Your Vacation, Our Destination, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Now through December 31, 2008, Receive a 20% off our best available rate plus an upgrade to the next room category at check in when you you pay with your American Express® Card (based on availability) Read More

Earn Membership Rewards® Points, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Throughout 2008, American Express® Cardmembers can earn double Membership Rewards points at participating Destination Hotels & Resorts properties when paying with an eligible and enrolled American Express Card. Read More

Redeem Membership Rewards® Points for Free Nights, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

In addition to earning American Express Membership Rewards points, We are proud to announce that you can also redeem those points for future stays at this location. Just call 1-800-AXP-EARN to find out how. Read More

Early Summer Season Special, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Do you like to $ave when you go on vacation? We support that! Book your summer vacation with Snowmass early this year and take advantage of our special offer! You could save up to 25%! Read More

Stay More... SAVE More!, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Trying to find an affordable way to extend your vacation in Snowmass? We're here to help! The longer you stay... the more you save! Read More

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Ride for the Pass, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Annual Ride for the Pass is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation. Bicycle race up Independence Pass. Register at the Ute Mountaineer.

For more information visit, www.Independencepass.org or call 970-963-4959.

SummerFILMS, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

A nine-week series of acclaimed independent and foreign language films as well as award-winning documentaries, screening Sundays and Mondays at Paepcke Auditorium.

For more information visit, http://www.aspenfilm.org or call 970-925-6882.

ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Summer workshops for adults and children begin at this renowned arts center. Internationally-respected artist faculty includes Enrique Martinez Celaya, Holly Roberts, Laura McPhee, Robin Lasser and Richard Notkin. Additional free lectures, art auctions and events are held throughout the summer. (http://www.andersonranch.org/ or (970) 923-3181)

5TH ANNUAL CHILI PEPPER & BREW FEST, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

Elite invitational microbrew and International Chili Society sanctioned chili competitions and tastings are paired with outstanding concerts on Pepper Hill. Previous acts include Ziggy Marley, Del McCoury, The David Grisman Quintet, Johnny Lang and Keller Williams. (http://www.snowmasschiliandbrew.com/ or 1-800-SNOWMASS)

2ND SNOWMASS LA SPORTIVA TRAIL RACE TRIFECTA, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

This weekend of trail running on Snowmass' scenic 40 miles of trails includes a 5k, a hill climb, and a half marathon for individual and combined prizes. (http://www.runtherockies.com/ or (970) 333.1159)

Snowmass Celebrates St. Paddy's Day March 17, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

SNOWMASS CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF IRISH FUN FOR ST PADDY'S DAY
Free concert by Outformation, scavenger hunt, and Irish food & drink highlight the day.

(Snowmass Village, CO) March 10, 2008 -- Snowmass Village, Colorado, hosts one of the biggest St. Paddy's Day parties in the mountains on March 17. Filling the resort with free live music, giveaways, traditional Irish fare, and shamrock-hued festivities, Snowmass' St. Paddy's Day celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2008.

"We've gathered quite a following in the four years since this celebration was introduced," says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for the Town of Snowmass. "Whether you come for the amazing free music, the Irish festivities or the green family fun, St. Paddy's Day is a great time to visit and enjoy the fine spring weather."

On March 17, free St. Paddy's Day events and concerts abound. The Lucky Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt offers a pot of over 50 golden prizes for both adults and kids, while family fun and kids activities fill the Mall.

Throughout the afternoon, a bagpipe & drum band parades down the Mall, while dancers perform traditional Irish jigs and reels. Lest all the jumps, jigs, and dancing make visitors thirsty, they can raise a pint to the Irish at the Beer Garden & food tents on the Mall with green beer and specialty drinks by sponsors Skyy Vodka, Carolans Irish Creme, and Tullamore Irish Dew, along with traditional Irish fare.

The Mall also resounds with free concerts throughout the afternoon. Mondragon, a Celtic folk renaissance group, puts unique new twists on traditional favorites. With shared influences ranging from Charlie Daniels, Waylon Jennings and Drive-By Truckers all the way to Frank Zappa and the Grateful Dead, Outformation also takes to the stage. This rising star was named "Best New Band" of 2005 in Honest Tune Magazine's reader's poll and plays from an arsenal of story-based, workingman songs.

