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Wintersköl

Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates back to 1951 when locals chose to commemorate Aspen's distinctive mountain way of life with a diverse weekend of events. Mark your calendars for December 11 through 14, 2025.

Wintersköl | December 11-14, 2025 | Around town and on mountain | Free and Ticketed Events

Since 1951, Aspen has welcomed winter with the rich tradition of Wintersköl—a four-day celebration of snow, community, and mountain life. This year, December 11–14, guests can enjoy torchlight descents on Aspen Mountain, live music in Wanger Park, SoupSköl™, bonfires, fireworks, and snow sculptures. The festival spans all four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—offering early-season skiing for every level. Premier Passholders now have an extra four $75 lift ticket vouchers to share with friends and family. Or, enjoy $98 lift tickets when you book lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass. Visitors can expect a mix of festive energy, local tradition, and stoke from first chair to après. Wintersköl is the perfect way to start the season, connect with the community, and experience winter the Aspen way.

Visit Wintersköl website

Schedule of Events

Thursday, December 11

All Day | Winter Windows | Snowmass Village

Roaring Fork Valley artists and designers are paired with businesses on the Snowmass Mall and in Base Village to create custom window displays, with 2D and 3D installations that celebrate the winter season and the character of Snowmass.

3:30 - 5:30pm | Wintersköl Icebreaker Bash | JAS Center Aspen

Join us for the Icebreaker Bash, the official opening event of Wintersköl! It's a celebration of everything that makes Aspen special – our people, our authentic spirit, and the beginning of another epic winter! Ticketing info coming soon.

3:30pm | Snowmass S'mores | Snowmass Mall & Base Village

Presented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for free! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).

  • When: 3:30 - 4:30pm
  • Where: S’mores Carts in Base Village (near Base Camp Bar & Grill) and on the Snowmass Mall (near Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports)

6:00pm & 7:30pm | Retro Ski Films (6pm) & Aspen Extreme Movie 1993 (7:30pm) | Wheeler Opera House

Kick off the Wintersköl weekend with the opening night of Aspen Historical Society’s winter retro film series! Featuring a wide range of vintage films from the Aspen Historical Society Collection, the series will open with a Wintersköl twist to bring retro skiing and Aspen’s hot doggin’ past to life on the big screen! Free Admission!


9:00pm | Paul Cauthen |Belly Up Aspen

Discover the soulful sound of Paul Cauthen, the east Texas-born singer-songwriter known for the blending Americana, country, and indie folk rock into a sound all his own. His music captures the spirit of the American heartland while pushing boundaries with modern twists--perfect for fans of authentic, heartfelt songwriting. Tickets required.

10:00pm | Aspen Extreme Costume Contest | ZIGZAG Aspen

Après Like It’s 1993! Get rad, get weird, and get ready for a night straight out of Aspen Extreme. We’re talking neon, mullets, headbands — the kind of drip only the 90s could love. Following the Aspen Extreme screening at the Wheeler Opera House, keep the hype and roll in for DJ beats, late-night drink specials, and a costume contest that will separate the powder heroes from the posers. Bring your boldest Aspen Extreme look and you could snag the prize for Best Aspen Extreme Costume.

Let’s party like the 90s never ended — because at Wintersköl, it kinda hasn’t.

Friday, December 12

9am-12pm | Anderson Ranch Arts Center KIDSCULPT | Wagner Park, Aspen

Come witness a frosty festival of creativity as the Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents KIDSCULPT. Local school teams will be challenged to roll up their sleeves and transform snow into spectacular works of art.

2 - 4pm | Game of Stones | Snowmass Base Village Rink

Curling comes to Snowmass with the new Game of Stones curling series in which teams of two will compete in a head to head elimination competition. The first team that reaches 10 points wins! This event is free, registration required and will occur at the ice skating rink prior to the event.

2 - 8pm | Free Community Day | Snowmass Collective Game Lounge

Enjoy the Game Lounge with no entry in celebration of Wintersköl! From arcade classics to foosball, pool, Xbox, and more--The Collective Snowmass is your indoor playground. FREE. Check out The Collective Snowmass for more details and full schedule of events.

