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11 Nov 2015
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Aspen Snowmass Vacation Blog

The 2015-16 ski season in Aspen is lining up to be one of the best yet. With opening day at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass slated for Nov. 26, 2015, and Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk scheduled to open Dec. 2, the season is right around the corner. As usual, the upcoming Aspen calendar of events is chock-full of fun and exciting things to do.  This week, our blog team takes a closer look at the upcoming calendar. Below, we highlight the events and activities on the calendar that you won’t want to miss. Let’s take a closer look month to month:

NOVEMBER 2015

Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain are scheduled to open Nov. 26. Highlights of the opening weekend include the annual Aspen Winternational and the popular Thankjibbing event. The Aspen Winternational brings the world’s fastest female skiiers to Aspen Mountain as part of the Audi FIS World Cup Tour. Fans can have prime viewing of the event at the base of Lift 1A on Aspen Mountain. The event is free and open to the public.

The annual Thanksjibbing rail jam is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at Base Village in Snowmass. This invite-only event features skiers and snowboarders competing for a cash purse. Wrap up the big opening weekend with the first Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series on Nov. 29, featuring Jamestown Revival.

DECEMBER 2015

December kicks off with the annual Summit For Life uphill race on Aspen Mountain on Dec. 4-5. You won’t want to miss opening day at Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk on Dec. 12. Then things really heat up going into the holiday season, with the Santa Fe Ballet presentation of the winter classic “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 12-13. The popular 12 Days of Aspen runs from Dec. 20-31, with each day has its own unique events and character to get you into the holiday mood. After the holidays, don’t forget about the New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Aspen Mountain to ring in the new year!

JANUARY 2016

January features three of the most popular events that Aspen has to offer: Wintersköl from Jan. 14-17; Aspen Gay Ski Week, Jan. 17-24; and the Winter X Games from Jan. 28-31. Wintersköl began in 1951 as an annual “toast to winter” and the unique Nordic lifestyle. Since then, the weekend has evolved into a unique blend of festivities, activities and events. Be sure to catch the parade, the canine fashion show, live music, fireworks, and the growing Soupsköl competition. Gay Ski Week is an annual celebration of the gay and lesbian lifestyle, and has been a popular event in town for many years. It is the oldest annual week-long gay ski event in the nation. The week is filled with fun après-ski get-togethers as well as some great skiing and snowboarding! The Winter X Games in Aspen has become an annual institution, much like Shaun White hitting the super-pipe at Buttermilk Mountain. For one weekend in January, Aspen becomes the Mecca of extreme action sports as throngs of spectators and competitors hit the slopes in a variety of events. In addition to the competition, there are often many big-name concerts, parties and events in town.

FEBRUARY 2016

Broaden your horizons during February with a slew of art, music and culture in the Roaring Fork Valley. On Feb. 2, the Aspen Music Festival & School presents the Winter Music Recital Series, featuring David Finckel and Wu Han. On Feb. 11, the series continues with violin star Sarah Chang.

The Aspen Historical Society is taking a step back in time with Time Travel Tuesdays on Feb. 2, Feb. 11, Feb. 16 and Feb. 23. Learn the in-depth history about this tiny mountain town! Skiing and snowboarding fans should enjoy the Aspen/Snowmass Freeskiing Open on Feb. 18-20, or the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race on Feb. 27.

MARCH 2016

March 2016 offers a plethora of music choices, including the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series on March 19, March 25, and March 26. On March 12, the Aspen Music Festival & School concludes its Winter Music Recital Series with Curtis on Tour, featuring Michael Rusinek. The Santa Fe Ballet offers up “Encore!” on March 26.

APRIL 2016

The season wraps up at Buttermilk on closing day, April 3. The popular Aspen Shortsfest is scheduled for April 5-10. Aspen Highlands and Snowmass Mountain both close on April 10, and Aspen Mountain wraps up its ski season on April 17. Weather permitting, the slopes may stay open longer, but make sure you visit while you can!

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