For the full Snowmass St. Paddys Day schedule, please visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS. For media information and photos, call Allison Johnson at (970) 704-9988.

Schedule: (All activities are on the Snowmass Village Mall or on Snowmass Mountain)

Leprechaun Giveaways (Snowmass Village Mall and Snowmass Mountain). Keep your eyes out on the Snowmass Village Mall and along Snowmass kids' trails for lucky leprechaun goodies such as necklaces, Irish hats, bubbles, stickers, balls & more. All day.

Lucky Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt for Adults & Children (Ticket Pavilion, Snowmass Mountain, Fanny Hill). Beginning at 9 a.m., clues are released on the hour at the base of all ski lifts and on KSPN to lead kids and adults to Shamrock and a Pot of Gold prizes on Snowmass Mountain. Over 30 prizes range from gift certificates at local shops to dinner at The Artisan to grand prizes such as a Blazing Adventures rafting tour and CME travel are available.  (970) 922-2297.

Family Fun Irish-style! (Snowmass Village Mall Mid-Mall). Guided by favorite local performers Jammin' Jim and Sparkles the Clown, kids can make arts & crafts to march along with the Pipe and Drum marchers and have their faces painted emerald designs. Free activity. Noon-4 p.m.

Irish Beer Garden & Food Tents (Snowmass Village Mall). Raise a pint to the Irish at one of the Beer Garden and Food Tents serving traditional Irish fare and hearty green beer. For sale: Green Irish beer, import beer, and Irish Cordials (from sponsors Skyy Vodka, Carolans Irish Creme, and Tullamore Irish Dew). Irish Drink & Fare: A la carte. 12-5 p.m.
 
El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band (Snowmass Village Mall).  This bagpipe and drum troupe parades up and down the mall filling the air with traditional Irish bagpipe tunes. The El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band is the oldest Pipe Band in Colorado, formed in 1963. Free activity. 1:30-1:45 p.m., 3:15-3:30 p.m., 4:45-5:00 p.m.
 
Colorado West Celtic Dancers (Snowmass Village Mall). Check out the jigs and reels and traditional Irish dances from this dance troupe. Free activity. 1:45-2:15 p.m., 3:30-4 p.m.
 
Concert by Mondragon (Snowmass Village Mall) Mondragon's Celtic folk renaissance roots delve into folk, classical, jazz, and rock, with a unique style that takes traditional tunes and flirts with dimension. Popular at Renaissance festivals all over the west, Mondragon incorporates both historical tradition and contemporary style with an energy that is contagious. Free activity. 2:15-3:15 p.m., 3:45-4:45 p.m.
 
Concert by Outformation (Snowmass Village Mall). With years of consistent national touring and two CDs under their belt, Outformation has a growing national fan base and has appeared at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Hi Sierra Music Festival, Magnoliafest, and Wakarusa. In 2007 following the release of Traveler's Rest, Outformation opened for Widespread Panic, Shooter Jennings, and Umphrey's McGee. Free activity. 3:30-5 p.m.

Blarney Bash (throughout Snowmass Village). Restaurants and bars throughout Snowmass celebrate St. Paddy's Day with music, giveaways, green beer and more.

Snowmass Village, Colorado, is located in the heart of the Elk Mountains 9 miles from Aspen, Colorado. Snowmass is accessible via four regional airports and offers NEW service on Frontier starting April 29. For a media guide of this popular mountain destination, please visit www.snowmasspress.com and for visitor information go to www.snowmassvillage.com.

Frontier Airlines Declares Itself King of the Mountain!, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

DENVER (February 14, 2008) - Following the first phase of a major realignment of its route structure

announced in November 2007, Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: FRNT) today announced eight new regional

destinations designed to optimize the financial performance of its Embraer E-170 and Bombardier Q400

regional aircraft (operated for Frontier by Republic Air and Lynx Aviation respectively). The new regional

markets announced today are shorter-haul markets, better suited to leveraging the economics of the E-

170 and the Q400. In conjunction with its regional expansion, Frontier is also increasing capacity to

several of its most popular destinations as it replaces regional aircraft with mainline flying and increases

frequencies in time for the busy summer travel season.

