That is not a joke. I kind of thought it was. Not because gayness is a joke, but because most people don’t host “gay” weeks. But here’s the official site: gayskiweek.com. I’m telling you, Aspen and Austin could not be more alike. People here LOVE gay ski week. It kicked off yesterday (1/16) and runs through January 23. Here’s a selection of a few events, hit the website up for a comprehensive list.
Tuesday, January 18 – Bud Light Presents Undertow Film at the Wheeler Opera House
Cocktail Reception at 8:00, Film at 9:00 PM. We are taking our film series in a new direction … straight south to Peru! Bud Light and Aspen Gay Ski Week are proud to present Javier Fuentes-Leon and his film UNDERTOW, an award-winning film about sexy fisherman whose affair with a charismatic painter places him at odds with the deep-rooted traditions of the community he loves. Mr. Fuentes-Léon will attend a pre-show cocktail reception before the screening in the Wheeler Opera House lobby. Following the film, Gay Ski Week Film Night programmer Bob King will conduct a Q and A with the director. $15
Wednesday, January 19 – “Pamper” Aspen Club and Spa day
The Aspen Club and Spa will be hosting us for the day, so pump up your cardio, take a class or a swim or pamper yourself with a massage or other offering at Aspen’s premier spa and gym. We have discounts and special offers for you all week long, just tell them you’re with GSW to check in and book all services. The Aspen Club offers highly advanced fitness equipment, the world-renown SpaAspen™ and the internationally recognized Sports Medicine Institute. www.aspenclub.com 1450 Crystal Lake Road, (970) 925-8900 free admittance
Thursday, January 20 – Skiing: “The Bowl is A Drag” – Aspen Highlands
Our 4th Annual – as suggested by one of our most hard-core Ski Week guests: Mr. Wu says “The Bowl is A Drag”. Wear your favorite accoutrement and get to the top of the Loge/Temerity lifts at Aspen Highlands by 11:00am on Thursday. We will commence the hike to the top of Highland Bowl “in drag” (or whatever you got) and meet at the top at noon for the largest-ever group photo of Skier and Boarder Tops! If you aren’t up for expert terrain, join the group who will make their way down the Bowl for lunch at the Merry-Go-Round restaurant. (In case of Bowl closure, meet at noon at top of Loge/Temerity for photo.)
Two Shows One Price $75 – “Almost Queen” – Belly Up Aspen
Almost Queen succeeds in blending the vocal layering and studio precision that is a signature of the band with the energy and spectacle of a live stage production. Elaborate lighting, effects and costumes aptly frame the seasoned musicians who step into these very large shoes to effectively render an authentic “Queen experience”. “I am a very big queen fan and Almost Queen does a great job of creating the illusion of actually seeing Queen live. We all miss Freddie Mercury, I feel the band pays tribute to him and Queen respectfully.” Eddie Ojeda -Twisted Sister 450 S. Galena St., (970) 544-9800
After Hours Dance Party – Belly Up Aspen
Immediately following Almost Queen, there will be house music dance extravaganza. The alcohol will be shut down but there will be energy drinks and more to keep you going. More information at Bellyupaspen.com. 450 S. Galena St., (970) 544-9800
Friday, January 21 – Bud Light Presents the Downhill Costume Competition, Aspen Mountain
Do not miss out on one of the cornerstone events of Aspen Gay Ski Week, compete in the Downhill Costume Contest and try for a grand prize worth $1000, or buy a table and have a real sit down. Both Table and individual tickets are available for the events. The contest kicks off at noon and ends around 3pm, contestants dress up in costume and ski/board down the short slope of Little Nell to a stage at the base. We have music, swag, libations, comedy and a great time to be had by all. You can register early at Hospitality by picking up an application, or you can just show up at 11:30 the day of event at Aspen Mtn. Hosted by the unforgettable, Sister Helen Holy.
Saturday, January 22 – Hockey: Friendship Cup: Gay vs. Straight Ice Hockey Championships
The G-Force is back again this year to take the lead in the 3-3 tie in the series, and the straights are coming to the ice with a vengeance! You definitely won’t want to miss this FREE event at the Lewis Ice Arena, preceding the closing Pool Party at the Aspen Recreation Center. 0861 Maroon Creek Road Free admittance
Saturday, January 22 – Grande Dame Pool Party
The grand finale to Aspen Gay Ski Week is the largest indoor pool party around! We promise you a night to remember, with an open bar of Bud Light, Vodka, Wine, light snacks and more. See if you can make it all the way down the waterslide without spilling a drop of your martini! Be sure and bring a suit! Swoosh down the slide or grab a floatie and head down the “lazy river” drinks in hand. They’ll be a DJ for some musical accompaniment to your time in the hot tub or boards! See General Info section to arrange transportation. Ride the bus—all the cool kids will! Aspen Recreation Center 0861 Maroon Creek Road $100
… I mean, don’t you wanna hit up ALL these events?