Topic: Skiing & Riding

Aspen Skiing Company announced that, in an effort to thank the community for a great season, Highlands will remain open four additional days -- April 19, 20, 26, 27. With more than 120 inches in Highlands Bowl and nearly 100 inches midmountain, this winter seems like a gift that keeps on giving.

Hop on the Exhibition, Loge, and Deep Temerity lifts and enjoy skiing and riding from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and don't forget to make a pit stop at the on-mountain eatery Merry-Go-Round, which will be serving up some tasty barbecue and beverages.

What does the extension mean for the infamous closing day bash? Well fret not party people as the vintage ski gear festivities are on as scheduled, April 6.

Thank you Ski Co. and see you on the slopes!

Hometown hero, Olympic silver medalist, and X Games gold medalist Gretchen Bleiler stopped by Fresh Tracks while in town for the CoverGirl Snow Angels Invitational—the first ever all female halfpipe comp and photo shoot April 4-6.

Here in Aspen we love our après ski, and what better way to celebrate the sunny spring conditions than an après party hosted by Plum and Landshark Lager? The island-inspired soiree kicks off March 27 at the Cirque Bar & Grill with the beer, food, prizes, and live music aplenty from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. So break out your grass skirt, grab your friends, and come celebrate one amazing season!.

1. You can pack away the puffy and break out the vests, hoodies, and long-sleeve t's.

2. The mouth-watering smell of BBQ as the lifties grill burgers and steaks at the base of "The Couch" chair on Ajax

3. That guy who decides it's warm enough to ski without his shirt on

4. Catching some rays and sipping on a cold one at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain or mid-mountain at the Merry-Go-Round on Highlands

5. Buying new gear at end-of-the-season sales. You never really need that fifth pair of skis or another jacket, but we just can't pass up a good deal.

6. The craziest party of the year--Highlands closing day

7. Mastering your goggle tan

8. Trading in your normal skiwear for a ridiculous getup. Only in Aspen can you wear a neon one-piece suit, a Disney character costume, or 1970s garb on the mountain and not get one strange look.

9. Taking off your boots and slipping into flip-flops after a long (or short) day on the mountain

10. Apres-ski outdoors. Period.

11. Because it's physically impossible to be in a bad mood when there's not a cloud in the sky and you're skiing or riding in Aspen. We dare you to prove us wrong.

Gary Gleason from Powdertothepeople.org stopped by Fresh Tracks to talk about avalanche awareness and Beacon Bash 08, the amateur class beacon search on Aspen Mountain March 23.

We're sure you've heard rumors around town that Aspen Mountain was planning on extending chairlift operating hours, due to the extra hour of sunlight and all the epic snow. Well folks, the rumors are true as Aspen Skiing Co. announced that starting March 15 Bell Mountain chair also known as Chair 5, will operate until 5 p.m. The Little Nell chair will also run until 5 p.m. regardless of weather conditions, so skiers and riders can enjoy cruising and jibbers can enjoy the newly built Spring Park, located on the west side of the Little Nell run. And with the new event Thursday Throwdown happening every week on the Little Nell run, the chair will operate until (hold your breath) 6 p.m.!

So throw on your boots and grab your board because now their is even more spring riding to enjoy before your retire your skis for the summer.

Remember when we were praying for snow and nervous that the mountain would never open? Check out this flashback from Nov. and be sure to thank the Snow Gods for such an unreal season.

Eric Kinsman, cofounder of the America's Uphill, was on the top of the mountain during The MorningNoon&Night Show to talk to Othello about what to expect for the March 15 Uphill.

Ali Kariotis is AVSC's Athlete of the Week. Twelve year-old Ali beat out all the girls ages 16 and under in dual moguls at the Telluride Rocky Mountain Divisional Championships. Her incredible fourth place finish means not only will she compete at the Junior Olympics, she will also be heading to the U.S. Freestyle National Championships to compete against the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team.

Lets be honest, one of the main reasons why we love mountain life is because of a little post-recreational festivity we like to call après. French for after, après is a time for ski buddies to gather after a long (or short) day on the slopes and enjoy the merriment of spirits and snacks. Lucky for us, Aspen has plenty of watering holes where one can loosen their boots after a day on the slopes or before a night on the town. For those looking for the perfect spot, we thought we'd let you in on some of Plum's favorite après locales.

The Tavern
Located at the base of Ajax Mountain, The Tavern boasts convenience, an expansive porch, and truffle fries that will change your life. Plus, you can watch skiers and riders cruise (and crash) on the Little Nell run while you enjoy a nice glass of cab.

39 Degrees
If you want to see and be seen, we suggest 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel where you can get delicious eats such as mini grilled cheeses and tomato soup, or their decadent goat cheese dip and chips. Whether you are lounging on the outdoor couches by the fire pit, relaxing in the hot tub, or cozied up inside, you can enjoy specialty cocktails such as the Botox Martini--the perfect mix of Stoli Razberi, cranberry, and Red Bull.

Cirque Bar & Grill
Snowmass' Cirque Bar & Grill may be the definition of après with its location right off the slopes at the end of the Snowmass Mall and live music every day. Grab a pitcher and a table with friends after riding Snowmass, but be sure to get there early because the deck fills up fast.

WARNING: If you find yourself at the bar at 11 p.m. in your ski gear, it's probably time to go home...

Danielle Brownell-Patty is AVSC's Athlete of the Week this week. Danielle is an 11 year-old alpine ski racer who finished in the top ten in every race at last weekend's Prater Cup in Crested Butte. Danielle's had two second place finshes, one third, one fourth, and a sixth place finish. Not only did her fast skiing earn her a trip to this year's J4 Junior Olympics in Winter Park, they also earned her the Prater Cup trophy as the top overall finisher at the event.