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 multi-day festival showcases on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a soup contest, a craft beer festival, a torchlight descent and fireworks on Aspen Mountain plus much more.
Wintersköl™
Schedule of Events; December 12 - 15, 2024
Please check back as more events will be added as they are confirmed; all event schedules are subject to change.
Volunteer and Sponsorship opportunities will be available soon.
Wintersköl embraces the spirit of accessibility with a commitment to ADA guidelines. We've thoughtfully designed the event to ensure that all guests, regardless of ability, can revel in the festive atmosphere. There are restroom facilities that are ADA compliant, well lit walkways, directional signage, as well as ADA access for stage viewing. Please come prepared as many of these events take place outside in snowy conditions. Wagner Parks current condition is snow packed / powder. We look forward to celebrating the magic of winter together!
Holiday Open House | Anderson Ranch, Snowmass Village
Bring your friends and family for an evening of holiday cheer! Follow candlelit paths through campus as you tour the studios, and shop for original artwork and creatively inspired gifts. The ArtWorks Store will be filled with stocking stuffers and gifts at various price points from our 2024 best-selling artists. Complementary holiday gift wrapping will be offered for all purchases. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated.
Aspen Extreme Movie (1993) | ISIS Theatre, 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 The equipment used for the KSPN studio, however, was actually outdated and unused equipment from KMTS in nearby Glenwood Springs.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 to attend | Check back to reserve your seat | Retro ski attire recommended
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. Participating schools: Basalt Middle School, Aspen Middle School, Aspen Country Day, Aspen Community School. Come out to encourage these kids and give them a warm round of applause!
AVSC Rail Jam | The Little Nell Run, Aspen Mountain
Join Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) for a fun community Rail Jam for skiers and snowboarders of all ages to kick off Wintersköl celebrations! Prizes, music, and fun for all.
Wintersköl 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. Tickets on sale soon.
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 2025!
Disco Party on the Rink | Snowmass Base Village Rink
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. FREE | The Collective Snowmass
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 treats from local food vendors.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display | Aspen Mountain
Come join in the Wintersköl fun with a torchlight parade down Aspen Mountain's Little Nell Run. The event will have a first come, first serve sign-up at base of Nell Chair. Adults will be given flares to carry for the ski down, kids have glowstick options. The parade, led by an Aspen Snowmass Ski Pro, will begin at 7pm. A spectacular fireworks display will immediately follow once skiers are off the hill. We strongly suggest that parade participants wear clothing that may get burn marks from flares.
Shovels & Rope with Al Olender | Belly Up Aspen
Shovels & Rope is a folk duo from Charleston, South Carolina, consisting of husband and wife Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. The band's music blends traditional folk, rock and roll, and country rock, and has been described as "a tough new strain of Southern songwriting". Their performances often feature the duo switching instruments, sharing lead vocals, and playing songs from their entire catalog. Purchase Tickets
Uphill Breakfast Club | Cliffhouse Restaurant, Buttermilk Mountain
Elevate your Wintersköl experience with a delicious breakfast, fantastic giveaways, and the unbeatable camaraderie of our uphill community. Presented the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, a complimentary breakfast will be served at the Cliffhouse to all uphillers.
Apple Strudel Downhill | Aspen Highlands Mountain
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.
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! Enjoy drink specials, live music, and other winter treats!
Ode to Wintersköl Survey Results
We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the Ode to Wintersköl survey. Your thoughtful responses have provided us with invaluable insights, prompting us to adjust the event dates for optimal reasons.
Wintersköl was created to fill a quiet time in the season and unite our local community in celebrating our alpine lifestyle. Therefore, we're reintroducing this opportunity to officially commence the winter season. ACRA, in collaboration with our community partners, is committed to elevating the Wintersköl festivities and ensuring they resonate more closely with the needs of our community.
SAVE THE DATE: December 13-15, 2024
We look forward to highlighting our Wintersköl Sponsors!!
LODGING PARTNERS
Annabelle Inn | Aspen Meadows | Frias Properties of Aspen Snowmass | Laurelwood Condominiums | Limelight Aspen | MOLLIE Aspen | Pokolodi Lodge | St. Moritz Lodge | The Crestwood Snowmass | The Gant Aspen
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