Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates back to a quiet January in 1951 when locals chose to commemorate Aspen's distinctive mountain way of life with a diverse weekend of events. The four-day festival showcases on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a soup contest, (NEW!) a craft beer festival, a torchlight descent and fireworks on Aspen Mountain plus much more.
Each year, Wintersköl choses a unique slogan reflecting the theme and spirit of the celebration. “Uniting Ski Bums and Bunnies” represents a coming together of diverse members of the community to celebrate our winter lifestyle. Thank you and congratulations to Johnny Klein for submitting this year's winning slogan, "Uniting Ski Bums and Bunnies (since 1951)."
2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Event schedules are subject to change.
-
10:30am-12pm
Apple Strudel Downhill | Aspen Highlands
Ski for strudel! Everyone wins in this race on the infamous Apple Strudel Run at Aspen Highlands. In 1988, Gretl Uhl began making apple strudel at the Merry Go Round Restaurant and soon after the Apple Strudel Downhill was born. Follow the signs from top of Exhibition Lift, past the Merry Go Round Restaurant to top of Apple Strudel Run to enter race. Run the course, then join us at the finish line for strudel and hot chocolate. No pre-registration necessary.
-
All Day
LIVE Ice & Snow Sculpture Carving | Wagner Park, Aspen
Come watch local Colorado artist, Thomas Barlow, carve ice & snow into a interactive wonderland! Barlow is well known for his versatility in creating ice sculptures for every occasion – from ice bars to decadent centerpieces to sponsored entrance signs.
10:30-11am
Children's Story time | The Collective, Snowmass
Join in for 30 minutes of stories, song and merriment! Appropriate for families with children ages 0-6. Stories will be read by a Pitkin County Children’s librarian. FREE to attend. The Collective Snowmass
11:30am-1:30pm
ACRA's Helen K. Klanderud Wintersköl Awards Luncheon | St Regis Aspen
Join ACRA in celebrating Aspen's 73rd Annual Wintersköl with a "toast" in memory of Helen K. Klanderud! Convene with other business leaders to honor the Wintersköl Royalty and celebrate with ACRA's business community members. Member tickets include a champagne toast and lunch. Buy tickets here.
3-5pm
Game of Stones Curling Competition | The Rink, Snowmass
Teams of two will take turns sliding 40-pound granite rocks (also called stones) down the ice rink towards a target. Each team will alternate throwing stones until all four of the team’s stones are thrown. One point will be given for each stone closest to the Button. The stones must be within the house to be considered for points. The team that reaches 10 points first will be crowned as the winner! Limited space. First-come, first-served. Learn more. *Weather and ice conditions permitting.
4pm
DanceAspen: Cloudline | Aspen Art Museum
DanceAspen warmly extends an invitation to an exclusive preview of Cloudline, a creation by the choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams. Join us at the Rooftop Café for a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the detailed preparations. Free & Open to the Public. No Registration Required.
5-6pm
Community Bingo | The Collective, Snowmass
Up for a little friendly competition? Players will receive two cards with prizes awarded throughout the evening. All ages welcome. Seating is first-come, first-served.
5:30pm
Aspen History 101 | The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen
A theatrical crash course in local lore, was born from the no-credit, all-fun college of the Rockies, also known as the Aspen State Teachers College. The performance resurrects the party-loving atmosphere of Aspen State Teachers College, arguably one of the more entertaining aspects of area history. FREE to attend | Wheeler Box Office 970.920.5770
7:30pm
Aspen Extreme Movie (1993) | The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen
Storyline - T.J. and his friend Dexter quit their jobs in Detroit to become ski-instructors in Aspen. While T.J. becomes the most popular instructor of the school, he must look after Dexter, whose future is so much dimmer that he's thinking about becoming a drug courier; this tests their friendship. Meanwhile, rich businesswoman Brice supports T.J. in his writing ambitions and invites him to live at her home. But in her absence he falls in love with stunningly-beautiful blonde radio moderator Robin.
Fun Facts - The radio station in the movie, KSPN, is a real radio station in Aspen. The equipment used for the KSPN studio, however, was actually outdated and unused equipment from KMTS in nearby Glenwood Springs.
Every time TJ and Dexter venture into the backcountry, they are transported to the Coast Range of British Columbia. This includes the Powder 8 Championships. TJ's fall into a crevasse is especially unlikely given that there is no glaciated terrain in Colorado.
