Lifestyle | Wanderlusting in Aspen-Snowmass | Review

Wanderlust Festival (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)

Wanderlust Festival bestowed the gift of positive energy, music, healthy eats, and, of course, delicious yoga over July 4th weekend. Aspen, Colorado is one mountain town that needs no introduction. The sweeping landscape, the sunshine, the fresh air, and the plethora of outdoor sports is a haven for a mindful festival like Wanderlust Festival. 

The layout of the festival was vaster than in past years at Copper Mountain. It forced you to unintentionally explore Snowmass Village, either by gondola or hike, from one end to the other.  The festival staff did a tremendous job of turning conference room spaces into a pseudo yoga studio with different lighting, rugs, and geometric altars donned with organic trinkets. The space felt intentional and inviting. This is something that in past years was not given any attention so it felt like you were doing yoga in, well, a conference room. Not the most grounding experience.

Wanderlusting in Aspen (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)

The festival has evolved and seen improvements, much like the yoga spaces, in other areas as well. The music scene had more variety, which catered to a wider crowd. Of course, the resident dj’s, Moby and DJ Drez, were both present. Singer-songwriter Nikki Lane offered a style different from the eclectic, electronic beats we’re used to hearing at Wanderlust. The folk-rock vocals were the perfect pair to a cloudless afternoon. High and Mighty Brass Band had a lively, party-like way of having a presence. Throughout the festival they would stop, drop, and get down. It could be mid-afternoon amongst a sea of people hustling from class to class and they were shaking Snowmass Village with their buoyant sound, reminding attendees that it’s okay to slow down and shimmy and shake with a stranger! Sometimes yoga can be so serious and personal that we forget the community aspect. Live music brings out the creativity and movement that is a delicious compliment to an inward practice.

Wanderlust Festival Aspen-Snowmass (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)

The festival was a beautiful success, per usual. We can’t say enough of the venue, the people, the teachers, and the vendors. It’s a weekend well worth the dollar spent as you leave feeling fulfilled and rejuvenated. As a teacher, I left feeling inspired by my fellow yogis who consistently push themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. This festival has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, spanning the world, and I can’t wait to find out where they will go next. I am appreciative that they allowed us to capture the journey and share it with you. 

-Amanda Spilos