Click Here for List of Current Aspen Recreation Special Events
FEBRUARY
Owl Creek Chase
The Owl Creek Chase is a 21K freestyle cross-country ski race from the Snowmass Cross County Center to Aspen Cross Country Center. This unique event combines an elite level pro Nordic race with the casual feel of one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s favorite citizen events. Participants can choose to compete in either the Elite Division or Citizen Division. This is a one of a kind event in Aspen and where participants can experience Olympic level skiing first hand.
www.owlcreekchase.com
MARCH
America's Uphill
Aspen's spring ritual--a 3000 foot climb up Aspen Mountain using snowshoes, track skis, telemark skis or alpine touring gear. Racers will begin their journey up Aspen Mountain in pursuit of the win. The course starts at the Base of Little Nell and ascends 7,945 feet to finish at the Sundeck Restaurant at an elevation of 11,212 feet.
www.aspenrecreation.com
MAY
Aspen Cycling Criterium
Heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, high speed, FUN! The Aspen Cycling Criterium is the single most exciting biking event in Aspen each summer. This exclusive course on the closed city streets of Aspen challenges even the toughest and most skilled bike racers in the U.S. With sharp curves, high speeds, and rapid corners bikers must be focused, alert, and ready to take on whatever obstacles they may encounter. The .9 mile loop offers heats for every skill level from beginner to professional.
www.aspencyclingfestival.com
JUNE
Zoot Aspen Triathlon/Duathlon
Swim? Bike? Run? This multi-sport event consists of an 800-yard indoor pool swim, 17-mile bike (gaining 1,500 feet in elevation) to the spectacular Maroon Bells, and a 4-mile run around the Aspen Golf Course. This is the perfect triathlon for beginner triathletes looking for a unique challenge and seasoned racers wanting to compete on a short, but challenging course. The triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event.
www.aspenrecreation.com
AUGUST
Aspen Backcountry Marathon
Utilizing the amazing trails that surround Aspen, this full marathon
is run almost exclusively on dirt trails. The diversity and elevation
gain will challenge even the well trained athlete. The race will be
open to individuals. While the route has spectacular views of the Elk
Mountain range and the city of Aspen below the ascents and descents
will keep everyone challenged. www.aspenbackcountrymarathon.com
SEPTEMBER
Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon
Voted by Colorado Runner as the "Best Half Marathon" in 2008 and named by Trail Runner Magazine "One of America's Most Scenic Races". The Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon is a 13.3 mile half marathon from Snowmass to the heart of Aspen on mountain trails and roads at the height of Colorado's breathtaking fall colors. Unlike the many fast and flat marathons on city streets, the Golden Leaf will challenge even the toughest of marathon competitors with its rocky mountain trails.
www.goldenleafhalfmarathon.com
OCTOBER
Hockey Mountain High Hockey Tournament
Past participating teams regard the Hockey Mountain High Tournament as a great pre-season challenge with jam packed hockey and entertainment. The Aspen atmosphere is the quintessential backdrop for this event. Since its inception in 2005 the event has tripled its size and reputation.
www.aspenrecreation.com