Aspen Gay Ski Week Returns for 46th Year

Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW), the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, returns for its 46th year—from January 15-22, 2023—welcoming an expected 3,000 attendees.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is Aspen OUT’s annual fundraiser, generating the funds to grant local, regional and national organizations that provide support to the LGBT community. In 2022, AspenOUT granted $58,000 to 16 organizations, scholarships to area seniors and $40,000 in direct mental health services.

Aspen Gay Ski Week 2023

AGSW presents an unforgettable 46th year—with 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 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Attracting up to 1,000 daily, these events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, 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:

Sunday, January 15:

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 16:

Monday Late Night: Mi Chola hosts a free late-night party, starting at 9:00 pm. Dance the night away after dinner and imbibe on one of their many margaritas.

Tuesday, January 17:

Drag Queen Bingo: Mariam T, described as “San Diego’s crankiest drag queen,” will host this sidesplitting evening event at W Hotel, starting at 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, January 18:

Night Out on the Town: Aspen is home to first-class boutiques and art galleries, and many stay open late for this annual event.

Late Night: Housed in the 150-year-old Elks Building, Silver City hosts a free late-night party with a DJ, starting at 9:00 pm.

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. In 2023, funds generated for this event will benefit Francesco’s Foundation in partnership with HamptonsOUT.

Thursday, January 19:

Women of Gay Ski Week: With complimentary cocktails and appetizers, Hooch Cocktail Bar hosts a cocktail party just for the ladies, starting at 5:30 pm.

Comedy Night: Sandra Bernhard hosts a one-woman show at the Wheeler Opera House, starting at 9:00 pm.

A pioneer of the one-woman show, Sandra Bernhard brings a completely unique and raucous mix of cabaret, stand-up, rock-n-roll and social commentary to the gay ski week audience.

In her fifth year of hosting a weekly radio show, Sandyland, on SiriusXM, Sandra has appeared on countless television shows and film, such as POSE, The King of Comedy, Two Broke Girls, Broad City, Will & Grace, The Sopranos, Roseanne and many more.

Electric Cowboy: Aspen’s famous live music venue, Belly Up, hosts the Electric Cowboy late-night party with a DJ, starting at 9:00 pm. Belly Up 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 20:

Top of the Mountain Party: Winter White Party: A party that’s not to be missed, guests take gondolas up to Sundeck at the summit of Aspen Mountain. There, at 11,000 feet, guests can dance to DJ music on top of the world until 2:00 am.

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 AspenOUT Executive Director, Kevin McNamamon. “From snowshoeing amidst aspen groves to some of the best dining in the West, Aspen presents a wealth of outdoor adventure and indoor indulgences.”

The event’s host hotel, Limelight Hotel, offers an outdoor pool and hot tubs, an expansive continental breakfast and a complimentary shuttle. Guests can take advantage of Aspen Gay Ski Week’s discounted lift tickets on the four mountains of Aspen.

To learn more about Aspen Gay Ski Week, lodging and lift tickets, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

Photos by Matt Power