Aspen Gay Ski Week Returns for Its 47th Year!
Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW), presented by JPMorgan Chase, will kick off on Sunday, January 14, and wrap up on Sunday, January 21. Actor Brendan Scannell and others will headline the largest and oldest gay ski event in the United States, as it returns for its 47th year and welcomes an expected 3,000 attendees.
AGSW features fun dance parties to the popular après-ski events, perfect for unwinding after a vigorous day on the slopes. Each afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, Limelight Hotel is the site for après-ski parties from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Attracting up to 1,000 daily, AGSW events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, a heated pool, and two hot tubs.
On Friday afternoon, thousands gather to view the popular Downhill Costume Competition. Beloved San Diego-based drag queen, Mariam T, will lead a panel of judges as participants ski down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes.
Aspen Gay Ski Week showcases nightly events, including these popular events:
Saturday, January 13
Film Night: At the Isis Theater, a special film screening of “Tom of Finland” will benefit Aspen Film and the Tom of Finland Foundation.
Sunday, January 14
Drag Queen Bingo Brunch: In partnership with Aspen Chamber Resort Association, AGSW hosts an uproarious drag queen bingo brunch at The Little Nell, the city’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel. San Diego’s “crankiest drag queen,” Mariam T, kicks off the games at 11:00 am.
Opening Cocktail Reception: At the W Hotel Aspen, ski-week goers gather at the opening party, hosted in the sophisticated slope side lounge that is 39 Degrees.
Monday, January 15
Monday Late Night: After dinner at this progressive Mexican restaurant, Mi Chola, dance the night away at their free late-night party.
Tuesday, January 16
Drag Queen Bingo: Mariam T will host another sidesplitting event at W Hotel, starting at 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, January 17
Benefit Night: Caribou Club, Aspen’s premier private club, is opening its doors to Aspen Gay Ski Week once again for a night of dancing and fundraising. The ticket price will benefit an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization.
Thursday, January 18
Talks Like These: At Aspen Meadows at 5:00 pm, ski week attendees may attend “Talks Like These,” a conversation about the future of the LGBTQ+ community moderated by Dr. Bill Kapfer and featuring Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal; Joe Nucci, Psychotherapist, Denver Minds; and Richie Villani, Creative Director, Tom of Finland Foundation.
Womxn’s Cocktail Party: With DJ Autumn Leilani, complimentary cocktails, and appetizers, this cocktail party is just for the ladies, starting at 5:30 pm.
Comedy Night: The Wheeler Opera House presents “Frenemies: A Fierce, Fabulous and Funny Show,” featuring actor and comedian, Brendan Scannell, Mariam T, and others.
Scannell is most known for his starring role in the Netflix dark comedy series, Bonding, for which he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. He has starred in Heathers, Paramount Network’s TV adaptation of the cult classic film; the feature film, Bromates, on Hulu; Netflix’s indie rom-com, Straight Up and much more. His comedy routines have been seen on Comedy Central and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.
Electric Cowboy: Aspen’s famous live music venue, Belly Up, hosts an Electric Cowboy-themed party, “A Night at the Round Up Saloon,” presented by Visit Dallas. Los Angeles-based DJ Jeremy Blacklow who has headlined at White Party Palm Springs, San Diego Pride, and more, begins spinning at 9:00 pm at Belly Up. The venue is listed as Rolling Stone’s “Best Clubs in America” and has showcased The Chainsmokers, John Legend, BB King, Jimmy Buffet, and hundreds more since opening in 2005.
Friday, January 19
Top of the Mountain Party: Themed “Tom on Top,” in partnership with the Tom of Finland Foundation, this legendary party requires guests to glide in gondolas up to Sundeck at Aspen Mountain’s summit. There, at 11,000 feet, guests can dance to DJ music on top of the world until 2:00 am.
39 Degrees Dance Party: An alternative to the mountaintop soiree, DJ Autumn Leilani will be spinning late into the evening at W Hotel’s 39 Degrees bar.
Saturday, January 20
Pool Party: The infamous pool party, hosted by Aspen Recreation Center, features DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river, and open bars for 1,000 guests.
“There’s something for everyone even if you don’t ski or snowboard,” said Aspen Gay Ski Week producer, Kimberly Kuliga. “From snowshoeing amidst aspen groves to some of the best dining of the West, Aspen presents a wealth of outdoor adventure and indoor indulgences.”
AGSW: Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
What you may not know is that Aspen Gay Ski Week is Aspen OUT’s annual event to raise money for local, regional, and national organizations that provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, AGSW proceeds are used to underwrite more than 400 hours of therapy for Roaring Fork Valley youth and help host educational forums, outings, and programs.
“AGSW is much more than a party and unique among gay ski weeks around the world because it’s a fundraiser,” said Kevin McManamon, Executive Director of AspenOUT. “It’s funded countless LGBTQ+ organizations and now, we’ve created a leadership program to make even a greater difference in the lives of area youth.”
In fall 2023, AspenOUT launched a new leadership and scholarship program for juniors and seniors at five area high schools who are involved in their school’s GSA or Diversity Equity Club. One recipient is selected from each school, and after successful completion of the program, they receive a $5,000 scholarship to a vocational school or university.
While gay ski week revelers enjoy nightly events, event organizers have added educational programming, such as a film screening and a panel discussion about the future of the LGBTQ+ community. “We are adding intellectual conversation and educational events to the gay ski week experience in 2024,” said McManamon.
To learn more about Aspen Gay Ski Week, lodging, and discounted lift tickets, visit www.gayskiweek.com. If you miss this AGSW, then you may be interested in attending one of these annual Gay ski weeks!
