It is the queerest, wildest, most loving, most accepting, most colorful week of the ski season: it is Aspen Gay Ski Week. Each January is a Pride celebration unlike any other. Aspen, Colorado gets decked out in rainbow flags while drag queens host everything from Drag Queen Bingo Brunch to the Downhill Costume Contest. 

HOW DOES ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK WORK? 

The Aspen Gay Ski Week celebrations are an annual Pride celebration in Aspen Snowmass. There are many snow and ski-themed activities that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history. Some AGSW events are adults only, like the many late night parties around Aspen, but other events are open to families and children. In addition to being a celebration of identity and love, Gay Ski Week is also an annual fundraising event for AspenOut, a local non-profit.

One of the best times of year to visit Aspen is during AGSW! Not only can you get great deals on lift tickets, but you’ll have the time of your life in the most colorful way possible. 

GAY SKI WEEK IN ASPEN, COLORADO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT

AGSW is completely unlike any other event in Aspen, Colorado. You haven’t experienced Pride Week until you’ve skied Aspen Mountain with a pride flag as long as a football field. Gay Ski Week isn’t just an event for members of the LGBTQ+ community, everyone can join the festivities. 

HISTORY OF GAY SKI WEEK ASPEN

The story of AGSW began in 1977 when Aspen local, John Busch, got in trouble for dancing with another man at a bar. While Aspen was rather liberal throughout the 70s, the line was drawn at public displays of affection between queer couples. In 1979, Busch and other gay activists in Aspen fought to secure rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people in Aspen. 

In 1996, AGSW was formally incorporated into the Aspen Gay and Lesbian Community Fund as an official ski event. However, the existence of Gay Ski Week was threatened by Amendment 2, which would block gay rights bills from becoming law. The entire Colorado LGBTQ+ community fought the proposed amendment and it eventually got struck down by first the CO Supreme Court and then the US Supreme Court in the decision Romer vs. Evans. 

The political struggle gave way to Aspen Gay Ski Week, which has gotten bigger, crazier, more inclusive, and longer each year. What started as impromptu drag shows and hot tub parties has evolved into a week long event with official Drag Queen Bingo Brunch, performances at the Wheeler Opera House by world-famous entertainers, costume contests, and more!

HOW DOES AGSW BENEFIT THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?

AGSW is an annual fundraising event for AspenOut and one of the quintessential Aspen winter events. The event is volunteer run, so that all the proceeds can go towards LGBTQ+ causes. 

AspenOut provides funding and services for:

• Leadership trainings
• Queer Prom & Homecoming events for students
• Strengthening GSA chapters in high schools
• Giving scholarships to LGBTQ+ students
• Supporting smaller LGBTQ+ non-profits and initiatives

WHEN IS ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK?

While the exact dates vary year to year, AGSW takes place the 3rd week of January. It normally kicks off the day that Wintersköl in Aspen ends. 

The first day of Gay Ski Week kicks off with a variety of events, including a reception at the Limelight Hotel, Mountain Du Jour ski events, drag queen performances, après ski parties all over Aspen, and opening night cocktails at the W Aspen. 

The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge recommends that new skiers and snowboarders come to Aspen a few days before Gay Ski Week starts. There are so many things to do in Aspen in winter, so getting to Aspen before the festivities will give you time to experience the town, get your ski legs under you, and make some turns before the mountain gets too crowded. 

5 ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK EVENTS THAT YOU CAN’T MISS

While the Aspen Gay Ski Week schedule varies from year to year, there are 5 types of events that happen every year. Whether you’re an avid skier or have never skied before, there’s something for everyone in Aspen Snowmass during AGSW.

1. THEMED LATE NIGHT PARTIES

Aspen nightlife is akin to the NY or L.A. club scene, just with a few extra feet of snow. During AGSW the nightlife gets dialed up to 11 with even more over-the-top, full-glam parties than usual. 

The first party to kick off Gay Ski Week is the meetup at Mi Chola for all the snow bunnies who arrived in Aspen early. With no cover fee, guests are invited to dine and dance until the early hours of the morning. Mi Chola is one of the best restaurants in Aspen with its gourmet street tacos and extensive drink menu. Not only does Mi Chola have spirits from all over the world, their margaritas are to die for and you can have CBD oil added to any cocktail to liven up the party. 

Later in the week is the Womxn’s Cocktail Party Thursday. While the venue changes every year, the Aspen Gay Ski Week event is known for its femme-friendly activities, the line up of female DJs, and the drink selection. Please note that individual tickets are required for this event; AGSW passes are not accepted.

The two parties that queer Aspenites look forward to the most are the Electric Cowboy Late Night Dance Party at Belly Up and the Saturday Pool Party. For Electric Cowboy, attendees are encouraged to wear their most outrageous rave gear with a glowing cowboy hat to top it off. The Saturday Pool Party pays homage to the 1970s hot tub parties that led to AGSW.

