Snowfall Celebrations in Aspen 2012

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Aspen – Words can’t describe the beauty of this town. This time of year there is so many wonderful events and happenings going on, that each day is like a fantasy festival. Indeed the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Aspen are quite unique.

The celebrations kicked off with the Aspen Art Museum’s apres – ski winter gala FREESTYLE 2012 at the St. Regis Hotel. Proceeds from this spectacular holiday party provide revenue for year round programming and operations for this world class art museum. Sponsoring this event was internationally renowned Moncler, a couture line which carries a rich design heritage that ranges from outfitting the first successful mountaineering expedition to the summit of the infamous K2 with the French Olympic Team.

The following day was the popular yearly party at the newly decorated Hotel Jerome (called “The Event,”) a black tie dinner dance, which was hosted by many Aspen locals as well as my dear friend Larry White. Great party girls and boys!

Of course, I couldn’t wait to dine at one of my favorite restaurants in Aspen, Campo de Fiori, where the famous chef Giuseppe Garofolo prepares some of the most flavorful and inventive Italian dishes. He will be one of the celebrity chefs at the Naples Wine Festival.

Crown Party – On the Peak of Ajax Mountain

On the peak of Ajax mountain is a magnificent site overlooking the entire village where Lester and Renee Crown hosted their annual holiday party. Spotted at this delightful soiree and among the intriguing crowd were Michael Polsky, Denise Rich, the Goodmans, Garret Melcohm, Barbie Benton, her husband George, and myself just to mention a few.

Ajax Cup 2012 / An Aspen Tradition

The 3rd Annual Ajax Cup Ski Race and Apres Party in Aspen to benefit Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club

Known as a signature event in Aspen with 14 teams competing for the coveted Ajax Cup, this benefit enables over 800 children in the valley to experience the mountain. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts who have suffered tragic injuries return every year to participate in this exciting race. Antonio Banderas, who hosted the Ajax Cup says “I can’t think of a better way to give opportunities to children who might not otherwise have these experiences.” Kudos to Alexandra Halperin, publisher of Aspen Peak for all of her tremendous work. This one is close to my heart!

Also lighting up the holiday season were generous hosts Kitz & Richard Goodman who gave a beautiful, fun and exciting party the night before New Year’s Eve getting everyone geared up for the New Year!

The Finale

A romantic and very cool party was hosted by Linda Johnson Rice in her elegant home on top of Palm Springs. Many guests from Chicago were there to help ring in the New Year. Way to go Linda!

About Irene Michaels

Over the past 25 years I have taken on the roles of a producer, publisher, insider journalist and fundraiser. My artistic interests began early in my teens working as a model and a dancer throughout the U.S. I formed my first modeling agency before I was twenty. While modeling I secured a re-occurring role in the popular daytime TV series General Hospital. Read more...