Wintersköl™ Kicks off Dec. 12, 2024

Wintersköl™ Kicks off Dec. 12, 2024

Weekend event lineup features new offerings and returning favorites

ASPEN, Colo. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Wintersköl will officially kick off Thursday, Dec. 12 with an action-packed evening of programming to celebrate the Aspen community and winter’s return. This year’s festival takes place from Thursday, Dec.12 through Sunday, Dec. 15 with a full weekend of exciting events, both new and recurring, in both Aspen and Snowmass Village.

“We are thrilled to usher in the winter season with the return of Wintersköl,” said Julie Hardman, Senior Events Director for Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA). "This year’s signature Aspen event will offer a reimagined experience for our local community. We are excited to showcase fresh offerings alongside beloved traditions.”

The multi-day festival showcases on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a soup contest, a beer festival, a torchlight descent and fireworks on Aspen Mountain plus much more. New this year, attendees can look forward to gathering as a community during Thursday evening’s Icebreaker Bash, Aspen Extreme screening, and at Belly Up Aspen for the O’Connor Brothers Band to kick off the weekend’s celebrations. The Icebreaker Bash and Aspen Extreme screening are both free to attend with an RSVP in advance; tickets are required for Belly Up ($5 general admission).

This year’s event highlights include:

Thursday, Dec. 12

Kick off the weekend with the opening night of Aspen Historical Society’s Winter Retro Film Series at the Wheeler Opera House. Free to attend; tickets required.

The inaugural Icebreaker Bash at Mi Chola: Kick off the weekend with delicious bites, drinks, and a live DJ from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Free to attend with an RSVP in advance.

Aspen Extreme screening at the ISIS Theatre: Doors open at 7:00pm, with the film screening at 7:30pm. Free to attend with an RSVP in advance. Attendees are encouraged to don their best retro ski gear.

O’Connor Brothers Band at Belly Up Aspen: Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are just $5 and required.

All Day Snow & Ice Carving Exhibition: Experience talented artists turn blocks of snow and ice into masterful sculptures all day long at Wagner Park.

Bud Light Game of Stones: Teams of two will compete in a head-to-head elimination competition. The new curling series will take place from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink where free registration will take place prior to the event.

Friday, Dec.13

All Day Snow & Ice Carving Exhibition: Experience talented artists turn blocks of snow and ice into masterful sculptures all day long at Wagner Park.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Wintersköl Beer Festival: the new ‘Toast of Winter’ will run from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Wagner Park. This event is ticketed; attendees must be 21+ to sample.

Soupsköl: Taste and vote for the best soup from local restaurants as they compete for the coveted title of “Best Soup” from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Wagner Park, complete with live music by The Ten O’One Band and Mountain People from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

Torchlight Descent & Fireworks: Watch as skiers descend Aspen Mountain with torches, followed by a fireworks display at 7:00pm.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Uphill Breakfast Club at Cliffhouse, Buttermilk Mountain (8:30am-10am): After a morning uphill, enjoy a free breakfast at the Cliffhouse along with fun giveaways and great camaraderie.

Apple Strudel Downhill at Aspen Highlands: Take part in the famous Apple Strudel Run from 10:30am to 12:00pm and enjoy a free strudel and hot chocolate at the finish line.

Wintersköl, which originated in January 1951 as a “toast to winter,” has become a cherished annual tradition for the Aspen community, celebrating the town's distinctive mountain culture with a weekend of festivities. For the full event calendar and more information, please visit the Wintersköl event page.