A centerpiece to the regional realignment will be new non-stop service between Frontier's Denver

International Airport (DEN) hub and four of Colorado's top destinations. Utilizing its new fleet of

Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. subsidiary Lynx Aviation, Frontier

will serve the following with non-stop, daily service from Denver:

• Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, CO beginning April 15, 2008
• Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Aspen, CO beginning May 15, 2008
• Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), Durango, CO beginning May 15, 2008
• Walker Field Airport (GJT), Grand Junction, CO beginning May 15, 2008

The quiet, fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced Q400 aircraft are ideal for flying into smaller

markets and allow Frontier to bring its industry-leading customer service to underserved markets

Joe Hodas

Frontier Airlines

720-374-4504

Frontier Center One

7001 Tower Road

Denver, CO 80249

P 720.374.4200 F 720.374.4375

frontierairlines.com

unreachable with its larger aircraft. Frontier's new service is expected to reduce the average fare in many

of the new markets by as much as 50%.

"Frontier's new service is great news for Colorado, and it's even better news for travelers from around the

country seeking to visit Colorado's top destinations," said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. "Tourism is one

of Colorado's most important economic drivers and with the additional capacity Frontier will provide, there

is only upside for the tourism industry. On behalf of the state of Colorado, we wish Frontier the best of

luck in their new endeavor, and we look forward to sharing the beauty of Colorado with even more

visitors, whether they are coming to Colorado for the first time or returning to Colorado for the 50th time."

"The citizens of Colorado Springs prefer the ease and convenience of their hometown airport, but they

also want access to Frontier's friendly, low fare service," said Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera.

"Frontier's new Colorado Springs service will give us the best of both worlds."

"We're thrilled Colorado's hometown carrier is making it easier for travelers across the United States to

reach the Rocky Mountains and their ample tourist attractions," said Rob Perlman, Chairman of the

Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors. "Experiencing Colorado's world-class ski resorts, superior

outdoor recreation, historic and natural points of interest and cultural events is easier than ever.

Frontier's expanded air service to Colorado Springs and its natural wonders, Grand Junction and its

growing agritourism, and the mountain airports of Aspen and Durango is great news for locals and visitors

alike and illustrates Frontier's continued commitment to improving air access throughout Colorado,"

Perlman added.

In addition to the expansion in its home state of Colorado, Frontier also announced several new nonstops

to other Rocky Mountain and regional destinations from Denver including:

• Hector International Airport (FAR), Fargo, ND starting May 12, 2008
• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), Jackson, WY starting May 15, 2008
• Missoula International Airport (MSO), Missoula, MT starting May 16, 2008
• Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, MT starting May 22, 2008

These routes will be served by a combination of Frontier's regional partners, Lynx and Republic Airways.

"Today's announcement is significant to our ongoing network realignment as these new destinations

represent better utilization of our assets, allowing us to expand our network, increase higher-yielding

traffic flows and diversify against competitive overlap," said Frontier President and CEO Sean Menke.

"Our new fleet of Q400 aircraft also allows us to become the first low-cost carrier to offer service to

these exciting mountain resorts and regional destinations. The irony is that so many of these new

markets have been in our backyard since we began flying in 1994, but we have never had the right

aircraft to be able to offer the low-fare, high-quality service that is a trademark of Frontier until we

established our subsidiary Lynx Aviation and ordered the Q400."

Frontier is also making a number of adjustments to its upcoming spring and summer schedules, including

increased frequencies to its most popular destinations. Highlights of the new schedule can be seen in the

table below:

Key: M = Mainline Airbus service L = Lynx Q400 service R = Republic E170 service

DEN to ASE 0 + 5 L (May 15) 5

DEN to COS 0 + 5 L (April 15) 5

DEN to DRO 0 + 3 L (May 15) 3

DEN to GJT 0 + 4 L (May 15) 4

DEN to BZN 0 + 2 L, 1 R (May 22) 3

DEN TO FAR 0 + 2 R (May 12) 2

DEN TO MSO 0 + 2 R, 1 L (May 16) 3

DEN TO JAC 0 + 3 L (May 15) 3

DEN TO PDX 4 + 1 M 5

DEN TO SEA 3 +3 M (by July 1) 6

DEN TO SMF 3 +1 M 4

DEN TO SJC 3 +1 M 4

DEN TO IND 4 +1 M 5

DEN TO DTW 3 +1 M 4

DEN TO LGA 2 +1 M 3

DEN TO BNA 3 +1 M 4

DEN TO SFO 5 +1 M 6

DEN TO MSP 4 +1 M 5

DEN TO CAK 2 +1 M 3

DEN TO ANC 0 +1 M (seasonal) 1

DEN TO YVR 0 +1 M (seasonal) 1

DEN TO GEG 3 +1 R 4

DEN TO BIL 3 +1 L 4

Frontier is also offering double miles for travel between Denver and all of its new destinations through

