Kick Off the Winter Season at the 2011 Aspen Winternational FIS Alpine World Cup

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be welcome to Aspen Mountain the 2011 Aspen Winternational FIS Alpine World Cup Races. Cheering for the world's fastest female ski racers on Aspen Mountain. Though the actual races do not take place until the weekend, the Winternational festivities start on Thursday, November 24 with what is called the Dine Around from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at participating Aspen restaurants. Dine Around occurs each night from Thursday through Sunday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at those participating Aspen restaurants. The official World Cup Kick-Off Party will take place on Friday, November 25 at the Limelight Lodge from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. At the Kick-Off Party, the U.S. Ski Team will be signing autographs, and there will also be a public bib draw.

The first race of the weekend, Run 1 of the Giant Slalom, will take place on Aspen Mountain at 10:15am on Saturday, November 26. The The Giant Slalom Final will be held on Saturday at 1:15pm. Spectators are encouraged to view the race for free at the bottom of Lift 1A where there will be exciting prize giveaways throughout the weekend. There will also be a Sponsor Village from 10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday at the Gondola Plaza. Admission to all events, including the Sponsor Village, is free throughout the weekend. The Sponsor Village has a lot to offer, and among them, there will be the Taste of Winternational starting at 11:45am featuring complimentary, delectable eats provided by Cloud Nine, ASC Catering, the Cliffhouse, Ullrhof, Sam's Smokehouse, Bumps, and the Lynn Britt Cabin.

For those who want to get a flavor of ski mountain restaurants here in Aspen/Snowmass, this is the place to be. Saturday night marks the first in a series of Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts, which take place throughout the winter season. The concert series will kick-off with a free, live music extravaganza by Cowboy Mouth at the Gondola Plaza from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. This is sure to be a fun packed event, so get there early enough to secure a spot front and center where all the fun and dancing happens.

The weekend comes to an end on Sunday with the Slalom races. These will also be taking place at Aspen Mountain, and for prime viewing, head to the base of Lift 1A. The first run starts at 10:15am, and the final run is at 1:00pm. Mark it on your calendar to make it out to at least one of the four races. Whether you can only make it out for one race or a quick visit to the Sponsor Village, you are sure to have a great time at this free event that marks the beginning of the exciting winter season here in Aspen/Snowmass.