December 11, 2013
Aspen Gay Ski Week Celebrates Its 37th Year
EDGE READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation's largest and oldest gay ski event, returns for its 37th year from January 12 to 19, 2014. 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, apr�s-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 apr�s-ski parties from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 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.
On 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.
The Week’s Line-Up
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:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
"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.