June 15, 2008, for members of EarlyReturns, Frontier Airlines' frequent flyer program. To purchase

tickets, customers can visit frontier's Web site at FrontierAirlines.com, contact Frontier Airlines at 1-800-

4321-FLY or consult their professional travel agent.

Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Currently in its

14th year of operations, Frontier Airlines is the second-largest jet service carrier at Denver International

Airport, employing approximately 6,000 aviation professionals. With 61 aircraft and one of the youngest

Airbus fleets in North America, Frontier offers 24 channels of DIRECTV® service in every seatback along

with a comfortable all coach configuration. In conjunction with its regional jet fleet, operated by Republic

Airlines, and a fleet of ten Bombardier Q-400 aircraft operated by Lynx Aviation (a subsidiary of Frontier

Airlines Holdings, Inc.), Frontier offers routes linking its Denver hub to 63 destinations, including 53 U.S.

cities in 32 states spanning the nation from coast to coast; six cities in Mexico; two cities in Canada and

one in Costa Rica. In November 2006, Frontier and AirTran announced a first-of-its-kind integrated

marketing partnership that offers travelers the ability to reach more than 80 destinations across four

countries with low fares, aboard two of the youngest fleets in the industry. For more in-depth information

on Frontier Airlines, please visit its Web site at FrontierAirlines.com.

RELATED WESTPAC ANNOUNCES RECORD SALES OF NEW RESIDENCES IN SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

RELATED WESTPAC ANNOUNCES RECORD SALES OF NEW RESIDENCES IN SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE

IN ONE MONTH THE LITTLE NELL RESIDENCES AT SNOWMASS IS 65% SOLD AND

THE VICEROY RESORTS AND RESIDENCES AT SNOWMASS IS 50% SOLD

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. (Feb. 12, 2008) - Developer of the new $1 billion base village at Snowmass, Colorado, Related WestPac announces an unprecedented sales pace for its first two whole ownership condominium offerings, The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass and The Viceroy Resorts and Residences at Snowmass. Since sales began in mid-December 2007, Related WestPac Real Estate has sold more than 65 percent of The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass and more than 50 percent of The Viceroy Resorts and Residences at Snowmass. Both properties boast enviable ski-in/ski-out locations in the exciting new base village, located only seven miles from the Aspen airport. Snowmass base village will house 60,000 square feet of new restaurants, retailers, and other amenities when completed as well as the 25,000 square foot Tree house Kid's Adventure Center which opened this Winter 2007/2008. The new base village is part of an 80-acre development that is part of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED neighborhood pilot program.

Prices for The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass begin at $3.1 million and at The Viceroy Snowmass prices range from $570,000 to over $4million. For information, visit the Related WestPac Sales and Design Gallery on the Snowmass Upper Village Mall, call 970. 923.0742, 877.923.0742, or visit www.snowmassliving.com

"We are thrilled that sales of The Little Nell Snowmass and Viceroy Snowmass have been even stronger than anticipated," said Pat Smith, President of Related WestPac. "Our vision is for the new Snowmass to be the finest most vibrant resort of its kind, and the residences at Viceroy Snowmass and Little Nell Snowmass are like no other available on the market today at the base of such a world-class mountain. These properties combine exquisite design, premium location, and two of the strongest hospitality brands in North America. In addition, both properties are being designed to be LEED-certified properties."

Viceroy Snowmass is being designed by the internationally acclaimed design visionary Jean-Michel Gathy. Kelly Wearstler who designed the Viceroy Santa Monica and Palm Springs as well as other Kor properties, will create a signature poolside experience and restaurant design. As the management company for Viceroy Snowmass, Kor Hotel Group will bring their blend of innovative style and advanced service to their first mountain property.

