“We welcomed nearly 5,000 guests in 2015 and look forward to surpassing that number in 2016,” remarked AspenOUT President, Kevin McManamon. “Aspen Gay Ski Week injects over $1.5 million into the local economy in one week, selling 2,500 hotel room nights and thousands of ski lift tickets.”
For its 39th year, AGSW guarantees another forgettable year with a wide array of events—from 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 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 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, the city of Aspen gathers to view the popular Downhill Costume Competition. In years’ past, contestants can be seen skiing down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes, such as Madonna, St. Paulie girls and water skiers.
Aspen Gay Ski Week showcases nightly events, including the following:
· Sunday:
Opening Party. At 9:00 p.m., ski week revelers enjoy an opening cocktail reception at the historic Hotel Jerome.
· Monday:
Late Night Party. The popular subterranean late night club, Escobar, will host a party complete with go-go dancers and bottle service tables.
· Tuesday:
Film Night Gala. Film Night returns to the historic Wheeler Opera House; in years past, movies with cult followings, such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, have been featured.
Late Night Party. Celebrate late in this mountain town that never seems to sleep.
· Wednesday:
Fashion & Art Night Out. Aspen is home to world-class shopping, and a plethora of stores and art galleries will keep their doors open late.
Caribou Club Benefit. This event will benefit a GLBT non-profit organization and is hosted by Aspen’s premier private night club, The Caribou Club.
· Thursday:
Dance Party and LOGO Show. At Aspen’s favorite live music venue, Belly Up, guests can enjoy a show and stay late to dance the night away with DJ entertainment.
· Friday:
Top of the Mountain Party. A party that’s not to be missed, guests take gondolas up to Sundeck at the summit of Aspen Mountain. There, at 11,000 feet, guests can dance on top of the world until 2 a.m.
· Saturday:
Women’s Comedy Event. While the boys run off the pool party, female Gay Ski Week-goers will enjoy a special event created for them.
Pool Party. Aspen Recreation Center will once again host the infamous pool party, featuring DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river and open bars.
“There is something for everyone at Aspen Gay Ski Week, especially for the non-skier,” said Pamela Herr, organizer of Aspen Gay Ski Week. “Aspen offers visitors world renowned restaurants, award-winning spas and first class shopping.”
Limelight Hotel will act as the host hotel once again, offering an outdoor pool and hot tubs, an expansive continental breakfast and a complimentary shuttle—starting at $330 a night. Guests can take advantage of Aspen Gay Ski Week’s discounted lift tickets on the four mountains of Aspen, costing as low as $69 per day with a multiple day ticket.
