2008 EP in Aspen Conference

FALL ACTIVITIES

 

**All activities are subject to availability and change. Please contact the St. Regis conference services manager, (970) 920-3300 with any questions.

HIKING

Guided two and four hour backcountry hiking excursions will take your guests along winding rivers, through meadows of wildflowers and groves of Aspen trees. Each hike will provide guests with a leisurely view of our spectacular vistas as well as history, geology and ecology of the area.

ROCK CLIMBING

This activity begins with movement on rock, including exercises and bouldering techniques. The student learns rope handling/security system (proper use of harness, knots, belaying techniques, anchors and repelling). The time proven philosophy of "learn by doing" builds self confidence with extensive top-rope belay climbing on the magnificent granite crags of Independence Pass, just minutes from downtown Aspen.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Aspen offers horseback riding through breathtaking Aspen groves, along the trails of Maroon Creek, up to the Maroon Bells and within the Snowmass Wilderness area. Slow down, mount up and enjoy the beautiful views that surround you. From beginning to experienced riders, there are a number of optional trips available to suit your group needs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides are also available.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

Guests will enjoy being whisked away in a classic horse-drawn carriage, available to deliver door to door service to any of the local restaurants or for a tour of the town. Guests will stay warm and cozy with wool lap blankets as they enjoy this unique form of transportation. A historical tour through town and into the famous "West End" of Aspen may also be arranged, finished with lunch at historical Hotel Jerome.

OFF-ROAD JEEP TOURS

Guided 4x4 backcountry excursions are available throughout the surrounding areas of Aspen. This trip will show you the route taken by the original pioneers traveling to Aspen using supply wagons pulled by mules and oxen. Included in this tour might be the historic ghost town of Ashcroft, spectacular scenery from Taylor Pass, Richmond Ridge on Aspen Mountain, old mining claims and a view of Aspen as the miners would have seen it descending Aspen Mountain. Lunch may be included, stopping along the route for a gourmet picnic.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

Experience the spectacular beauty of the Rocky Mountains from a different perspective, gently floating across the sky in a hot air balloon. You will savor the rugged landscape, views of 14,000-foot peaks and beautiful open meadows below. Flights depart at dawn, weather permitting.

GLIDER FLYING

Glide into the blue skies of Colorado as you experience the joy of pure flight. The silent beauty will astound you! Aspen is one of the finest gliding areas in the world. The glider will be piloted by a veteran pilot from the United States Air Force. Are you ready for the ride of your life?

PARAGLIDING

With no prior experience, YOU can soar through the skies of Aspen. This unique sensation of free flight and breathtaking beauty is unforgettable. A paraglider is a soaring aircraft that is transportable in a backpack. It is easy to lift off and fly from mountainsides and gentle slopes. With just a few running steps to assist the pilot, the launch is precise and truly exhilarating. Your flight will be piloted by a professional USHGA Certified Tandem Pilot from Aspen Mountain. Aspen Paragliding is the premier Paragliding School in the country.

FLY FISHING

Aspen's clear, cold mountain streams offer some of the finest trout fishing in America. The Aspen Outfitting Company and Aspen Flyfishing, both located within the hotel, hold exclusive rights to several of the gold medal rivers and streams in the surrounding areas. Guides will share their expert knowledge while you search for that elusive trout which unknowingly awaits you.

CLAY TARGET SHOOTING

The most popular form of target shooting in the world, sporting clays were invented by the London Gun Trade around the turn of the century as a means of practice for game shooting. Course layouts and target presentations reflect the habit and flight of various game birds. Certified NSCA instructors will assist you with shotgun safety, techniques and effectiveness. A number of activities may be incorporated (competitive or non-competitive).

RELEASED BIRD HUNTING

Hunt released Chukar Partridges on a multi-thousand acre private shooting preserve. The half-day hunt includes hunting guide, professional dogs, beverages, needed equipment and three released birds per hunter.

