Around this time of year, oh-so-toasty Miami begins its mandatory “smug bastard” routine as the rest of the country sails headlong into autumn. Thus, I’ll grant you that it might seem a little against-type to highlight a skiing event, but when it is the Aspen Gay Ski Week — AKA “Slopes and Gropes” — the highlighting is well deserved.
Now in its 36th year, this one of the largest, oldest ski event of its kind in the USA and is actually a fundraising event for The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. Set in some of the most breathtaking (and snow-prone) vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the fun runs from January 13 – 20, and is far more than just a party; it’s also a grand tour de force of Aspen’s best slopes, a film festival, a sampling of the town’s culinary scene, costume contests, fashion and art shows, and an intro to other events coming up later in the year.
But let’s be honest: We’re going for the boys, the parties, and maybe, just maybe, the snow.
Much of the week’s action takes place at the Limelight Lodge, long the Ski Week’s traditional venue and HQ. While officials are still ironing out the last of the details, things kick off with no less than three events, the Opening Night Party, a ski-tour of Aspen Mountain, and the start of several daily hot tub parties to ease off the day’s chill…and heat up the night’s possibilities. After that, it’s a non-stop romp on the mountainside and poolside (thankfully enclosed): skiing bonanzas at Highlands and Snowmass, dinners at Aspen’s most glamorous eateries, drag contests, and a must-do “dance gala” at the Hotel Jerome, along with other dance parties with clothing so minimal you’ll forget it is January in the mountains. It all culminates in the Grand Finale Pool Party blow-out at the Aspen Recreation Center (retro-style swimwear suggested).
Keep in mind that you can’t just show up. Passes and tickets are required for just about everything, so while your freestyle skiing acrobatics are truly magnificent to see, forget about trying to tag along on the sly. I bring that up because the Aspen Gay Ski Week is pretty much the winter highpoint of the American gay calendar; hotel rooms and ski passes are snapped up in a hurry, and ticket-takers aren’t particularly known for their sense of humor.
For more information, go to www.gayskiweek.comor contact Steele Luxury Travel for booking assistance at 646-688-2274 or e-mail [email protected].