2. SKI AND SNOWBOARD EVENTS

It wouldn’t be AGSW without hundreds of people skiing and snowboarding down the mountain with a giant pride flag suspended between them. Each day of the Aspen Gay Ski Week schedule is a different Mountain Du Jour event, where ski clubs get together to plan fun ski costumes and displays. On the first Sunday of AGSW, the location for Mountain Du Jour is Aspen Mountain, then the festivities move to Highlands for Monday, Snowmass Mountain on Tuesday, and back to Ajax. On Thursday, expert skiers are invited to hike and ski the challenging Aspen Highland Bowl, all while wearing their gayest ski attire.

The biggest ski and snowboard event of AGSW is the annual Downhill Costume Contest, which takes place near the end of the week at the foot of Aspen Mountain. Participants put together an elaborate costume and dance or lip sync to a song of their choice as they ski or snowboard down the hill. Each year the costumes get bigger and more colorful as contestants fight to outdo each other. Whether you are participating in the contest or cheering the performers on, this costume contest is one that you don’t soon forget.

3. DRAG QUEEN BINGO BRUNCH

No Pride celebration is complete without a lot of drag queens. Throughout AGSW, you have several chances to attend a Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. These events happen all over the Aspen Snowmass area at different restaurants and hotels. Drag Queen Bingo Brunches are family-friendly events that are suitable for the entire family. ALC recommends that families with small kids attend at least one bingo game. Kids always love the humorous and inspiring performances by the drag queen hosts. The mimosas are also very popular with the adult attendees. 

Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to get a schedule of the upcoming Drag Queen Bingo Brunch events during AGSW.

4. ART EVENTS, FILM SCREENINGS, AND SHOWS

Every year, big name stars perform at the Wheeler Opera House for Aspen Gay Ski Week. The most highly anticipated performer for the 2023 AGSW was Sandra Bernhard, an award winning actress, bisexual icon, and LGBTQ+ activist. Bernhard’s solo shows are known for having cabaret and rock & roll as well as social commentary, humor, brutal honesty, and self-reflection.

Another opportunity to enjoy art during AGSW is Night Out on the Town. This is a free art crawl around Aspen where all the major galleries open their doors and serve refreshments. At the center of the art crawl is the Aspen Art Museum, where bands perform live at the Rooftop Cafe and guests can grab a drink before appreciating the art.

In addition to the scheduled events, there are also many pop-up variety shows, film screenings, discussion panels, and more happening all over Aspen. For more information about the art offerings during AGSW, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge.

5. FUNDRAISERS FOR LGBTQ+ CAUSES

During Gay Ski Week, some of the parties are just parties for the sake of celebrating love, identity, and queer joy. Other parties are to directly benefit LGBTQ+ causes. One of the most exclusive fundraisers in Aspen is the annual benefit at the Caribou Club. As you may know, the Caribou Club is the most luxurious private club in Aspen. For one night only, the club opens its doors to non-members in a black tie affair to raise money for a hand-selected LGBTQ+ non-profit.

The other major fundraiser event is the annual TOM on TOP event, which sells out nearly every year. Attendees gather at Gondola Plaza to ride up Aspen Mountain to the Sundeck. You can dance the night away at 11,000 feet with the lights of Aspen stretching out below you. The proceeds from TOM on TOP go towards the Tom of Finland Foundation, which preserves historical homoerotic art while fighting to protect the rights of artists to produce homoerotic art without persecution. 

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS DURING GAY SKI WEEK ASPEN

Each year, AGSW gets bigger and bigger. In recent years, hotels for the event sold out faster than hotels did for Christmas. Many attendees are forced to get accommodations outside Aspen, then drive in everyday because all of Aspen is booked. 

This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. We are a local concierge service in Aspen that specializes in planning unique winter experiences for all visitors. When you plan your trip with ALC, you have two options for luxury accommodations during AGSW:

BOOK A LUXURY HOTEL

Hotels in Aspen can be the best place to stay for certain events because you get to be close to the action. Many hotels like the Limelight, the W, and The Little Nell host AGSW activities, which their guests get special access to. Aspen luxury hotels also offer unparalleled amenities like concierge services, 24 hour room service, and access to the hotel car.

SPEND THE WEEK AT A LUXURIOUS VACATION RENTAL

ALC has access to all the best Aspen luxury vacation rentals. When you book a vacation rental, you get access to the entire condo, house, or villa. Depending on the location, you may even get ski in/ski out access to the slopes. Although vacation rentals don’t always come with concierge service, some of the villas come with a private chef. Vacation rentals are ideal for visitors who want their own space and to feel like they’re home – not in a hotel room.

AGSW WITH ALC: LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

When you travel, you should enjoy your trip. Instead of stressing about all the moving pieces and parts, plan with the pros. When you book with Aspen Luxury Concierge, our team acts as your single point of contact for all your activities.

Our service include:

• Accommodation booking
• Flight and transportation coordination
• Event tickets
• Dinner and après ski reservations
• Recommendations for LGBTQ+ friendly restaurants and bars
• Personal shopping for last minute Downhill Costume Contest accessories
• Gear rental, lift tickets, and ski lessons packages
• And more!!

AGSW is the hottest ticket in Aspen in January, so it’s important to book everything before the hotels sell out. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to start planning your trip for Aspen Gay Ski Week.