Author: gvtadmin

Environmental Studies

Aspen Nightlife isn’t always about music and
dancing. The Aspen Center for Environmental
Studies is a great place to go at night! There
are many planned activities related to
environmental studies, and you shouldn’t miss
the weekly Potbelly Perspective Series.

The Potbelly Perspective Series takes place
one night each week, usually starting about 7pm.
This is a lecture series presented by local
people, as well as visiting guests. Adventures,
pictures and stories are presented that are very
interesting to anyone who has a love of nature
or the environment. This series is not only
interesting; it is also a very inexpensive way to
spend an evening. Admission for adults is only
$3.

Naturalist’s nights are also offered once each
week. Here, you will learn facts about the
natural world, and issues concerning the
natural world. With expert speakers, many
topics are covered, and these nights are planned
in advance. This is a wonderful learning
experience, and a great way to spend an evening
in Aspen.

Many daytime programs are also offered
through the Aspen Center for Environmental
Studies, including ski tours and snowshoe tours.
Call ahead to find out what events are planned,
and to make reservations as necessary.

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Aspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen
of the rich and famous – and it is. But it is also a
great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas
in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain
rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation
of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There
are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates,
and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including
seven chair lifts and one cable car line.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as
those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you
should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the
slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and
famous, and many people choose this ski vacation
spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great
runs and nightlife.

There are numerous places to stay in and around
Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose
from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental
are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are
welcome.

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While on your wonderful vacation in Aspen, you will
enjoy many of the finer things in life – including fresh
open air and natural surroundings. It is wonderful
and peaceful – but since we have become a
technical society, you might start having email
withdrawals. The World Link Café in Aspen has a
solution.

This wonderful Internet Café is located in the heart
of downtown Aspen on Hyman Avenue. It is open
until 10pm each day, and serves wonderful
cappuccinos, mochas, and lattes, as well as
pastries, cookies, sausage rolls and meat pies. The
Internet is also served with a bank of computers with
Internet Access – where you can access your email.

Of course, there are fees for using the computers,
and it isn’t cheap. It costs about $10 per hour – but
if you are having Internet or email withdrawals, it may
be well worth it to spend twenty bucks or so for a
couple of hours of computer time. Then, get right back
out there and enjoy more of the fresh air and peace
that Aspen has to offer you.

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Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so
many people, it is only fitting that everyone in
Aspen during the month of January participates
in Winterskol. This is literally a celebration of
winter, cold, and snow – which is a great deal
of what makes Aspen, well, Aspen! Winterskol
is the ultimate Aspen party.

Winterskol is held during the month of January
each year, and it is the wildest winter
celebration you will ever experience. The
highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion
Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy
clothing, such as miniature bridal gowns.
Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for
more than fifty years – and it will continue for
at least another fifty! The first Winterskol
celebration was held in 1951.

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are
scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen
Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk
Mountain, and Snowmass Mountain. The
entire area gets involved in the activities.
Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic
ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter.
While most events are scheduled in advance,
Winterskol also brings several surprises as
well. You just never know what you will find at
the Winterskol celebration – until you are there.

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine
Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk
Uphill Race, and Snowmass Splash. Don’t
miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks
display over Aspen Mountain. Don’t miss the
unique competitions happening all over town.
There is constant live entertainment all around
town as well. If you are planning a ski vacation,
and you want to have the time of your life –
your destination should be Aspen, and your
arrival date should coincide with the start of
Winterskol.

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with
something for everyone. Amusement,
entertainment, parties, and celebration are top
priorities during the week of Winterskol. You
have to experience Winterskol at least once in
your lifetime – and after you have been once,
you will be back. Winterskol is a celebration
that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New
Orleans – but a lot safer, and in many
opinions, more enjoyable.

As they do for Mardi Gras, people come from
all over the world for Winterskol. Event
packages are available, but all of the lodges,
hotels, motels, condos, cabins, and
campgrounds sell out early. Make sure that you
book lodging for Winterskol well in advance,
and take advantage of the packages that the
various lodges offer. Packages typically
include lodging, airfare, rental cars, and
other things that you may require as well.

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If you can visit Aspen in March, make sure that you
catch the US Comedy Arts Festival that is held in
various venues throughout Aspen. This is one of the
major events for comedians all over the country –
and it is some of the best entertainment you will
ever experience.

The US Comedy Arts Festival features every type of
comedy you can imagine, including Stand-up
comedy, film shorts, alternative comedy, and sketch
comedy. Tribute is given to some of the greatest
comedians from the past, such as Rodney
Dangerfield, Monty Python, and George Carlin. You
will also have the opportunity to enjoy many of
today’s famous comedians, and hear some unknown
or up and coming comedians as well.

Make sure that you don’t miss this festival – and
make sure that you make your plans and reservations
very early. The lodges and hotels will fill up fast for
this festival, and according to locals, this is the
hardest time of the year to find lodging in Aspen –
which is a good indication of how good the
entertainment is!

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It’s often been said that children learn what they live. So if you’re looking for a place to start helping your child build positive self esteem and self value, then you should show them your positive sense of self and strong self esteem. Be positive when you speak about yourself and highlight your strengths. This will teach your child that it’s okay to be proud of their talents, skills and abilities.

Your child also benefits greatly from honest and positive praise. Find something about them to praise each day. You could even give your child a task you know they can complete and then praise them for a job well done after they’re finished. Show your child that positive acts merit positive praise.

When your child’s feeling sad, angry or depressed, communicate openly, honestly and patiently with them. Listen to them without judging or criticizing. They may not fully understand why they feel the way they do, so the opportunity to communicate with you about it may be what’s needed to help them sort through a difficult situation. Suggest positive behaviors and options as solutions, and make sure to leave that door of communication open so they know the next time they feel badly, they can come to you for help and know that you won’t judge or punish them for how they’re feeling.

Teach your child the importance of setting goals and developing a plan to meet that goal and complete that task. Small projects are the best to start off with in the beginning. Ensure that it’s an appropriate task for your child, and not too complex. Don’t only give praise at the end of the project, but praise their accomplishments during the project as well.

Most importantly, tell your child “I love you” each and every day – many times throughout the day, in fact. When they’ve behaved badly, remind yourself that it’s not them you don’t like, only their behavior. Tuck short, sweet notes in their lunchboxes or coat pockets, or even send them a card in the mail. Soon, they’ll learn to say “I love you” just as easily and honestly in return.

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.

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