Sinkhole impacts Brush Creek Road

A sinkhole developed on June 2 at approximately 4 p.m. on the edge of Brush Creek Road immediately downhill of Lower Kearns Road.

Town of Snowmass Village Public Works Department responded to the emerging situation and will continue to work with agency partners to assess and stabilize the area. The sinkhole has exposed some critical utilities, which will be addressed as part of the stabilization.  

Traffic will be impacted as the situation develops. Single-lane, traffic control measures will be in place in the affected area. Please obey all emergency service signage and personnel. The route to the Snowmass Center is currently detoured to Upper Kearns Road. 

An incident command is in place to manage the response to the situation. This is a developing situation. Updates will be provided at tosv.com and on the Town’s social media: 

Anderson Ranch Arts Center announces 2023 Recognition Week Live Auction Preview

The Recognition Week Live Auction Preview will be on display and open to the public in the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Patton-Malott Gallery from June 19-July 12. This year’s auction is a celebration of contemporary ceramic artwork. The auction will focus on ceramics only, paying tribute to Anderson Ranch’s historical foundation of ceramic art while celebrating a new generation of contemporary ceramic artists. All of the artists and galleries have generously donated their work to support the fundraising goals of Anderson Ranch Arts Center. The collection will feature the work of acclaimed artists including:

• Kazunori Hamana 
• Roger Herman
• Yukiko Kuroda 
• Hun Chung Lee 
• Erin Jane Nelson 
• Jun Kaneko
• Kathy Ruttenberg
• Arlene Shechet
• Katie Stout
• Bari Ziperstein

“Ceramics are one of the most prominent and creative mediums of contemporary artists of our time” shared Philae Knight, senior client advisory director at Phillips and chair of the Anderson Ranch Auction Committee. “We chose to focus on ceramics in this year’s auction to celebrate its essential history at the core of Anderson Ranch’s artistic experiences. Embedded in this highly-curated selection of works are narratives connecting ancient and contemporary techniques and aesthetics, alongside current themes of identity and environment, to name a few. We are absolutely thrilled by the generosity of these artists and their support for the work being done at Anderson Ranch.” 

These works will be sold during the live auction on Thursday, July 13, at the annual Recognition Dinner. Proceeds from the auction will support emerging artists with scholarship aid and access to career-enhancing faculty and facilities. 

Bidding will be available to all those attending the Recognition Dinner and to a global audience via absentee or telephone bidding. Contact Artistic Programs Manager Meriwether McClorey at 248.854.7526 or email mmcclorey@andersonranch.org for more information about the auction process.

Snowmass Rendezvous returns 

Snowmass Rendezvous returns to Snowmass for its seventh year of libations and fun. From 2-6 p.m. there are exploration, games, bottomless adult beverages, tastings, and live music. Tickets give access to multiple Rendezvous venues around the village, complete with unlimited wine, beer, and spirit tastings, outdoor gear activations, games, and more. End the evening with a free concert on Fanny Hill, presented by Two Parts. The free concert features Goodnight, Texas, an American folk rock band, taking the stage at 7:30 p.m., with opener Extra Gold kicking things off at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-rendezvous

Ninth year of Ragnar Trail Snowmass

Ragnar Trail Colorado returns for the ninth year in 2023 for a gritty trifecta ofscenic trail running loops on June 9 and 10. Each trail loop begins and ends at Ragnar Village in Snowmass Town Park. Teams of eight run relay style, rotating through three loops, varying from easy to difficult, over a 24-hour period. The race includes costumes, camaraderie, stunning views, and a host of Ragnar community spirit: gosnowmass.com/event/ragnar/

Snowmass Rodeo is coming up

The Snowmass Rodeo celebrates 49 years of operations this summer.

This long-standing Western tradition is a Snowmass summer staple, complete with music, cowboys and cowgirls, horses, livestock, and family fun.

Spend Wednesday night all summer at The Snowmass Rodeo takes place rain or shine. 

The main event begins at 7 p.m., but when the doors open at 5 p.m., so does the fun. Head in early for the petting zoo, mechanical bull rides, shopping and dinner. If your kiddo is up to the challenge of Mutton Bustin’, be sure to sign up at 5:30 p.m.

Due to the increased parking restrictions, no parking will be allowed on any of the roadway shoulders near the event.

