.- Woodstock of the West. Four days of bluegrass-based acoustic music that’s been going strong for nearly 40 years. Peter Rowan, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Tim O’Brien, and Sam Bush are regulars. Kids get their own tent and music at the back and late night concerts at local clubs throughout town rock after the field winds down. 6/21-24/2012.

High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, Calif.- The eclectic sounds of jazz, newgrass, bluegrass, jam bands, funk, electronica and world music can be heard about 80 miles north of Reno, Nev., There are also workshops, classes, and family-oriented activities.  Matisyahu, Built To Spill, Kids These Days, Ben Harper, Galactic, STS, July 5-8, 2012.

Targhee Fest, Alta, Wyo.- Family friendly rock fest framed by the Tetons. Toots and the Maytals, Trigger Hippy featuring: Joan Osborne & Jackie Greene, Drive By Truckers, JJ Grey & Mofro and more are scheduled to perform. 7/13-15/2012.

Northern Rockies Folk Festival Hailey, Idaho-  Two-day show jam-packed with local Wood River Valley talent as well as national acts playing everything from rock, folk, and Zydeco to Americana and country. Up-and-coming bands with local ties, and student musicians, get 15-minutes on stage during set changes.  8/3-4/2012.

Outside Lands, Golden Gate Park, Calif.- Launched by the people who created Bonnaroo, this mainstream (think Further, Levon Helm, Social Distortion, Slightly Stoopid), 2-day celebration of music, food, wine and art brings together more than 70,000 people. 8/10-12/2012.

Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival, Seattle, Wash.-  250 performers at over 20 unique indoor and outdoor venues. There’s music, comedy, film, performing and visual arts, dance, theatre, and events for the kids. Labor Day Weekend.

Austin City Limits, Austin, TX- Book your hotel or campsite early. Austin’s version of Bonnaroo draws crowds around 100,000. This three-day American music event draws artists from the Flaming Lips to the Eagles. Kids under 10 get in free and have their own “Kiddie Limits” event- crafts, sand play, School of Rock workshops, DrumZone and rocker hairdos. Oct. 12-14, 2012.

For a fairly complete list of festivals worldwide, check out MusicFestivalJunkies.com.

It was smiles all around for the gang that showed up at Canyons on Saturday; and it wasn’t just the gorgeous spring weather and the Gruv setting up in the Village below. The impromptu idea to have a celebrity ski race and raise a couple hundred grand for a charity called Operation Smile wasn’t long in the making.

Five months ago, a young boy approached the founders of Operation Smile, a non-profit that pays for the operations to repair cleft lips and palates in underprivileged children. The 10-year-old – who just happened to be the son of the president of NBC Entertainment, Jennifer Salke (who, BTW is married to the brother of a girl I went to high school with. Yes, Ryan, everyone from my past is “successful” but me), wanted to give back. Since Henry was born with a cleft lip but had the means to overcome the condition, he decided to help those who didn’t.

Soon Billy Bush from Access Hollywood was on board promoting the event and encouraging his friends from popular television shows to join in. Yesterday, marked the first annual Smile Challenge and you can bet they’ll be back next year. It’s hard to beat a weekend of good fun for a good cause.

The celebs were able to hop a couple of private jets to get to Park City on short notice and many like Lisa Kudrow and Scott Wolf already call Utah, ‘Home #2.’ “I love Utah,” said Kudrow. “We have a place here. Everyone is really nice.”

The former Friends star didn’t ski in the race but said she does know how to ski. She’s just not good enough to have anyone watch her race. Wolf has come a long way since his first days on the slopes during breaks on Everwood. He was schooling Holly Flanders in the course.

Both celebrated the opportunity to support Operation Smile. “It’s so pervasive, the help [kids] are getting,” Kudrow said. “It’s not just a smile, it’s confidence and belonging and feeling like, ‘Yes I’m part of a group and I go to a school and can do well.’ They all just soar afterwards.”

Glee’s Cory Monteith may be the next celebrity to buy into Park City. He gushed with admiration for the Wasatch. “I love this, look at this,” he said. “It’s God’s country. It’s amazing.” The locals welcomed him too. Young girls trembled with excitement to stand next to him for photos. And, no, I wasn’t the one trembling.

