What's New for Winter 2026-27 in Aspen
ASPEN, Colo., (October 14, 2026) — The Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is thrilled to share what's new for the 2026-27 winter season. This winter will be defined by milestone moments: the 75th annual Wintersköl, Aspen Snowmass's 80th anniversary, the 50th anniversary of Aspen Gay Ski Week, and White Elephant Aspen's first winter season. From a new high-speed chairlift on Aspen Mountain and a full slate of world-class competition at Buttermilk to expanded arts programming and fresh hospitality concepts, Aspen is the place to be this winter. For more information on all the ways to eat, play, and stay in Aspen, visit aspenchamber.org.
Winter Event News
Wintersköl™ (Dec. 10-13, 2026) celebrates its 75th year this December. Since 1951, Wintersköl has been Aspen's "toast to winter," honoring the town's mountain spirit with a packed weekend of tradition — on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, the beloved SoupskölTM, a beer festival, live music, a bonfire, a torchlight descent, fireworks over Aspen Mountain, and so much more. To celebrate Wintersköl’s 75th year and Colorado’s 150th, this year’s event will feature a drone show to mark the occasion.
Aspen Gay Ski Week (Jan. 17-24, 2027) celebrates five decades of legacy with a Golden Jubilee marking its 50th year. A half-century after a small group of friends organized the first gathering, the week has grown into the nation's longest-running LGBTQ+ ski event and a defining part of Aspen's winter calendar. The 2027 Golden Jubilee will look back across all five decades.
The Snow League (Jan. 7-9, 2027) returns to Buttermilk for Event One of Season Two, marking Aspen Snowmass's third consecutive year hosting Shaun White's head-to-head snowboard and freeski halfpipe league. This season expands the freeski field from 16 to 24 athletes and introduces an evolved three-day competition format.
X Games (Jan. 29-31, 2027) returns to Buttermilk for its 26th year, kicking off the inaugural XGL Winter season and its new team-based format, in which regionally based clubs of drafted athletes compete for points and a season championship. Buttermilk has been home to X Games Aspen since 2002, making it one of the longest-running partnerships in action sports history.
Palm Tree Music Festival (Feb. 19-20, 2027) returns to Rio Grande Park for its fifth year in Aspen. The two-day outdoor festival brings world-class electronic music to the heart of downtown. The Chainsmokers headline Friday and Under Construction — the collaborative project pairing FISHER and Chris Lake — headlines Saturday, with Disco Lines, Hugel, The Martinez Brothers, Max Styler, and more across both nights. Tickets and full details are on the website.
The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix (Feb. 27-28, 2027) closes out the circuit at Buttermilk with slopestyle and halfpipe competition, one of three Grand Prix stops in Colorado this season alongside Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.
On-Mountain News
Aspen Snowmass celebrates its 80th anniversary this season, marking eight decades of skiing, community, and storied history. The resort will host multiple activations, experiences, lodging discounts, and a limited number of lift tickets available at the original 1946 lift ticket price as it celebrates 80 years. Aspen Snowmass is also discounting lift tickets on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 to $80, allowing guests to create a long weekend of deeply discounted mountain access paired with special anniversary experiences on mountain. Headlining the season is the all-new Nell Bell chairlift on Aspen Mountain. The new high-speed quad replaces the iconic Bell Mountain (1957) and Little Nell (1986) lifts with direct access to the top of Bell Mountain from Gondola Plaza, a 2,656-foot vertical rise. Nell Bell will provide unprecedented fast access to the core of Aspen Mountain and some of its best terrain from the base.
Arts & Culture
The Aspen Art Museum presents a new exhibition by Koo Jeong A (Dec. 11, 2026 - April 4, 2027) featuring site-specific works across sculpture, painting, film, animation, sound and scent that reimagines architectural space and explore connections between art and the natural world.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center carries its 60th anniversary celebration into the winter. Six decades after its founding in a cluster of former sheep barns in Snowmass Village, the Ranch marks the milestone with a season of workshops, exhibitions, and community gatherings. This winter, the Ranch presents Counterpoints: Indigenous Female Perspectives in the Patton-Malott Gallery in Snowmass Village (Dec. 4, 2026 - Feb. 2, 2027). Guest-curated by IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts Chief Curator Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man, the exhibition features four leading contemporary Native women artists exploring cultural continuity, Indigenous identity, resistance, sovereignty, and representation through painting, printmaking, and beadwork. The Ranch also hosts its annual Holiday Open House (Dec. 9) and Winter Benefit Dinner (Dec. 16), featuring artmaking, a studio tour, dinner, and live auction.
The Aspen Institute’s Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies continues Double Take: Recurrent Dialogues in the Art of Herbert Bayer through April 3, 2027. The exhibition explores recurring motifs across Bayer’s paintings, drawings, and photographs, highlighting his Bauhaus-inspired approach as a “total artist” working across fine art, photography, graphic design, and architecture.
