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Since 1951, Wintersköl has been the ultimate “toast to winter,” honoring the town’s mountain spirit with a packed weekend of fun and tradition.
This multi-day festival brings the mountains to life with on-mountain activities, stunning snow sculptures, a hearty soup contest, a lively beer festival, live music, a roaring bonfire, a torchlight descent, and fireworks lighting up Aspen Mountain—plus so much more. Wintersköl continues to deliver a one-of-a-kind winter experience for locals and visitors alike.
Aspen doesn’t just endure winter, we celebrate it. This year, we are channeling Üllr, the Norse god of snow. Wintersköl™ proves that winter is way cooler—with a little help from Üllr. Please check back again soon as more events are being confirmed for the weekend.
All Day | WINTER WINDOWS | Snowmass VillageA partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts and GoSnowmass, returns to Snowmass, December 11-14, 2025. Roaring Fork Valley artists and designers are paired with businesses on the Snowmass Mall and in Base Village to create custom window displays, with 2D and 3D installations that celebrate the winter season and the character of Snowmass. |
3:30 - 5:30pm | WINTERSKÖL ICEBREAKER BASH | NEW! Paul JAS Center, AspenJoin us as we kick off the Wintersköl weekend with the crowning of our Wintersköl Royalty and the celebration of our Business and Nonprofit of the Year Awards, Molly Campbell Award winner, and the Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen honorees. Bring a food item to donate to the Lift Up pantry and receive a ticket to be entered to win a prize. Tickets - $60, Tickets available now. |
3:30pm | SNOWMASS S'MORES | Snowmass Mall & Base VillagePresented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores and snag a Wintersköl hat for FREE! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).
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6:00 & 7:30pm | RETRO SKI FILMS (6pm) & ASPEN EXTREME MOVIE 1993 (7:30pm) | Wheeler Opera HouseKick off the Wintersköl™ weekend and see Aspen’s hot doggin’ past come to life on the big screen with a special double feature at the Wheeler Opera House, including retro films from Aspen Historical Society followed by the iconic 90’s hit Aspen Extreme. FREE Admission! The film lineup includes Little Skiers Big Day, a 1955 film by Fred Iselin featuring 5-year-old local resident Susie Wirth as she skis to school from Aspen Mountain, was later re-shot by Disney and called “Fantasy on Skis". Next up, another 1955 film called Wintersköl, was produced by Miller High Life beer company and features many local personalities, a tractor ride to Lift One, ski lessons, and scenes around town including the Hotel Jerome pool, a Wintersköl parade, a costume race, dancing at the Golden Horn, and more. Retro films attendees will enjoy a complimentary beer during intermission. FREE to attend; Reservations Required. |
9pm | PAUL CAUTHEN | Belly Up AspenDiscover the soulful sound of Paul Mark Cauthen, the East Texas-born singer-songwriter known for blending Americana, country, and indie folk rock into a sound all his own. His music captures the spirit of the American heartland while pushing boundaries with modern twists—perfect for fans of authentic, heartfelt songwriting. Tickets required. |
10:00pm | ASPEN EXTREME COSTUME CONTEST | ZIGZAG AspenAprès Like It’s 1993! Get rad, get weird, and get ready for a night straight out of Aspen Extreme. We’re talking neon, mullets, headbands — the kind of drip only the 90s could love. Following the Aspen Extreme screening at the Wheeler Opera House, keep the hype and roll in for DJ beats, late-night drink specials, and a costume contest that will separate the powder heroes from the posers. Bring your boldest Aspen Extreme look and you could snag the prize for Best Aspen Extreme Costume.Let’s party like the 90s never ended — because at Wintersköl, it kinda hasn’t. FREE to attend. |
9am-12pm | Anderson Ranch Arts Center KIDSCULPT | Mill Street Mall, AspenCome witness a frosty festival of creativity as the Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents KIDSCULPT! Local school teams will be challenged to roll up their sleeves and transform snow into spectacular works of art. FREE. |
2 - 4pm | GAME OF STONES | Snowmass Base Village RinkTeams of two will battle it out on the ice in a head-to-head elimination competition in which the first team to reach 10 points claims victory. FREE; Register in-person at the ice-skating rink prior to the event. |
2-8pm | FREE COMMUNITY DAY | Snowmass Collective Game LoungeEnjoy the Game Lounge with no entry fee in celebration of Wintersköl! From arcade classics to foosball, pool, Xbox, and more—The Collective Snowmass is your indoor playground. FREE.Check out The Collective Snowmass for more details and full schedule of events. |
2:30-4:30pm | MUSIC ON THE MALL with Hugh Phillips Band | Snowmass Village MallTurn up the winter fun in Snowmass! This free live music series brings the heat with a variety of local bands hitting the Tower Stage. Bundle up, grab a drink, and jam out under the stars — because après is better with a beat. FREE. |
3:30pm | SNOWMASS S'MORES | Snowmass VillagePresented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores and snag a Wintersköl hat! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows). FREE.
