BEST BUDDIES BREAKAWAY CAMP: ASPEN
CYCLING EXPERIENCE
SEPT. 13-17, 2026
What to Expect
Camp attendees are treated to an epic five-day cycling experience from September 13-17, 2026. Set in Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel, riders receive the amenities, support, and structure of UCI World Tour team. Each day is a full curriculum with pro tips on climbing, descending, nutrition, group riding skills, and recovery. All riders are given the option to ride one of multiple route options each day to match your desired level of intensity and skill level.
The camp will feature INEOS-Grenadiers rider Cam Wurf providing wit and wisdom from their years of international racing experience.
Those hoping for a structured, objective based approach to Camp will have the opportunity to work with our USAC Certified Coaching staff to achieve their performance goals. Prior to arrival at camp, Best Buddies staff will analyze training data of those partaking in this program and provide performance targets and support on key sectors of the day’s routes. Through focused pre-ride meetings and post-ride debriefs, staff will provide riders with the tools to achieve their goals, and feedback on how to maintain or improve their performance through a holistic approach to training during the week and beyond.
Based out of The Little Nell, the Camp is supported by a full staff of licensed coaches, Tour de France mechanics, professional chefs, and massage therapists.
This five-star Camp helps to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies International’s global mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What's included
Five days of professionally-led rides through Aspen with Pro guides SAG support.
- Ride alongside pro-cyclist Cam Wurf of Team INEOS-Grenadiers.
- Comprehensive fit evaluation and adjustments by renowned fitter Ivan O’Gorman
- On-site mechanic for pre-ride, on-ride, and post-ride support
- Fully catered and luxury style health-conscious rest stops. Some items include homemade, nutrition-dense rice cakes and bars, chilled fresh fruit, electrolyte drinks, soda, coffee, water, gels, and chilled and scented towels
- A custom Best Buddies cycling kit including jersey, bib, and arm sleeves
- Daily pre-ride briefing, route overview, skills discussion and Q&A with coach over coffee and light breakfast
- Correspondence with coach in the weeks leading up to the Camp to discuss cycling and fitness goals
- Option for one-on-one break-out sessions with a coach throughout the Camp
- Every rider will depart with a general fitness calendar to achieve athletic and lifestyle goals for the year
Nutrition and Wellness
Providing a holistic approach to training with special attention given to nutrition and post-training recovery.
- Daily gourmet, nutrient-dense group breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Daily post-ride massage and nutrition in the Best Buddies Recovery Room
- Presentations by leading fitness experts, including professional exercise physiologists
- Learn how train and recover for optimal performance day-in and day-out
- Hiking focused guided yoga, stretch, and foam-rolling sessions designed to improve flexibility, relieve tension, alleviate sore muscles, and promote recovery
The Little Nell
The Camp package includes a complimentary four (4) night stay at The Little Nell - Aspen's only Five Star, Five Dimond hotel.
- Complimentary stay at The Little Nell for four (4) nights.
- Guests will have access to the resort’s five-star spa, pool, and fitness facilities
- Complimentary daily laundry service
DAILY ITINERARY
Sunday, Sept. 13 - Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
Below is a sample itinerary of what each Camp day will offer. After each day’s ride we focus on your repair and recovery. While mechanics tend to your bike’s needs after each day’s ride, you can focus on recovery and relaxation at the wellness offerings of The Little Nell through recovery nutrition, massage, and full access to the hotel spa’s amenities. This Camp transcends cycling. Our vision is to bring together elements of philanthropy, adventure, nutrition, wellness, and a lifestyle to believe in for the ultimate six-star experience, all while building new friendships and creating lasting memories.
Day 1
Riders will depart from the Little Nell along McLain Flats Road for an approximately 90-minute loop around Aspen’s partner mountain, Snowmass. This gentle and approachable route allows campers to assess their gear and their bodies to ensure they are primed to embark on this experience.
