CAMP DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED

Daily Itinerary

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.

Sunday, September 14 through Thursday, September 18, 2025

In addition to the incredible riding on offer, each day’s itinerary will also include an optional afternoon hike in the mountains surrounding Aspen. Campers who choose to participate will experience the beauty of the area in a whole new way as they immerse themselves in the nature that truly gives Aspen it’s distinct character.

DAY 1

View Route

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.

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

View A Route | View B Route

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.

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

View A Route | View B Route

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.

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

View A Route | View B Route

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.

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

View Road Route

t 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.

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: Details coming soon
- 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 Package
$10,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($1,500 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.

Daily Itinerary

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

Five-Day Package $10,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($1,500 Deposit Due at Registration)

Five-Day Package
$10,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($1,500 Deposit Due at Registration)