Aspen Gay Ski Week Returns for 47th Year, January 14-21, 2024

Actor Brendan Scannell and others Headline for Nation’s Largest & Oldest Gay Ski Week

November 9, 2023 (ASPEN, CO): Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW), the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, returns for its 47th year—from January 14-21, 2024—welcoming an expected 3,000 attendees. 

Aspen Gay Ski Week is Aspen OUT’s annual fundraiser, generating the funds to grant local, regional and national organizations that provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, AGSW proceeds are used to underwrite more than 400 hours of therapy for Roaring Fork Valley youth and help host educational forums, outings and programs.

“AGSW is much more than a party and unique among gay ski weeks around the world, because it’s a fundraiser,” Kevin McManamon, Executive Director of AspenOUT. “It’s funded countless LGBTQ+ organizations and now, we’ve created a leadership program to make even a greater difference in the lives of area youth.”

In fall 2023, AspenOUT launched a new leadership and scholarship program for juniors and seniors at five area high schools who are involved in their school’s GSA or Diversity Equity Club. One recipient is selected from each school, and after successful completion of the program, they receive a $5,000 scholarship to a vocational school or university.

While gay ski week revelers enjoy nightly events, event organizers have added educational programming, such as a film screening and a panel discussion about the future of LGBTQ+ community.

“We are adding intellectual conversation and educational events to the gay ski week experience in 2024,” said McManamon.

Aspen Gay Ski Week 2024

AGSW presents an unforgettable 47th year—with dance parties to the popular après-ski events, perfect for unwinding after a vigorous day on the slopes. Each afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, Limelight Hotel is the site for après-ski parties from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Attracting up to 1,000 daily, these events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, heated pool and two hot tubs.

On Friday afternoon, thousands gather to view the popular Downhill Costume Competition. Beloved San Diego-based drag queen, Mariam T, will lead a panel of judges as participants ski down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes.

Aspen Gay Ski Week showcases nightly events, including these popular events:

Saturday, January 13:

Film Night: At the Isis Theater, a special film screening of “Tom of Finland” will benefit Aspen Film and Tom of Finland Foundation.

Sunday, January 14:

Drag Queen Bingo Brunch: In partnership with Aspen Chamber Resort Association, AGSW hosts an uproarious drag queen bingo brunch at The Little Nell, the city’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel. San Diego’s “crankiest drag queen,” Mariam T, kicks off the games at 11:00 am.

Opening Cocktail Reception: At the W Hotel Aspen, ski week goers gather at the opening party, hosted in the sophisticated slope side lounge that is 39 Degrees.

Monday, January 15:

Monday Late Night: After dinner at this progressive Mexican restaurant, Mi Chola, dance the night away at their free late-night party.

Tuesday, January 16:

Drag Queen Bingo: Mariam T will host another sidesplitting event at W Hotel, starting at 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, January 17: 

Benefit Night: Caribou Club, Aspen’s premier private club, is opening its doors to Aspen Gay Ski Week once again for a night of dancing and fundraising. The ticket price will benefit an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization.

Thursday, January 18:

Talks Like These: At Aspen Meadows at 5:00 pm, ski week attendees may attend “Talks Like These,” a conversation about the future of the LGBTQ+ community moderated by Dr. Bill Kapfer and featuring Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal; Joe Nucci, Psychotherapist, Denver Minds; and Richie Villani, Creative Director, Tom of Finland Foundation.

Womxn's Cocktail Party: With DJ Autumn Leilani, complimentary cocktails and appetizers, this cocktail party is just for the ladies, starting at 5:30 pm.

Comedy Night: The Wheeler Opera House presents “Frenemies: A Fierce, Fabulous and Funny Show,” featuring actor and comedian, Brendan Scannell, Mariam T and others.

Scannell is most known for his starring role in the Netflix dark comedy series, Bonding, for which he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. He has starred in Heathers, Paramount Network’s TV adaptation of the cult classic film; the feature film, Bromates, on Hulu; Netflix’s indie rom-com, Straight Up and much more. His comedy routines have been seen on Comedy Central and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

Electric Cowboy: Aspen’s famous live music venue, Belly Up, hosts an Electric Cowboy-themed party, “A Night at the Round Up Saloon,” presented by Visit Dallas. Los Angeles-based DJ Jeremy Blacklow who has headlined at White Party Palm Springs, San Diego Pride and more, begins spinning at 9:00 pm at Belly Up. The venue is listed as Rolling Stone’s“Best Clubs in America” and has showcased The Chainsmokers, John Legend, BB King, Jimmy Buffet and hundreds more since opening in 2005.

Friday, January 19:

Top of the Mountain Party: Themed “Tom on Top,” in partnership with the Tom of Finland Foundation, this legendary party requires guests to glide in gondolas up to Sundeck at Aspen Mountain’s summit. There, at 11,000 feet, guests can dance to DJ music on top of the world until 2:00 am.

39 Degrees Dance Party: An alternative to the mountaintop soiree, DJ Autumn Leilani will be spinning late into the evening at W Hotel’s 39 Degrees bar.

Saturday, January 20: 

Pool Party: The infamous pool party, hosted by Aspen Recreation Center, features DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river and open bars for 1,000 guests. 

“There’s something for everyone even if you don’t ski or snowboard,” said Aspen Gay Ski Week producer, Kimberly Kuliga. “From snowshoeing amidst aspen groves to some of the best dining of the West, Aspen presents a wealth of outdoor adventure and indoor indulgences.”

To learn more about Aspen Gay Ski Week, lodging and discounted lift tickets, visit www.gayskiweek.com.  

About Aspen Gay Ski Week

Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) is the oldest annual, week-long gay ski event in the nation. A model for other gay ski weeks, AGSW offers a unique vacation experience in the scenic and historic mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. AGSW visitors enjoy four mountains of varied skiing and snowboarding terrain, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoe and winter hiking trails in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. For more information, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

About AspenOUT

With a mission of promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity through education, community action and service, AspenOUT has been serving the LGBT community of the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond since 1996 as a non-profit organization.  AspenOUT produces many events throughout the year, including Aspen Gay Ski Week each January, which brings thousands of LGBT skiers to the mountains of central Colorado.  AspenOUT not only supports local anti-bullying and tolerance programs, it also supports national organizations, such as GLSEN, Point Foundation, Matthew Shepard Foundation and You Can Play Foundation. Visit https://aspenout.org to learn more.

 

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