[1] In the episode, the boys go on vacation at Aspen, Colorado, where Stan is repeatedly tormented by an older skier named Tad.
The episode serves as a parody of underdog sports films from the 1980s and 1990s, while the subplot was conceived while Parker and co-creator Matt Stone were repeatedly annoyed by timeshare salesmen while in Whistler, British Columbia.
The parents repeatedly refuse and attempt to leave the conference room; however, they are told that the meeting is actually supposed to take place during lunch.
They ask to leave during the lunch but are told to turn over their place cards, which reveal a prize of an exclusive ski lift.
They board the ski lift, thinking it will provide them quick access to the slopes, but find it takes them straight back to the conference room.
While at a story retreat in Whistler, British Columbia, Parker and Stone were repeatedly "harassed" by timeshare salesmen the entire time.
[4] The episode features covers of the songs "The Safety Dance" by Canadian new wave synthpop band Men Without Hats (heard playing in the Aspen Youth Center) and "Take On Me" by Norwegian synthpop band A-ha (performed by Mr. Slave during the end credits as well as an instrumental interlude during the episode).
"[5] Kevin Fitzpatrick, writing for UGO Network, stated that the 1980s sports movies were "perfectly skewered" and that "it'd take a full montage to explain all the things we love about this episode.
"[6] "Asspen," along with the sixteen other episodes from South Park: the Complete Sixth Season, were released on a three-disc DVD set in the United States on October 11, 2005.