Rodeo guests are encouraged to use public transportation from the Brush Creek Park & Ride and the Base Village Parking Garage. Parking is limited this summer at the Rodeo Lot and in the gravel lot at Black Saddle. Overflow parking is available at the Two Creeks Parking Lot, as well as at Anderson Ranch Arts Center/Snowmass Chapel. Free shuttles are available on a loop to the Rodeo Grounds from these lots.

If you are staying in Snowmass, your lodging may provide a ride to and from the rodeo.

There are so many tweets about Snowmass, we thought we would give the Snowmass Sun its own Tweet All About It. We’ve picked out our favorite and not-so-favorite (at least, those that are printable) tweets about Snowmass.

The Aspen Times is available on Twitter, as well. Simply type in “TheAspenTimes” on Twitter (No spaces, please), and get daily updates on what’s happening in the Roaring Fork Valley.

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“Motocross races held in meadow at Snowmass,” recapped The Aspen Times on May 31, 1973.

“There were seven classes in the two days of motocross competition last weekend that took place in mud and light snow showers Saturday and clearer weather Sunday…. More than $500 in prize money was won at the meet, sponsored by the Aspen Motorcycle Club. On Saturday there were amateur and mini bike races and on Sunday the professionals on the bigger bikes raced. Two Aspen brothers did the best of the local racers. They were Jeff Adams, second in the 250 cc B Class; and Keith Adams, second in the 125 cc B Class. In all there were 133 entrants in the seven classes on the two days.”

There’s no better way to kick off summer in Snowmass than essentially bottomless pours from both local and visiting craft breweries and distilleries, and luckily, that’s just what’s coming to town this weekend.

Snowmass Rendezvous is heading to Snowmass for the seventh time with a variety of beer and spirit vendors, as well as outdoor gear and artisan vendors.

“It has evolved from what was originally a beer festival now to include a lot of other types of sampling,” said Keanan Stoner, creative director for Two Parts, the Denver-based company behind the bash.

The festival will take over Snowmass Village, with booths in Base Village, Town Mall, and the Turf Rink outside the Collective.

“Your ticket gets you a wristband and a sampling glass, and you can wander all over the Village in the mountains, trying different cocktails, beers, and seltzers,” he said. “There’s a handful of outdoor brands and artisans that you can check out between sips.”

According to him, this year has an interesting and fun mix of vendors for all to enjoy. Fan favorite local vendors such as Woody Creek Distillers and Aspen Brewing Company will be back pouring beers and cocktails.

New to the event this year are a couple of out of state brewers and distillers. Cascade Brewing, Yellowstone Bourbon, and Lalo Tequila are all out of state options that will host booths.

“It’s an interesting mix of stuff that the locals will very much recognize, stuff that Denverites will very much recognize and then a few that probably hardly anybody’s ever tried,” said Stoner.

The event starts Saturday at 2 p.m. and concludes with a free concert on Fanny Hill featuring headliner Goodnight, Texas and opener Extra Gold at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s a Western Colorado-roots feel that I think is usually pretty fun and high energy after a day of drinking as you’re watching the sun go down,” said Stoner.

The free concert that will end the night is not the only music event goers will hear. Throughout the afternoon, different DJs will be in each of the sections of the festival spinning tunes for all to enjoy.

A ticket for Snowmass Rendezvous gets you four hours of bottomless adult beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, fun shopping from various local vendors, and gear demos. At 6 p.m., the event will switch to a “pay as you go” situation, Stone said.

Like always, Snowmass Rendezvous is taking place after the Ragnar Trail, the gritty trifecta of the most scenic trail running loops Mother Nature can serve up.

“(The teams) finish and are able to come right up to the festival to celebrate if they’re not dead or asleep,” said Stoner.

“We like this event because you can also still do all the outdoor awesome activities that Snowmass has to offer earlier in the day,” he said. “It’s kind of the full package weekend setup; whether you’re from the Front Range, from Snowmass, from further away, you have got a lot of cool options to come and hang on the mountain.”

To see the list of vendors and to buy tickets, go to snowmassrendezvous.com.

Storytellers are invited to be part of a Live Storytelling event taking place from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, at The Collective in Snowmass.

In partnership with Writ Large, tellers are being sought to share their potent, thought-provoking, and authentic tales as part of a collaboration to deepen our understanding of our local communities. Storytellers will be supported and coached by Writ Large’s founder and director Alya Howe, whose expertise will enhance storytellers’ prowess.

