Fuel up for Free

Aspen’s Got Gas to Give Away

By Mitzi Rapkin, 5-25-06

Aspen’s got gas. That would be unleaded or diesel not naturally produced methane. The Aspen Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a free gas give away. If guests stay at one of 15 participating properties, they will receive a voucher for up to $50 dollars in free gas at the Aspen Store (which is nearly $4/gallon so it might not get people in their Hummers very far.)

The throngs may start coming, free gas or not. Yesterday Independence Pass, a summer-only highway that connects Aspen with Twin Lakes opened to the public as did the road up to the Maroon Bells, one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Aspen.

But, Bill Tomcich, President of Stay Aspen Snowmass, a reservation service, says Memorial Day weekend may be a hidden gem in terms of when to visit Aspen. “Memorial Day is not one of our big crowded weekends. I describe it as a time when the restaurants are open again after off-season and everything Aspen has to offer in the height of summer is available without the crowds,” he said.

Officially called “Aspen’s Got Free Gas & Wheels,” the promotion also offers visitors who are booked for two nights or more at participating lodges two free passes to Aspen’s recreation center, two free bus rides to the Maroon Bells and two free bicycle rentals.

“More than two thirds of Aspen’s summer visitors arrive by car,” said Debbie Braun,
President of Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “Aspen’s Got Free Gas & Wheels makes it easier for families to drive to Aspen, but offers visitors car-free transportation options once they are in our beautiful resort town.”

And starting today, despite being weeks from the solstice, summer season begins in Aspen. Thanks to warm temperatures (or global warming), visitors can already see Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Sunflowers and Bluebells in the lower elevations, and you have to get out of your car, full of free gas, to see them.

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