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5-7pm | HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING | Viewline Resort SnowmassCelebrate the season at Viewline! Join for a festive tree lighting, complete with a complimentary Hot Chocolate Station and Christmas cookies. The Lounge will offer festive drinks for purchase—Glühwein, spiked hot chocolate, hot toddies, eggnog, specialty coffees, seasonal craft beer—and a cozy winter menu with a nightly special. |
5 - 8pm | HOLIDAY MARKET | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center, Base VillageFeaturing local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists. FREE to attend. |
5:30 - 9:30pm | BOTH/AND: A Visual Opera | Wheeler Opera HouseAn installation by LUCIA. Presented by The Wheeler Opera House in Partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts and Aspen Public Art. In the mountains, winter asks everything of us. It strips life to its essentials — cold and light, silence and motion, solitude and community. Yet within that starkness, something luminous persists.BOTH/AND is a meditation on contradiction: how beauty and hardship coexist, how darkness sharpens our sense of light, how stillness holds its own kind of movement. Like carving a line down a mountain, it moves between grace and gravity — between surrender and control. Through projected light and sound, the piece mirrors the dual nature of mountain life — the wonder and the weight of it, the shimmer and the quiet, the warmth we create when the world grows cold. In Aspen, winter is not one thing or the other. It is both, and. FREE. |
6:30-7:30pm | AVSC RAIL JAM | Aspen Mountain, Little Nell RunJoin the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) for an action-packed community Rail Jam where skiers and snowboarders of all ages will help kick off Wintersköl™ in style by showing off their best tricks. Registration & Practice 6-6:30pm. FREE to watch. |
6-9pm | DECEMBERWEEN | New Belgium Ranger Station, Snowmass VillageWinter is coming… but so are the monsters. Decemberween, the Halloween-in-December bash kicking off the Snowmass winter season with a Stranger Things twist. Think spooky meets snowy: Upside Down vibes, eerie lights, killer costumes, and the first big party before the mountain wakes up. Costumes are a MUST — go creepy, clever, winter-themed, or full Stranger Things. Best Costume wins an epic prize, so bring your A-game… or your alter ego.Grab a drink with your fellow creatures and step into a night where ski-season magic collides with Halloween chaos. Get ready for the chill… and the thrill. |
7:30pm | DOWNHILL RACER MOVIE | Aspen Film's ISIS TheatreA 1969 American sports drama about an arrogant, ambitious young skier named David Chappellet (Robert Redford) who joins the U.S. ski team and clashes with the coach (Gene Hackman) while competing for Olympic gold. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of professional skiing, using a documentary-style approach to immerse the audience in the tension and speed of the sport. It explores Chappellet's ruthless drive for success, his struggles with teamwork, and his personal relationships. Tickets on sale now | $7.40. |
ALL DAY | ASPEN HIGHLANDS & BUTTERMILK OPENING DAYStay tuned for opening day celebrations. |
12 - 3pm | TERRAIN PARK BOOT CAMP | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, SnowmassIntimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian. FREE. |
1-5pm | HOLIDAY MARKET | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center, Base VillageFeaturing local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists. FREE to attend. |
1:30pm, 4:45pm & 6:45pm | DRUMBOTS | Wagner Park, AspenGet ready to feel the beat at Wintersköl! The Drumbots—the high-energy, LED-lit percussion crew and official drumline of the Vegas Golden Knights—are bringing their electrifying show to Aspen. Watch as they light up the night with pulse-pounding rhythms, synchronized LED effects, and nonstop performance energy that turns any space into a party. |
2-6pm | WINTERSKÖL BEER FESTIVAL | Wagner Park, AspenRaise 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 music, 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. Tickets on sale now. |
3-5pm | SOUPSKÖL | Wagner Park, AspenCelebrate 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! FREE to attend and taste. |
3:30pm | SNOWMASS S'MORES | Snowmass VillagePresented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores and snag a Wintersköl hat! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).
