A Gay Ol’ Week

As a young gay boy who spent most my childhood in Arizona and Minnesota, I never truly knew the value of learning to ski. Then I learned about Aspen Ski Week, and have since “mastered” the social sport. While proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund, an organization that has promoted tolerance, understanding, and diversity through education, community action, and service since 1996, I’m not-so-secretly hoping the event will benefit my extended social calendar, too. (Don’t act like you haven’t thought about it.)

As the nation’s oldest and largest gay ski event, last year, AGSW hosted more than 4,000 guests in the legendary mountain town, featuring pristine piste on four mountains, lively après-ski parties, and nightly events — including a Comedy Night with Mario Cantone from “Sex in the City.” You remember him, right? He was the non-balding gay. No offense, Willie Garson.

This year, AGSW is set up for another unforgettable year for all in attendance. Every afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, Limelight Hotel will host après-ski parties from 3 to 7pm. These events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from this year’s sponsors, a hospitality suite, a heated pool, two hot tubs, and are predicted to host nearly 1,000 attendees daily.

On Friday afternoon, the popular annual downhill costume contest, hosted by Miss Richfield 1981 (a Minnesota gal) seen on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Today Show,” draws out the all the Aspen spectators. Throughout the years, contestants such as Madonna, St. Paulie girls, and water skiers, have be seen skiing down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes.

Aspen Gay Ski Week showcases daily events, including (but not limited) the following:

Sunday: Opening Party

At 9pm, ski-week revelers enjoy an opening cocktail reception, followed by a late night party at Bootsy Bellow’s.

Monday: Late Night Party

The popular subterranean late-night club, Escobar, will host a party complete with go-go dancers and bottle service tables.

Tuesday: Film Night Gala

Hosted by the historic Wheeler Opera House, Film Night Gala will screen the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Wednesday: Fashion & Art Night Out

Aspen is home to world-class shopping and a plethora of stores will keep their doors open late, including Panerai, Testosterone, Peter Lik, Gucci, Salon Myo, and Elliott Yeary Gallery.

Caribou & Cowboys

The Caribou Club will host Wednesday’s party in western style — all to benefit the Matthew
Shepard Foundation.

Thursday: Masquerade

Channel your inner Phantom of the Opera or whatever other mask you can find at the Sky Hotel for a night of intrigue and mystery. The event will be held on two levels with DJs, go-go dancers, and more.

Friday: Comedy Night

On Friday, Belly Up hosts “LEZBERADOS,” a fierce and funny comedy show featuring Sandra Valls and her ridiculous “sister from a different mister,” LOGO’s Mimi Gonzalez.

Ultraviolet Dance Party

Pack some extra glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark undies for Friday’s Ultraviolet Dance Party, the glow-in-the-dark neon extravaganza at Belly Up with DJ-driven beats.

Saturday: Pool & Dance Party

Bust out your itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini because Aspen Recreation Center will once again host the infamous pool party, featuring DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river, and open bars.

Whether you plan using AGSW to lose your ski-ginity, your inhibitions, or even just your clothes for a few nights, AGSW is an experience like none other. And just like Pride weekend, we won’t judge you when the dust settles — just be safe and smart because what happens in Aspen might not always stay in Aspen.