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Thursday, November 20, 2008 |
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Hot Air Balloon Festival at SnowmassSeptember 7, 2008 - 5:55 PM
biking and more. Snowmass Village, CO - With temperatures dropping and fall on its way, Snowmass Village promises plentiful Rocky Mountain foliage colors. Throw in over 30 vibrant hot air balloons competing in four days of high altitude competitions, a popular wine festival and mountain bikers circling the trails for twelve hours straight, and you've got the makings of a perfect fall weekend. Add the only chance in Colorado to see the tallest balloon in the United States into the mix, and we're talking a truly spectacular photo opportunity! From great deals on lodging to a packed weekend of activities and events, this is the ultimate weekend to head to the mountains in September. Find lodging specials near Snowmass The Snowmass Balloon Festival (Sept. 12-14) The Snowmass Balloon Festival sends over 30 balloons up in the space of a ballfield to compete in: * The Colorado Rat Race timed distance race (Sept. 12) spans the length of the Roaring Fork Valley as balloons rush out of Snowmass at the peak of rush hour and head for the hills as fast as they can. * Dawn Quixote (Sept. 13) sends all balloons alight to joust at tethered weather balloons juxtaposed against the magnificent fall mountains. The most pops with a skipole or broomstick wins! * Target Tubing (Sept. 14) presents the perfect reflective photo opportunity as hot air balloons "splash and dash" over the Snowmass Club Golf Course ponds while attempting to aim tennis balls into huge floating tubes. Considered one of the highest balloon festivals in the nation, the 2008 balloon festival also hosts an evening Balloon Glow on Saturday at 6 p.m. with a barbecue (all foods under $8), free concert by Americana artist Jeff Finlan, and balloons lighting up the night sky to twinkle on and off like Christmas ornaments. All weekend long, the Kids' Elevation Station is set up to entertain the tots with clowns, juggling, face painting, balloon-making, a house of bounce and more, while the Balloon Nightglow also offers a new S'mores firepit for the kids. This year the event additionally features the last chance in Colorado to see the tallest balloon in the United States, the Energizer Bunny "Hot Hare." At 166 feet and higher than the Statue of Liberty, this enormous rabbit has ears as tall as a typical hot air balloon at 60 feet, wears sunglasses 32 feet wide, and boasts a size 98 EEEEE shoe. Over 84,000 miles of thread were used to build this balloon. Snowmass also attracts multiple high profile pilots. Event founder Betty Pfister is a renowned female aviator and Women's Air Service pilot (WASP) from World War II who has won multiple international piloting championships and awards. Accomplished gas balloonist Tim Cole has been part of several around-the-world and record-setting flights, including being on Steve Fossett's team. Pilots Jim & Pat Carter and Dewey Rhinehold have attended all 33 years of the event. All the pilots are hoping they won't be the recipient of the "Bent Burner Award," an annual trophy presented for the most calamitous or silly error occurring before, during or after the event. ALL BALLOON EVENTS ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC and launch from the Snowmass Village Softball fields at 7:30 a.m. each morning, while the Balloon Glow starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday night. Food vendors and special family activities for the kids are also on-sight. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.snowmassballoon.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS. The 6th Annual Snowmass Village Rotary Wine Festival (Sept. 12-13) The 6th annual Snowmass Village Rotary Wine Festival is the perfect sensory compliment to the colorful balloons, offering a four-course Winemakers' Dinner on September 12 and a tasting of over 200 wines and regional cuisine on Saturday. Festivities kick off on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Artisan in the Stonebridge Inn. Award-winning Chef David Von Holten prepares a four-course extravaganza paired with Australian wines from Penfolds. Tickets for this sell-out event are $125 and available by calling (970) 923-4036. On Saturday, the event continues with a special Base Village tour at 10 a.m. followed by a noon champagne tasting. The official wine tasting begins at 12:30 p.m. with 200 wines to sample, including Penfolds, Trinchero Family Estates, Picket Fence, Betts n Scholls, La Spinetta, Ribbon Ridge, Silver Oak Cellars, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Witness Tree Cellars, and more. Music by Bobby Mason & Friends, a Silent Auction, and tastings from regional chefs complete this popular fall event. Tickets are $50/person and available at Sundance Liquor & Gifts, Daly Bottle Shop, from any Snowmass Village Rotarian and at the festival entrance on Saturday. For complete details visit www.snowmassrotary.org or call (970) 923-4036. All proceeds from this event benefit local non-profits. The Twelve Hours of Snowmass (Sept. 12-14) Completing the weekend line-up, this dawn-to-dusk twelve-hour mountain bike race on Snowmass' spectacular fall trails is part of the prestigious Rocky Mountain Ultra Regional Endurance Series and benefits local youth organizations Aspen Youth Center and Extreme Sports Camp. Perfect training for the 24 Hours of Moab, racers can participate in solo, team, or corporate divisions. For more information, visit www.12hoursofsnowmass.com or call (970) 544.4130. Weekend Lodging Specials Discounted and affordable lodging rates are available throughout Snowmass Village, whether visitors are looking for hotels, condominiums, or rental homes. Find lodging specials near Snowmass Go for the Gold Package (Valid through Oct. 15) While the Olympics may be over, Aspen/Snowmass' golden fall color is just beginning. Rates start at $119 a night at participating lodges and include: two free passes to the Aspen Recreation Center or the Snowmass Recreation Center (based on lodging location); Two free bus passes to the Maroon Bells, nature's most spectacular stadium (a $12 value). A voucher for two free, one-day bicycle rentals (a $40 value); Discounts at the Aspen Club & Spa (20 % off spa treatments, 10% off salon services, 10 % off personal training), 10% off any adventure with Aspen Expeditions or Blazing Adventures, including rock climbing, paragliding, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, jeeping, inflatable kayaking or sunset dinner tours. To book, call 1.888-667-5666 or visit www.snowmassvillage.com. Lodging rates are based on double occupancy and a two night minimum, do not include taxes and gratuities, and are subject to availability. The Silvertree Hotel & Wildwood Lodge: Rates start as low as $119.00/night f at the Silvertree and $109/night at the Wildwood Lodge. Taxes not includes, some restrictions may apply, dates valid 9/11-14/08. The Mountain Chalet: Rates start at $89/night including breakfast daily. Taxes not includes, some restrictions may apply, dates valid 9/11-14/08. The Laurelwood Condominiums: Rates start at $89.00/ night with a 2 night minimum. Taxes not includes, some restrictions may apply, dates valid 9/11-14/08. Timberline Condominiums: Rates start at $91/ night for a deluxe studio, a 30% savings! Taxes not includes, some restrictions may apply, dates valid 9/10/2008 - 9/15/2008. First Choice Properties: Take 20% off all direct booking lodging only, with a 3-night minimum stay.
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