2:30-4:30pm | Music on the Mall with Hugh Phillips Band | Snowmass Village Mall

Turn up the winter fun in Snowmass! This free live music series brings the heat with a variety of local bands hitting the Tower Stage on the Snowmass Mall. Bundle up, grab a drink, and jam out under the stars — because après is better with a beat. This event is free.

3:30pm | Snowmass S'mores | Snowmass Village

Presented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for FREE! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).

  • When: 3:30 - 4:30pm
  • Where: S’mores Carts in Base Village (near Base Camp Bar & Grill) and on the Snowmass Mall (near Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports)

5-7pm | Holiday Tree Lighting | Viewline Resort Snowmass

Celebrate the season at the Viewline Resort with a tree lighting, hot chocolate station, and assorted Christmas cookies. Warm up in the Lounge with spiked hot chocolate, Glühwein, hot toddies, eggnog, and festive specialty coffees. Pair your drinks with seasonal bites and cozy up for a night of holiday cheer and alpine vibes!

5 - 8pm | Holiday Market | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center

Featuring local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists. FREE to attend.

5:30 - 9:30pm Both/And : A Visual Opera | Wheeler Opera House

An installation by LUCIA. Presented by the Wheeler Opera House in Partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts and Aspen Public Art. In the mountains, winter asks everything of us. It strips life to its essentials -- cold and light, silence and motion, solitude and community. Yet within that starkness, something luminous persists.

6:30-7:30pm | AVSC Rail Jam | Aspen Mountain, Little Nell Run

Join the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) for an action-packed community Rail Jam where skiers and snowboarders of all ages will help kick off Wintersköl in style by showing off their best tricks. Registration & Practice 4-5pm. Free to watch.

6-9pm | Decemberween | New Belgium Ranger Station, Snowmass Village

Decemberween, a locals Halloween-themed costume party, is back for its third year at New Belgium Ranger Station during Wintersköl on Friday, December 12. Head to Ranger Station for a spooky evening with drink specials and DJs. If you dress for the occasion, enter the best costume contest for a chance to win prizes!

7:30pm | Downhill Racer Movie | Aspen Film's ISIS Theatre

A 1969 American sports drama about an arrogant, ambitious young skier named David Chappellet (Robert Redford) who joins the U.S. ski team and clashes with the coach (Gene Hackman) while competing for Olympic gold. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of professional skiing, using a documentary-style approach to immerse the audience in the tension and speed of the sport. It explores Chappellet's ruthless drive for success, his struggles with teamwork, and his personal relationships. Tickets on sale now | $7.40.

Saturday, December 13

ALL DAY | Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Opening Day

Stay tuned for opening day celebrations.

12 - 3pm | Terrain Park Boot Camp | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, Snowmass

Intimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian. This event is free.

1-5pm | Holiday Market | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center

Featuring local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists. FREE to attend.

1pm, 4:40pm, & 6:45pm Drumbots | Wagner Park, Aspen

Get ready to feel the beat at Wintersköl! The Drumbots—the high-energy, LED-lit percussion crew and official drumline of the Vegas Golden Knights—are bringing their electrifying show to Aspen. Watch as they light up the night with pulse-pounding rhythms, synchronized LED effects, and nonstop performance energy that turns any space into a party.

2-6pm | Wintersköl Beer Festival | Wagner Park, Aspen

Raise a mug to the true spirit of Wintersköl! Introducing the newest addition to the winter festivities – the 'Toast of Winter' Beer Festival, brought to you by ACRA and Radiate Events. Gather for an evening of frosty festivities, live music, and the unmistakable warmth that comes from celebrating the season with good company. Open to everyone; must be 21 years or older for beer/spirits tastings. Tickets on sale soon.

3-5pm | Soupsköl | Wagner Park, Aspen

Celebrate our community's culinary creativity as restaurants from the Roaring Fork Valley come together for the legendary Soupsköl competition. You can be the ultimate judge as you taste your way through a variety of delectable soups. Winning restaurant will receive the coveted Soupsköl soup pot and bragging rights! Free to attend and taste.

3:30pm | Snowmass S'mores | Snowmass Village

Presented by Snowmass Tourism, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for FREE! Look for the branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows).

