Author: Party Welt

You may have been to many balls in your
lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,
and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t
been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado,
you are missing out on all the fun! Known as
‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is
held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East
Dean Street every March.

Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was
held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine
Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a
celebration of Reebok shares trading on the
stock market for the very first time. This black
tie event was much like other balls – but
everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first
Sneaker Ball was born.

The following year, Al Gross decided that this
was the kind of party that people really liked –
but instead of being limited to white Reeboks,
the idea would be for the guests to wear formal
gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis
shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where
people know how to party – and thousands of
people from all over the world fly into Aspen to
attend.

One of the nicest things guests like about the
Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All
of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a
program designed to help inner-city kids. These
kids are brought to Aspen to experience what
life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t
even realize that places like Aspen really exist.
Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too
bad considering that the money is for a good
cause.

People from diverse backgrounds attend the
Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are
there, infamous people, and people who are
neither famous nor infamous attend – and
every one has a fantastic time. The party gets
started at about 9:30pm and ends around
1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in
various locations throughout Aspen.

If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those
glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your
chance! You will rub elbows with the famous,
show off your custom designed sneakers
along with your formal wear, and dance the
night away – and all for a very good cause.

This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the
Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out
when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and
purchase your tickets right away. Also check
with the various hotels and lodges to inquire
about package deals and get your
reservations set before everything is sold out!

According to The New York Post, the Caribou
Club is the absolute best private club in
America. This is a member’s only private club,
and the membership fee is quite high – but the
ambiance is top-notch!

The Caribou Club is located in Aspen,
Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue. The club
is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day, and
you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in
the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with
a fine cigar. The wine cellar houses over 5000
wines from around the world.

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine
dining and dancing, however. When you enter
the club, you are entering a world of elegance
that can only be experienced here. The walls
are covered with 19th century paintings. There
is a coat room, where your coat will be taken
from you, and you are made to feel like a very
welcome houseguest. You can then go to the
bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner
– the choice is yours.

The Caribou Club has only been open for about
ten years, but it has become an integral part of
Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous – and
even for those who are not famous, nor rich,
but who can afford to pay the membership
fees. When you enter the Great Room at The
Caribou Club, you will probably see faces that
you know – even if you don’t know these
famous people on a personal level.

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the
cuisine offered by The Caribou Club. Your
event can be catered by the club, no matter
how large or small it is, or where it is located.
You can have your event catered anywhere
in the world! Private parties can also be held
at The Caribou Club.

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime
membership for a couple is $10,000. Individual
membership for two people is $3000 for the
first year, and $1000 for each additional year,
paid annually. Family membership for up to five
people costs $4000 per year. A temporary
membership is available for one week. The cost
is $500 and covers one couple. However, during
Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is
$1000.

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite
exclusive – but depending on the type of
nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is
well worth it – even if you only visit once a year.

Founded in 1983 by Kent Reed, Theatre in the Park
has become an Aspen tradition that adds to the
delight of Aspen nightlife. Theatre in the Park once
actually was theatre that was performed in a tent in
the park. Now, however, Theatre in the Park has
changed its name to Theatre Aspen, and a new
permanent structure is in development. This will
allow Theatre in the Park to hold year-round
performances, instead of summer-only performances.

Contemporary and classical plays are all presented
by the theatre. If you are in Aspen around Christmas
time, make sure that you see the theatre’s
presentation of “Its A Wonderful Life.” As a summer-
only venue, sixty shows are performed each year.
Once the company has its permanent structure, we
can expect many more each year.

The Theatre Aspen also has many training programs
for adults and children. Currently, performances are
held between June and August. The Theatre in the
Park is located in the Rio Grande Park. Heat is
provided on chilly nights, and there is an area to enjoy
cocktails during intermissions, as well as before and
after performances.

Syzygy, which is located on East Hyman Avenue in
Aspen, Colorado, has repeatedly won awards for
being one of the best restaurants in this ski town.
Featuring outstanding jazz music and food that is
out of this world, Syzygy is the place to be when it
comes to Aspen nightlife and fine dining. This is an
Aspen landmark that is not to be missed.

The chef at Syzygy combines European and Asian
dishes, and presents them in a modern American
way. These combinations are what set the cuisine
at Syzygy apart from the food you find at most
restaurants. Along with this outstanding fare, you
can select wine from a list of over 300 Italian,
American, and French wines. If you aren’t sure
which wine will work with the fine food you have
ordered – simply ask your waiter. They always
seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the
flavor of the food the best.

One of the nice touches about the service at
Syzygy’s is that the Chef likes to send gifts to the
table, such as goat cheese, potato crisps, and
osemary bread. Syzygy is famous for their
atmosphere as well. The glass enclosed waterfalls
inside the restaurant are talked about all over the
world – and they are really something to see! Every
part of the interior of this Aspen landmark works
well together to create a mood that makes the
food, the wine, the music, and the company
absolutely enjoyable.

You may be overwhelmed with all of the wonderful
menu choices, and all of the delicious smells
coming from nearby tables. You may not be able to
make a choice! Syzygy’s has you covered. Simply
order the Tasting Menu, and sample everything.
Enjoy the music while you are eating – and after
your meal as well. Some of the finest jazz artists in
the world have performed at Syzygy’s. Call ahead
to find out who will be performing – you will be glad
that you did.

Syzygy’s is closed on Monday’s and Tuesdays
during the off-season. During the season, they are
open from 6pm to 10pm each day, and you should
definitely call ahead for a reservation. Remember,
this is an integral part of experiencing Aspen
nightlife, so make sure you get by Syzygy’s at
least once while you are in Aspen – the chances
are very good that your first visit will not be your
last! If possible, try to make it to the Sunday Jazz
Brunch.

