Aspen Gay Ski Week 2026

The sexiest gay ski week in the most exclusive ski resort! Aspen 2026

Nestled in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley of central Colorado, Aspen Snowmass offers four mountains of terrain and two incredible mountain towns. With a thriving arts-and-culture scene, dining to die for, irresistible shopping and nightlife, and easy air connections via Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, the resort continues to be a popular hot spot for LGBTQ travelers.

• Aspen offer world-class accommodation, at a price! Reserve as early as possible to secure the best deal, especially in the Downtown District. Stay at the host hotel, The Limelight Hotel Snowmass, rated “Superb” by guests with spacious suites, high-end amenities and superb staff.

Aspen Ski Week 2026

• Next Edition: Monday 11th January, 2026 – Monday 19th Jaunary, 2026.
• When it comes to gay ski weeks, Aspen Gay Ski Week is at the top of the list. Aspen is one of the most luxurious ski resorts in America, attracting thousands of visitors year after year from across the globe.
• The Gay Ski Week event is firmly on the gay circuit calendar and is one of the first big gay parties of the year! And what a way to begin!
• Gay Ski Week in Aspen, sponsored by the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), consists of a wide range of activities, including apres ski parties and cocktail receptions at a number of great bars and restaurants around town.
• Stay right in the centre of Aspen at the Aspen Square Condo Hotel, rated “Fabulous” by guests, offering you everything you need for the perfect ski trip, featuring high-end amenities, spacious suites and a perfect location.

Where to stay in Aspen

• There are over 150 different hotels and places to stay in Aspen, however they all book up well in advance, so book your stay early.
• Stay in Downtown Aspen. It’s easily walkable and close to all the best restaurants and attractions as well as the Snowmass ski lift. For a lift to and from Aspen Airport, or around town, both private and public shuttles are available from most hotels.
• For a “Ski to Door” hotel experience, stay at the stunning “Little Nell” hotel, a luxury property with exceptional service, sublime restaurants and home to the best apre-ski spots in the resort.

Getting to Aspen

• The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles drive from the resort.
• While it is possible to fly directly to Aspen from your destination of origin, most travelers chose to fly into Denver, which offers many more flight options at more affordable prices, and then either drive or take a bus or shuttle service. From Denver, it is about a 3-hour-and-45-minute drive to Aspen.

Dining out & Drinking in Aspen

Don’t even attempt a walk-in to any restaurant during the peak season. Reserve well in advance.

• Make sure you visit our favorite gay-friendly nightspots, such as the J-Bar at the the wonderfully historic Hotel Jerome, the chic Kenichi sushi restaurant, and 39 Degrees at W Aspen.
• Enjoy delicious dining experiences at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro at Snowmass and Prospect Restaurant, again at the Jerome. At Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro on Aspen Highlands, they usually start popping the corks around 1pm.
• Located at the base of Aspen Mountain at The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern is where slope-time eases into happy hour (and then late nights) everyday. Famous for their truffle fries and excellent wine list.
• As if The Little Nell hadn’t done enough to burnish Aspen’s après ski reputation with the Ajax Tavern, it also offers The Wine Bar (formerly Chair 9), a great spot for unwinding and enjoying a sterling selection of wines.

Apres Ski

• Daily – Some of the events you can look forward to include; Lunches on the mountain, Après ski hot tub parties, friendship dinners, Boutique night, Demented Divas, the Downhill Costume parade and a weekend pool party!
• Aspen has some great restaurants, fantastic clubs and bars; everything you need to keep you entertained into the small hours of the morning.
• The official après ski daily party gets wet and hot every day from 2.30-5 pm at Wayan.

Aspen Ski Pride Parade

• Friday 16th January, 2026 – 12-3 PM at Foot of Aspen Mountain. A fun contest judged by a panel of personalities.

The Limelight Lounge Parties

• Daily, 8-11 AM & 3-6 PM,  – Early in the morning or as skiing winds down and the slopes get cold, slip into something more comfortable and head over to the Limelight to have drinks and snacks with friends.
• Bring your swimsuit, changing rooms and towels are available for all attendees. This is hands down the only place to be after the slopes close.
• Aspen Gay Ski Week Parties feature guest DJ’s, daily sponsor parties, free swag and specials with the lowest price drinks in town. See you by the fireplace or the hot-tub!