The Aspen Institute also presents a lineup of public programs this fall and winter. Our Society Reimagined: America at 250 (Oct. 14 - Nov. 4) invites participants to discuss foundational American documents alongside contemporary essays, while Sharing Shakespeare returns for its 22nd year with a six-month series exploring Measure for Measure (Oct. 19, 2026 - March 8, 2027).
The Red Brick Center for the Arts hosts two community openings this season. On Dec. 3, the Resident Artist Exhibition opens alongside the final community vote for Perch, featuring birdhouse models for next summer’s project with ACES. On Feb. 11, a new Main Gallery installation opens alongside The Public Art That Made Aspen, exploring 20 iconic and lesser-known works of public art.
The Aspen Music Festival and School's Winter Music Recital Series returns in early 2027 at Harris Concert Hall, with all performances beginning at 6:30 p.m.: the Isidore Quartet on Monday, Feb. 15; violinist Benjamin Beilman and pianist Steven Osborne on Tuesday, March 2; and pianist Jeremy Denk on Friday, March 12. Tickets on sale December 11.
DanceAspen presents A Snowy Soiree, a family-friendly holiday program, at the Wheeler Opera House on Dec. 22, followed by cocoa, cookies and dancer photo opportunities. On Feb. 20-21, 2027, the company premieres Take Me Home, a full-length work pairing John Denver’s music with contemporary dance and cinematic projections. DanceAspen also offers its Behind the Curtain K-12 outreach program Feb. 18 and free monthly Community Moves classes throughout winter.
The Wheeler Opera House has announced its winter lineup of shows and events, along with a full slate of education programming for local schools. The complete schedule is available at wheeleroperahouse.com.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
(ACES) offers winter programming across its sites, including mountaintop snowshoe tours, Sound Bath + Forest Bathing at Toklat, and more. Full details and registration can be found at aspennature.org.
Buckhorn Public Arts has launched The Grove Aspen, a new local member club and events space.
Lodging & Hospitality
NEW | This winter marks White Elephant Aspen's first ski season, bringing the brand's signature take on hospitality to the slopes. The hotel opened June 15, 2026 at the corner of Main Street and Garmisch Street in Aspen's West End, steps from downtown and along the town's cultural corridor, with the Aspen Institute, Harris Hall, and the Benedict Music Tent all a short walk away. Guests reach Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk by complimentary ski shuttle, with dedicated ski lockers and exclusive before-hours access to runs on Aspen Mountain. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in the outdoor hot tubs or settle in at Lola 41 for a playful après-ski menu. Beyond the traditional ski day, the hotel offers private snowcat backcountry adventures, winter fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River, and snowmobile excursions to the Maroon Bells. White Elephant Aspen also collaborates with Anderson Ranch Arts Center on guest programming.
The St. Regis Aspen introduces a full slate of winter programming. Alpine Winter Afternoon Tea runs daily from 1-4 p.m., Nov. 22, 2026 - April 15, 2027, at Mountain Social, the Lobby, or the Library, and is also available in guest rooms via private dining; reservations are recommended through OpenTable. A Weekly Wine Tasting with the resort sommelier takes place Fridays from 4-5 p.m., Nov. 27, 2026 - April 9, 2027, featuring rotating themes, wines rarely offered by the glass, and handcrafted paired bites, reflecting the property's Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The Pool Deck transforms into an Alpine Winter Village daily from 3-5 p.m., Nov. 22, 2026 - April 15, 2027, with a complimentary hot chocolate station, a s'mores garden, and a pop-up bar serving winter cocktails, Glühwein, and casual Alpine bites such as raclette sandwiches, mini fondue, pretzels, and bratwurst.
The 2026-27 season marks The Gant Aspen's final winter before the resort temporarily closes March 29, 2027 to begin its most significant transformation to date. The property-wide renovation will enhance the resort's exteriors, grounds, pool areas, and shared spaces while preserving the character, charm, and mountain architecture that have defined The Gant for decades. To commemorate the milestone season, the resort plans a Last Chair special offer and a Last Splash Winter Pool Party before renovations begin. This winter also brings seasonal resort experiences including Pilates, line-dancing socials, and festive cookie-making, plus the return of the Winter Market Series showcasing local artisans and makers.
The Aspen Meadows Resort is expanding its family-centric winter offerings. Families can explore the resort's 40 acres on complimentary snowshoes and take advantage of provided snowman building kits. The Kids Eat and Ski Free package returns with complimentary lift tickets and dining for children, available with a minimum three-night stay booked at least 14 days in advance. The resort also offers complimentary transit to the airport, ski areas, and around town, plus on-site ski and clothing rentals via Ski Butlers.
MOLLIE Aspen returns with an expanded winter lineup. Petit Familia, Chef Ludo Lefebvre's seasonal rooftop concept, reopens Nov. 25 and operates Wednesday through Sunday from 4-10 p.m.; new this winter are a $12 après-ski margarita special from 4-6 p.m., DJs on Fridays, and a firepit on the Roof Terrace. Petit Trois Aspen continues lunch service throughout the winter, with the full-service restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and MOLLIE's lobby Café extends its hours with coffee and café service daily until 5 p.m. The hotel kicks off the season with Thanksgiving week activities including a floral workshop, football screenings, and a kids' craft table, with rotating artist programming, fitness classes, and seasonal activations to be announced throughout the winter.
