Aspen/Snowmass, Colo., – March 31, 2011 – Put a little spring in your steep and join Aspen/Snowmass in celebrating two extra weeks of skiing/riding this spring at Aspen Highlands, April 11 – 24, 2011.

It’s hard to believe that spring is here in Aspen/Snowmass with nearly three feet of powder falling in the past week and a 110 inch base depth at Aspen Highlands.

Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the excellent snow conditions; spring deals on lodging, lessons, rentals and lift tickets; and to soak in the sun at on-mountain events and parties.

Lift tickets – Daily lift tickets will cost less than $50 per day or $199 for six or more days.* Once again this year, a $39 ticket will be offered to anyone who can present a valid 2010-2011 season pass from any other resort at the ticket window. With 100 percent of the mountain scheduled to be open (conditions permitting), this spring skiing experience is unmatched.

Foot passenger tickets will be $10 for all ages. ClassicPass extentions will be $32/day for Adults and just $10/day for Children, Youth or College Classic passholders. The EscapePass will offer validations at $32/day for Adult, $25/day for Youth and College, and $10/day for Children and Silver passholders. Flex and Double Flex passholders can extend for just $32/day.

Lodging Deals – Lodging starts as low as $40 per night based on double occupancy in Aspen and $25 per night based on double occupancy in Snowmass. For a complete list of lodging deals visit www.aspensnowmass.com/aprildeals.

Lessons & Beginner Terrain – With lessons starting at $99, now’s the time to hone in on those skills with the Ski & Snowboard school before next season. In fact, some beginner terrain is being cleared under the Exhibition lift to the base and there will be snowmobile transport for beginner lessons under Exhibition to make learning to ski & ride comfortable for various levels.

Rentals – Equipment rentals can be purchased in advance at 40 percent off for use April 11-24, 2011. Advance purchase rentals are available for pick-up at Four-Mountain Sports in AspenHighlandsVillage. Rentals can be purchased in advance either online at www.aspensnowmass.com/store or by phone at 970/925-1227.

Terrain Park – There will be a terrain park added on the current NASTAR course with a mix of boxes, rails and urban jib features.

Events – Live music, on-mountain competitions, a pond skim and spring parties will add plenty of entertainment to the spring experience at Aspen Highlands.

Saturday, April 16
Freestyle Saturday, 1 p.m. – A bumps and jumps course will be built above the Merry-Go-Round as skiers and riders fight to win the prize purse of $500 in old school throw down.
Double Diamond Band plays at the Merry-Go-Round at 2 p.m.
Experience Sunset Skiing as the lifts run until 6:30 p.m. Highland Bowl will be open until 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 17
The Highlands will play at the Merry-Go-Round at 12 p.m.

Saturday, April 23
The Great Divide Band to play at Merry-Go-Round at 12 p.m.
Big Air Saturday, 3 p.m. – Athletes are invited to show off their skills on a big air jump and compete for $500 at the base of Thunderbowl.

Sunday, April 24
Slightly White to play at the Merry-Go-Round at 12 p.m.

Pond Skim – Weekend of April 23-24
There will be a pond skim either April 23 or 24 conditions permitting.

For more information on one of the longest seasons to date in Aspen/Snowmass visit www.aspensnowmass.com/aprildeals or call 970/925-1220.

*There is a $5 refundable deposit for all lift tickets. The six or more day ticket price is valid with initial purchase only. Not valid on extension days. All tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area – Snowmass, AspenMountain, AspenHighlands and Buttermilk – as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com.