Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) is the oldest annual gay ski event in the nation and the model for almost every other gay ski week that has come into existence since the 70s. The week-long schedule of events and activities is nothing short of fantastic. Plus, it’s in Aspen. Need we say more.
Whether this is your first Aspen Gay Ski Week, or you’ve been to a few before, pay attention to these recommendations if you want to do this year’s AGSW like a seasoned pro.
Frias Properties is proud to offer lodging discounts to Gay Ski Week participants. For the 2019 event, receive your 4th night free at select properties! To book, call (800) 633-0336 or submit a vacation rental inquiry.
Before You Leave Home
Book Something Luxurious
From Aspen to Snowmass, there are hundreds of places you can stay for AGSW. Do yourself a favor and pick a vacation rental in Aspen. Preferably something with a hot tub that is close to town. By default, if you are close to town you will also be close to Aspen Mountain and within walking distance of tons of events on the AGSW calendar.
Get in Shape
It’s time to hit the gym and start working on your legs, core, and cardio. The last thing you want to do is show up to AGSW and not be in good enough shape to ski all day and party all night. Plus, all that working out will leave you feeling confident as you head into the annual Pool Party.
Travel Light
If you don’t live close, make things easy on yourself and rent all your ski equipment from Ski Butlers or Four Mountain Sports in advance. There’s no sense in schlepping your gear across the country when you can get the latest gear rentals right here in town. You will also be in a ski gear shopping mecca if any of your old gear is due for an upgrade.
If you rent from Four Mountain Sports, you can drop your equipment at the bottom of the mountain at the end of the day and they will have it waiting for you at any mountain of your choosing the following day. This is an exceptionally helpful service seeing as how the AGSW crew picks a different mountain du jour to ski at every day.
When You Get Here
Ease Into It
We know you’re thinking, “Yeah, right.” But hear us out. Aspen sits at 8,000 feet above sea level. That’s roughly the same altitude at which people start to get elevation sickness. Which is why we recommend giving yourself a day to acclimatize, preferably spent drinking lots of water and taking it easy around town. Avoid going too big on your first night, and wait a day to ride the gondola up to the top of Aspen Mountain, which tops out at 11,212 feet.
Identify the Mountain Du Jour
As we mentioned above, each day of AGSW the party moves to a new mountain. Don’t forget to check the schedule to see where everyone will be skiing on any given day. You don’t want to show up at the slopes and find out that everyone else is having an amazing time skiing and snowboarding on another mountain.
Catch a Ride
If you are attending AGSW, you don’t need to rent a car. Locals and long-time visitors alike will tell you that the best way to get between any of the mountains is by bus. Aspen also has ride-sharing like Uber as well as a service called the Aspen Downtowner that will zip you around Aspen for free.
Cure What Ails You
Aspen is well known for its nightlife which means there are plenty of ways to help cure a hangover if you end up with one. Start with a coffee, juice, smoothie, or a bit of breakfast at Spring Cafe. Then, wander over to Element 47 and get a little hair of the dog with a bloody mary or a mimosa. If you’re really hurting, you can book an IV treatment or some oxygen therapy at the Rescue Lounge.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, there’s no wrong way to do AGSW, but using these tips is going to make your experience much more pleasurable.
Now that you know how to make the most of Aspen Gay Ski Week, browse our vast selection of vacation rentals in the heart of the action. Or contact our reservations specialists to get recommendations on where to stay and receive your Aspen Gay Ski Week discount!