Aspen-Snowmass White Water Rafting
May 6, 2008
Spring has sprung in the Aspen Valley, which means we are turning our attentions from the ski season to the rafting season. It’s been an amazing winter in Aspen. It is by far the most snow I have seen in my 17 years of living in this valley! All this snow will melt, of course, and will translate into an incredible whitewater season. We are all looking forward to getting back on the river; and the best news of all is that all this snow should mean an extended season on the Roaring Fork River itself. It will also mean that we can expect to have great flows on the Arkansas River for the entire duration of our season (May-September). So if there was ever a year to go rafting, this is it!
If you plan to travel to Aspen in May, June, or July you’d be crazy not to join us for one of superb trips down the Roaring Fork River:
The Middle Roaring Fork, or the Cemetery Run are perfect for families with younger children (age 6 or 7 is our minimum depending on the trip), or for people who just want an introduction to whitewater. The amazing scenery and the Class II rapids, will give you a perfect feel for what rafting is all about. The Upper Roaring Fork will serve up an ideal combination of a picturesque western landscape punctuated by fun and challenging Class III rapids such as Toothache and Bonsi. This is a great run for intermediate rafters. The Slaughterhouse Section is unbeatable for those out looking for an adrenaline rush. It is 6 miles of exciting Class IV, and with our 3 daily departures, there is no excuse for not making the time for this experience. We will also be offering trips on Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River from May through August. This is a full day trip complete with a riverside lunch, spectacular scenery, and classic Colorado rapids such as Zoom Flume and Canyon Doors. This run will be big water fun in May and June, and becomes more technical in July and August. All water levels offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
If you will be in Aspen in late July or in August join us for one of the many outstanding trips we offer down the Arkansas River:
The Fractions is fun for the whole family. It’s a great Class III run that takes you past beautiful granite boulders and the towering Collegiate Peaks (many of which are over 14,000 feet in elevation). Brown’s Canyon has often been called the quintessential rafting trip in Colorado. It’s a full day of fun with many exciting Class III rapids, a gourmet riverside lunch, and more great scenery than you’ll be able handle. The Numbers is an exciting Class IV run down one of the most technical sections on the Arkansas River. For those looking for high adventure, intricate rapids, and incredible scenery, this is the trip for you. Pine Creek and the Numbers is the most difficult section of whitewater on the Arkansas River. You will scout the Pine Creek section to make sure everyone wants to run (walking around is, of course, an option), and you’ll also tackle the Granite Gorge, Triple Drop, and the Goo Goo Clusters. After all this, you still get to run the entire Numbers Section. This 3/4 day is packed with adventure! Oh, and if you have time to enjoy the scenery, you’ll love that too. We are opening our doors on May 1st, so call or e-mail today to book your trip! Don’t miss your chance to raft Colorado’s rivers this season–it just doesn’t get any better than this.
Jim Ingram www.aspenwhitewater.com
jim@aspenwhitewater.com
Call 866-377-4837 or (970) 920-3511
Snowmass Lake Fishing II
May 6, 2008
Reader Update: You’ll remember the photo of Barbara holding the monster Rainbow Trout? Don’t worry they didn’t cook that 19″ Rainbow Trout. That one went back into the lake. The fish are waiting for you to visit!
It’s time to start planning that summer fishing trip to Snowmass Lake. What could be better than this view and a quiet day fishing for Rainbow Trout? Well, maybe sitting down after a long day of fishing and enjoying some delectable fresh roasted trout with lemon?
Here’s a recipe suggested by Chuck Mullen who has been going on fishing trips to Snowmass Lake with Snowmass Creek Outfitters since 1997.
What a treat when a fish is prepared on the spot for dinner. I rub olive oil on the meat; inside and out. Lay it on a piece of aluminum foil, coat it with a light seasoning of your choice. Then slice lemon and place in the chest cavity and on the outside. Sprinkler some Paprika on this already appetizing meal for color; wrap and poke holes in the foil; place on the fire; cook for 11 minutes or to your liking; open and enjoy.
Bon Appetit!
You can contact Snowmass Creek Outfitters by calling 970-704-0707 or visiting www.snowmasscreekoutfitters.com or visit their accommodations at www.snowmasscottages.com






