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 10 through 13, 2026.
Wintersköl | December 10-13, 2026 | 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 10–13, 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. We are working on this year's schedule of events. Check back soon for more information.
Wintersköl 2026 schedule coming soon!
Schedule of Events
Thursday, December 10
3:30 - 5:30pm | Wintersköl Icebreaker Bash | JAS Center Aspen
Join us as we kick off the Wintersköl weekend with the crowning of our Wintersköl Royalty and the celebration of our Business and Nonprofit of the Year Awards, Molly Campbell Award winner, and the Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen honorees. Bring a food item to donate to the Lift Up pantry and receive a ticket to be entered to win a prize. Tickets on sale 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)
7:30pm | Aspen Extreme Movie 1993 (7:30pm) | Wheeler Opera House
Wintersköl tradition — join us for a screening of Aspen Extreme, the classic 1993 ski film shot right here in Aspen, following two friends chasing a new life as ski instructors and training for the town's Powder 8 competition. Dubbed "Top Gun on the Ski Slopes." FREE Admission.
Friday, December 11
9am-12pm | Anderson Ranch Arts Center KIDSCULPT | Mill Street Mall, 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. Free!
2 - 4pm | Game of Stones | Snowmass Base Village Rink
Teams of two will battle it out on the ice in a head-to-head elimination competition in which the first team to reach 10 points claims victory. FREE; Register in-person at the ice-skating rink prior to the event.
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)
5-8pm | Holiday Market | Snowmass Village Conference & Event Center, Base Village
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.
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.
Saturday, December 12
ALL DAY | Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Opening Day
Stay tuned for opening day celebrations.
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.
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.
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.
9:30pm | Opiou | Belly Up Aspen
Opiuo (Oscar Davey-Wraight) is a New Zealand-born bass music producer known worldwide for genre-defying sound and next-level live shows — from sold-out Red Rocks runs to top festivals, with everything from orchestras to solo electronic sets and audio-visual spectacles. Sixteen years of award-winning releases later, his latest album and tour, "Ascension Seeker," keeps pushing that boundary. Tickets on sale now.
Sunday, December 13
Sound Healing w/ Megan Disabatino | Tac Fitness, Snowmass Base Village
Megan DiSabatino is a sound artist and healer with over 25 years of experience in sound healing, yoga, and the arts. She is known for creating deeply relaxing and therapeutic sound baths and “sound journeys” that combine high-frequency healing instruments with restorative practices.
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.
