Wintersköl
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.
December 12-15, 2024 | Around town and on mountain
Join the locals for a four-day celebration featuring on-mountain activities, concerts, a craft beer fest, Soupsköl™, a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, a bonfire and fireworks.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, December 12
Daily | WINTER WINDOWS | Snowmass Village
In partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts, GoSnowmass is launching an art installation during Wintersköl, December 12-15, called Winter Windows. The goal is to pair local artists with Snowmass retailers to create beautiful window displays.
4:30 - 6:30pm | HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | Anderson Ranch, Snowmass Village
Bring your friends and family for an evening of holiday cheer! Follow candlelit paths through campus as you tour the studios, and shop for original artwork and creatively inspired gifts. The ArtWorks Store will be filled with stocking stuffers and gifts at various price points from our 2024 best-selling artists. Complementary holiday gift wrapping will be offered for all purchases. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated.
5:00pm | RETRO SKI FILMS | Wheeler Opera House
Kick off the Wintersköl™ weekend with the opening night of Aspen Historical Society’s winter retro film series! Featuring a wide range of vintage films from the Aspen Historical Society Collection, the series will open with a Wintersköl™ twist to bring retro skiing and Aspen’s hot doggin’ past to life on the big screen! Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies with the specially curated lineup of films featuring scenes from Wintersköls of old. FREE; Tickets required: www.aspenshowtix.com.
Afterward, make it a night of film and head to the ISIS Theatre later on to get pumped for the season with the iconic 1993 classic ski film, Aspen Extreme. Come in your ski gear or get out your retro fits and come in costume to get in the winter spirit!
These special partnership events are offered for free to the community in the spirit of Wintersköl™ to celebrate the season ahead.
Can’t make opening night? Catch Retro Films with Aspen Historical Society at TACAW on Saturday, January 25th and additional dates to be announced!
5:30 - 7:00pm | ICEBREAKER BASH | Mi Chola, Aspen
Join us for the inaugural Icebreaker Bash, the official opening event of Aspen’s renowned Wintersköl™! This is the perfect chance for community members to come together, reconnect with old friends, meet new neighbors, and soak in the winter vibes in the heart of our community. Whether you're a long-time Aspenite or a newcomer, the Icebreaker Bash is all about connection, great conversation, and embracing the season ahead. Enjoy a live DJ, delicious bites, and refreshing drinks all while mingling with the community and setting the stage for the exciting days of Wintersköl™ to come. It's a celebration of everything that makes Aspen special – our people, our authentic spirit, and the beginning of another epic winter!
Doors 7:00pm | Screening 7:30pm | ASPEN EXTREME MOVIE (1993) | Aspen Film ISIS Theatre
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 | RSVP required - opens Dec 2 | Retro ski attire recommended
7pm DOORS / 8pm SHOW | O’Connor Brothers Band | Belly Up Aspen
As part of Winterskol’s kick off, don’t miss this show for only $5! O'Connor Brothers Band is a five-piece Denver, CO based band that plays original New Roots & Rock music written by Matt and Sean O'Connor. They bring an upbeat, modern feel to a classic style to create a unique and gritty new roots sound that is turning heads nationwide. Tickets required, GA $5.
Friday, December 13
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!
2 - 4pm | Bud Light Game of Stones | Snowmass Base Village Rink
Presented by Bud Light
Curling comes to Snowmass with the new Game of Stones curling series in which teams of two will compete in a head to head elimination competition. The first team that reaches 10 points wins! FREE; Registration required and will occur at the ice skating rink prior to the event.
2 - 8pm | Collective Game Lounge | The Collective, Snowmass Village
FREE entry during Wintersköl! Fun for all ages with foosball, pool, an interactive wall mural, engaging games like skee-ball, board games, full-size pin art and a gaming area. Children ages 12 and younger must be supervised by an adult.
Visitors are required to sign a waiver when entering the Game Lounge and Selfie Den. Get ahead of the game and sign your waiver online before arrival.
3:30 - 5:30pm | Snowmass S'Mores | Snowmass Village
Presented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for FREE, starting at 3:30pm. Guests can find branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).
When: Beginning at 3:30pm
Where: Guest Services S’mores Carts in Base Village (near Base Camp Bar & Grill) and on the Snowmass Mall (near Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports)
5-7pm | AVSC Rail Jam | Little Nell Run, Aspen Mountain
Join Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) for a fun community Rail Jam for skiers and snowboarders of all ages to kick off Wintersköl celebrations! Prizes, music, and fun for all.
5 - 8pm | Holiday Market | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center
Featuring over 20 local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists.
6 - 10pm | Decemberween | Snowmass Ranger Station
The second annual locals Halloween themed costume party, a la “Nightmare Before Christmas” at the New Belgium Ranger Station from 6:00 to 10:00pm. The party features drink specials, three DJs, giveaways for the best costume, and all-around spooky fun.
Doors 6:30pm | Screening 7:00pm | Champions of the Golden Valley, A film by Ben Sturgulewski | Aspen Film ISIS Theatre
Presented by Aspen Film
81 minutes - Q&A with the film director and producer immediately following the film
$15 member / $20 non member - 15% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the The Bamyan Alpine Ski Club
Tickets on Sale Dec 2.
In the remote mountains of Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival villages to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined coach, Alishah Farhang, organizes a ski race like no other that unites the community in a moment of joy and triumph just before the country’s collapse. Champions of the Golden Valley captures the spirit of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Revealing a stunning unseen side of Afghanistan, it is an uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion – in all its forms.
