Hollywood Heavyweights Hit the Slopes

Actress Marcia Gay Harden enjoys her first visit to Aspen with her husband Thaddaues Scheel at AYE's 12th annual Aspen Celebrity Downhill.

We're no stranger to famous faces—Aspen has become the ultimate playground for actors, musicians, politicians, and the like, seeking a carefree time with a small town vibe. But rarely does an event attract such a wide array of recognizable mugs as the Aspen Celebrity Downhill, a ski race benefit that raises money for the Aspen Youth Experience (AYE). The AYE foundation raises money for at-risk teens in the Roaring Fork Valley and other cities throughout the United States, in an effort to empower them and encourage them to reach their full potential. And the Aspen Celebrity Downhill is crucial to its cause, bringing in 60-70 percent of AYE’s fund-raising budget.The benefit which takes place this weekend (Feb. 29-March 1) has for 11 years, invited participants, from the likes of David Alan Grier, Sal Masekela, John Oates, and Judge Joe Brown, to race (or snowplow) through the gates on the Little Nell run on Ajax. And this year's March 1 race should be no different with appearences from Shia LeBoeuf, Dean Cain, Jon Voight, Kate Walsh, Marcia Gay Harden, Rob Morrow, Judge Joe Brown, and Sal Masekela, plenty of celeb yard sales, trash talking, and crowd cheering--all for a good cause.The action isn't limited to the slopes as Hollywood takes over town for the entire weekend. For $100 join world-renowned DJ AM at the Belly Up Friday for night of elbow-rubbing and booty shaking. After watching your favorite celebs crash and burn during Saturday’s race, participants can get in the VIP scene at the Gala at the St. Regis Resort Aspen Saturday night. As always if you can't make this wonderful and very fun event you can always make a donation through AYE.

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Aspen Celebrity Downhill 2007

Check out all the spills, thrills, and rivalries from last year's Aspen Celebrity Downhill as Plum caught up with celeb competitors John Oates, David Alan Grier, Chad Lowe, Judge Joe Brown, and Sal Masekela. And don't miss this year's benefit, Feb. 29-March 1.