You don’t have to be a fast woman to have fun times in Aspen this weekend.
Though it may be the Alpine FIS World Cup racers with the biggest smiles on the slopes, there are plenty of off-piste activities during the Aspen Winternational weekend to distract people from the lack of snow. (Big kudos to the SkiCo snow crews for making anything happen on the hill this weekend.)
Here are the highlights to your social calendar; we curated it so you don’t have to.
— It wouldn’t be a party without food, and there are multiple ways to eat your way through the weekend — several of which don’t even require cash. On Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11:45 a.m., the hospitality tent at the finish line will be stocked with food samplings from restaurants found on each of Aspen Skiing Co.’s four mountains for the Taste of Winternational. Stay throughout the day for prize giveaways, drinks, and of course, a chance to cheer on the racers. It all takes place at the base of Lift 1A.
— For more international cuisine, try Dine Around Aspen. Participating restaurants (Jimmy’s, Matsuhisa, L’Hostaria, Elevation, Ajax Tavern and Rustique) offer prix fixe menus from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly so diners can satisfy sushi cravings one night and carbo-load on Italian pasta the next.
— To find out how the magic happens, take a wax room tour on Friday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Remember, this is the super-secret sauce that gets put on the bottom of racers’ skis and can ultimately make a difference between first place and last. Stop by the Mountain Chalet to see how it’s done.
— Join in the Saturday Night Fever and head to the official kick-off party at the Limelight Hotel from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Few can catch them on the hill, but nab racers like Julia Mancuso and Lindsey Vonn for their autographs during this open house. And yes, food and drink will be served.
— Feel the spirit with Reverend Horton Heat at the base of Aspen Mountain at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. His psychobilly antics have made him a popular live show, and if you don’t know what psychobilly means, that’s OK. Just expect a mix of punk, rock, country, big-band sound for an all-around high-octane performance. The best part? As part of the Bud Light Hi-Fi concert, it’s free. (see related article, below)
— If you’re not ready to put the party down after the outdoor concert, head indoors for a free show at Belly Up Aspen. Everyone’s talking about EDM (electronic dance music) these days, so to see what it’s all about, don’t miss Ecto Cooler, starting at 9:30 p.m. The DJ returns to Aspen after two headlining shows, and having opened for Skrillex, Zed’s Dead, Tommy Lee and Crystal Method.
For a full schedule and complete event details check the calendar section of Time Out on page 9, or visit aspensnowmass.com.