Dining and Entertainment
NEW | Eddy's, a neighborhood marketplace and kitchen at 315 E. Hyman Avenue, gives downtown Aspen two ways to eat in one spot. Eddy's Marketplace is a gourmet grab-and-go market and specialty coffee shop, open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with locally roasted coffee, chef-prepared meals, pastries, gourmet groceries, and local gifts. Just across the patio, Eddy's Kitchen invites guests to sit and stay over a menu of elevated comfort food, plus a full coffee bar, cocktails, beer, and wine, open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
NEW | 73 Café brings a relaxed, retro-inspired spirit to dining at The Gant Aspen. Named after the year the property opened, the café sits just off the lobby across from the pool and is built for come-as-you-are, all-day dining, with a menu derived from culinary partner Red Maple that shifts with the season. Open Thursday through Monday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go. Reservation options and further details can be found at 73cafeaspen.com.
NEW | Acquolina introduces their new four-course, prix-fixe menu, running every Tuesday-Saturday through November 21. For $65, guests may choose a first course appetizer, salad or soup, and entrée followed with the soft serve of the day for dessert. See the fall prix-fixe menu and book reservations at acquolinaaspen.com.
Lola 41 makes its winter debut at White Elephant Aspen, along with a new lounge, 41 Below. Known for inspired seafood and sushi specialties, the bistro draws inspiration from destinations along the 41st parallel, from Japan to Nantucket, where the White Elephant story began.
Angelo's and Duemani bring back their winter yurts for the holidays, Dec. 20-Jan. 4. At Angelo's, Tuscan cuisine meets modern elegance under Chef Vincenzo Salvatore, with homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh fish. At Duemani, the Mediterranean seafood restaurant transports diners to the coasts of Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco, and France, with a wine list curated by sommelier Darko Petrov.
Destination and Sustainability News
The Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen program, launched in 2024, empowers local businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute to a greener future for Aspen. CGBN of Aspen offers technical assistance, recognition opportunities, and a supportive network to help businesses implement environmentally friendly practices, with participants recognized at both the local and state level and connected to funding opportunities. 19 business are enrolled in the CGBN of Aspen, with 9 earning state recognition in 2026: WooHoo Essentials, McSwain Builders, PARC Aspen, Wheeler Opera House, Sashae Floral Arts and Gifts, ITrip Aspen Snowmass, Empyrean Laser, Aspen Community Church, and Alpine Bank.
ACRA is proud to announce their participation in the Colorado Tourism Office's Accessible Travel Program alongside Snowmass Tourism. The program advances accessible tourism in destinations across Colorado in partnership with Wheel the World, a travel platform specializing in accessible tourism. Together with the Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World, ACRA and Snowmass Tourism are assessing accessibility across the community, providing training for local businesses, and highlighting accessible experiences through marketing channels.
MICHELIN Guide News
On Sept. 14, 2026, the MICHELIN Guide revealed its first-ever statewide selection for Colorado, expanding beyond Denver, Boulder, and four mountain resort communities to cover the entire state. The full selection now includes 63 restaurants spanning 22 cuisine types.
Four Aspen restaurants are recognized in the 2026 guide. Bosq
retained its One MICHELIN Star, an honor it has held since 2023 and one that makes it the only starred restaurant in Colorado outside of Denver and Boulder. Element 47 at The Little Nell, Mawa's Kitchen, and Prospect at Hotel Jerome retained their MICHELIN recommended designations.
The MICHELIN Keys recognize exceptional hospitality experiences. Recognized One Key hotels in Aspen include Hotel Jerome, The Little Nell, and MOLLIE Aspen. The St. Regis Aspen was also singled out in the announcement among the guide's recommended Colorado hotels.
Getting Here
For winter 2026-27, American Airlines returns with newly expanded daily service between Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) and Aspen, Colorado (ASE), launching Dec. 17, 2026, complementing existing American flights into ASE from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago/O'Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Austin (AUS). American joins United, Delta, and Aero, all serving ASE throughout the winter season.
Winter 2026-27 is business as usual at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Beginning Sunday, April 4, 2027 at 11 p.m. MT through Friday, Nov. 19, 2027 at 7 p.m. MT, the airport will undergo a temporary closure as part of the larger ASE Modernization Project. Aspen Snowmass and the region's community of businesses, lodging properties, restaurants, and event venues will remain fully open and operational during the temporary closure.
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Media Contact: Landry Carrera (acra@backbone.media)
About ACRA: Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Aspen's business community and enhancing the visitor experience. ACRA is a unique blend of a traditional chamber of commerce and a visitors' and convention bureau made up of approximately 750+ local businesses, a strong, diverse board of directors, and a dedicated staff. ACRA's four departments which support the Aspen business community are Destination Marketing and Group Sales, Membership, Special Events, and Visitor Services. For more information visit www.aspenchamber.org or call 970-925-1940.