The theme of the July 23 event is “Voices of the Collective,” inviting tellers to prepare and share a deeply meaningful, seven-minute narrative. Under her guidance, participants will discover and unearth the essence of their stories. There are no fees associated with this opportunity. Guest storytellers will receive personalized mentoring, professional photographs, and an opportunity to perform before a live, welcoming audience.  

Writ Large is founded on a long-standing tradition of captivating live storytelling events in the valley, touching the hearts of storytellers and listeners, alike. Howe says stories, being an ancient form of communication, possess the incredible power to connect us to one another and deepen our bonds within our community and environment. They convey the importance of values and shed light on the consequences of living by or straying from ethical and societal codes.

“Joy and fulfillment lie in our triumphs and learning from our mistakes,” she says. “A community lacking a strong narrative, or failing to value storytelling, struggles to survive as a cohesive unit, instead becoming a collection of isolated individuals driven by personal pursuits.”

For this event, stories should be personal and revelatory true accounts, spoken from the heart rather than read. All stories are welcome, whether they evoke tragedy, humor, happiness, or sorrow. Howe encourages prospective participants to embrace stillness, reflect, and allow the story to choose them.

“This is playful, revealing work,” she says. “The more you invest yourself in this journey, the greater the rewards and opportunities will unfold.”

Participants are required to meet the following schedule leading up to the live performance: 

Week of May 29 (or earlier): Submit a full draft or a detailed outline of your story to info@thecollectivesnowmass.com. Howe’s writing team is available to craft the written versions of stories allowing focus on the telling of the story — not refining the content. Those uncomfortable with writing can also work with her to record their story to define an outline. 

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11: Rehearsal on Zoom 
• 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 20: Rehearsal at The Collective in Snowmass
• 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 23: Live performance

To participate or for more information, contact Howe at 970-309-2582 or alya@alyahowe.org. For details on The Collective Snowmass, visit thecollectivesnowmass.com.

Village Shuttle Switches to Summer Schedule

The Village Shuttle summer service schedules begin on Monday, June 5. 

Summer schedules may be viewed online: snowmasstransit.com/133/Routes-Schedules 

Due to the Brush Creek culvert reconstruction project detour, Village Shuttle Route #8 will serve the Melton Ranch and Horse Ranch communities at 15-minute service intervals between 7:05 a.m.–8:05 p.m. (30-minute service continuing to 9:05 p.m.) from June 5–Sept. 24. Ride request service will be available until midnight.

Snowmass Village is also served by several multi-modal options. Multi-use paths run throughout the town, and Village Shuttle connects to regional transit services provided by Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA). Bike-share is available in town via WE-cycle. Bicycle information is available at snowmasstransit.com/192/By-Bike.

Brush Creek Culvert Replacement Project Update as of May 26

The Brush Creek culvert replacement project has begun. Weekly updates will be provided throughout the project. Project information can be found online at tosv.com/566/Brush-Creek-Culvert-Reconstruction.

Comments, feedback, or suggestions for improvement can be shared with project@tosv.com. We appreciate your patience during this construction project!

Closures:

• Brush Creek Road is now closed for the duration of the project.

What work was completed this week?

• Traffic control was modified to better protect pedestrians crossing across Brush Creek Road from Owl Creek Road.
• Crews have excavated down to the fiber and cable runs to start the temporary relocation of those lines.

Work planned for the week of May 29:

• Fiber and cable temporary relocations.
• Soil nailing to support the hillside next to the future culvert.
• Set up the bypass structures that will carry Brush Creek water while crews replace the culvert.
• Begin work to bypass the sewer and water lines around the construction area.

Upcoming traffic-flow changes: 

• None anticipated until the JAS weekend. More details to follow. 

Draw Site Housing Project Open House

The Town of Snowmass Village will have an Open House on an upcoming housing project on Wednesday, May 31, from 4-6 p.m. at Town Hall. 

The Town Hall Draw site was identified as the next housing project in the 2021 Workforce Housing Master Plan. The site has the most significant potential for unit development, is well-located, and has historically been identified for future housing development.  

In response to the need for workforce housing in our community, the Town of Snowmass Village developed a Workforce Housing Master Plan unanimously adopted by the Snowmass Village Town Council in October 2021.

The Town Hall Draw site was identified for the next housing project because it has the most significant potential for unit development, is well-located, and has historically been identified for future housing development. This project aims to maximize the site for housing, be developed within the existing topography, fit the location’s character, create a mix of housing sizes (one-, two-, and three-bedroom units), and take advantage of existing transit.

