This year (well, technically next year in 2012) will mark Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 35^th anniversary of hosting the event. Running from January 15-22 in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, this GLBT friendly event is expected to be a blast as always. They are pulling out the stops this year for the anniversary, and will be celebrating the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by hosting decade themed parties throughout the week. And remember to bring your best and/or most outlandish outfits because there will be prizes given away at the decade themed parties throughout the week! These parties are not the only thing going on for Aspen Gay Ski Week—there is an opening cocktail reception, a pool party, après ski parties, a Downhill Costume Parade and a comedy show.

Here’s some footage from last year’s Downhill Costume Parade (from PlumTV):

Participants are able to purchase a single pass (the Patron Pass) for $750 that will not only include admission to the aforementioned events and activities, but also VIP access to all of the events, a 1 day lift ticket, and a week long pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. Be sure to take advantage of this pass—unpackaged it costs $1025. Also, the ticket price includes a charitable donation to The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), so you can SAVE BIG while knowing that you also made a donation to charity. There are various other passes available as well, and you can also buy tickets to each individual event at the door. Here is a schedule of events to take place during the week:

Sunday

• Hospitality Suite  – 8 am
• Apres Ski Hot Tub Parties @Limelight Lodge – 3 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Ellina – 6 pm
• Opening Party @Baldwin Gallery – 9 pm
• Late Night @Escobar- 11:58 pm

Monday

• Friendship Dinner @L’Hostaria – 6 pm
• Film “3″ @Wheeler Opera House- 8:15 pm
• Late Night: 70s Glow Party @Hunter Bar – 10 pm

Tuesday

• Friendship Dinner @St. Regis – 6 pm
• Film “Going Down in La-La Land” @Wheeler Opera House – 7:15 pm
• Late Night: 80s Prom @Escobar – 10 pm

Wednesday

• Aspen Club & Spa Day – 8 am
• Friendship Dinner @Elevation – 6 pm
• Boutique Night – 6:30 pm
• Late Night @Caribou Club – 10 pm

Thursday

• Friendship Dinner @Gisella – 6 pm
• Play Reading “Unmarried in America” @Wheeler Opera House – 7 pm
• Comedy Night: Demented Divas @Belly Up – 9 pm
• Late Night @Belly Up – 9 pm

Friday

• Downhill Costume Parade & Contest @ Aspen Mountain – 12 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Cache Cache – 6 pm
• Late Night: Studio 2054 Party @Sundeck – 9 pm

Saturday

• Friendship Dinner @Brexi – 6 pm
• Weekend Pool Party @Aspen Recreation Center – 9 pm

The Limelight Lodge is the official sponsor of Aspen Gay Ski Week, so this will definitely be where it’s happening. This stylish lodge is located right in the town of aspen and has a pool and hot-tub, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast, among other things. Also, the lodge is pet friendly! So be sure to bring your dog along for a great week in Aspen. This property is booking fast, however, so be sure to check out some of our other lodging options just in case.

Aspen Gay Ski week is the GLBT travel event of the winter, so be sure to come check it out! Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book the perfect Aspen Gay Ski Week vacation!

For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) travelers, worrying about whether or not travel destinations are GLBT friendly is common. Aspen, Colorado is an amazing GLBT travel destination where GLBT travelers can sit back, relax, and take in all that the city has to offer without worrying about any anti-GLBT undertones. Aspen Gay Ski Week and GLBT Friendly Bars, lodging accommodations, and restaurants truly make this city the perfect place for your next vacation.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a premiere ski event which will be hosted from January 15^th to 22^nd 2012. The event is a fundraiser for the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. Aspen Gay Ski Week is filled with parties, après ski celebrations, lunches on the mountain, a boutique night, a comedy night, and dining events at some of Aspen, Colorado’s world famous restaurants.

Though there are no exclusively gay bars in Aspen, Colorado, all bars are open and welcoming to same-sex couples. Some of the most notable bars that I have found for the gay crowd include Caribou Club, 39 Degrees, J-Bar, and The Regal Watering Hole. All of these venues are swanky, modern, and welcoming for GLBT people of all ages and identities.

Now watch out, some of these bars require a membership to get in. For example, the Caribou Club requires a membership which can range from $500 for a couple for one week to $20,000 for a lifetime membership. If you are looking to be pampered and experience truly world-class service and luxury, the Caribou Club experience is truly incomparable.

39 degrees is known as the “hippest lounge in town” and recognized as a favorite Playboy destination. If you are looking to meet people after a hard day on the slopes or a spectacular day under the sun, this is the place to be. If you are looking for a late night bite, try their House Made Pretzel with a mustard blend and cheese fondue. With warm fireplaces and grand comfy couches, 39 degrees is sure to please.

J-Bar is in Hotel Jerome and has an “authentic saloon atmosphere” while catering to a large and diverse crowd. Not only are the cocktails delicious, but J-Bar features quite an extensive fare of appetizers, decadent desserts, and unique culinary creations throughout the night. When you go, make sure to try the homemade Truffle Fries- they are to die for! When you go to J-Bar, make a meal out of it! Try the Natural J-Bar Burger with truffled pecorino, garlic aioli, and caramelized onions for a real treat!

Lastly, The Regal Watering Hole is perhaps the most GLBT friendly club in Aspen, Colorado. Owners Paul and Tim pride their establishment for being named “Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand” by the Aspen Times. Everything goes on this dance-floor! From private parties to fashion shows, this” Aspen Chic” vibe will encourage you to let loose and make the most of your time in colorful Colorado.

No-matter what you decide to do or where you decide to go in Aspen, Colorado, the city welcomes the GLBT community with open arms. From lodging and restaurants to clubs and nightlife, GLBT couples will experience only the finest in service, luxury, and ambiance in this premier resort destination.

Find out more about our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled  destinations.