No matter what time of year it is when you visit
Aspen, there is always something going on –
even in the off season. The town is small, but
there are usually several types of entertainment
offered each evening in different parts of the
small town. Generally, you won’t have to search
too hard to find some entertainment – but it is
better to know exactly what is going on all over
town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife
that best suits your interests.

First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen
a few months before your trip if possible. Ask
them what events are planned for the time
period that you will be there. Events are usually
scheduled well in advance, and finding out
about these events well in advance will not only
help you to better make your plans, but it will
also allow you to purchase needed tickets in
advance. Nothing will be more disappointing
than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your
favorite band is in town for a sold out show!

Events can come up at the last minute as well.
Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the
concierge about events that will be taking place
during your stay. If you have already contacted
the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most
of what is going on around town – but there may
be a few surprises in store for you.

Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of
Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages!
Snowmass is a village that almost seems to
be a part of Aspen – but it isn’t. Contact the
Snowmass town hall to find out what events
are scheduled in the village during your visit.

Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen. Use
Internet resources, as well as the information
that you learn from the various Chambers of
Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime
and night time activities while you will be in
Aspen. Again, there is always something to do
in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will
waste a lot of time trying to decide what you
want to do.

While you want to go in with a plan, leave a
day or two open – with no plans. Use these
days for shopping expeditions or simply take a
quiet walk through the quiet Victorian
neighborhoods. Go to a restaurant that isn’t in
your plans, or spend some time in the Great
Room at your lodge. There is always
something to do…but sometimes, it is nice to
have nothing to do as well!

There is always something going on in Aspen,
Colorado and the Aspen nightlife is very active.
You can find a wide variety of things to do – but
if you want a little culture, you should definitely
find out what events are planned at the Harris
Concert Hall.

At the Harris Concert Hall, you will find
everything from Piano Recitals to Rock-n-Roll
Concerts. Events are planned well in advance,
so you should be able to find out what concerts
and events are scheduled to coincide with your
Aspen vacation.

The Harris Concert Hall is located in the West
end of Aspen, in a quaint residential
neighborhood. Due to parking and traffic
problems, you should strongly consider
walking to the concert hall. It is a short ten
minute walk from the downtown area. Other
transportation options include biking or taking
the bus. When there are events at the concert,
it is very difficult to find parking.

The Aspen Music Festival and School were
founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth
Paepcke from Chicago. Many music
professionals train here and all of the school
and festival performances take place in the
Harris Concert Hall, which seats over 2000
people.

You should definitely try to visit Aspen during
the Music Festival. This takes place over a nine
week period in the summer, and there are
usually more than 200 planned events. People
from all over the world come to the Aspen
Music Festival, so be sure that you make your
plans and reservations early!

Another exciting event that takes place at the
Harris Concert Hall is the Aspen Film Festival.
This festival takes place three times each year.
The Aspen Shortsfest is held in the Spring. The
Aspen Filmfest is held during the Fall, and the
Aspen Academy Screenings are held during the
Winter. Again, people come from all over the
world for these events, so make your plans
early.

The Harris Concert Hall is full of history, even
though the newest section of it wasn’t built
until recently. This is a major part of Aspen’s
history and culture, and you should try to attend
at least one event at the Harris Concert Hall
while you are in Aspen. Most events take place
in the evening; however there are also events
that take place during the day. You can check
with your lodge or hotel to find out what events
are planned at the Concert Hall each day. Also
inquire about the need to purchase advance
tickets for specific events.

After a day on the slopes, you may be
wondering what there is to do for the rest of the
evening. Well, don’t use up all of your energy,
and leave the slopes early enough to get in a
short nap – you will need all of the energy you
can muster for the Aspen nightlife. No matter
how much skiing you get in or how many of
the runs you have mastered, you have not truly
experienced Aspen until you venture out after
dark!

Aspen has three basic areas: downtown, the
West end, and the East end. The town is
remarkably small, considering how many
people venture here each season – but
surprisingly, everyone and everything just fits.
The town is actually small enough to leave
your car parked at your lodge or hotel and walk
anywhere that you want to go. In fact, this is
recommended.

Not everyone pays heed to this advice, which
can make driving around and parking very
difficult. You can also take a free shuttle from
one mountain to another, take the Roaring Fork
Transit Authority Bus, or go to the Rubey Park
Transportation Center to get a ride anywhere in
the valley.

Don’t worry about getting lost. The town is well
laid out. Starting on the West end, you will find
a quiet Victorian neighborhood. While this is a
residential district, where locals live, you will
also find many hotels and condos on the West
end, particularly on Main Street. You will also
find the Aspen Meadows Conference Center
and Hotel. This is a 40-acre area where you
will also find the Aspen Institute, the Music Tent,
the Harris Concert Hall, the Paepcke Auditorium,
the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies,
the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, and the
Aspen Center for Physics.

In the East end of Aspen you will find another
residential area, as well as the Roaring Fork
River and the Aspen Club and Spa. The East
end features more forests than the West end,
which has been developed a great deal more.
Between the West End and the East End, you
will find downtown Aspen. Downtown is where
most of the action is. Featuring old Victorian
buildings, downtown Aspen boasts pubs,
restaurants, shops, and everything else you
could ever possibly need – all housed in
beautiful historical landmark buildings.

Down the valley a ways, you will find Snowmass
Village. To the west, you will also find Roaring
Fork Valley. These two villages are
compliments of Aspen, and you should take
the time to visit them as well.