Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate its 32nd anniversary this week, January 11-18, 2009.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this year’s gay ski week, themed ‘Fire & Ice,’ featuring après ski events, comedy night, and the popular downhill costume competition,” remarked Bryan Gonzales, co-producer of Aspen Gay Ski Week and Executive Director of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. 

The week’s events also include a Prince cover band, “Purple Reign,” a the  SnowBall.  Comedy Night at the Wheeler Opera House showcases top comics Mark Alan Smith, Erin Foley, Scott Kennedy, and Paul Williams—the producer of the show and hilarious emcee of the downhill costume contest.

“Opening in November 2008, the new Limelight Lodge will be the host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week,” said Gonzales.  “The 20 person hot tubs at the Limelight will be the perfect spot for après ski sightings.”

When you think of  a  gay ski weekend, you don't usually think water! Right after the Gay vs. Straight Hockey Game, there is a   very popular pool party!  See if you can make it all the way down the waterslide without spilling a drop of your martini!  Be sure and bring a suit!  Swoosh down the slide or grab a floatie and head down the "lazy river" drinks in hand.  They’ll be a DJ for some musical accompaniment to your time in the hot tub or boards!

 

Event passes and lodging are still available.  Check out the entire schedule and to purchase event passes, lodging, and ski lift tickets. 

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a fundraiser for Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund.  This year, a portion of the proceeds from Gay Ski Week activities, pass sales, and lift ticket purchases will directly benefit the Western Colorado AIDS Project, as well as local schools.

Founded over a decade ago to provide services for the Roaring Fork Valley community, the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) hosts parties, educational forums, and special events, such as Aspen Gay Ski Week. The efforts of this volunteer group of men and women have allowed RFGLCF to become a philanthropic gay and lesbian community.  The organization has provided tens of thousands of dollars to schools and various charities of gay and lesbian interest and elevates Aspen’s reputation as a prominent gay and lesbian travel destination.