Aspen Snowmass and FriendsWithYou (FWY), launched a lift ticket art collaboration November 2020. What started as uplifting, fine art images on Aspen Snowmass lift tickets is now an immersive world of interactive art and wonder across Aspen Snowmass’ mountains. Installations include “Little Cloud” on Aspen Mountain, “The Dance” in Snowmass Base Village and a series of limited edition merchandise found in Four Mountain Sports retail stores and online. This collaboration marks 16 years of working with fine artists for lift ticket art at Aspen Snowmass.

“We are excited to bring this joyous and uplifting art in various forms, to the slopes of Aspen Snowmass - from the FriendsWithYou lift tickets to the interactive art installations,” says Paula Crown, representing the owners of Aspen Snowmass. “We could all use a little more brightness and optimism in our lives these days. These activations will spark cheerful conversations and moments of wonder for our guests this season.”

FWY artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III emphasize unity, optimism, joy and kindness in their work. The colorful imagery features clouds, rainbows, friendly orbs and vivid colors that brighten the ski slopes.

“While skiing and riding is our specialty, we have considered art and culture one of our driving forces in inspiring, enlightening and creating new perspectives for our guests and community,” says Mike Kaplan, president and CEO, Aspen Snowmass. “Our collaboration with FWY does just that.”

Little Cloud

FWY’s “Little Cloud” icon graces the top of the gondola station, illuminating Aspen Mountain’s Gondola Plaza when the sun goes down. Made specifically for Aspen Snowmass, this three-dimensional lightbox is a smaller version of the Little Cloud seen at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 2018. “Little Cloud is a symbol that celebrates the relationship between human and nature,” the artists explain. “We created the Little Cloud Light as a symbol of hope and peace to be a beacon of love and compassion. Skiing and enjoying nature go hand and hand. With our cloud concept, we highlight nature and the beautiful landscape.” The piece will be on display for a year.

The Dance

Snowmass visitors can find “The Dance” performance at the Snowmass Base Village skating rink all season long. These friendly, round, bouncy, smiling Orbs made of plush bubble gum pink and baby blue material  perform a choreographed ice dance Wednesday’s and Sunday’s at 3 p.m. and Saturday’s at 6 p.m.

FriendsWithYou Merchandise

FWY inspired merchandise is also featured in an exclusive line of Guess clothing. Items are on sale at Four Mountain Sports, the Aspen Store and online. The line features hats, shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, custom skis and more. Limited-edition ‘Lucky Coins’ will be available at The Little Nell boutique. FWY  created this ‘Lucky Coin’ to endow its owner with the power of light, love, and magic, the embodiment of FriendsWithYou artwork.

For more information about the Lift Ticket Art Program, please visit: www.aspensnowmass.com/we-are-different/art-in-unexpected-places/lift-ticket-artwork

For more information about “The Dance”, please visit:

https://www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/dancing-orbs

For details on FWY merchandise and to shop in the store, please visit:  https://aspen-atelier.com/collections/friendswithyou-x-aspen-collection