A Storm of Winter Events in Aspen/Snowmass

With all four mountains officially open and a fresh dumping of snow currently falling in the Aspen/Snowmass area, this winter season is certainly in full gear, and there is much to look forward to apart from hitting the slopes as much as humanly possible. During this time of year, there are a multitude of popular events that make the winter season extra special, and among them are Summit for Life, the 12 Days of Aspen, Wintersköl, the Dennis Basso Freestyle winter benefit, Aspen Film Academy Screenings, and the Winter Words festival, among so many other notable happenings.

Summit for Life is a winter uphill charity race benefiting the Chris Klug Foundation. This exhilarating race was held this year on December 10 on Aspen Mountain. Prior to the race day, there were a few exciting events that took place in Aspen to build excitement and anticipation around the race. In October, Summit for Life organizers held a Summit for Life Kick-Off Party at the 39 Degrees lounge, located in the Sky Hotel. The night before the race on December 9, the event organizers hosted a Wine and Dine for Life and a Party for Life event at 39 Degrees. Though the uphill race has come and gone, racers are already raring to go for next year's Summit for Life. Keep you eyes peeled for information about the uphill race in mid-October.

The 12 Days of Aspen takes place this year from December 20 – December 31. Each day is filled with an array of fun activities imbued with the spirit of the holiday season. Families can enjoy cookies and cocoa with Santa at the Aspen Fire Station on December 22. Also during the 12 Days extravaganza, there will be five performances of Theatre Aspen's production of Annie from December 20 – December 23 with matinee and evening performances. For those seeking the spirited winter evening scene in downtown Aspen, the nightly 12 Bars of Aspen Holiday Drink Special at participating restaurants is sure to be a hit.

The Wintersköl celebration began in Aspen in the winter of 1951, and it is held in celebration of the extraordinary and golden life Aspen locals live each winter season. The Wintersköl calendar includes a fireworks show, a canine fashion show, and live music to name a few of the events that make this four day event that cannot be missed during this winter season.

Don your most fashion forward attire, sip champagne, nibble at delicious hors d'oeuvres, and enjoy a fabulous fashion show featuring the spectacular designs of Dennis Basso as well as a live auction hosted by Simon de Pury at  this year's Dennis Basso Freestyle winter benefit for the Aspen Art Museum. This year's  Freestyle benefit will be held at the St. Regis Resort in Aspen on December 28 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. This is the après ski event to be seen at this winter season.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Aspen Film's Academy Screenings. During the festival, 19 different films will be screened, many of which are nominated for an Academy Award. Some must-see films include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy showing on December 21 and My Week with Marilyn showing on December 26. Other notable films include Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, a film adaptation of the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, and Coriolanus, a modern take on Shakespeare's tragedy directed by Ralph Fiennes.

There is no better season than winter to curl up next to a crackling fire, sip hot tea, and be transported to another world when reading novels by Anne Patchett, Tony Horwitz, Michael Chabon, and Kathryn Stockett, just a few of the brilliant writers who will be speaking during this year's Winter Words festival hosted by the Aspen Writer's Foundation. Throughout the Winter Words festival, there will be discussions with eight different writers, and the first talk will be with Ann Patchett on February 7. With the first discussion in February, there is still time to read a book by one of these incredible writers, so head over to Explore Booksellers today and get a copy! And if you are currently looking for an incredible winter getaway in Aspen/Snowmass, crackling fireplace and all, give one of our Vacation Experts a call today at 888.649.5982 to book your Aspen Snowmass lodging and vacation package.

There will be quite a storm of events taking place in Aspen/Snowmass this winter, so much so that one's social calendar may become overwhelmed with event reminders. In light of this, try to take a quiet moment, in all of the frenzy of the holidays and the winter season, to be grateful for such a spectacular place like Aspen/Snowmass. It is really quite difficult to think of a more magical place to be during the winter season than this beautiful mountain town. Perhaps to remind people of the quiet beauty and serenity of this place during what can be such a frenetic season, the 12 Days of Aspen is hosting a free yoga class for skiers on Aspen Mountain. Now go add that to your calendar!