FREE to attend | Wheeler Box Office 970.920.5770
8:30pm
The Head & The Heart | Belly Up Aspen
The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed through a series of open mic nights at Seattle's Conor Byrne pub in Ballard, Seattle. The band is signed to Warner Bros. Records and have released five albums. The band is a touring powerhouse, having landed prime-time mainstage slots at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and having performed 18 times on national television. Belly Up Aspen
-
All Day
LIVE Ice & Snow Sculpture Carvings | Wagner Park, Aspen
Come watch local Colorado artist, Thomas Barlow, carve ice & snow into a interactive wonderland! Barlow is well known for his versatility in creating ice sculptures for every occasion – from ice bars to decadent centerpieces to sponsored entrance signs.
8:30-10am
Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club | The Cliffhouse, Buttermilk Mountain
Fuel your day with adventure and a hearty breakfast at The Cliffhouse! Join us for the Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club, a tradition that brings together uphill skiers and hikers for a memorable morning atop Buttermilk Mountain. Presented by ValleyOrtho and ACRA will be offering FREE breakfast for all participants along with some great prize give aways to celebrate Wintersköl!
9am-12pm
Anderson Ranch Arts Center KIDSCULPT | Wagner Park, Aspen
A frosty festival of creativity! Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents "Kidsculpt" which challenges school teams to roll up their sleeves and carve out spectacular snow creations. Participating schools: Basalt Middle School, Aspen Middle School, Aspen Country Day, Aspen Community School. Come out to encourage these kids and give them a warm round of applause!
12pm
World Pro Ski Tour | Aspen Mountain
Pro Qualifications, Super Slalom #1, Women & Men. Adrenaline-pumping dual alpine super slalom ski racing featuring Olympians, World Cup and NCAA racers.
2-4pm
Live Music by 432One | Wagner Park
432One is a collaborative effort by Kriss Harmony, Rob “Monkey” Dasaro, & Brad “Bradman” Manosevitz and features Ryan Grow (Spore Favore, Mile Markers, and numerous musical projects in the RFV) on drums. The combination of these long time Roaring Fork Valley Music Scene staples has resulted in a catalogue consisting almost entirely of original music. The song writing is honest, vulnerable, and from the heart. But really, it’s just 4 middle aged white guys singing their truths to each other.
2:30-4:30pm
Music on the Mall | Tower Stage, Snowmass Mall
The Tower Stage comes alive with the soulful sounds of talented local musicians from the Roaring Fork Valley. Bring your friends, family, and dancing shoes to experience the magic of live performances against the stunning backdrop of Snowmass.
4-6pm
FREE Pup Portraits | Limelight Aspen
Join the Limelight Aspen for a tail-wagging good time with FREE pup portraits during our exclusive Yappy Hour. Bring your canine companions to strike a pose and capture their unique personalities with a professional photoshoot right at the Limelight. Our skilled photographers will ensure your fur babies shine in the spotlight!
5-7pm
AVSC Rail Jam | Below Lift 1A
Join Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) for a fun community Rail Jam for skiers and snowboarders of all ages to kick off Wintersköl celebrations! Prizes, music, and fun for all.
5-7pm
Live Music by The Ten O' One band | Wagner Park
7:30pm
Weak Layers Movie Screening | ISIS Theatre
COMEDY, RATED R | 99 MIN | US
If ever there was an ode to mountain town life, this is it. WEAK LAYERS; a female-centric ski comedy starring, co-written and directed by Katie Burrell, who Outside Magazine has called “the new queen of slope side fun." Three party-loving best friends set out to win a ski-movie competition. An uproarious comedy that takes on the male-dominated ski industry.
In partnership with Aspen Film and ACRA. Escape the winter chill and join us for a delightful addition to the Wintersköl schedule – movie screenings for the whole family!
$7.30 | BUY TICKETS
8:30pm
The Head & The Heart | Belly Up, Aspen
The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed through a series of open mic nights at Seattle's Conor Byrne pub in Ballard, Seattle. The band is signed to Warner Bros. Records and have released five albums. The band is a touring powerhouse, having landed prime-time main stage slots at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and having performed 18 times on national television. Belly Up Aspen
-
11am
World Pro Ski Tour | Aspen Mountain
Dual Super Slalom #1, Men's Round 32, Men's Round 16 to the Finals, Women's Round 16 to the Finals. Adrenaline-pumping dual alpine super slalom ski racing featuring Olympians, World Cup and NCAA racers.