A couple of Modern Family stars also turned up for the event. “Our face is our livehood. It’s what everyone judges you on unfortunately; and a great smile is a beautiful thing and to give kids back that confidence is a beautiful thing,” said Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell). Neither Ty Burell nor Jesse took their chances in the spring slop. They chilled at the Alpine House for the after party. Jesse didn’t know how to ski in the morning but said he had a private lesson later.

Next time, he needs to call me. I’ll be the first to tell him to take a lesson in the morning, not the afternoon, on the last day of March during an excruciatingly hot, dry ski season.

The celebs didn’t have much time to prep before the race. They arrived Friday evening and met their Olympic team leaders Saturday morning before the 11 a.m. start just below and to the right of the Sunrise Lift. Billy Demong, Fuzz Feddersen, Kaylin Richardson, Derek Parra, Holly Flanders, Tracy Evans coordinated the teams of six. Spectators could walk up to the finish area and were treated to a variety of Pro Bar flavors. Good thing too as the gluten-free, vegan nutrition bars would be the best vegetarian alternative to the Schnitzel and corned beef the Alpine House was serving. Unless you have a thing for beet salad.

Food aside, the First Annual Smile Challenge seemed to go off without a hitch and the casualness of the event made it feel like old pals out for a Saturday on the hill rather than some glitzy inauthentic Sundance-ish affair. The smiles were genuine.

Canyons’ Kaylin Richardson smoked the entire field. Billy Demong

Kate Walsh was loving the sun and time with friends and Family.

Tony Hawk, who has his own charity building skateparks for underprivileged kids, gladly came out to ride in Utah for a complementary charity.

I’m making jokes about summer being here. We had all of six days of winter, a sh*tload of spring and now everything’s toast. Sure, we may get a few random storms but for the most part, with less than a month left, the 2011/2012 “ski” season is wrapping up. The good news is that the trails should be clear to bike and hike sooner rather than later. (Last year we couldn’t bike in the Wasatch until August) and the extra good news is that the sunny weather is lifting spirits disappointed with the winter turnout.

Canyons (Closing April 15)

March 31- April 1 – Don’t know how they did it but Canyons’ celebrity list trumps Deer Valley’s. DV always opens their season with their CBS Celebrity Classic but the starpower is frequently lackluster. Now, Canyons Resort closes their season with the inaugural 2012 Smile Downhill and stars from blockbuster shows like Glee, Modern Family and Grey’s Anatomy have agreed to show. Katherine Heigl, Lucy Hale, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Josh Kelley, Kate Walsh, Chris Case, Billy Bush, Naya Rivera, Lisa Kudrow, Scott Wolf, and Jennifer Salke will race to raise funds for Operation Smile, an international children’s charity that rebuilds smiles for thousands of children born with cleft lips and cleft palates. Anyone can watch the races along the Sunrise trail with the finish line near Canyons Resort Village.

March 31 – Spring Gruv continues with the Red Bull Schlittentag. Three-person teams build the craziest, fastest sled in the Wasatch then it’s all downhill.
The party continues in the Village at 3 p.m. with a free concert from Martin Sexton.

April 1 – Orgone free
concert starts at 3 p.m. 

Utah Residents receive up to 50% off
on lodging rates at select Canyons Resort properties. Anyone booking will also receive special 2 FOR 1 single and multi-day lift tickets. 888-CANYONS.

Park City Mountain Resort (Closing April 15)

April 8- The Easter Bunny arrives at 9 a.m. sharp in the Resort’s Kid’s Korral. Pastries, hot chocolate and coffee will be served. But be ready to roll for the best egg hunt in Utah. The annual “Hunt for the Golden Egg” takes place all over the mountain with two golden eggs containing 2012/2013 season passes.  Non-golden eggs have prizes like 2012 Summer Activities, 2012/2013 lift tickets, clothing and more.

Little kids get an Easter egg hunt for candy on First Time face.

