Mountain Mayhem: 48 years of pride

Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW), or simply put as Ski Week, marked 48 years of pride in the mountains from Jan. 12–19. The longest running, annual, LGBTQ+ ski event in the nation, it truly serves as a model to similar ski weeks, from Telluride to Whistler.  

More than a party, AGSW is also the annual fundraising event for AspenOUT, a local nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization focused on anti-bullying and tolerance. It has been producing the event since 1996.

With the theme of inclusivity, AGSW organizes a roster of activities both on and off mountain, from early mornings to late nights, ranging from sober-centric events to parties with open bars.

My highlights of the week were reconnecting with friends from all over the world who traveled to town for the occasion, taking HIIT classes from Barry’s at their posh pop-up at The Little Nell, meeting photographer Tony Kelly at the Kiton store to debut his capsule collection, and watching the annual Downhill Costume Contest hosted by the quick-witted Mariam T from San Diego; she gets cleverer every time she takes the stage. 

Congratulations to Snowmass Tourism for a seventh straight win in the contest, this year paying tribute to Britney in full regalia with three dance routines. Aspen Chamber Resort Association gave them a run for the money with its “Wicked” performance, replete with smoke bombs for the downhill descent. The destination resort pro teams each earned perfect 10s, resulting in a dance-off, won by Snowmass. Montucky Cold Snacks claimed third place with its Western get-up. All three podium finishers donated their winnings back to AspenOUT.

Keep an eye out for the 2026 dates when they’re announced on gayskiweek.com, and be sure to join in next year!