Old World Charm meets Modern American Soul at Snowmass Oktoberfest

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2007

Media Contact: Allison Johnson

(970) 309-5485 or

Old World Charm meets Modern American Soul at Snowmass Oktoberfest
Free Ruthie Foster concert, beer gardens, family fun and more September 8

Snowmass Village, CO. -- Old Europe meets modern American soul in Snowmass Saturday, September 8, when singer/songwriter phenom Ruthie Foster plays a free concert at Snowmass' fourth annual Oktoberfest presented by Grolsch. Pull out your lederhosen, your beer steins, and your best dancing shoes as Snowmass pays tribute to the harvest season with a FREE day of old world fare and fun.

"This celebration is becoming an autumn tradition in Snowmass, much like Mardi Gras is to February or St. Paddy's Day is to March," says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for Snowmass Village. "Oktoberfest is an excellent excuse to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall air and gorgeous mountain views in Snowmass, and the free concert by Ruthie Foster is a special added bonus."

The festival runs from 12-6 pm and transforms the Snowmass Village Mall into old world Germany. Tuba and accordion players stroll the festival, while D'Miesbacher OIM Taler perform traditional "Schuhplatte" or shoe patting dances and Steve Rock's Tanzkapelle Band plays polkas and traditional Teutonic tunes. The beer garden offers Widmer Hefeweizen, Redhook ESB, Grolsch, and Bud Light for sale, while German fare is offered for sale in tents by The Stewpot and The Brothers Grill. Families can grab a braut and a brew and let street performers such as Jammin Jim, Sparkles the Clown, and Kimothy the Stilt walker entertain the kiddies.

Smoking hot singer Ruthie Foster takes to the stage at 4 pm. Her latest album, The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster, has received national raves and air time across the country, and her mix of contemporary folk with old-school gospel and blues showcases a powerhouse voice that has been compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. The Seattle Post Intelligencer said "her talent is universal with no pretense," while both the New York Post and the Dallas Morning News have cited cover song renditions that they felt were better than the originals. Ranging through blues, gospel, roots and folk music, Ruthie Foster's live performances appeal to both the young and old.

Additional Weekend Activities:

4th Annual Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure® (Sept. 8) A 100-mile bike ride around the Aspen/Snowmass area (with flatter 26-mile course option) celebrates fall in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, while benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. Last year's ride attracted 424 riders of all levels and raised $655,000. Online registration for all events is encouraged. Snowmass Village hosts the riders' lunch. (Contact: 970.920.0250 or www.komenaspen.org)

4th Annual Snowmass Autumn Open Singles Disc Golf Tournament (Sept. 8) The Autumn Open takes disc golf fans out on the new 36-hole course on Snowmass Mountain and includes two rounds on both courses with divisions for men and women in Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced/Expert and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. The cost is $20 ($6 lift ticket not included) with 100% prize payout. Registration begins at 9am at the Ticket Pavilion, the tournament kicks off at 10 am, and for more information, contact Taka Sakai at 970.379.0283.

Fall Activities:

Situated in the heart of the Elk Mountains and surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the state of Colorado, Snowmass offers over forty miles of trails for fall hikes and bike rides starting in the Village core. A chairlift ride, disc golf, jeep tours, and diverse regional adventures such as horseback riding, paragliding, and scenic drives are available as well.

Oktoberfest Lodging Specials

Snowmass Inn: Oktoberfest Special. Rates start at $69/night (2 night minimum). Property includes pool & hot tub, free continental breakfast. This special is based on availability 9/7-9/8/07. To book, visit www.snowmassinn.com/ or call 800-635-3758.

The Pokolodi Lodge: Oktoberfest Special. Rates start at $79/night. Property includes pool & hot tub, free continental breakfast. This special is based on availability 9/7-9/8/07. To book, visit www.pokolodi.com or call 800-666-4556.

Destination Resorts Snowmass. "Get a Lift from Fall" Special. Rates start at $55.55 per person based upon double occupancy, includes two Gondola lift tickets. Offer Valid Sept 4th-30th, weekends only. Call 1-800-922-7242

Timberline Condominiums Fall Spectacular. Rates start at $91/night plus tax (A 30% discount!). Based on availability, some restrictions may apply, valid 9/4/2007 - 10/31/2007. Contact or 1-800-922-4001

The Villas Golf Special. Rates start at $352.50 per person (based on double occupancy) not including tax for a 1-bedroom condo and include one round of golf for 2 after 1 pm. A 3-night minimum is required, blackout dates may apply. Cart and range balls are included in golf price (weather permitting)*(Valid 9/9-10/14, 2007). Contact 1-800-525-0710

For more information on Snowmass Village and fall lodging specials and activities, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS (800.766.9627).

The resort town of Snowmass Village, Colorado, is located in the heart of the Elk Mountains 9 miles from Aspen, Colorado. Snowmass is a scenic three hour drive from Denver and accessible via four regional airports (Aspen, Eagle, Grand Junction, and Denver). Snowmass offers diverse lodging and daily activities for families, adventurers, and couples. For more information on this popular mountain destination, please visit http://www.snowmassvillage.com/.