Staff will be available to answer questions about this project, and housing within Snowmass Village, at an open house on Wednesday, May 31, from 4-6 p.m. The open house will be held at Town Hall in the Council Chambers. We hope to see you there!

More information is available on the project webpage.

Brush Creek Culvert Replacement Project Update as of May 19

The Brush Creek culvert replacement project has begun. Weekly updates will be provided throughout the project. Project information (include these updates) can be found online at tosv.com/566/Brush-Creek-Culvert-Reconstruction.

Comments, feedback, or suggestions for improvement can be shared with project@tosv.com. We appreciate your patience during this construction project!

Closures:

• Brush Creek Road is now closed for the duration of the project.

What work was completed this week?

• Traffic control was set up. 
• Asphalt removal has begun on Brush Creek above the culvert.
• The gas line was activated.

Work planned for theweek of May 22:

• Asphalt will continue to be removed.
• Excavation will start for the underground utility work.

Upcoming traffic-flow changes:

• None anticipated until the JAS weekend. More details to follow.

Town service schedule for Memorial Day holiday

Town of Snowmass Village administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. 

Brush Creek Road is closed for construction. Motorists traveling to Snowmass Village should be aware of the detour route on Highline & Owl Creek Roads due to the construction closure.

The Recreation Center will be open at its regular schedule, the Village Shuttle is offering its full off-season schedule, and police officers are always available via dispatch by calling 970-923-5330 or by picking up the front door phone if on-site at Town Hall. Solid-waste operations will continue as normal. 

For events and activities, please visit gosnowmass.com.

Draw site housing project Open House

Join the Town of Snowmass Village for an Open House on an upcoming housing project on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 4–6 p.m. at Town Hall. 

In response to the need for workforce housing in our community, the Town of Snowmass Village developed a Workforce Housing Master Plan unanimously adopted by the Snowmass Village Town Council in October 2021.

The Town Hall Draw site was identified for the next housing project because it has the most significant potential for unit development, is well-located, and has historically been identified for future housing development. This project aims to maximize the site for housing, be developed within the existing topography, fit the location’s character, create a mix of housing sizes (one-, two-, and three-bedroom units), and take advantage of existing transit.

Staff will be available to answer questions about this project and housing within Snowmass Village. The open house will be held at Town Hall in the Council Chambers. We hope to see you there!

More information is available on the project webpage.

The Aspen Daily Chronicle reported on May 23, 1891 that “Judge Watson went down to his ranch on Brush Creek yesterday to oversee the planting of a large crop of potatoes. The judge expects to have a corner on the market when the tubers are ready to ship.”

Valley farms began growing potatoes for mass production starting in the 1890s and increased into the early 1900s, peaking in 1909 at 225,500 bushels (for the valley). Yields began to decline after 1909 partly because of blight that lives in the soil, but ranchers learned how to replenish the soil by rotating their crops—potatoes for two years, grain for two years, and alfalfa hay for six years. 

There are so many tweets about Snowmass, we thought we would give the Snowmass Sun its own Tweet All About It. We’ve picked out our favorite and not-so-favorite (at least, those that are printable) tweets about Snowmass.

The Aspen Times is available on Twitter, as well. Simply type in “TheAspenTimes” on Twitter (No spaces, please), and get daily updates on what’s happening in the Roaring Fork Valley.

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Town Cleanup Day returns to Snowmass Village

Join your fellow Villagers, and help beautify Snowmass Village by participating in this time-honored town tradition on May 19! Trash and recycling bags will be available for pickup between 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Daly Lane Depot. Volunteers will then have the morning to work through key areas of the town, picking up trash and refuse left over from the winter season. Town crews will collect bags of trash throughout the day. 

Town Cleanup Day helps to beautify the town, keeps our waterways clean, and reduces impact to the natural landscape and wildlife.

Lunch will be served at the Town Park Gazebo beginning at noon. Restrooms will be available at Town Park Station.

Pre-registration helps with ordering food for volunteers; please complete the 2023 Town Clean-up Day Registration Form.

Brush Creek Road closed May 15-Nov. 1

The Brush Creek culvert reconstruction project begins on May 15. Brush Creek Road will be closed from the Blue Roof Condos to the intersection with Owl Creek Road from approximately May 15-Nov. 1.

A detour and special traffic alignments will be in place along Owl Creek and Highline roads for the duration of the project. Signage will be in place to help you get where you need to go. Detour routes will be well-marked, and the road closure will be hardened to prevent confusion for road users.