See Route & Schedule
Route
Schedule
12:00 PM Guest arrival at The Little Nell
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Garmin Setup and Configuration and Bike Builds
3:30 PM Welcome hike for non-cycling guests. 2.9-miles with 807 feet elevation gain
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM 90 minute, – 20-mile Shakeout Ride with 1,852 feet of climbing at an easy pace with review of road rules
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Welcome dinner with schedule overview and an Introduction to our Best Buddies National Ambassador
Day 2
The second ride of Camp takes riders on the meandering climb out of Aspen up the Castle Creek Valley before arriving at the mining ghost town of Ashcroft. There, campers will take in the beauty of the Elk Mountains before returning to town to set out on our second climb to Maroon Bells. The climb to Maroon Lake brings us to the base of iconic 14er Pyramid Peak through groves of Aspen trees on a road largely untouched by vehicle traffic. Group A can expect to ride approximately 50 miles, gaining 4,000 feet in the process. Group B will see an out and back ride to the top of Ashcroft Mountain.
See Route & Schedule
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: 49 miles and 4,214 feet of elevation gain
- B Route: 29.7 miles and 2,374 feet of elevation gain
- Hike: 4 miles and 688 feet of elevation gain
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at The Little Nell
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pinarello Presentation
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Garmin Setup and Configuration, Fit Seminar, & Flat and Bike Maintenance
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at The Little Nell
Day 3
Day three’s route will descend from Aspen along McLain Flats to the town of Basalt before beginning the gentle climb out of town to the gorgeous Ruedi Reservoir. Campers will tackle just over 69 miles all total, with an elevation gain of just under 4,000 feet. Our B group riders will see the same outbound route to Basalt as route A and will turn back to Aspen once reaching the town of Basalt.
See Route & Schedule
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: 70-mile day with a Categorized 2 climb coming at mile 20 with the second portion of sustain climbing starting at mile 50 as riders depart from Basalt and make their way back to Aspen.
- B Route: 39 miles and 2,290 feet of gain as riders will complete an out and back route to Basalt.
- Hike: 6.8 miles and 2,043 feet of elevation gain
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at The Little Nell
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Coaching Seminar on how to periodize your season
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner out at one of Aspens premier restaurants
Day 4
The Queen Stage
The marquee day of the Best Buddies Breakaway Camp Aspen takes campers out of town and up world-famous Independence Pass. Climbing almost immediately upon departing Aspen, the route will take campers to 12,095 feet above sea level after climbing to the Continental Divide along Colorado’s highest paved road. After summiting, a long descent to Twin Lakes on the east side of the Pass awaits before returning to the summit and Aspen. The 73-mile route with over 7,000 feet of climbing will be a ride to be remembered forever, and for many will be the hardest challenge and the greatest success they have ever achieved on a bike. Our B group will tackle Independance pass which is a 15-mile climb gaining 4000 feet at an average gradient of 4.8%. Stories of triumph on the road can be shared over the table at Casa Tua, Aspen’s premier elegant Italian fine dining experience, where the group will gather for dinner.
See Route & Schedule
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: 77.6 miles and 7,627 feet of elevation gain
- B Route: 39 miles and 4,342 feet of elevation gain
- Hike: 6 miles and 1,618 feet of elevation gain
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at The Little Nell
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Q/A with one of the World Tour Pro’s attending camp
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at The Little Nell
Day 5
The conclusion of Camp, riders will have the option to depart the pavement and participate in a mountain bike ride along Government Trail at Buttermilk Mountain or stick to the road and round out their experience with an additional ride to Snowmass.
See Route & Schedule
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Road Route: 27.3 miles and 3.041 feet of elevation gain.
- MTB Route: 21 miles and 2,342 feet of elevation gain.
- Hike: 3 miles and 65 feet of elevation gain
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Lunch at The Little Nell
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in the Spa
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Check Out and Departure
Five-Day Breakaway Camp Package
$10,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($5,000 Deposit Due at Registration)
Once registered, you’ll have access to your own fundraising webpage, which you can easily personalize. Your webpage makes it easy for donors to give and for you to ask for and keep track of donations.
We’ll also provide you with fundraising materials, including email and letter templates, posters and step-by-step guides for holding your own fundraising events. And, you’ll have the support of a Best Buddies Coach. Whether you are new to fundraising, or an old pro, we’ve got all the tools you’ll need to not only meet, but exceed your fundraising goals.
Supporting Best Buddies
All funds raised benefit Best Buddies International, the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.