The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass will feature interiors by David Easton, designer of The Little Nell in Aspen, who will bring his signature refined elegance and an uncompromising attention to detail. The Little Nell will be managed by The Little Nell, Aspen's only Mobil Five-star/AAA Five Diamond property, so discriminating buyers have the guarantee of the full complement of five-star hotel services, including a signature fine dining restaurant.

The legend and mystique of The Little Nell name lives on with the arrival of The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass. These 30 ski-in/ski-out luxury residences are inspired by the past and reinvented for the future. The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass will bring the height of luxury together with the height of style, for residences that are truly at the pinnacle of elevated living.

The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass will be managed by The Little Nell, recognized around the world as the premier mountain resort in North America. What makes the property a must-stay for its guests - many of whom return again and again - is The Little Nell's unique brand of service. The Little Nell has been recognized as a Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star resort for six consecutive years and also has been awarded the Five-Diamond Award by the American Automobile Association.

Designed by OZ Architecture with interiors by David Easton, one of the most sought after interior designers in the world, The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass design will be LEED certified and resourceful. "I see a desire to simplify life, and for less complicated interiors. I think the future will be about a more intelligent use of resources and a more intelligent support of lifestyles," says Easton. He has designed a very select few commercial and hospitality projects in order to ensure that all projects have his detailed attention.

Owners of The Little Nell Residences at Snowmass will enjoy luxury at its height with 24-hour concierge services, 24-hour in-residence dining, 24-hour maid service, heated pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, a fine dining restaurant, an exclusive owner's lounge, ski valet, private ski lockers, outdoor ski racks, secured indoor storage garage storage for bicycles and other year-round equipment, heated exterior walkways and heated underground valet parking for privacy, security and comfort.

Each Little Nell Residence at Snowmass includes a master bedroom with king size bed and gas fireplace. The master bathrooms offer Jacuzzi-style soaking tubs and separate glass showers. Secondary bedrooms and bathrooms also feature luxurious finishes and features. Kitchens are equipped with top of the line appliances including stainless steel wine coolers and Viking Ranges. Living rooms have fireplaces and spacious areas for lounging.

The Viceroy Resorts and Residences at Snowmass will be an elegant mountain retreat in the inimitable Viceroy style. The inspiring design will be complemented by the intuitive service, innovative culinary and lounge options and a holistic wellness philosophy that underscores the Kor Hotel Group experience. The 152-room ski-in/ski-out condominium hotel residences will be managed by Kor Hotel Group. The Viceroy Snowmass will offer owners and guests unparalleled mountain resort amenities including a lobby restaurant, private dining rooms, bar and lounge, a

spa, fitness center , swimming pool and pool cafe, après ski bar, kids club, casual and fine dining restaurants, flexible conference space and ski valet facilities.

Designed by acclaimed design visionary Jean-Michel Gathy of the Malaysia-based powerhouse, Denniston International, the Viceroy Snowmass will be an inspirational retreat designed to accommodate the signature Viceroy amenities and services envisioned for one of America's first LEED-certified Silver hotels. Denniston's portfolio includes the One and Only at Reethi Rah (Maldives), Aman Resorts in Indonesia, Turks and Caicos and India, and The Setai in Miami's South Beach.

At Snowmass, Gathy will integrate the region's traditional design elements, including wood, stone and glass, in innovative ways to create sophisticated public and private spaces that are both visually stunning and comforting. Renowned for his impressive roster of exclusive hotels and resorts and luxurious approach to ecologically responsible design, Gathy is a major force behind the design of other Viceroy projects in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Kelly Wearstler, who designed the Viceroy Santa Monica and Palm Beach, will create a signature poolside and restaurant experience for the Viceroy Snowmass.

Related WestPac is staunchly committed to the sustainable design, construction and operations of its developments. The Snowmass redevelopment will not only meet the guidelines of the new LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program, but it will also incorporate carbon-free renewable energy sources, implement cleaner construction practices and individually LEED certify each new building going forward. Respecting and integrating the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the area, Snowmass will create a new model of resort living anchored in environmental stewardship where the environmental impact will be minimized and the wellness and health of residents and visitors will be greatly enhanced.