Deer Valley (Closing April 15)

DV doesn’t host any spring events or deals but it doesn’t cost a dime to chill at “the Beach” at the Silver Lake Lodge.

The Easter Bunny makes a stop on April 8 but if you want the little ones to go egg hunting, try PCMR, Solitude, Snowbird or Alta instead.

Alta (Closing April 15, reopening Fri.-Sun. through April 29)

March 29 – April 2 – Ladies, don’t put away those boards just yet. The Alta Lodge Women’s Ski Camp brings together the best of the Alf Engen Ski School’s instructors for three days of instruction and four nights of lodging, breakfasts and dinners. You’ll be in a fun environment where you can challenge yourself, improve your technique and meet some new ski buddies. You’ll also get the scoop on the newest women-specific skis so we can help you pick the right skis for you.

April 6-15 – Alta in April. Alta Chamber & Visitors Bureau present a week of après ski events, live music, an on-mountain ski scavenger hunt, a costume contest and more.

April 7:  Spring Ski Demo Day presented by Powder House Ski Shops and Alta Ski Shop, free ski demos, live music on the GMD Deck; Beer and Brats at Alf’s Restaurant (mid-mountain in Albion Basin, 11:00-2:00pm, $10)

April 8:  ACE Easter Egg Hunt (for the kids, 11:00am start) and Skier’s Photo Scavenger Hunt, an on-mountain hunt for gear and prizes (12:30-3:30pm)

April 9:  Apres Ski Pool Party at the Alta Peruvian Lodge – Pool Deck (4:00-6:00pm) 

April 10:  Apres Ski Wine and Appetizers at the Alta’s Rustler Lodge – Eagle Nest Lounge (4:00-6:00pm) and Open Mic at the GMD Saloon (8:00-10:00pm)

April 11:  Apres Ski at the Shallow Shaft Restaurant featuring Epic Brewing (4:00-6:00pm)

April 12:  Apres Ski at The Snowpine Lodge with the Alta Historical Society Fireside Chat- Alta’s Wild Old Bunch (4:00-6:00pm)

April 13:  Freaky Friday Stretchpants and Sunglasses Costumed Ski Day – show off your most wild spring style, and you may win the “Best Dressed” prize! Prizes and drawing on Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge deck (3:30pm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowbird (TBA but closing sooner rather than later. No way they’re making it to Memorial Day this year.)

April 8 – Easter Sunday starts with a free sunrise service on Hidden Peak. The
last Tram up departs at 6:43 a.m. so be in line by 6 a.m. to make sure you get on.

The free Easter Egg Hunt for kids under 11 takes place at 9 a.m. on Chickadee.

April 9 – Daredevil Dummy Downhill. Build it and send it down Gad Valley at 5 p.m. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories including Best Crash.

April 17 – Plaza Deck Bash. Music, giveaways and $40 lift tickets.

Solitude (Closing April 15)

April 8 – Peter Cottontail visits the Moonbeam Center and eggs on the little ones as they hunt.

Brighton (Closing April 22)

It’s not too late to learn. Brighton’s 3-day Learn to Slide package includes a free Smith helmet. Sign up for three group lessons, three full-day rentals and three learner lift tickets all for $199.

March 31- Red Bull Minors Cup is a big mountain “invite only” event for juniors under 18. The judging panel, comprised of top industry pros, will score the difficulty of line, fluidity, innovation of tricks, and speed.

April 14 – Neff Beach Bash Snowboard Jam. First 125 to register get to compete. The rest can party, enjoy the DJ, food, swag and sun.

Sundance (Closing April 8)

It’s one of the first mountains to close but Sundance has a robust summer with some of the best mountain biking in the north. Makes sense to get the skiers off the mountain so the snow can melt.

Snowbasin (Closing April 15)

Spring weekends are filled with music on the Needles deck Friday and Saturday beginning at 2:30 p.m

April 8 – Annual Snowbasin Easter Buffet. $37 for adults, $17 for youth and free for kids under 6. Call 801 620-1021 for reservations.

Powder Mountain (Closing April 8)

HAPPY EASTER?PASSOVER!!!