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4:30-7:30pm | WINTERSKÖL BONFIRE | Wagner ParkCozy up around the fire while soaking up the festivities! Enjoy the beer festival, live music, and catch the torchlight parade & fireworks starting at 7pm. |
5 - 6:30pm | LOL @ WINTERSKÖL | Wheeler Opera HouseLOL @ Winterskol brings some of Aspen’s comedy legends home for an unforgettable evening. Hosted by Beth Brandon and featuring Dan “Gonzo” Machanik (Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club) , Greg Studley (Woke Up Late with Stormy Daniels), and Mike Hammock (Winner of Denver’s Comedy Works New Faces Contest), this special lineup celebrates performers who helped shape Aspen’s vibrant comedy scene. $20 Tickets on sale now. |
5-8pm | DISCO ON THE RINK | Snowmass Base Village Ice RinkGet ready to groove and glide with DJ Tenza at Disco on the Rink! Whether you’re rocking your best disco diva outfit or just coming as you are, this is your time to shine under the glittering lights. Here's what to expect: Funky beats and classic disco vibes, FREE entry and FREE skate rentals, costumes encouraged but totally optional — it’s all about having fun! So grab your friends, lace up your skates, and let’s boogie on the ice. Don’t miss the coolest (and grooviest) party in town! FREE. |
7pm | TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS | Aspen MountainWatch skiers and snowboarders adorned with lights descend the slopes of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy a dazzling fireworks show over Aspen Mountain to celebrate winter in style.This year’s parade proudly features the talented local athletes of the Aspen Valley Ski Club (AVSC) and our local athletes across all disciplines in the ski and snowboard world. Watch as these young athletes illuminate the slopes of Aspen Mountain showcasing their skill and passion for the sport. Please note: Participation in the torchlight is exclusively for kids involved with AVSC and/or any Roaring Fork Valley Ski Club; it is not open to the public. |
8pm | COMEDY: CHAD GOES DEEP | Wheeler Opera HouseChad and JT, the bros known for their viral city council appearances, are bringing a groundbreaking new show to Aspen. JT delivers fresh stand-up with his signature blend of vulnerability and bro eloquence, while Chad presents his satirical TED-style seminar “Chill Towards Enlightenment”, exploring his “stoke philosophy.”Learn The Chill Method and reclaim your joy in this radical journey through life. $20 Tickets on sale now. |
8am-2pm | WINTER MARKET | The Gant Aspen, Molly Campbell Conference CenterCelebrate the season at The Gant’s Winter Market, a monthly showcase of local creativity featuring artisans from across the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys. Browse jewelry, art, photography, soaps, handbags, and more—each market highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of our community.Held monthly December through March at the Molly Campbell Conference Center, the series kicks off during Wintersköl Weekend on Sunday, December 14, from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., with future dates on January 17, February 28, and March 21. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa from The Dreamery Co.’s vintage trailer as you shop a curated selection of locally made goods—perfect for unique Aspen gifts and supporting the makers who shape our valley. Vendor List and more details here! |
8:30 - 10:00am | UPHILL BREAKFAST CLUB | Buttermilk MountainPresented by ValleyOrtho Aspen and ACRA. Elevate your Wintersköl experience with a delicious breakfast, fantastic giveaways, and the unbeatable camaraderie of our uphill community. Compliments of ACRA, breakfast will be FREE to all uphillers until the food runs out! |
12-1:15pm | NINETY POUND RUCKSACK: The Story of the 10th Mountain Division and the Dawn of Outdoor Recreation in America | Aspen Community ChurchJoin renowned mountaineer and historian Christian Beckwith for a riveting presentation that traces the extraordinary journey of the 10th Mountain Division—from their daring WWII ascent of Riva Ridge to their enduring impact on American skiing and outdoor culture. Beckwith, host and producer of the Ninety-Pound Rucksack podcast and a 2023 inductee into the 10th Mountain Division’s Warrior Hall of Fame, brings Aspen’s own legacy to life, highlighting the Division’s role in shaping our local hut system and the spirit of alpine adventure that defines our community.Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the roots of Aspen’s mountain culture, this talk offers a powerful tribute to the soldiers who helped build the very trails we ski and hike today. FREE. |
12 - 3pm | TERRAIN PARK BOOT CAMP | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, SnowmassIntimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian. FREE. |
4-6pm | PUP PORTRAITS | Limelight AspenCalling all dog lovers! Treat your furry friend to a tail-wagging good time with FREE Pup Portraits at the Limelight Aspen. Join us for an exclusive Yappy Hour where your pup is more than welcome! |
4pm | BALTO | Aspen Film's ISIS TheatreFREE admission; RSVP recommended | A 1995 animated adventure film about a half-wolf, half-husky dog who leads a sled team to deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. The film, which is loosely based on the true story of the sled dog Balto, features animated sequences alongside live-action framing scenes. It tells the story of how Balto, an outcast who is not trusted by most people, overcomes adversity to become a hero. FREE admission and complimentary popcorn; Reservation recommended. |
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