Brunch, Dinners and Bingo

• Sunday 11th January 2026 – Bingo brunch with Mariam T at The Little Nell – 11am-1pm, The Little Nell Hotel.
• Sunday 11th January 2026 – Snowmass Drag Queen Bingo with Kendra Matic and DJ Romy Ancona – 12.30pm-2.30pm, The Collective Snowmass.
• Tuesday 13th January 2026 – Late-night Drag Queen Bingo with Mariam T – 9.30pm-11.45pm, Madame Ushi.
• Saturday 17th January 2026 – An Après Affair VIP fundraising dinner – 7pm-9.30pm, Catch Steak Aspen.
• Sunday 18th January 2026 – Let’s Get Wild Drag Brunch with Mariam T and queens – 12.30pm-2.30pm, The Collective Snowmass.

Aspen Gay Ski Week Pool Party

• Saturday 17th January 2026 – Saturday Pool Party presented by Spooge, 8:30 PM – What do you get when you put 750 people, a DJ, Bud Light, food, drinks, two pools, water slide, fountains, lazy river and steam rooms….well, you will just have to find out.
• Don’t miss the grande finale of Aspen Gay Ski Week at the pool, at Aspen Recreation Center.

Circuit Nights, Dance Parties and late night fun

• Sunday 11th January 2026 – Opening Cocktail Reception, first big social mixer of the week – 9pm-12am, Hidalgo at W Aspen.
• Monday 12th January 2026 – Late Night Dancing, local-favorite DJ night with a lively crowd – 9pm-12.30am, Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge.
• Wednesday 14th January 2026 – Early Evening Dance, cocktails, DJ and a stylish crowd in an art setting – 6pm-8.30pm, Aspen Art Museum.
• Wednesday 14th January 2026 – Benefit for AspenOUT, big midweek party inside Aspen’s iconic private club – 9.30pm-1.00am, Caribou Club.
• Thursday 15th January 2026 – Shiny Disco Balls, major Thursday night dance party that kicks off the late-week club energy – 9pm-1.30am, Belly Up Aspen.
• Friday 16th January 2026 – Wild: Top of the Mountain Party, huge high-altitude dance event at 11,000 feet – 8pm-12.30am, Sundeck Restaurant (Top of Aspen Mountain).
• Friday 16th January 2026 – Friday Night Dance Party, late-night club session right in town – 9.30pm-12.30am, Hidalgo at W Aspen.

The Passes

• Mountain Du Jour Skiing: Daily, 10 AM – 3 PM, meet ski ambassadors at the mountain base, identifiable by rainbow flags.
• There are two types of passes a patron pass and the black diamond pass. Although you don’t have to buy a pass, if you intend to attend most of the events it will work out a lot cheaper and a lot less hassle. Passes get you into all Gay Ski Week events.

The Skiing

• Aspen is blessed with several different places to ski, from Aspen Mountain to Snowmass, the Highlands and Buttermilk. The Aspen Snowmass website has reviews for each location.
• We recommend you purchase your ski pass well in advance, so you can avail of the best discounts. A single day pass is between USD 150 and USD 180. Discounts are available for multi-day passes.

Popular Aspen Venues during Ski Week

• Limelight Hotel Aspen – Central AGSW hub with hospitality suite and daily après.
• The Little Nell – Luxury base of Aspen Mountain hosting brunches, Element 47, and The Wine Bar.
• The Collective Snowmass – Snowmass community venue for bingo, drag brunch, and talks.
• W Aspen – 39 Degrees & Hidalgo – Design-forward hotel with 39 Degrees lounge and Hidalgo party space.
• Wayan Aspen – Indonesian-inspired restaurant that doubles as a social AGSW meeting spot.
• Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge Aspen – Whiskey-focused lodge used for dinners and late-night dancing.
• West End Social – Restaurant at Aspen Meadows Resort with big mountain views and shared-table dinners.
• Madame Ushi – High-end Japanese supper club that flips into a late-night club space.
• Aspen Art Museum – Contemporary art space hosting cocktails and early-evening dance sessions.
• Hotel Jerome – Historic hotel where Theatre Aspen hosts headline concerts.
• Caribou Club – Iconic private club opening its doors for the AspenOUT benefit.
• Element 47 – Fine-dining room in The Little Nell used for the Thursday friendship dinner.
• Belly Up Aspen – Intimate live-music club hosting the Shiny Disco Balls dance party.
• TACAW – Arts venue in Basalt for live music and community shows.
• Parc Aspen – Downtown restaurant with modern mountain dining for the Friday dinner.
• Kenichi Aspen – Stylish sushi spot and host of the Saturday friendship dinner.
• Aspen Recreation Center – Indoor pool and leisure center that turns into the late-night pool party venue.
• Aspen Snowmass Mountains – Shared account for Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk, covering the Mountain du Jour days.
• The Wine Bar at The Little Nell – Cozy lounge-style après spot in The Little Nell.

