Mountain Mayhem: Give + Take

As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve culled together a handful of ways to give to yourself or your loved ones and take time to enjoy the finer things in life, from health and wellness to wining and dining to skiing and adventuring to music and the arts.

Food & Wine Classic Passes

Registration is now open for the 43rd annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen from June 19-21, 2026. Described as “the most iconic food festival in the world,” those in the know can attest that this is true! Presented by American Express and Resy, the three-day weekend offers immersive experiences such as cooking demonstrations, wine and cocktail seminars, five Grand Tastings, and extravagant gatherings.

The 2026 lineup includes Maneet Chauhan, Tiffany Derry, Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, Stephanie Izard, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Chris Shepherd, Brooke Williamson, Claudette Zepeda, and Andrew Zimmern leading cooking demonstrations and discussions, while wine and beverage experts Andy Chabot, Arjav Ezekiel, Anthony Giglio, Ray Isle, Victoria James, Carlin Karr, Wanda Mann, Amanda McCrossin, Mark Oldman, Femi Oyediran, June Rodil, Bobby Stuckey, and Miles White will guide wine and cocktail seminars.

As part of the Food & Wine Gives philanthropic initiative, which supports outstanding charitable partners in the community and culinary industry, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen will make a donation to Southern Smoke Foundation, a national emergency relief fund providing crisis support and mental health resources to food and beverage industry workers, and No Kid Hungry, the only national campaign committed to ending childhood hunger in the U.S.

To secure your tickets before they sell out, visit classic.foodandwine.com.

Aspen Ideas: Health 

As a way to fulfill your health and wellness goals in 2026, Aspen Ideas: Health from June 22-25 at The Aspen Institute explores the macro ideas shaping the future of health, medicine, and science — and brings together the brilliant thinkers who are leading the way. Attendees are treated to 60+ sessions as well as interactive wellness activities, like yoga, nature hikes, and cultural offerings.

The 2026 programming is designed around seven key themes that reflect some of the most significant and intersectional issues in health. Registration is open and speakers will be announced in spring 2026. Register by Dec. 31 to save $500 on your 2026 Aspen Ideas: Health pass. Prices will increase on Jan. 1, so do not miss out on this special rate. No code needed; discount reflected on the registration site – register.aspenideas.org/event/IDEAS2026/home.

AVSC Ajax Cup 

Founded in 1937, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) is the Roaring Fork Valley’s oldest and largest youth non-profit. Its biggest fundraiser of the year is the Audi Ajax Cup, cemented on the calendar every Dec. 30, bringing in more than $1 million annually with an alpine downhill GS race on Aspen Mountain and the new Rubirosa restaurant at Residences at The Little Nell and an après-ski party at The St. Regis Aspen.

AVSC deeply values access to winter sports for youth in subsidizing nearly 50% of every program and offering over $800,000 in direct financial aid to youth participant families across the spectrum of recreational and competitive programs. This wouldn’t be possible without the funds raised via the Audi Ajax Cup. This year, AVSC worked hard to make it as community accessible as possible with several tiers of tickets available to purchase. There’s something for everyone — children’s-only race tickets, race-only tickets, après party-only tickets, combo tickets, VIP tickets, and VIP yurts. teamavsc.org/Ajax-Cup-Tickets.

Buckhorn Public Arts Membership 

Founded in 2023, Buckhorn Public Arts believes in the transformative power of art — how it can shape our environment, spark conversations, and bring people together. Committed to enriching the community by facilitating the realization of public art projects, their initiatives aim to deepen the collective connection to our surroundings, whether through personal interactions, cultural experiences, or environmental awareness. This winter, they are collaborating with the Wheeler Opera House for three cultural activations across Aspen. Together, these events reflect Buckhorn Public Arts’ commitment to public access, creative expression, and community-centered cultural experiences.

Become a member of Buckhorn Public Arts, which includes access to Buckhorn Social Club events, limited-edition merchandise, and partner perks. Membership is the organization’s primary fundraising model and helps sustain installations, programs, and artist-driven initiatives throughout the year. Details are available at buckhornpublicarts.org/membership.

Lake Hour Canned Cocktails + Wyatt Russell

Aspen just got a new après-ski essential: Lake Hour, the award-winning, canned, cocktail brand co-founded by actor and Carbondale local Wyatt Russell (son to actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, longtime Old Snowmass residents and Aspen enthusiasts) and film producer Richard Peete, officially launched in the area last weekend. The Aspen launch marks Lake Hour’s first entry into Colorado, timed to coincide with the NHL Alumni Outdoor Classic, merging Wyatt’s interests in hockey as a former professional goalie, Colorado, and the great outdoors as a local resident, and giving back ($1 per case sold through December will be donated to the Colorado Extreme Hockey Association, dedicated to nurturing the talents of young boys and girls in the Roaring Fork mid-valley).

The brand’s portfolio includes unique and retro-inspired takes on vodka and tequila spiked seltzers and vodka iced teas in flavors like Honeysuckle Ginger, Peach Jasmine, Rosemary yYuzu, Earl Grey, and more, bringing the brand’s signature laid-back, lakeside vibe to the Rockies. It’s currently available at Belly Up Aspen and Silver City Aspen, as well as Sopris Liquors.

Cheers to the New Year!