ASPEN, Colo. — Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, returns for its 37th year from Jan. 12 – 19, 2014, along with presenting sponsor, Bud Light. Comedian Mario Cantone, from Sex in the City, will perform at Belly Up as part of the nightly events throughout the week. Proceeds from the event will benefit Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund, which has promoted tolerance, understanding and diversity through education, community action and service since 1996.
“World-famous Aspen plays host to a week of epic skiing, après-ski events at The Limelight Hotel and exciting nightly events,” remarked Kevin McManamon, co-chair of Aspen Gay Ski Week. “Back for a third year is the ‘mountaintop party,’ accessible only by a moonlit gondola ride up Aspen Mountain, to an elevation of 11,000 feet. On Saturday, we are excited to add ‘All For Love,” a group civil union ceremony, which we hope will be the highest elevation group ceremony in the U.S.—if not the world.”
Each afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, Limelight Hotel is the site for après-ski parties from 3-7 p.m., attracting up to 1,000 daily. Sponsored by Bud Light and Svedka, these events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, heated pool and two hot-tubs.
Friday afternoon, the city of Aspen gathers to view the popular Downhill Costume Competition, hosted by Miss Richfield 1981—seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Today Show. 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. For the opening party at the Hotel Jerome Lobby Bar, guests will enjoy complimentary Bud Light and Svedka drinks.
- Monday: Late Night Party. The retro dance party returns to Escobar, as guests will dance the night away to hits from the 80s and 90s in their “one-piece” ski suits and “day-glo” jackets.
- Tuesday: Film Night Gala. Film Night Gala features I Am Divine, Jeffrey Schwartz’s moving documentary that tells the story of Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead), from his humble beginning as an overweight Baltimore youth to internationally known drag superstar. Late Night Party. Celebrate “Behind the Candelabra” at 39 Degrees, the lounge at Sky Hotel. Enjoy cocktails and DJ music, or opt to hop into the heated pool or hot tub.
- Wednesday: Testosterone Party and Trunk Show. Aspen is home to world-class shopping, Testosterone is no exception, offering men’s apparel, accessories, and even cigars. HRC Benefit. This event will benefit HRC and is hosted by Aspen’s premier private night club, The Caribou Club. Country Dance Party. At Escobar, Aspen’s underground nightclub that resembles an airplane cabin, guests will first enjoy country music, and as the night progresses, house music will take over.
- Thursday: Comedy Night. Known to international audiences as “Anthony” on Sex in the City, celebrated stage actor and stand-up comedian, Mario Cantone headlines at Belly Up. Cantone’s Tony-nominated, one-man show, “Laugh Whore,” took him from Broadway to his own Showtime special this year, and now, he brings his unique brand of humor to Aspen. Thursday Late Night. Hosted by Belly Up, Aspen’s favorite music venue, gay ski week guests will enjoy dancing to the beats of DJ Dan.
- Friday: Moguls of Equality Benefit. Hosted by Chefs Club by Food & Wine, this event will benefit You Can Play. This cocktail style reception will feature gourmet food stations and hosted bars. Red Party. At the top of Aspen Mountain, this dance party returns for its third year—with a “red” theme and sponsored by Bud Light Platinum. Begin the night with a moonlit ride up the gondola, then dance the night away with music from DJ Dylan.
- Saturday: “All For Love,” a group civil union ceremony. Celebrating the passage of civil unions in Colorado, the event is open to all same-sex couples and will be held at 11 a.m. in Wagner Park. A champagne and cake reception will follow the ceremony at The Limelight Hotel; honeymoon packages are available at the hotel. “Gaywatch”: 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,” finished McManamon. “Aspen offers visitors world renowned restaurants, award-winning spas and first class shopping. We broke attendance records in 2013, and we expect to do the same in 2014, helping us to continue to be the premier GLBT winter travel event.”
To learn more about Aspen Gay Ski Week, visit www.gayskiweek.com.