Already one of North America's premier resorts, Snowmass is undergoing a transformation. Located less than seven miles from Aspen Airport and easily accessible from the Eagle/Vail Airport (only 65 miles) the new Snowmass resort will be cohesively developed to ensure its status as a year-round destination. The Snowmass experience will be greatly enhanced with first-class services, luxury residences, hotels, entertainment venues, dining and shopping amenities and additional ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass. The development will combine pioneering environmental stewardship with a first-class resort experience and will create a new model in community and resort sustainable development.

Related WestPac is a joint venture partnership of Related Companies, a fully integrated private real estate development company, and WestPac Investments Colorado LLC, a diversified Real Estate Investment and development company. Related WestPac owns Snowmass Base Village, Snowmass Center and parts of West Village and is creating an 80-acre master planned development, allowing all three sites to be cohesively developed.

Snowmass Selects Mardi Gras King and Queen!, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

SNOWMASS ANNOUNCES KING & QUEEN FOR MARDI GRAS ON FEBRUARY 5TH
Sign up now for floats, costume contests & Mother of All Ascensions race

(Snowmass Village, CO.) January 30, 2008-- On February 5, Snowmass Village morphs into the "Biggest Show on Snow" for the 26th annual Mardi Gras Festival. Leading the festivities will be this year's reigning King, Steve Rausch, and Queen, Susan "Mouse" Carollo, both year-round employees on Snowmass mountain.

Mardi Gras kings and queens are chosen traditionally based on "the luck of the bean" where nominees are each given a box that either contains a winning golden bean or a piece of cake.  In Snowmass Village, it takes more than a legume to receive the royal nod, and the King and Queen are chosen based on their dedication and commitment to Snowmass.

"I can't think of two people who exemplify the spirit of Snowmass more than Susan "Mouse" Carollo and Steve Rausch," says Snowmass Mountain Manager Steve Sewell, a former Mardi Gras king himself. "They are both long time ski patrollers and summer rangers, and I credit the success of our summer bike program to the hard work and vision of these two. But perhaps the trait that they both possess that is absolutely critical for the King and Queen of Mardi Gras is their ability to have fun. I have no doubt that they will reign over the Snowmass Mardi Gras celebration with style and exuberance."

Steve Rausch
Steve Rausch is an avid skier and mountain biker and has worked at Snowmass for 15 years. Since 1998 he has worked as a ski patroller in the winter time and with the summer bike program each summer. "No matter the season," says Rausch, "Snowmass has the best atmosphere. I've got great friends here and I look forward to going to work." Rausch is thrilled and not a little surprised this year to follow in the footsteps of his boss, Steve Sewell, as Mardi Gras King.

Susan Carollo (a.k.a Mouse)
While Carollo has only lived in Snowmass for three years, she has worked at Snowmass for over 30 years as a ski patroller in the wintertime and on bike ranger patrol in the summertime. Carollo, who earned her nickname Mouse during a game of flag football that involved wearing powder puffs which made her look like Mickey Mouse, is accompanied throughout her work by her trusty canine avalanche and rescue dog Caleb. Carollo also cites last year's Mardi Gras with King Steve Sewell as one of her most memorable.

Snowmass Mardi Gras Festivities:
Sponsored by KSNO and The Aspen Times, this annual Fat Tuesday celebration comes earlier than usual in 2008 and is one of the biggest parties of the season in Snowmass, annually drawing between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors. Fat Tuesday starts at dawn on February 5 with the Mother of All Ascensions uphill race. Local restaurants kick off the afternoon with Cajun cuisine and drink specials, while a King Cake will be served on the mall at 1 p.m.

The afternoon is filled with festivities including a Kids' Carnival with face painters and stilt-walkers and a popular bead throw at 3 p.m. with nearly 30,000 bead necklaces thrown into the crowds. The annual parade at 4 p.m. is filled with floats, bagpipers, dancers, stilt walkers, clowns, costumed revelers and more.  After the parade, the parties move indoors to local hot spots such as Zane's Tavern, Mountain Dragon, Big Hoss Grille, and the Cirque, which celebrate with live music, Mardi Gras giveaways, and Fat Tuesday drink and food specials.

