46th Annual Aspen Gay Ski Week Expands Entertainment and Events Offerings

What began as a discussion of two men dancing to each other in a local Aspen bar circa 1977 has evolved from an annual informal gathering and party to one of the world’s largest and most influential ski weekends during Aspen Gay Ski Week. Transformed into a non-profit LGBTQ+ ski week.

and is 46^th A conservative estimate of 3,500 attendees is expected to descend on the Roaring Folk Valley to enjoy this year’s festivities from January 15th to 22nd.

“Aspen Gay Ski Week is our most popular week of the year,” said Melissa Temple, President of AspenOut. “No one knows how to throw a party like a gay man. The city is fun, the restaurants are buzzing, the mountains are fun, everyone is welcome.”

Six years ago, when Temple was approached to join AspenOUT’s board of directors to steer AGSW, she “didn’t want to take on an organization by bearded men, for bearded men.” was reluctant to do so. Her goal when she accepted the post was to make it more inclusive of “gays, men, women, heterosexuals, etc.”

She credits her team, led by Event Director Kimberly Courier, for expertly executing on that vision and transforming AGSW into a sexy, premium event and brand, saying, “Last year’s event was seamless.” I am looking forward to next week’s festival. .

This year, guests can expect equally well-crafted and popular experiences, including daily après-ski, friendship dinners, Caribou Club benefits and an elevated Top of the Mountain White Party.

“Why is it bigger than ever?” AspenOUT executive director Kevin McManamon said with a laugh. “But seriously, we have really high-level sponsors. We produce high-quality events. Our event is a fundraiser.We are the only non-profit gay ski week.Park City and Mammoth are produced by the same person and Whistler is produced by their Chamber of Commerce. So ours is unique.”

In response to this week’s popularity and increased attendance this year, Kuglia and her team have added a few new events and reworked some of our favorites to ensure we have enough offers for those who want to attend. I made it

What she’s most excited about is the drag queen bingo brunch at The Little Nell.

“This event is a partnership between ACRA (Aspen Chamber Resort Association) and The Little Nell to celebrate the end of Wintersköl™ and the beginning of ski week,” said Kuglia. “We are really excited to be working with the local resort chamber of commerce for the first time. They have been very generous to work with us. This is one of the events not included in the pass, so anyone can participate.”

The event includes a morning meal in The Little Nell’s Grand Salon and the option of Santa Giulia Sparkling Rose, Kettle One Botanicals, Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Bloody Mary. This is another ticketed fundraising event offered by AGSW, The Little Nell and ACRA to benefit his non-profit AspenOUT. Reusable bingo cards can be purchased separately during brunch for $25 cash or card.

Based in San Diego, the self-proclaimed “Insult Comic” is hosted by Ms. Mariam T, a loud, lovely, lewd, and crude drag queen. This will be Mariam’s fourth Gay Ski Week.

“I always tell my friends that Aspen is like being trapped inside a Hallmark card. We’ve become more diverse, we’ve added even more entertainment, and now we have a wide variety of LGBTQ+ people attending our events,” she said.

Mariam T. will also host the first Bingo competition at W Hotels and The Collective in Snowmass Base Village, as well as the 2023 Bud Light Downhill Costume Contest. I am planning to ride a gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for the first time, and I welcome everyone to interact with me.

“Come say hello. Come take a picture. I didn’t wear makeup for two hours so people wouldn’t take pictures. So come see me,” she said. rice field.

Other new events attendees can look forward to include several VIP JP Morgan, private wealth events, appearances by LA-based DJ Kimber Chronic, a special Womxn dinner at 39˚ at W Aspen and , has a dinner with celebrity chef Emily Oyer, featured on Food.of the network Defeat Bobby Flay & also won chopped 420 with Discovery+.

AGSW is one of the best parties of the year, but Melissa Temple wants to remind everyone that the event is a fundraiser that provides vital support to the local LGBTQ+ community..

“We’ve brought a lot of business to this town and worked hard to build this brand for the past six years, so the community loves us, but it’s not just about partying, we’re The funding we raise and the cause we give…that’s what matters,” she said.

For a full list of events and more information, please visit https://gayskiweek.com/.