Michelle Obama’s $83K Aspen Ski Vacation

Back in February we reported on First Lady, Michelle Obama’s Aspen ski trip during President’s Day Weekend with daughters Sasha and Malia. At the time we were incredibly excited that Michelle and the girls decided to spend their weekend on the Tiehack side of Aspen and shred the slopes of Buttermilk – but then we got the bill.

It turns out that according to records obtained by Judicial Watch, the weekend vacation cost the American Tax-payer over $83,000!

Expenses detailed in the report included the cost of airfare, which totaled $22,583.70, on-flight food, and miscellaneous items which came to $235.44, and rental cars totaling $6,442.23.

Now, one must take in account the necessity of keeping the First Family safe during their stay. Reports detail that the bulk of the expense came from the U.S. Secret Service team who lodged at the Fasching Haus deluxe condominium and the Inn at Aspen. The total cost to keep our girls safe came to $48, 950.38.

We must also appreciate that Michelle saved us money by staying at the home of Jim and Paula Crown, owners of the Aspen Skiing Company and close friends of the Obamas. Had the Crowns not opened up their Tiehack Estate to the First Family, the taxpayer would have had even higher costs on their hands. They probably saw it fit to comp a few lift tickets as well.

In contrast, Judicial Watch also uncovered the costs of Michelle Obama’s controversial 2010 vacation in Spain, which came at a staggering $467, 585! Then in 2011 Michelle took a trip to South Africa and Botswana with her family and staffers. The seven-day affair racked up a cost of $424, 142 for the flight and crew alone!

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So in the end, should anyone get mad that the Obama family takes vacations? No. The position of Commander-in-chief brings in a smaller annual salary (400k) than Jeremy Linn aka Linsanity’s rookie season in the NBA ($500k). One of the few perks of Presidency is international travel; it is a display of our nation’s power and exemplifies the American Dream.

This was the second year in a row that Michelle and the girls decided to spend Presidents Day in Aspen, and we hope they continue to do so. Skiing and snowboarding is as American as apple-pie, and the Obama family’s presence gave support and visibility to an industry that was in the midst of a devastating snow drought. That $83,000 went directly back in the United States economy and promoted the snow sports lifestyle to our entire nation.

Justin Keppler ( More Posts)

Editor-in-chief of The Ski Channel

Justin hails from the “endless winters” of Western New York where he obtained dual degrees in Film Studies and Political Science from The University at Buffalo. He brings a deep passion for action sports, technology and culture to The Ski Channel and directs the television network’s online presence.