Aspen Valley Health

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Aspen Valley Health

For more than a century as an independent health system, Aspen Valley Health has championed community wellness.

It's our commitment to making world-class healthcare accessible in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust.

12/22/2025

Dr. Alexandra Kovar gets it. She's out on the slopes, hiking the trails and living the Roaring Fork Valley lifestyle just like you. And as Aspen Valley Health's gastrointestinal surgeon, she also understands something crucial:

"Your gut health is the hidden engine that powers everything you do."

Whether you're chasing powder, crushing a trail run or just enjoying a full day outdoors at altitude, your digestive wellness directly impacts your endurance, recovery, energy and mood. Recent research shows gut bacteria can predict endurance and recovery time with 83% accuracy.

The good news? You don't need complicated protocols. Dr. Kovar breaks down five simple habits in a recent blog post that make a real difference: fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated (especially at altitude), stress management through the activities you already love, limiting processed foods and getting screened.

And if digestive issues do come up, Dr. Kovar offers advanced, minimally invasive treatment so you recover faster and get back to your life sooner. Tap the link to discover practical tips for optimal gut health, learn why preventive care truly matters and meet the expert who chose to practice medicine right here in our community because she values what we value: quality of life and longevity.

For you. For life.

https://loom.ly/pF8MFNk

12/19/2025

Our 2026 calendar celebrates the heart of our community through the eyes of Aspen Valley Health's staff, physicians and volunteers. Each photograph captures a special moment, from the peaks we climb to the places we visit, to the connections we make.

This is our way of saying thank you for letting us be part of your story. Pick up your complimentary calendar at any AVH location, available while supplies last.

For you. For life. 💛

12/17/2025

You have the power to save a life.

NARCAN is easy to use, available over-the-counter and remarkably effective. But only if people know about it.

Join Dr. Kimberly Levin as she shares critical information on opioid overdose recognition and NARCAN administration. This isn't just for healthcare workers, it's for anyone who cares about keeping our valley healthy and safe.

Learn what every friend, family member and neighbor should know. Then share it. Because the best way to prevent overdose deaths is to ensure everyone in our community has the knowledge and tools they need.

For more information on NARCAN explore our recent blog post by tapping the link.

For you. For life.

https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/how-narcan-can-help-your-community/

12/15/2025

We're excited to welcome Dr. Tara Brennan, the newest member of our otolaryngology team at Aspen Valley Health. She is a Dual American Board-certified surgeon trained in ear, nose and throat and facial plastic surgery with a subspecialty in facial reconstruction.

She regularly performs surgeries that correct nasal and septal deformities; facial paralysis; facial, brow, eyelid and lip droop; and facial deformity from congenital issues, including vascular anomalies.

Dr. Brennan says being in Aspen with its surrounding beauty is "like living in a painting." The active lifestyles and focus on health of the people who live here also drew her to Aspen Valley Health.

12/12/2025

We're proud to celebrate the compassion, expertise and dedication of our healthcare professionals, recognized by our community in The Aspen Times' Best of Aspen awards. Congratulations to our winners:

💛 Guest Service Staff Member (presented by ACRA):
Winner: Sharon Thaden
💛 Doctor:
Winner: Waqqar Khan-Farooqi (The Steadman Clinic)

We also want to recognize the exceptional finalists who represent the very best in healthcare:
💛 Nurse:
Finalist: Riley Brickell
Finalist: Katie Smelker
💛 Doctor:
Finalist: Melinda L. Nagle (All Valley Women's Care)
Finalist: Joe Ruzbarsky (The Steadman Clinic)

From our compassionate care teams to our dedicated providers, these recognitions reflect the commitment we all share to providing extraordinary, personalized healthcare for our community. Thank you to our community for this meaningful recognition and for trusting Aspen Valley Health with your care.

For You. For Life.

12/11/2025

It's Wintersköl time! ❄️ December 11–14
Aspen Valley Health is proud to be a Button Program Sponsor again this year of Aspen's beloved "toast to winter" celebration. This year's winning slogan says it all: "It's cooler with Ullr!" Congratulations to Joel Lee for capturing the spirit of our alpine winter.

Grab your button and celebrate, it's your passport to special discounts and freebies around town during the festivities. 🎨 Because in the Roaring Fork Valley, we don't just endure winter, we celebrate it. ⛷️

What's your favorite Wintersköl memory? Share below! 🎉

12/08/2025

"The holiday season is a very special time of year for me, with its prelude starting as soon as the leaves start to change. I find joy in our favorite traditions, spending time with family and reflecting on the past years while anticipating the next one. For some, the holidays can evoke very painful feelings of regret, loneliness and sometimes loss and tragedy, which we in healthcare know all too well and are prepared to help.

