It’s the queerest, wildest, most joyful week of the ski season — Aspen Gay Ski Week is a celebration of identity, community, and winter magic. Each January, Aspen becomes a rainbow-filled playground of ski adventures, drag shows, themed parties, and unforgettable après moments. Whether you’re here to shred or sip mimosas, this is where Pride meets powder in the most fabulous way.
So, what exactly is Aspen Gay Ski Week?
It’s the longest-running LGBTQ+ ski event in the world — a high-energy mix of winter sports, queer culture, and over-the-top entertainment. From the Downhill Costume Contest to late-night dance parties and elegant fundraisers, the week brings together locals and visitors in support of AspenOut, the nonprofit behind it all. In 2026, Aspen Gay Ski Week will take place January 11–18, launching just after the town’s beloved Wintersköl festival.
Read on for insider tips, top events, travel advice, and everything you need to know to make the most of Aspen Gay Ski Week 2026 — including where to stay, what to pack, and how to party in style.
Aspen Gay Ski Week Insights
Aspen Gay Ski Week is the leading LGBTQ+ winter event in North America. It combines skiing, entertainment, and community programming in one structured, high-profile week. The event draws thousands of visitors each year and plays a key role in Aspen’s winter calendar.
What Makes AGSW Unique
Aspen Gay Ski Week combines alpine sports with LGBTQ+ culture. The schedule includes daily ski meetups, themed parties, drag performances, live shows, and fundraising events. All activities are professionally organized and spread across Aspen’s top venues, mountains, and hotels.
AGSW directly supports AspenOut, a nonprofit that funds LGBTQ+ youth programs, leadership training, and community outreach. Event proceeds contribute to scholarships, queer student events, and other Colorado-based initiatives. This focus on impact sets AGSW apart from other ski weeks.
Who Attends Aspen Gay Ski Week?
AGSW attracts LGBTQ+ travelers, couples, friend groups, allies, and locals. Guests include experienced skiers, beginners, nightlife enthusiasts, and supporters of queer culture. Most attend for a mix of skiing, social events, and community connection.
The event draws both returning guests and first-time visitors. It’s open to all ages for certain programming, with nightlife and parties focused on adult audiences. AGSW provides a structured, welcoming environment for visitors looking to combine travel, celebration, and shared values.
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
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.
Planning Tips for Aspen Gay Ski Week
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to know before you arrive, from passes and tickets to first-timer tips and how AGSW works on (and off) the mountain.
Do You Need an Event Pass?
Aspen Gay Ski Week offers both public events and passholder-only access. An event pass is recommended for anyone who plans to attend multiple parties, mixers, and ticketed gatherings throughout the week. Passes typically include access to signature events like the opening reception, après-ski parties, and the finale dance party.
Several events also sell individual tickets, but these can sell out early. If you’re visiting for more than a day or two, a weeklong pass offers better value and guaranteed entry to high-demand venues.
How to Get Tickets for Popular Events
Tickets and passes are available directly through the official AGSW website. Popular events — including the Downhill Costume Contest, pool parties, and TOM on TOP — often sell out weeks in advance. Booking early is essential, especially for group travel.
Some events require individual tickets even with a pass, such as the Womxn’s Cocktail Party or certain fundraisers. Check the event descriptions for details and plan accordingly.
Tips for First-Time AGSW Visitors
- Arrive early: Aspen gets busy fast. Plan to arrive a day or two before AGSW begins to adjust to the altitude, explore the town, and get your ski legs ready.
- Dress for the theme: Most nightlife events and ski days have themes. Costumes are common, especially for the Downhill Costume Contest and Electric Cowboy party.
- Use local resources: Concierge services like Aspen Luxury Concierge (ALC) can help with booking, transportation, gear rentals, and last-minute reservations.
- Stay central: Downtown Aspen offers walkable access to most venues, restaurants, and shuttle points.
Do You Need to Ski to Enjoy AGSW?
Skiing is a major part of the week — but it’s not required. Many attendees join for the parties, shows, and social events without ever hitting the slopes. AGSW includes art nights, film screenings, drag brunches, and fundraisers that are entirely off-mountain.
If you’re not skiing, Aspen still delivers. You can enjoy the town’s shopping, spas, galleries, and dining while attending select events throughout the week. Passes are flexible, and there’s something on the schedule every day that doesn’t involve skis or snowboards.
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.
Is Aspen Gay Ski Week Right for You?
Aspen Gay Ski Week brings together a wide range of guests. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, a partner, or solo, there’s a place for you in the mix. Here’s what to expect based on how you travel.
For LGBTQ+ Travelers & Allies
AGSW centers LGBTQ+ visibility, celebration, and connection. The week features inclusive programming, nightlife, and community events designed to welcome guests across the spectrum. Allies are also encouraged to attend and participate fully. Most attendees come to enjoy a shared space that values freedom of expression, joy, and connection.
For Non-Skiers
You don’t need to ski to enjoy the week. AGSW includes drag brunches, art walks, film screenings, cocktail events, and spa-worthy downtime. Many guests attend for the social scene, themed parties, and cultural events. Non-skiers can enjoy Aspen’s food, shopping, galleries, and daytime mixers without needing to step onto the slopes.
For Families & Kids
AGSW includes several family-friendly moments. Events like Drag Queen Bingo Brunch are open to all ages, and AspenOut supports programs that include LGBTQ+ youth. During the day, families can explore Snowmass, ride the gondola, or attend scheduled events that welcome younger guests. Evening events are typically 21+, so planning daytime participation is key for families.
For Solo Travelers
AGSW is highly social and easy to navigate solo. Many attendees come alone and leave with new friends. Group ski meetups, casual mixers, and concierge-assisted planning make it simple to connect. Staying downtown helps keep you close to the action. The atmosphere is open, welcoming, and structured for guests who want to join the fun without needing a full crew.
FAQs
Here are quick answers to common questions about Aspen Gay Ski Week — who attends, what’s on the schedule, and how the event works.
Aspen Gay Ski Week brings in 5,000 to 7,000 attendees each year. The event attracts LGBTQ+ travelers, allies, performers, and supporters from across the U.S. and abroad. Some stay for the full week, while others join for the major weekend events.
The schedule includes daily skiing and snowboard meetups, après-ski gatherings, nightlife events, and ticketed parties. Guests can attend drag performances, film screenings, art shows, cocktail hours, and benefit events. Highlights include the Downhill Costume Contest, TOM on TOP, and Drag Queen Bingo Brunch.
Yes. AGSW offers a full calendar of non-ski events, including live shows, gallery nights, discussion panels, family-friendly brunches, and late-night dance parties. Many attendees participate without skiing at all.
Plan Your Aspen Gay Ski Week 2026 Experience
Aspen Gay Ski Week is more than a winter vacation — it’s a high-energy, community-driven celebration with world-class skiing, unforgettable events, and a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. Whether you’re coming for the mountain, the nightlife, or the connection, AGSW delivers a full itinerary that’s easy to join and hard to forget.
With events running from January 11–18, 2026, now is the time to start planning. Booking early ensures better access to lodging, lift tickets, and high-demand events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another year, Aspen Gay Ski Week offers the perfect mix of fun, purpose, and winter adventure.
For help with accommodations, event access, or a fully customized itinerary, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to start planning your trip.
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