HIGH-ALTITUDE ANTIQUING

Join our local crazed antique aficionados on a carefully orchestrated and pleasurable excursion to our favorite haunts. The Roaring Fork Valley offers an assortment of spectacular "treasures" waiting your discovery. If you're looking for a day or afternoon of antiques, this valley is the place.

SMUGGLER MINE TOUR

The Smuggler Mine, located on the north side of town, is one of the many working mines within the Roaring Fork Valley. Offering guided tours into the mines, guests will be transferred directly to the entrance. This is a walking tour, which goes 1,200 feet back into the mine on two different levels. You will be fascinated by the history that unfolds as your guide walks you through the seemingly endless mine shafts. The world's largest silver nugget was taken from the Smuggler Mine back in 1894.

THE COMPROMISE MINE

Located on Aspen Mountain, above The Little Nell Ski Run. Four wheel drive vehicles transfer guests up to the entrance. You will board an 18 gauge mine car and ride 2,000 feet underground. Guided by experienced local miners, you will ride right into Aspen's past. Some of the world's largest open slopes are located here. Enter and experience why Aspen owes its beginnings to sliver mining. The Compromise Mine is a "working mine" that is currently used on an exploratory basis. You will be fascinated when you see the difference in the way mining is done today in comparison to years past.

REDSTONE TOUR

A remarkable mountain village secluded within the breathtaking high country of Colorado. On the banks of the Crystal River, you'll discover quaint cottages, welcoming inns and galleries filled with treasures by local artisans. Known as the "Ruby of the Rockies", Redstone owes is origin to John Cleveland Osgood, a 19th century captain of industry. Osgood's private residence was the lavish Cleveholm Manor, a 42 room Tudor style structure complete with servants' quarters, guard and carriage houses. Built to impress visitors such as J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller and President Teddy Roosevelt, the Cleveholm Manor is one of the few historical residences containing 70% of the original furnishings. An afternoon luncheon is served on the indoor porch or at the Redstone Inn. A guide will accompany the group throughout the tour, which includes a one-hour shopping journey through the unique stores and marble studio in the town of Redstone.

ASPEN HISTORICAL TOUR

Local historians offer several tours throughout Aspen and the surrounding areas. Aspen historical walking tours average two hours, although full day tours are available. Highlights of the tour include The Wheeler Stallard House Museum, Victorian "Painted Ladies" of the famous West End, the Hotel Jerome, and The Wheeler Opera House. Our knowledgeable guides will share a multitude of fascinating tid-bits about the people and places that make Aspen what it is today.

THE ARTS OF ASPEN TOUR

We will begin your guided tour right here in the Hotel with some fabulous pieces by artists William Matthews, James Agius and Sandra Lynn Scott. Following the hotel portion of this tour, guests will venture into some of Aspen's unique art galleries. Featured stops might include the Rachel Collection, Susan Duval Gallery, The Aspen Art Museum, Huntsman Gallery, Wind River Gallery, Pam Driscoll Gallery and E. S. Lawrence. Champagne and cookies will be served at the last gallery to be viewed.

AN ARTISTIC ENDEAVOR

Test out your artistic talents while we spend a few hours with local potter and architectural ceramic artist, Candice Resnick. We'll travel down-valley to Basalt to the welcoming studio and coffeehouse called "The Color Wheel". Your first job will be to make the difficult choice between a jumbo latte cup and saucer, a medium sized salad bowl or a deco style cache pot. That's right! Someone else has already thrown the pot. Now you get to create with the 27 vibrant under-glaze colors to produce a finished product that is as detailed or free form as you desire. After the bisque pieces are painted, Candice takes them back to her studio to put on the clear glaze and fire them. What fun to go home with a piece of pottery that you created! Of course, we'll indulge in a sampling of the wonderful coffees and sweets. According to Candice, "inside every stick-figure-sketching individual who has ever produced lopsided pottery or painting only a mother could love, lurks an artist seeking an outlet". Now you have one!