During my 40-plus years in this business, I have experienced and witnessed hard life realities during the holidays but have always felt blessed when the joy prevails."

Read Dave Ressler's final monthly update by tapping the link. https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/news/reflecting-on-a-season-of-joy-and-gratitude

12/03/2025

Say hello to the latest edition of Healthy Journey magazine, your guide to vibrant living in the Roaring Fork Valley. Inside, find articles on the latest longevity trends, healthcare advancements, seasonal recipes, AVH news and practical advice from our compassionate staff to support your unique life.

In this edition, explore the story behind our name change, discover nature's prescription for wellness, learn about the gut-health connection and how it powers an active lifestyle, and uncover seasonal recipes and local activities that help you thrive in this beautiful place we call home.

If you crave a deeper understanding of healthy living, we've got you covered. Our dedicated writers include doctors, nurses, registered dietitians and other expert healthcare providers sharing resources to empower your wellness journey, every step of the way.

Ready to start your journey? Access your free copy online at https://loom.ly/v9Xrf-M or pick one up at Aspen Valley Health Medical Center, our Snowmass and Basalt clinics, the Midvalley location, or at convenient spots throughout the valley like the airport, grocery stores and visitor centers.

For you. For life.

12/01/2025

As winter fully embraces our valley and the peaks glisten with fresh snow, we're reminded of the majestic landscape that defines home. This month's calendar photo captures the stunning beauty of Pyramid Peak, Silvers Mountain and Maroon Bells, photographed by Joe Kagan, PT, DPT.

From cozy gatherings with loved ones to quiet moments of reflection, December invites us to slow down and prioritize what matters most--our health and wellbeing. How are you embracing December in the Roaring Fork Valley?

11/28/2025

The countdown is over!🎿🚠❄️ Before you clip into your bindings this weekend, take a moment for safety. Early-season conditions can be unforgiving, and this is when we see the most preventable injuries.

With limited snow coverage this early in the season, it's especially critical that you stay only on marked trails and designated runs that are currently open. Low snow conditions can hide rocks, debris and uneven terrain that pose serious hazards. Check the mountain report before you head out, respect all closure signs and barriers, and stick to the areas that ski patrol has confirmed are safe.

Before You Go:
☐ Know your fitness level. Don't overestimate your conditioning at the start of the season.
☐ Service + check your gear. Ensure equipment is sized right and tuned properly.
☐ Check the forecast. Know the weather and snow conditions.
☐ Understand the ratings: green, blue, black, double black. Know what you're getting into.

On the Mountain:
☐ Ski your level. Don't push beyond your physical condition.
☐ Learn the terrain. Know where you are before you venture beyond your comfort zone.
☐ Respect the markers. The slope rating system is there for a reason.
☐ Always wear a helmet, no exceptions!
☐ Skip the mid-day drinks. Alcohol and altitude don't mix.

Stay safe out there. But, if you do need us, we are here for you. We're a Level III Trauma Center with fellowship-trained emergency physicians and a hospital-based ambulance service.

For more tips and info about staying safe on the mountain visit: aspenvalleyhealth.org/ski-safety

For You. For Life.

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Address

401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO
81611

Telephone

+19709251120

Website

https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/

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Our Story

Founded in 1891, Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) is one of the most sophisticated rural hospitals in the U.S. With twenty-five beds, AVH is designated as a critical access hospital and level III trauma center, meeting the needs of the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities, plus thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Combining the warmth and friendliness of a small town with the technical expertise of a major medical center, AVH has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Patient Experience, among others. AVH offers a full range of services with board-certified specialists in 25 fields of medicine, with expanded expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine. For over 128 years, Aspen Valley Hospital has been working to deliver extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust. SOCIAL MEDIA DISCLAIMER Information posted on any of our social media pages should not be considered medical advice and shouldn’t replace a consultation with a health care professional. AVH adheres to all federal, state and local rules and regulations concerning patient privacy. We suggest that you exercise caution when posting medical information and that you not disclose personal identifiable information (such as name, address, social security, date of birth). A PDF of our Detailed Notice of Privacy Practices use is available online at http://aspenvalleyhospital.org/hospital_services/patient_rights.cfm.