1:30-2pm
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps | Wagner Park
A Wintersköl classic. Don't pass up the opportunity to witness 85 cadets showcasing their exceptional musical talents.
2-6pm
(NEW!) Wintersköl Beer Festival | Wagner Park, Aspen
Raise a mug to the true spirit of Wintersköl! Introducing the newest addition to the winter festivities – the 'Toast of Winter' Beer Festival, brought to you by ACRA and Radiate Events. Gather for an evening of frosty festivities, live entertainment, and the unmistakable warmth that comes from celebrating the season with good company. Open to everyone; must be 21 years or older for beer/spirits tastings. Wintersköl Beer Festival Tickets
3-5pm
Soupsköl | Wagner Park, Aspen
Celebrate our community's culinary creativity as restaurants from the Roaring Fork Valley come together for the legendary Soupsköl competition. You can be the ultimate judge as you taste your way through a variety of delectable soups. Winning restaurant will receive the coveted Soupsköl soup pot and bragging rights for 2024!
4-8pm
Après Party at the Aspen Art Museum | RoofTop Cafe
Raise a glass to Wintersköl at the AAM's Après party on the rooftop. We’ll be featuring cocktails from The Slippery Slope bar, snacks from the Rooftop Café, and music by GOLDEN and other special guests. The Après Series is made possible by the generous support of the Etkin Family Foundation.
4-8pm
Disco Party on the Rink | Snowmass Base Village
Local favorite DJ Tenza will keep The Rink hoppin’ during Saturday's Disco Party on The Rink. Skaters are encouraged to dress up and skate around to the music. Weather and ice conditions permitting.
6-8:30pm
Wintersköl Bonfire | Wagner Park
Bundle up and prepare for an evening of wonder and delight. Warm up at our family-friendly bonfire and enjoy some savory and sweet treat from local food vendors.
7-7:30pm
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps | Wagner Park
A Wintersköl classic. Don't pass up the opportunity to witness 85 cadets showcasing their exceptional musical talents.
7:30 & 8pm
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display | Aspen Mountain
Come join in the Wintersköl fun with a torchlight parade down Aspen Mountain's Little Nell Run. The event will have a first come, first serve sign-up at base of Nell Chair starting at 6:30pm with the lift uploading from 7:30-7:45pm. Adults will be given flares to carry for the ski down, kids have glowstick options. The parade, led by an Aspen Snowmass Ski Pro, will begin at 8pm. A spectacular fireworks display will immediately follow once skiers are off the hill. We strongly suggest that parade participants wear clothing that may get burn marks from flares.
-
10am-12pm
The Ultimate Drag Bingo Brunch Experience | Grand Salon, The Little Nell
Presented by Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA)
Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) and Wintersköl crossover-brunch with Drag Queen Bingo, hosted by none other than the sassy clown in a gown herself, all the way from San Diego, Ms. Mariam T. Brunch will include morning eats and options of prosecco, mimosas, Bloody Marys in the Grand Salon at The Little Nell. This is a ticketed fundraising event presented by AGSW, The Little Nell, and ACRA to benefit the non-profit AspenOUT. Aspen Gay Ski Week
10:30am-4pm
Wintersköl Broomball Tournament | Aspen Ice Garden
Broomball is back! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, the Broomball event welcomes everyone to partake in the icy excitement. Broomball is known for its fast-paced and often humorous nature. The lack of skates and the slippery surface of the ice contribute to the game's unique challenges and make it accessible to a wide range of participants, regardless of their skating abilities. Register early; Limited space available.
11am
World Pro Ski Tour | Aspen Mountain
Dual Super Slalom #2, Men's Round 32, Men's Round 16 to the Finals, Women's Round 16 to the Finals. Adrenaline-pumping dual alpine super slalom ski racing featuring Olympians, World Cup and NCAA racers.
4pm
ABOMINABLE Movie | ISIS Theatre
ANIMATED | 97 MIN | US, CHINA, JAPAN
Three teenagers must help a Yeti return to his family while avoiding a wealthy man and a zoologist who want him for their own needs.
In partnership with Aspen Film and Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Escape the winter chill and join us for a delightful addition to the Wintersköl schedule – movie screenings for the whole family!
FREE | Reservations Required
8pm
An Evening with Keller Williams | Belly Up Aspen
Keller Williams is an American singer, songwriter and musician who combines elements of bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, electronica/dance, jazz, funk, along with other assorted genres. He is often described as a 'one-man jam-band' due to his frequent use of live phrase looping with multiple instruments.