'HANDS ON' COOKING DEMONSTRATION

The team of professional chefs at The St. Regis Aspen will educate you on the advantages of cooking with various fresh ingredients and will demonstrate some simple preparations for delicious dishes with exceptional presentation. Executive Chef assisted by Executive Sous-chef, along with their professional staff, will take you on a journey through culinary bliss. You will be left with the recipes and know how to include these dishes in your collection of favorites.

WINE TASTING SEMINARS

Various wine tasting themes and seminars are available to your group. The format is designed to offer information that will be useful to the novice in selecting their next bottle of wine. The seminars provide a relaxed atmosphere where questions will be answered while sampling selections readily available through retailers.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Aspen's backcountry roads and trails appeal to all levels of cyclists. Downhill tours, overnight hut trips, and half and full day trips will take you through and over a variety of terrain.

Ashcroft to Aspen - This downhill bicycle tour begins at the top of the Castle Creek Valley, beyond the historic ghost town of Ashcroft. This 13 mile guided ride is host to Aspen's most picturesque scenery. Stopping along the banks of Castle Creek, you will enjoy a healthy snack and refreshments. The ride will finish at the hotel.

Woody Creek - Departing from the hotel, you will bike on the scenic Rio Grande Trial which borders the Roaring Fork River. Stopping for lunch at the famous Woody Creek Tavern, the ride continues along a quiet country road to Basalt where you will be picked up by vans and transported back to Aspen.

Old Snowmass - This trip begins at Krabloonik, home to Aspen's famous dog-sled rides. Prepare for an exciting decent on dirt roads through beautiful mountain valleys. We will stop on the banks of Snowmass Creek for a healthy snack and refreshments. Toward the end of the ride, you wills top for a look at the reindeer and llamas at the Flying Deer Ranch. Be sure to bring a camera! The ride continues to Old Snowmass where you will be transported back to the hotel.

Top to Tavern- After a spectacular ride up the Silver Queen Gondola, we begin an exciting decent of the backside of Aspen Mountain. Riding on historic mining roads, we'll enjoy views of the Elk Mountain Range, as we descend down to Castle Creek Valley. Once we have made our descent, we enter a dirt bike path that follows the river down valley. After an elevation loss of over 3,800 feet, we'll be happy to arrive at the Woody Creek Tavern to enjoy a delicious, hearty lunch before being transferred back to the hotel.

This trip may be customized further to include a lunch at The Pine Creek Cookhouse located at the top of the Castle Creek Valley, prior to riding back to the hotel. Price will increase slightly.

GOLF

Enjoy an afternoon of leisurely gold or perhaps a tournament for your guests! The Aspen Golf Course, located one mile from the town of Aspen, the Snowmass Golf Course located approximately 10 miles from the Aspen or River Valley Ranch Golf Club located 30 miles from Aspen all provide fantastic facilities for you and your guests. All courses are open to the public, offer spectacular views and exceptionally designed courses.

ASPEN'S OWN GRAND PRIX

The Aspen Sports Car Club (ASCC), a one-of-a-kind organization, offers a unique experience to your group. First, the ASCC is the only private motorsports club in the United States. Second, the club offers your group an unrivaled opportunity to experience the excitement and camaraderie of motor racing enjoyed in one of the world's most glamorous and dramatic settings. The club is located at the former Woody Creek Raceway, just eight miles outside of Aspen.

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! A day of high performance formula car racing is sure to provide your group with an experience of a lifetime. A number of different formats can be followed to accommodate any group. An afternoon of racing can be paired with an evening of "Food and Wine", a perfect way to end this event.

OLYMPICS

Let the games begin! Guests will arrive at the location of these Olympic games, met with colorful flags, banners and an enthusiastic staff. A number of teams and activities will be determined by interest and group requirements. Participants will enjoy a combination of mental and physical tasks that will challenge the most talented and provide lots of laughs and memories for the entire group. The team building, spirit and companionship that your group will experience will stick with them for quite some time.