Austin Colbert

6 days ago | aspentimes.com | Austin Colbert

Gretchen Bleiler used Aspen as a launching pad, eventually taking her snowboard career to the Olympics and to superstardom. A 1999 Aspen High School graduate, the multi-time X Games champion in the halfpipe wanted to remind this year’s graduating class of their shared unique beginning. “You are stepping into a world full of unknowns. But you are not starting from nothing. You are starting from Aspen,” she said.

1 week ago | aspentimes.com | Austin Colbert

The annual Shining Mountains powwow made its return this past weekend, with the showcase of Native American culture taking place Saturday and Sunday at Aspen High School. Hosted by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation, the celebration featured formal Native American dance, homemade food, and various vendors selling crafts, from skateboards to paintings and jewelry. For more, visit aspenaif.org.

1 week ago | aspentimes.com | Austin Colbert

Around 100 students graduated on Saturday in Basalt Without doubt, each and every Basalt High School student who graduated on Saturday had something to be grateful for. This is especially true for Zealand Lane, who was left fighting for his life last Labor Day after suffering a traumatic brain injury following a Sting concert in Snowmass Village.

2 weeks ago | aspentimes.com | Austin Colbert

Next weekend, the Aspen High School seniors will walk across the stage of the music tent and graduate. But first, the students were able to take part in the annual March of the Graduates on Friday on the Aspen School District campus. Donning their cap and gown, the seniors walked through the elementary and middle schools, giving them a chance to reflect on their academic journey. [email protected]

2 weeks ago | aspentimes.com | Austin Colbert

Independence Pass opened for the summer at 4 p.m., Thursday with more than 50 vehicles lined up near the winter closure gate to be among the first to the top this season. Prior to opening the pass, which is a section of Highway 82 that connects Aspen to Twin Lakes and Leadville on the other side, Colorado Department of Transportation crews had to make numerous roadway repairs and mitigate any avalanche risks before allowing the public through.