Going for Globes. Aspen World Cup

The White Circus is back in Aspen.  The Women's World Cup is back in Fat City for another sesh.   Aspen is the only FIS Skiing world Cup on U.S. soil.  It's always just after Thanksgiving and it's always a highlight for the American Girls.

It's probably unprecedented in American skiing that two ladies are among the favorites to capture the over-all World Cup title.   LINDSEY VONN has been there done that.  She's the most decorated American ski racer of all time and is vying for the most World Cup Globes (trophies) of anyone, ever.  

At the U.S. Ski Team Press conference, Lindsey seemed supremely confident.   She said "travelling with globes is easier when you don't have to fly with them"  in reference to next season's World Cup Finals in Aspen.   She also admitted that she built a new trophy case that leaves room for a few more globes.

MIKAELA SHIFFRIN the 20 year old darling of American Skiing is also in the running for the overall championship.  She's the clear favorite in Slalom.  She's always a top seed in GS and now she's adding the speed events to her repertoire.

Veteran free spirit Resi Steigler and new ladies coach Paul Kristofic also participated in the presser...along with a whole slew of AVSC Groms.

When the fastest chicks on sticks hit Aspen...you know it's ski season.   Let's Ride!!

A. Party nabs the cover of The Aspen Times.

Wanna SEE MY PICTURE on the COVER.

Wanna BUY 5 COPIES for my MOTHER

Gonna see MY SMILING FACE

on the COVER of The ASPEN TIMES.

Winter in Aspen is da bomb. Obviously.

In what might be considered a minor miracle...Andy Party's smiling face was plastered on the cover of the Aspen Times.  The venerable old Aspen Times, founded in 1881. The AT, one of the two top print rags in FAT CITY.  Not some page 5 police blotter bull sh*t or false allegations in a tenant / landlord dispute.  This is a full fledged feature.  AT's ongoing series of Mountain Characters has a variety of scribes but Managing Editor Rick Carroll selected A.P. as his subject.

Yes I do claim to have invented the selfie.  Prove me wrong.

I highly recommend you read the article;  

Click:  Andy Israel Gets Clicks.

To complete the multi-media experience listen while you read.

 Dr. John / Cover of the Rolling Stone   

Digging the Pow. Photo: Jeremy Swanson

Sneak Peek: Early Shredding in Aspen.

A. Party is back in Aspen for his 13th season as a ski bum and the 10th season of AspenSpin. Party is sporting a sick new kit. The FRX Pro from KJUS. "That color works for you" Per a random MILF on Opening Day.Hellz yeah!!!  It's good to be back in Aspen.   We are so fired up for our 13th ski season in Fat City and the 10th SEASON for ASPENSPIN.   It's been a wild ride...from a virtual unknown to the #1 Winter Sports Blog in the World (according to Cision P.R.) and back down again on the slippery slope of the interwebs.  It's been fun, entertaining and exciting.

After 1150 ski days, and over 3 million unique visits AspenSpin is still at it. We are back documenting the over-the-top ski and party lifestyle in Aspen, Colorado. As usual...A. Party is prepared to crush it.

Even a jaded local like me loves a groovy and unexpected surprise from the Aspen Ski Company (ASC). Aspen has been getting dumped on (with snow) lately.  ASC  wisely decided a little sneak peek was in order. The lifts started spinning early (Nov 14 and 15) for a fabulous early season bonus weekend of skiing and riding on Aspen Mountain.  Basically...it was locals only. We schralped 125 acres of open and ski-able terrain.  The top of the mountain was groomed to perfection and two gorgeous and warm Colorado bluebird days were there for the taking.  We grabbed 'em.

Now it's dumping again.   So fire up the brand new G-650  (check that, the wingspan is too wide for ASE), fire up the old-school G-5 and get here now.  If you are one of the unlucky one's who doesn't have a 10,000 sq ft second or third abode, a siiiiiiiick timeshare...or a $25 million penthouse...and you need affordable lodging...I'm told there are several affordable lodging options with plenty of early season vacancies.  I might even be able to get a you a deal on lift tix. 

Book early and often. Trust me...I'm a ski bum...I know what I'm talking about.

Opening Day on Aspen Mountain for Ski Season 2015/16. 11/14/15

The View of Aspen Highlands and Highland Bowl from the top of Aspen Mountain 11/14/15

The Sorrows of Young Mike by John Zelazny

Author John Zelazny networking in Aspen.When one of the young ski bums in Aspen publishes his first novel...AspenSpin reads it. 

The Sorrows of Young Mike by John Zelazny is a valiant first effort.  JZ calls the book a parody and it relates to the classic book The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe first published in 1774.  Like Werther... Mike's sorrows are loosely autobiographical...but this time the author is Mike...errrr... John Zelazny.   John skis by day, fits boots, and writes a music column for the Aspen Daily News by day and night...and still finds the energy to hit the Aspen party circuit all while publishing books.

The Sorrows of Young Mike chronicles Mike's social life aboard a giant cruise ship... a cruise for credit...errr semester at sea. As Mike sails the World for college credit he navigates a long distance relationship via text message with his girl back in Boulder.   His magnetism attracts a group of friends on the boat including an available and sexy classmate.

As the story evolves....well I don't want to spoil it. 

The Sorrows of Young Mike is a quick and interesting read.  We highly recommend it.  JZ should be very proud of his work.  We are looking forward to his next publication soon... after ski season.

Click to own  THE SORROWS of YOUNG MIKE

Aspen Drinks; The Après Ski Cocktail Classic.

Aspen is a town that likes to drink.  With 100 bars in the six block core of Aspen, grabbing a cocktail is quite easy. Skiing is probably still the main sport in Aspen, but Aprês skiing may have the highest level of participation.

Click 4 Pix:   ASPEN DRINKS

The APRÈS SKI COCKTAIL CLASSIC  ( ASCC) relocated their offerings from Snowmass to Aspen for their 3rd annual event.  The ASCC presents a wide variety of alcohol related programs throughout the weekend.   Seminars, spirit and cocktail paired dinners, tastings and sponsored bars took place all over town.  According to ASCC producer Joe Lang, "well over 2000" revelers enjoyed the festivities this past weekend.  Liquor brands, (both major and micro) from all over the world were in Aspen showcasing their products.   The ASCC is all grown up and is poised to stake it's claim on the Aspen event calender.   Sign up for next year, Click  APRÈS SKI COCKTAIL CLASSIC.

AspenSpin is forgoing the grog this entire ski season.  A. Party has not had one sip of booze since early November. But that doesn't mean we don't like to have fun.  We attended the ASCC grand tastings and participated in the city-wide pub crawl.  Despite staying away from the firewater...we did get all jacked up on ginger beer, but still managed to snap some siiiiiick pix.  There were a lot of inebriated people cruising the streets of Aspen...which made our job that much easier.

Click 4 Pix:   ASPEN DRINKS