Aspen Gay Ski Week Description

Aspen Gay Ski Week operates as the oldest annual week-long LGBTQ+ ski event in the United States, taking place in Aspen, Colorado. The event functions as the primary fundraiser for AspenOUT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on anti-bullying and tolerance initiatives. AspenOUT has produced the event since 1996, using proceeds to fund local programs and support national organizations aligned with its mission.

Participants access four mountains within the Aspen Snowmass system for skiing and snowboarding across varied terrain. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking trails operate in the surrounding Elk Mountains. Beyond mountain activities, the week includes seven days of programmed events: on-mountain and off-mountain lunches, daily après ski gatherings, nightly friendship dinners at participating restaurants, late-night dance parties, drag queen bingo, fashion boutique and gallery walks, comedy shows, a top-of-the-mountain party, an indoor pool party, and a downhill costume parade.

Event passes grant admission to most activities, with comedy shows and the costume parade requiring separate tickets except for Patron pass holders who receive included seating. Pass holders receive priority access to all events and parties. During sell-out situations, pass holders gain guaranteed admission while remaining attendees enter on a one-out, one-in basis. Single-event tickets for individual parties may be purchased at registration when available.

Registration operates at the Limelight Aspen, serving as the host hotel. Selected parties and events feature limited complimentary cocktails provided by event sponsors. The week attracts LGBTQ+ skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts from across the country seeking both mountain recreation and social programming in Aspen’s winter environment. The event has established a model replicated by other LGBTQ+ ski weeks nationally, combining outdoor winter sports with community-building social activities and fundraising for tolerance education initiatives.

Category: Culture
Features: Events, Skiing, Snowboarding, Unique Attractions
Address: 298 Park Ave. Suite A5, Basalt, CO, 81621
Directions: View on Google Maps