Village Shuttle Route #8 will serve the Melton Ranch and Horse Ranch communities at 15-minute service intervals between 7:05 a.m.–8:05 p.m. (30-minute service continuing to 9:05 p.m.) from June 5-Sept. 24. Ride request service will be available until midnight. Route information and maps can be found at villageshuttle.com or by calling 970-923-2543.

For more information on the culvert reconstruction project, visit tosv.com/566/Brush-Creek-Culvert-Reconstruction.

Brush Creek park-and-ride renovations begin next week

People who use the Brush Creek Park and Ride off of Colorado Highway 82 in the Upper Valley should expect reduced parking this summer, PItkin County officials said on Monday.

Work to improve lighting and landscaping and increase the number of paved parking spaces from 200 to over 400 is scheduled to start May 15. The parking lot will be prepared for EV charging stations during construction with complete buildout of the charging stations in the future.

The number of available parking spaces will be reduced during construction, however, and parking will be relocated to the upvalley side of the park-and-ride in the gravel section of a temporary parking lot. A large portion of the area where paid parking exists during summer months at Buttermilk will be dedicated to Brush Creek overflow.

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus service will be unaffected, and the county will work with the contractor to accommodate special events. Officials said they encouraged commuters and visitors to carpool or take transit into Aspen and/or to the Brush Creek park-and-ride.

Colorado-based Siete Inc. is the contractor on the project. It’s scheduled to be complete in the fall.

Snowmass Free Concert Series lineup

Celebrating 31 years of free live music this summer, the Snowmass Free Concert Series returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening, June 15-Aug. 24, 2023. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with shows starting at 6:30 p.m. Concerts feature a spectrum of sounds, from zydeco to reggae, rock to soul. 

“The Snowmass Free Concert Series is one of our most beloved summer traditions,” said Rose Abello, tourism director for Snowmass Tourism. “We are so looking forward to another summer of stellar music under the sky on Fanny Hill. This summer’s lineup is sure to please listeners of all genres.”

In addition to the Snowmass Free Concert Series on Thursday evenings, Snowmass is home to free live music throughout the summer at restaurants and venues around Snowmass Village, including a bonus concert on Fanny Hill on Saturday, June 10, part of Snowmass Rendezvous. 

The lineup:

• June 15: Don Chicharron (Chicha)
• June 22: Robert Jon & the Wreck (Rock)
• June 29: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (Zydeco)
• July 6: A-Mac & the Height (Reggae/Covers)
• July 13: James Hunter (Soul)
• July 20: Chicago Farmer (Country)
• July 27: Emily Wolfe (Rock Guitarist)
• Aug. 3: The Brothers Comatose (Bluegrass)
• Aug. 10: LowDown Brass Band (Brass Band)
• Aug. 17: Digging Dirt (Funk)
• Aug. 24: Honey Island Swamp Band (Bayou Americana)

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the Snowmass branded container bars, located inside the venue. Outside food and sealed non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. No glass bottles, open containers, or personal alcohol of any kind are permitted. No dogs are allowed either. 

Attendance is expected to be high this summer and parking is limited. Tourism officials encourge using the free parking at Snowmass Town Park, carpool, or take RFTA or Snowmass Village Transit. For more information on the Snowmass Free Concert Series, visit gosnowmass.com/concerts. 

For the full Summer 2023 Event Calendar, visit gosnowmass.com/events. 

Village shuttle construction detour route

Village Shuttle will provide increased service to Route #8 to accommodate transit users impacted by the construction closure from Monday, June 5–Sunday, Sept. 24. The Brush Creek culvert reconstruction project begins on May 15. Brush Creek Road will be closed immediately downhill from the intersection with Owl Creek Road for the duration of this project.

Due to the detour on Brush Creek Rd. this summer, the Village Shuttle will be providing increased Route #8 service to the communities along Brush Creek Rd. and to Town Park. During the closure, buses will be running every 15 minutes with stops along Brush Creek up to Sinclair Rd. and Ride Request service to the Melton Ranch and Horse Ranch communities.

Route #8 will serve these neighborhoods at 15-minute service intervals and will be available from 7:05 a.m.–8:05 p.m. (30-minute service continuing to 9:05 p.m.), and ride request service will be available until midnight. For questions regarding Village Shuttle service, please feel free to call 970-923-2543. Route information and maps can be found at villageshuttle.com.

For more information on the culvert reconstruction project, visit tosv.com/566/Brush-Creek-Culvert-Reconstruction.