Walter Paepcke, an industrialist from Chicago inspired by Aspen’s natural beauty, co-founded the Aspen Skiing Corporation in 1946 and set out to create a place where mind, body and spirit could flourish. He called this vision The Aspen Idea.

To create this vision, Paepcke invited legendary Bauhaus designer Herbert Bayer to Aspen to help reshape the town’s future. Bayer’s understanding of architecture, art and design greatly impacted the Aspen we know today. As part of this effort, Bayer designed the original Aspen Leaf that became the symbol of Aspen and a beacon for world-class skiing in North America.

Aspen Surplus is proud to reissue the iconic Aspen Leaf and incorporate this symbol on limited run products steeped in our love for the Roaring Fork Valley. This past year marks the 75th Anniversary of skiing in Aspen and a lot has changed. Our goal is to keep The Aspen Idea alive and continue to find ways to share authentic stories that celebrate the history of this illustrious place we call home.