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™
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
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!
ACRA's Helen K. Klanderud Wintersköl Awards Luncheon | St Regis Aspen
Join ACRA in celebrating Aspen's 74th 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. Ticket on sale soon.
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.
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
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 | TBC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
We look forward to highlighting our Wintersköl Sponsors!!
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