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)."  

Schedule :

January 10, 2024

10:30am - 12pm : Apple Strudel Downhill

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.

January 11, 2024

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. 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.

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. The Collective Snowmass

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.  The Collective Snowmass

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 but reservations are recommended - Wheeler Box Office at 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 but reservations are recommended,Wheeler Box Office at 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

January 12, 2024

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. 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. Come out to encourage these kids and give them a warm round of applause!

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. Go 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

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.  

7:30pm : Weak Layers Movie Screening - ISIS Theatre

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."

Set in Lake Tahoe, the film follows three passionate and lovably rowdy ski bums on a quest to win a world-famous 72-hour short ski film competition. A loving 21st century update of the ski comedies of the 1980’s, the film pokes fun at male-driven ski culture while championing the tight-knit local communities found in ski towns around the globe.  

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

January 13, 2024

2-6pm : (NEW!) Winterskol 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. Aspen Art Museum

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.  The Collective Snowmass

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.  

8pm : Fireworks Display - Aspen Mountain

Enjoy a dazzling fireworks show over Aspen Mountain to celebrate winter in style.

January 14, 2024

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

10:30-4pm : 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.  Aspen Recreation

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.

Date : January 10, 2024 - January 14, 2024

Location : Various Location

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