Five key signature events not to miss

• Opening Cocktail Reception at Hidalgo on Sunday 11th – the main social kick-off for passes and first big meet-up.
• Downhill Costume Contest at the foot of Aspen Mountain on Friday 16th – classic AGSW spectacle with Mariam T on hosting duties.
• Shiny Disco Balls at Belly Up on Thursday 15th – first major late-night dance party in town.
• Wild – Top of the Mountain Party at Sundeck on Friday 16th – huge high-altitude dance event at the summit.
• Saturday Pool Party presented by Spooge at Aspen Recreation Center on Saturday 17th – the legendary finale with indoor pools and a full AGSW crowd.

Full Aspen Ski Week Program 2026

Time	Event & description	Venue
Sunday 11th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Drop in for info, programs, and swag, open morning and late afternoon.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Aspen – Ski meet-up with ambassadors at the base, look for rainbow flags.	Aspen Mountain
11:00am-1:00pm	Bingo Brunch with Mariam T – Drag bingo brunch with views and a full brunch menu.	The Little Nell Hotel, 675 E Durant Ave
12:30pm-2:30pm	Snowmass Drag Queen Bingo – High-energy bingo hosted by Queen Kendra Matic with DJ Romy Ancona.	The Collective Snowmass, 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Daily après with the AGSW crowd, no cover, great spot to meet people.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
6:00pm-9:00pm	Sunday Night Friendship Dinner – Shared tables and easy conversation over dinner.	39 Degrees, W Aspen, 550 S Spring St
9:00pm-12:00am	Opening Cocktail Reception – Official welcome party for pass holders, cocktails and social mix.	Hidalgo, W Aspen, 550 S Spring St
Monday 12th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Info desk, merch, and daily help with passes and plans.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Highlands – Guided meet-up on Highlands terrain with AGSW ambassadors.	Aspen Highlands
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Daily AGSW hangout with music and drinks after the slopes.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
4:00pm-7:00pm	Happy Hour Lounge with DJ – Cocktails and a relaxed crowd at one of Aspen’s newer hot spots.	Wayan Aspen, 614 E Cooper Ave
5:00pm-9:00pm	Monday Night Friendship Dinner – Group dinner with plenty of time to mingle.	Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge, 307 S Mill St
9:00pm-12:30am	Late Night Dancing – Local-favorite party with strong community turnout.	Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge, 307 S Mill St
Tuesday 13th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Daily hub for questions, info, and meeting points.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Snowmass – Hosted ski day on Snowmass Mountain with AGSW guides.	Snowmass Mountain
3:00pm-7:00pm	Jeff’s Onesie Après Ski Party – Onesie dress code, full AGSW après vibe, no cover.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
6:00pm-9:00pm	Tuesday Night Friendship Dinner – Social dinner at a new Aspen dining room with big views.	West End Social, 845 Meadows Road
7:00pm-8:00pm	Threads of Pride – Storytelling event highlighting resilience and queer journeys.	The Collective Snowmass, 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village
7:30pm-9:30pm	Theatre Aspen Presents Shoshana Bean – Broadway star in concert for AGSW.	Hotel Jerome, 330 E Main St
9:30pm-11:45pm	Drag Queen Bingo with Mariam T – Late-night bingo with big personality and prizes.	Madame Ushi, 415 E Hyman Ave
Wednesday 14th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Daily base for info, tickets, and meet-ups.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Aspen – Hosted laps and social skiing on Aspen Mountain.	Aspen Mountain
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Main après session with AGSW guests and DJs.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
6:00pm-8:30pm	Wednesday Night Friendship Dinner – Communal dinner with hosted tables.	Madame Ushi, 415 E Hyman Ave
