Key Takeaways:
- The 74th annual Wintersköl festival is taking place in Aspen from December 11-14, featuring a variety of events and activities.
- The festival includes events such as the Wintersköl Royalty coronation, Winter Windows, Beer Festival, and a special historical presentation.
- Author Michael Bourne will be presenting his latest novel, "We Bring You an Hour of Darkness," at several events during the festival.
- Other events during the festival include the Annual Cup Auction, "Holiday Lights" youth ballet, and a Community Menorah Lighting.
- Tickets for the 43rd annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen are now on sale.
Introduction to Wintersköl
The 74th annual Wintersköl festival is currently underway in Aspen, Colorado, and will run through Sunday, December 14. This multi-day festival is a "toast to winter," honoring the town’s mountain spirit with a weekend of fun and tradition. The event brings the mountain to life with a variety of activities and events, including live music, a free game room, and a holiday market. The festival has been a staple of the Aspen community since 1951 and is a must-attend event for both locals and visitors.
Wintersköl Events
The festival features a packed schedule of events, with something for everyone to enjoy. On December 12, events include the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Kids Sculpt, Game of Stones curling, and a holiday tree lighting. December 13 events include the Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Opening Day, Terrain Park Boot Camp, and a beer festival. December 14 events include a winter market, breakfast club breakfast, and a compelling history presentation. For a full list of events, visitors can check the Wintersköl website.
Wintersköl Royalty
The Wintersköl community has nominated Charla Belinski and Bruce Etkin as Wintersköl royalty, two local residents whose dedication and community involvement embody the Wintersköl spirit. They will be crowned during the Icebreaker Bash on December 11 at the JAS Center. Tickets for the event are available online.
Winter Windows
Winter Windows returns for its second season during Wintersköl, with an awards ceremony on December 13 in the lobby of Viewline Snowmass. The event has been expanded to include Snowmass Base Village and features a showcase of winter-themed window displays.
Beer Festival
The Wintersköl Beer Festival will take place on December 13 at Wagner Park, featuring a variety of beers from local breweries. The event is ticketed, and attendees must be 21 and older to sample.
Special Historical Presentation
On December 14, mountaineer and historian Christian Beckwith will present a special historical talk on the 10th Mountain Division’s WWII legacy and its enduring impact on Aspen’s outdoor culture. The presentation will take place at the Aspen Community Church and is free to attend.
Author Michael Bourne
Author Michael Bourne will be presenting his latest novel, "We Bring You an Hour of Darkness," at several events during the festival. The novel is a ski town mystery set in the 1980s and is inspired by Bourne’s experience as a reporter in Aspen. Bourne will discuss his book at the Hotel Jerome Living Room, the Basalt Regional Library, and Explore Books.
Annual Cup Auction
The Carbondale Clay Center will host the 28th annual Cup Auction on December 12 at The Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch. The event features a showcase of handmade cups from around the country, with bidding and direct support for the Carbondale Clay Center’s mission to enrich lives through ceramic arts.
Holiday Lights Youth Ballet
The AGS Ballet Aspen and Dance Tech will perform "Holiday Lights" on December 13 at the Aspen District Theatre. The festive program features about 50 local ballet students ages 4 through 17 and is a fun event for the whole family.
Aspen Meadows Resort Ornament Decorating
The Aspen Meadows Resort will host an ornament decorating event on December 13, where visitors can create their own ornaments and decorative designs. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online.
Community Menorah Lighting
The Aspen Jewish Congregation will host a Chanukah celebration with the annual "Basalt Community Menorah Lighting" on December 14 at Triangle Park in Willits. The event will be followed by hosted appetizers at Sure Thing Burger.
S’mores on the Patio
The Aspen Meadows Resort will offer "S’mores on the Patio" every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December, featuring s’mores and a cozy atmosphere. The event is $10 for two people and is a fun activity for the whole family.
Food & Wine Classic Tickets
Tickets for the 43rd annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen are now on sale. The event will take place from June 19-21, 2026, and features a lineup of celebrated chefs, winemakers, and culinary visionaries. Visitors can purchase tickets online and enjoy a weekend of food, wine, and fun in Aspen.