Aspen Nordic Bonfire set Feb. 18

ASPEN – The 28th annual Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club Nordic Bonfire Dinner and the inaugural Night of the Norsemen party will take place Feb. 18.

The bonfire dinner – a unique winter outdoor fundraiser featuring a night of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, eating, drinking and socializing – will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Aspen Cross Country Center.

Participants will travel from bonfire to bonfire sampling hot spiced wine, cocoa, appetizers, soups and stews from some of the area’s popular restaurants.

“There is no other night in Aspen quite like this one,” AVSC nordic coach Travis Moore said in a statement. “I’d especially like to invite Aspen’s visitors. I’m sure it will be one of the highlights of your trip. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families from the youngest to the oldest to get out on cross-country skis or snowshoes and socialize. It’s exciting to ski around the tracks by star- and candlelight.”

Tickets for the dinner – available at the Wheeler Box Office, the cross-country ski center, the AVSC clubhouse and http://www.teamavsc.org – are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Children 13 and younger are $10 and $15, and family packages are available for $45 or $50.

The party, which will feature beer, food and live entertainment from Rich Ganson and friends at the Red Mountain Grill, follows from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $75, per event or $80 for both events.

Rental equipment will be available at the cross-country center. All proceeds will support AVSC’s nordic program.