6:00pm-8:30pm	Early Evening Dance – Cocktails, DJ Autumn Leilani, and art-filled setting.	Aspen Art Museum, 637 E Hyman Ave
6:00pm-9:00pm	Womxn Friendship Dinner – Gathering for women and non-binary guests over dinner.	Wayan Aspen, 614 E Cooper Ave
7:30pm-9:30pm	Laugh Out Proud – Snowmass comedy night hosted by Mariam T.	The Collective Snowmass, 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village
7:30pm-9:30pm	Theatre Aspen Presents Shoshana Bean – Second night of the Broadway concert.	Hotel Jerome, 330 E Main St
9:30pm-1:00am	Benefit for AspenOUT – Caribou Club fundraiser with dancing in Aspen’s legendary private club.	Caribou Club, 411 E Hopkins Ave
Thursday 15th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Daily hub for information, tickets, and support.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
11:00am-2:00pm	Hike Highlands Bowl (Experts) – Guided hike and advanced descent with big views.	Highlands Bowl, Aspen Highlands
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Daily AGSW après with no cover.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
5:30pm-7:30pm	Womxn’s Cocktail Party – Focused social mixer for womxn guests.	Hidalgo, W Aspen, 550 S Spring St
6:00pm-10:00pm	Friendship Dinner – Thursday edition at a Michelin Guide favorite.	Element 47, The Little Nell, 675 E Durant Ave
7:30pm-9:30pm	Diana: The Untold & Untrue Story – Award-winning drag theatre take on Princess Diana.	Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave
9:00pm-1:30am	Shiny Disco Balls – Big Thursday night dance party to kick off the late-week clubbing.	Belly Up, 450 S Galena St
Friday 16th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Daily hangout and information point.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Aspen – Hosted ski day with AGSW ambassadors on Aspen Mountain.	Aspen Mountain
12:00pm-3:00pm	Downhill Costume Contest – Iconic on-mountain costume competition hosted by Mariam T.	Foot of Aspen Mountain, Gondola Plaza, 611 E Durant Ave
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Main daily après session.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
4:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski at The Wine Bar – Extra après option with a more upscale wine bar feel.	The Wine Bar, The Little Nell, 675 E Durant Ave
6:00pm-9:00pm	Friday Night Friendship Dinner – Social dinner in downtown Aspen.	Parc, 620 E Hyman Ave
7:30pm-9:30pm	Gwyneth Goes Skiing – Comic theatre retelling of the famous ski trial.	Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave
8:00pm-10:00pm	Adam Mac and Chris Housman – Queer country concert night.	TACAW, 400 Robinson St, Basalt
8:00pm-12:30am	Wild – Top of the Mountain Party – Big Friday dance party at 11,000 feet.	Sundeck Restaurant, Top of Aspen Mountain
9:30pm-12:30am	Friday Night Dance Party – Late-night club night in town.	Hidalgo, W Aspen, 550 S Spring St
Saturday 17th January 2026
8:00am-7:00pm	Hospitality Suite – Final weekend base for info and support.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Snowmass – Hosted laps and social skiing on Snowmass.	Snowmass Mountain
3:00pm-7:00pm	Après Ski – Daily après session.	Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St
6:00pm-10:00pm	Saturday Friendship Dinner – Busy final-weekend dinner at a local favorite.	Kenichi, 533 E Hopkins Ave
7:00pm-9:30pm	An Après Affair – VIP dinner with AspenOUT, focusing on the charity’s future plans.	Catch Steak Aspen
8:30pm-1:00am	Saturday Pool Party presented by Spooge – Legendary finale with pools, lockers, and transport options.	Aspen Recreation Center, 0861 Maroon Creek Rd
Sunday 18th January 2026
10:00am-3:00pm	Mountain du Jour: Buttermilk – Final ski day on beginner-friendly Buttermilk.	Buttermilk Mountain
12:30pm-2:30pm	Let’s Get Wild Drag Brunch – High-energy drag brunch takeover hosted by Mariam T and friends.	The Collective Snowmass, 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village

Where to stay during Aspen Gay Ski Week

The following hotels are close to all the parties, ski lifts and attractions:

Limelight Hotel,  Molly Gibson Lodge,  St Moritz Lodge,  Hotel Jerome.