Following its World Premiere at Tribeca, this captivating documentary received the prize for Best Documentary at SCAD Savannah, Overall Audience Choice at Heartland International Film Festival, Grand Prize at Banff Mountain Film Festival, and a number of Audience Awards from festivals including Austin, Banff, Crested Butte, and Denver.
Learn more on the film’s website HERE.
Saturday, December 14
ALL DAY | ASPEN HIGHLANDS & BUTTERMILK OPENING DAY
12 - 3pm | TERRAIN PARK BOOT CAMP | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, Snowmass
Presented by Anon
Intimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. This is a free event. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian.
12 - 6pm | HOLIDAY MARKET | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center
Featuring over 20 local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists.
1 - 1:30pm | JAS STREET HORNS | Wagner Park
Don’t miss the JAS Street Horns in action! This exciting new ensemble, led by Basalt Band Director Chance Davis and JAS In-Schools Director Chris Bank, features talented students selected by their school band directors, alongside JAS In-Schools faculty and professional jazz musicians.
The Street Horns bring a unique sound to life using a call-and-response style, layering powerful horn lines over funky drum beats. The result? A lively, memorized arrangement that grooves with energy and soul. Join us for a performance that showcases the skill, passion, and creativity of these rising young musicians, right here in our community.
1:30pm | Special Wintersköl™ Downtown History Tour | Wheeler Opera House
No matter how long you’ve been a local, you’ll learn something new at this special Wintersköl™ twist on the cornerstone walking tour of the historical buildings, sites, and scenes around downtown Aspen, with interesting stories around every corner. This popular tour begins with a history “primer” at the Sister Cities Plaza on Wagner Park (also the site of many a Wintersköl™ celebration) then weaves through the historical downtown core before finishing at the iconic Hotel Jerome. Meet in front of the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave.
$25 adult / $20 seniors and children 18 and under
2-6pm | 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!
3-5pm | 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! FREE to attend and taste.
3:30 - 5:30pm | SNOWMASS S'MORES | Snowmass Village
Presented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for FREE, starting at 3:30pm. Guests can find branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).
When: Beginning at 3:30pm
Where: Guest Services S’mores Carts in Base Village (near Base Camp Bar & Grill) and on the Snowmass Mall (near Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports)
5-7:30pm | 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.
6pm | ST REGIS TREE LIGHTING | St Regis Aspen
Join St. Regis in celebrating the 13th Annual Tree Lighting at The St. Regis Aspen. Welcome the holiday season at The Resort with the illumination of our 30ft festive tree.
We invite you to visit with Santa & Mrs. Clause, marvel at this year's hand-crafted gingerbread house, enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats, and be dazzled by winter ballerinas and other festive entertainment.
6-8pm | OPEN SNOW: Winter Snow Forecasting & Finding Powder Days | The Collective Snowmass
Learn about the nuances of mountain weather forecasts, get tips and tricks for finding the best snow conditions, see all of the features in OpenSnow that you might not know about, and much more. The Collective Snowmass
6pm & 9pm | Warren Miller's 75 | Harris Concert Hall
Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Stacked with unbelievable action and unexpected stories, Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games stars, and emerging talents on the big screen this fall, including snowboarders Shaun White, Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis, and Toby Miller, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont, Caite Zeliff, Mark Abma, and Aaron Blunck. With original segments and unique collaborations, this year’s film will set the tone for the next 75 years of ski and snowboard filmmaking.
Purchase Tickets
7pm | TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS | Aspen Mountain
Watch skiers and snowboarders adorned with torches descend the slopes of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy a dazzling fireworks show over Aspen Mountain to celebrate winter in style.
8:30pm | 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
Sunday, December 15
8:30-10am | UPHILL BREAKFAST CLUB | Cliffhouse, Buttermilk
Presented by Valley Ortho Aspen and ACRA
Elevate your Wintersköl experience with a delicious breakfast, fantastic giveaways, and the unbeatable camaraderie of our uphill community. FREE breakfast will be served at the Cliffhouse to all uphillers.
10:30am - 12pm | APPLE STRUDEL DOWNHILL | Aspen Highlands
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. FREE; No pre-registration necessary.
12 - 3pm | TERRAIN PARK BOOT CAMP | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, Snowmass
Presented by Anon
Intimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. This is a free event. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian.
12 - 6pm | HOLIDAY MARKET | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center
Featuring over 20 local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists.
2 - 5pm | SNOWMASS RETRO PARTY | Viewline Resort Snowmass
An apres-ski celebration of Snowmass’ community character, with a toast to the 57th anniversary of Snowmass Ski Area’s opening day, a retro ski outfit competition, and the awards ceremony for Winter Windows.
4:00pm | HAPPY FEET | Aspen Film ISIS Theatre
PG 2006 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 48m
Presented by Aspen Film
It is the first animated film produced by Kennedy Miller and Animal Logic. Set in the cold land of Antarctica, the film follows Mumble (Wood), an emperor penguin who is able to tap dance brilliantly despite lacking the ability to sing a heartsong to attract a soulmate. Free to Attend | Reservations required - opens Dec 2
4-6pm | 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!
Torchlight Parade at Aspen Mountain | Saturday, December 14
Come join in the Wintersköl fun with a torchlight parade down Aspen Mountain. The event will have a first come, first serve sign-up at base of Nell Chair starting at 6:30pm with the lift uploading from 7:30-7:45pm. 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 8pm. Fireworks to immediately follow once skiers are off the hill.
We strongly suggest that participants wear clothing that can get burn marks from flares.