  • When: 3:30 - 4:30pm
  • Where: Guest Services S’mores Carts in Base Village (near Base Camp Bar & Grill) and on the Snowmass Mall (near Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports)

4:30-7:30pm | Wintersköl Bonfire | Wagner Park

Cozy up around the fire while soaking up the festivities! Enjoy the beer festival, live music, and catch the torchlight parade & fireworks starting at 7pm.

5-6:30pm | LOL @Wintersköl | Wheeler Opera House

LOL @ Winterskol brings some of Aspen’s comedy legends home for an unforgettable evening. Hosted by Beth Brandon and featuring Dan “Gonzo” Machanik (Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club) , Greg Studley (Woke Up Late with Stormy Daniels), and Mike Hammock (Winner of Denver’s Comedy Works New Faces Contest), this special lineup celebrates performers who helped shape Aspen’s vibrant comedy scene. $20 Tickets on sale now.

5-8pm | Disco on the Rink | Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink

Get ready to groove and glide with DJ Tenza at Disco on the Rink! Whether you’re rocking your best disco diva outfit or just coming as you are, this is your time to shine under the glittering lights. Here's what to expect: Funky beats and classic disco vibes, free entry and free skate rentals, costumes encouraged but totally optional — it’s all about having fun! So grab your friends, lace up your skates, and let’s boogie on the ice. Don’t miss the coolest (and grooviest) party in town!

7pm | Torchlight Parade and Fireworks | Aspen Mountain

Watch skiers and snowboarders adorned with lights descend the slopes of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy a dazzling fireworks show over Aspen Mountain to celebrate winter in style.

This year’s parade proudly features the talented local athletes of the Aspen Valley Ski Club (AVSC) and our local athletes across all disciplines in the ski and snowboard world. Watch as these young athletes illuminate the slopes of Aspen Mountain showcasing their skill and passion for the sport. Please note: Participation in the torchlight is exclusively for kids involved with AVSC and/or any Roaring Fork Valley Ski Club; it is not open to the public.

8pm | Comedy: Chad Goes Deep | Wheeler Opera House

Chad and JT, the bros known for their viral city council appearances, are bringing a groundbreaking new show to Aspen. JT delivers fresh stand-up with his signature blend of vulnerability and bro eloquence, while Chad presents his satirical TED-style seminar “Chill Towards Enlightenment”, exploring his “stoke philosophy.”Learn The Chill Method and reclaim your joy in this radical journey through life. $20 Tickets on sale now.


Sunday, December 14

8am-2pm | Winter Market | The Gant Aspen, Molly Campbell Conference Center

Celebrate the season at The Gant’s Winter Market, a monthly showcase of local creativity featuring artisans from across the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys. Browse jewelry, art, photography, soaps, handbags, and more—each market highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of our community.

8:30 - 10:00am | Uphill Breakfast Club | Buttermilk Mountain

Elevate your Wintersköl experience with a delicious breakfast, fantastic giveaways, and the unbeatable camaraderie of our uphill community. Compliments of ACRA, breakfast will be free to all uphillers until the food runs out!

12 - 1:15pm | Ninety Pound Rucksack: The Story of the 10th Mountain Division and the Dawn of Outdoor Recreation in America | Aspen Community Church

Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the roots of Aspen’s mountain culture, this talk offers a powerful tribute to the soldiers who helped build the very trails we ski and hike today. FREE.

12 - 3pm | Terrain Park Boot Camp | Pocket Park on Fanny Hill, Snowmass

Intimidated by the park? Terrain Park Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn rails, boxes, and jumps from professional coaches and athletes. The clinic offers features that are the perfect size for beginners of all ages. Helmets are required. Minors must have waivers signed by their guardian. This event is free.

4-6pm | Pup Portraits | Limelight Aspen

Calling all dog lovers! Treat your furry friend to a tail-wagging good time with free Pup Portraits at the Limelight Aspen. Join us for an exclusive Yappy Hour where your pup is more than welcome!

4pm | Balto | Aspen Film's ISIS Theatre

FREE admission; RSVP recommended | A 1995 animated adventure film about a half-wolf, half-husky dog who leads a sled team to deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. The film, which is loosely based on the true story of the sled dog Balto, features animated sequences alongside live-action framing scenes. It tells the story of how Balto, an outcast who is not trusted by most people, overcomes adversity to become a hero. FREE; Reservation recommended.

Make the Most of Wintersköl