Aspen Mountain opens on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. The weekend when the town's winter really starts comes about two weeks later. That's when Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk open, so all four mountains are spinning at once. It's also when Wintersköl turns 75 and Aspen Snowmass celebrates its 80th season.
Those three milestones share Dec. 10 through Dec. 14, and the calendar has a clear pattern. On the mountains, the parties run 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. In town, things build toward Wagner Park and keep going after dark. A good plan for the weekend follows that schedule: ski early, come down by mid-afternoon, and be at the base of Aspen Mountain when the lights come on.
Three Anniversaries on One Weekend
Wintersköl began in 1951 as Aspen's "toast to winter." The Aspen Chamber Resort Association is calling this year's milestone season the 75th annual Wintersköl, Aspen Snowmass's 80th anniversary and Colorado's 150th, all at once. Each anniversary added something to the weekend that a normal year wouldn't have.
- Colorado's 150th brings the drone show.
- Aspen Snowmass's 80th brings $80 lift tickets on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, good at all four mountains. It also brings an après party on some mountain every day from Friday through Monday.
- Wintersköl's 75th keeps its usual lineup: the beer festival, Soupsköl, the bonfire, the torchlight descent and fireworks over Aspen Mountain.
The community helped shape this year too. In September, The Aspen Times reported that ACRA Senior Director of Events Julie Hardman called the slogan contest a "chance to help shape the spirit of the festival." She said the winning slogan would appear at the 75th celebration and its author would receive Food & Wine Classic passes.
Thursday and Friday Have the New Events
Saturday draws the crowds, but the newest additions come earlier.
On Thursday, Dec. 10, the Wheeler Opera House screens Aspen Extreme at 7:30 p.m. The 1993 movie was filmed in Aspen and follows two ski instructors training for the town's Powder 8 competition. Admission is free, you need to RSVP, and retro ski outfits are encouraged.
On Friday, Dec. 11, the day starts with KIDSCULPT on the Mill Street Mall from 9 a.m. to noon. Local school teams carve snow sculptures in a program presented by Anderson Ranch Arts Center. In the afternoon, there's a lot to choose from:
- Hotel Jerome courtyard rink: It opens 4 to 6 p.m. Friday. After that, it's open daily from 2 to 4 p.m. this winter, ice conditions permitting.
- Aspen Art Museum: A new exhibition by Koo Jeong A opens Dec. 11 and runs through April 4, 2027. It includes sculpture, painting, film, animation, sound and scent.
- Wagner Park, 5 to 7 p.m.: Cam Williams & Friends play funk, rock and soul. Williams co-founded Jes Grew and Tishamingo, and he'll be joined by Rob Dasaro, Steven Vidamour and Toby Britt. It's free.
At 7 p.m., the drone show starts over Wagner Park. It's part of Stories in the Sky, a series of nearly 150 community drone shows run by the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission since September 2025. The series wraps up in December 2026, so Aspen's show is one of the last.
Saturday Is Overbooked on Purpose
On Saturday, Dec. 12, Highlands and Buttermilk open, the $80 tickets take effect, and the biggest Wintersköl events all happen in Wagner Park. Several events overlap, so you'll have to choose.
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| All day | Highlands and Buttermilk opening day | On mountain |
| 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | The Gant Winter Market | The Gant Aspen |
| Noon – 1 p.m. | Canine Fashion Show | Wagner Park |
| 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | 80th anniversary après parties | Merry-Go-Round at Highlands; Sundeck on Aspen Mountain |
| 1:30 – 2 p.m. | JAS Street Horns | Wagner Park |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Wintersköl Beer Festival | Wagner Park |
| 3 – 5 p.m. | Soupsköl | Wagner Park |
| 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Bonfire | Wagner Park |
| 7 p.m. | Torchlight parade and fireworks | Aspen Mountain, best seen from Wagner Park |
The biggest conflict is in the middle of the day. If you want to make opening day at Highlands, you'll be on the mountain when the Canine Fashion Show starts at noon. That show is back in Wagner Park for the first time since 2019. It's hosted and produced by Rubey Rescue Run, the group behind the fall 5.6K that local advocate Meaghan Rubey founded. Registration runs from noon to 12:30. The categories include Owner/Dog Look Alike, Most Glam, Old School Aspen and Best Trick.
The Gant Winter Market is open longer, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It features artisans from the Roaring Fork and Crystal valleys, including jewelry designers, shoemakers, photographers and soapmakers. This market matters more than usual this year. This is The Gant's last winter before the property temporarily closes on March 29, 2027, for a renovation of the whole property. Soupsköl costs nothing to attend or taste. Restaurants from around the Roaring Fork Valley compete for the Soupsköl soup pot trophy, and the public votes.
One sequence works well. Ski the Highlands opening in the morning and catch the Merry-Go-Round party starting at 12:30. Get back to town in time for Soupsköl at 3. Then stay in Wagner Park until the torchlight run. The skiers in the parade are young athletes from the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club and other regional clubs. The public can't ski in the parade, but anyone can watch for free.
For a late night, the Wheeler has comedian ISMO at 8 p.m., and Belly Up Aspen has Opiuo at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Has the Slower Traditions
Sunday, Dec. 13, makes up for the rush. Buttermilk opened Saturday, but its opening-day party is on Sunday afternoon.
- 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Uphill Breakfast Club at the Cliffhouse, top of Buttermilk. ValleyOrtho and ACRA present it, and it's open to every uphiller. Breakfast is free while supplies last. This is the first uphill breakfast of the season. The weekly Friday series starts Jan. 15.
- 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Buttermilk Mountain Lodge. A full band plays on the Backyard patio for the 80th celebration and Buttermilk's opening. Sundeck on Aspen Mountain has a second round of DJs at the same time.
- 4 – 6 p.m., Pup Portraits at Limelight Aspen. Free portraits for dogs during a "Yappy Hour."
- 5 – 7 p.m., The Little Nell tree lighting. The ceremony is at 5:30 p.m. in the Wine Bar and Courtyard. The Aspen Animal Shelter will be there, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus and performances by DanceAspen.
Uphillers heading to the breakfast should know the rules. Aspen Snowmass says uphill passes are required for 2026-27. They cost $74 and are free for Premier Pass holders. You need to wear an uphill strap on all four mountains from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 18, 2027. Aspen Snowmass posts temporary uphill closures in its app, so check it before you set out.
Monday at Sundeck, and Getting Tickets
The anniversary goes one day past Wintersköl. On Monday, Dec. 14, the main 80th birthday party takes over Sundeck from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Expect vintage ski outfits, birthday cake, and food and drink specials. The $3.75 tickets for that day, priced at the 1946 rate, are already sold out.
The $80 tickets for Dec. 12 and 13 are still listed on Aspen Snowmass's anniversary page. They're limited, they may sell out, and you can't get a refund or transfer them. You can buy a one-day ticket or a two-day ticket covering both dates. The Aspen Times reported that the discounted tickets were capped to match on-mountain capacity. Pass holders don't need these tickets. They'll still be in the opening-day lift lines with everyone who bought one.
The full Wintersköl schedule still lists a few events as "details coming soon." That includes a Saturday bonspiel at the Aspen Ice Garden and a special movie Friday night at Aspen Film's Isis Theatre. Every outdoor event is subject to weather and snow conditions.
If you're hosting guests or setting up a rental for the weekend that Wintersköl turns 75 and all four mountains open, Brittanie Rockhill can help you plan the stay around the calendar. Schedule a confidential consultation.
