Aspen Gay Ski Week Gets Intimate For 2021

AspenOUT has unveiled its scaled down plan for Aspen Gay Ski Week, the oldest annual gay ski event in the nation, for its 44^th year (January 17- 24, 2021).

The event will go forward with these changes and restrictions: 

• Après Ski: The Limelight will host nightly après ski meet-ups with limited capacity, and guests must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Reservations are suggested to guarantee a table. 
• Virtual Opening Party (Sunday, January 17): Live from Provincetown, Mass., Jon Richardson presents a virtual piano bar for audiences in Aspen and around the globe
• Virtual Movie Night (Tuesday, January 19): Partnering with Aspen Film Fest, AGSW presents a virtual night at the cinema.
• Drag Queen Bingo (Thursday, January 21): Featuring Mariam T, San Diego’s crankiest drag queen, this virtual bingo event will have participants from all over in stitches

• Virtual Downhill Rainbow Reveal and Fundraiser (Friday, January 22): Each year, our giant rainbow flag is held by skiers as they descend Aspen Mountain. Hosted by Sister Helen Holy (above left in 2020), this event will be filmed on Wednesday of Aspen Gay Ski Week and presented on Friday. The rainbow flag, which will be updated with Transgender and BLM colors, will make its way down the slope, as heartwarming stories of past AspenOUT benefactors are featured. This will be a special opportunity for viewers to donate to our organization that in turn, benefits many LGBT organizations.
• The opening reception, Belly Up events, Downhill Competition, Top of the Mountain Party, and Pool Party will not be held in 2021 – with plans to come back even better for 2022.

Kevin McManamon, Executive Director of AspenOUT, which produces the event said in a press statement,  “This decision has not come without much thought and consideration, but the safety of our patrons and team members is of utmost importance.”

Aspen Gay Ski Week started out as small groups of friends gathered every year for skiing, McManamon noted. "We are returning to our roots as a more intimate ski week and welcome those who desire socially distanced activities, like skiing, in the great outdoors of Colorado.”

He added that this year's virtual events will allow even those stuck at home to participate. “We realize that the comfort level of traveling during this time is a personal decision, and we would like to offer those who are inclined to do so the opportunity to enjoy the perks of being an Aspen Gay Ski Week participant.” commented McManamon.

For those attending in person, The Limelight Hotel (above), which is hosting the event, offers luxurious accommodations in the heart of Aspen. Take advantage of Aspen Gay Ski Week’s discounted lift tickets and rental packages on the four mountains of Aspen by booking through AspenOUT's site. 

Aspen Gay Ski Week serves as AspenOUT’s annual fundraiser, generates the funds to grant local, regional, and national organizations each year. 

Visitors should verify that they meet current travel requirements. According to the Coloradoan, "Overnight visitors to Aspen and the surrounding area, including its four ski mountains, are required to receive a negative COVID-19 result from a test administered within 72 hours of arrival and have been symptom-free for 10 days prior to travel or quarantine for 10 days."

Stay up-to-date on Aspen Gay Ski Week and travel changes to the Aspen Snowmass area here.