Announcing the 2012/2013 winter season offerings of Aspen.
For accommodation, Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort, is reopening its doors in December 2012 after a multi-million-dollar renovation by designer Todd Avery Lenahan. All 94 rooms are being completely redesigned to feature cashmere curtains, burnished leather bedframes and cubist carpet. The lobby has been opened up to create a dramatic new space to socialize. There will also be a new Auberge Spa and a movement room for yoga.
Also, the Sky Hotel began a two-part renovation in the spring of 2012. Interior designer Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studios re-envisioned the guestrooms and corridors, employing a mix of retro and contemporary styles. The second part of the renovation will begin in the spring of 2013.
For food and dining, the Little Nell’s Montagna Restaurant will reopen as Element 47 – silver on the periodic table – on Thanksgiving Day. The name references Aspen’s rich history as a former silver mining town. The Little Nell hired 2012 James Beard Restaurant Design award-winner Bentel & Bentel to spearhead the multi-million-dollar renovation.
Also coming soon is Hotel Jerome’s new restaurant, opening as part of its multimillion-dollar renovation. The new restaurant has been conceived as an updated all-American grill under the direction of executive chef Rob Zack.
Also on offer are: St. Regis Aspen Resort and FOOD & WINE Magazine’s Chefs Club; the Meatball Shack; Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar; Ajax Tavern; and Elk Camp Restaurant.
In the art scene, the Aspen Art Museum began construction of its new 30,000-square-foot Shigeru Ban-designed building in spring 2012 with a targeted completion date in late-2013, and a grand opening in early 2014. The AAM will continue its programming throughout the construction of the new facility.
Other openings include: Kate Spade, which opened in summer 2012, adding the only Colorado location to 38 stores nationwide; and Casterline | Goodman Gallery, a Chicago staple that had its Aspen debut during August’s ArtAspen festival.
Aspen’s winter calendar activities have also been announced.
12 Days of Aspen, happening from Dec. 20 to 31, features free ice skating, visits with Santa's reindeer, s'more-making parties, cookies, cocoa, and holiday drink specials. The Aspen Film Academy Screenings offers two screenings each evening for December. Wintersköl, taking place from January 10 to 13, 2013 includes the Soupsköl, Wintersculpt and the Canine Fashion Show. Gay Ski Week, from January 13 to 20, 2013, celebrates 36 years of such events as comedy shows, retro pool and dance parties and a film series.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, from December 2012 until March 2013, features the annual performance of “the Nutcracker”, as well as pieces by choreographers Jiři Kylián, Alejandro Cerrudo and Trey McIntyre.
ESPN Winter X Games 15, from January 27 to 30, 2013, returns to Aspen/Snowmass for its 12th year; events include ski and snowboard slopestyle, superpipe, snowmobile freestyle and snowcross, and big air. Meanwhile, Aspen Fashion Week is going to take place from March 10 to 13, 2013.
Still other events lined up include: the 7908 Songwriters Festival from March 20 to 24, 2013, produced by Songwriter Hall of Fame member John Oates and the Wheeler Opera House; Bud Light Spring Jam from March 21 to 31, 2013 for downtown concerts and parties; and the AspenFilm’s ShortsFest from April 9 to 14, 2013, now in its 22nd year.