Registering for The Mother of All Ascensions Uphill Race:
Celebrating its 16th year, this early morning uphill race kicks off Mardi Gras and is open to snowshoers, skiers, hikers, and runners, and costumes are highly encouraged. Ascending 1,741 feet in elevation, the race heads from Fanny Hill up to Gwen's High Alpine where $15,000 worth of prizes are awarded for everything from best and worst costume to best and worst time. To pre-register ($35) and receive a fabulous goody bag and long sleeve T-Shirt, racers should visit Christy Sports in Snowmass, The Ute Mountaineer in Aspen, or Summit Canyon Mountaineering in Glenwood Springs. Download the application off www.snowmassvillage.com.

Registering for The Parade:
Businesses, families, visitors, and organizations are encouraged to get their message out to crowds as large as 5,000 during the annual Mardi Gras Parade. Snowmass offers cash prizes for Best Float ($450), Best Use of Theme (The Greatest Show on Snow) ($200) and Best Costume ($150). The Snowmass Marketing & Special Events Department provides $100 reimbursement towards float expenses as well. To register costumes or floats or receive reimbursement, stop by the TOSV Marketing offices in Snowmass Village (between the Mall & Daly Lane) or download the registration form from www.snowmassvillage.com.

For the complete Mardi Gras schedule, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS. For media information or photos, contact Allison Johnson at (970) 309-5485 or aj@snowmasspress.com.

Snowmass Mardi Gras is the BIGGEST SHOW ON SNOW!, Destination Resorts Snowmass in Snowmass Village, CO

SNOWMASS ANNOUNCES MARDI GRAS THEME
Sign up now for floats, costume contests & Mother of All Ascensions

(Snowmass Village, CO). January 17, 2008--  On February 5, Snowmass Village morphs into the "Biggest Show on Snow" for the 26th annual Mardi Gras Festival. Sponsored by KSNO and The Aspen Times, this annual Fat Tuesday Celebration is one of the biggest festivals of the season in Snowmass and one of the oldest Mardi Gras parties in the mountains.

"Snowmass is the ultimate Mardi Gras mountain destination," says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for the Town of Snowmass Village. "Snowmass works hard to honor the original New Orleans visitors who introduced the festival over a quarter century ago."

This dawn-until-wee-hours authentic fete began unofficially in 1980 by New Orleans natives seeking an alternative to the crowds of their hometown celebration. Today Snowmass still lures a large contingent of New Orleaners and draws between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors annually. The "Biggest Show on Snow" includes traditional Mardi Gras elements such as a madcap costumed parade, king cake giveaway, a festive bead throw, crawdad boils, Hurricane drink specials, and wild celebrations late into the night along with untraditional elements such as the Mother of All Ascensions Uphill Race.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS.

PARTICPANT INFORMATION: Be part of the Biggest Show on Snow in 2008:

The Mother of All Ascensions:
Celebrating its 16th year, this early morning uphill race kicks off Mardi Gras and is open to snowshoers, skiers, hikers, and runners, and costumes are highly encouraged. Ascending 1,741 feet in elevation, the race heads from Fanny Hill up to Gwen's High Alpine where $15,000 worth of prizes are awarded for everything from best and worst costume to best and worst time. To pre-register ($35) and receive a fabulous goody bag and long sleeve T-Shirt, racers should visit Christy Sports in Snowmass, The Ute Mountaineer in Aspen, or Summit Canyon Mountaineering in Glenwood Springs. Download the race application off www.snowmassvillage.com.

The Parade:
Businesses, families, visitors, and organizations are encouraged to get their message out to crowds as large as 5,000 during the annual Mardi Gras Parade. Snowmass offers cash prizes for Best Float ($450), Best Use of Theme (The Greatest Show on Snow) ($200) and Best Costume ($150). The Snowmass Marketing & Special Events Department provides $100 reimbursement towards float expenses as well. To register costumes or floats or receive reimbursement, stop by the TOSV Marketing offices in Snowmass Village (between the Mall & Daly Lane) or download the registration form from www.snowmassvillage.com.

The resort town of Snowmass Village, Colorado, is located in the heart of the Elk Mountains 9 miles from Aspen, Colorado. Snowmass is accessible via four regional airports (Aspen, Eagle, Grand Junction, and Denver). Snowmass offers diverse lodging and daily activities for families, adventurers, and couples. For a media guide of this popular mountain destination, please visit www.snowmasspress.com and for visitor information go to www.snowmassvillage.com.