Events · December 2026
Wintersköl 2026: Aspen's 75th
Four days in mid-December that open Aspen's winter: the torchlight descent of Aspen Mountain, fireworks, a beer festival, Soupsköl and a bonfire in town.
Four days in mid-December that open Aspen's winter: the torchlight descent of Aspen Mountain, fireworks, a beer festival, Soupsköl and a bonfire in town.
Wintersköl, Aspen's winter carnival, celebrates its 75th year on December 10–13, 2026. The night to plan around is Saturday, December 12: Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk open that day, the beer festival and Soupsköl fill the afternoon, a bonfire burns in town, and at 7pm the torchlight descent and fireworks light Aspen Mountain.
Schedule from the Aspen Chamber Resort Association's Wintersköl page, checked October 1, 2026. Times can change; confirm on the day.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated October 2026
Saturday is the day: two mountains open, the town is full by afternoon and the fireworks are at seven. Arriving Thursday or Friday turns it into a ski weekend rather than a rush.
Saturday-night tables in town go quickly that weekend; booking an 8:30pm or later table, or a chef at the house, keeps the evening easy.
Mid-December is early season: Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are open, and Highlands and Buttermilk open that Saturday. Rentals delivered to the house save the first-morning queue.
December 10–13, 2026, the festival's 75th year.
Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 7pm, after the torchlight descent of Aspen Mountain.
Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk open for the season, plus the Beer Festival (2–6pm), Soupsköl (3–5pm) and a bonfire (4:30–7:30pm).
Skis at the door, a table after the fireworks, a driver for the evening and the house warm when you arrive.
From Aspen's airport to the door in a private SUV, timed to your actual landing.
Heat, lights, beds and the first evening sorted before you walk in.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
Dinner at the house, menu agreed in advance.
Opening days, holiday sell-outs and the events worth planning around, through the season.
Written from Aspen by Paul Montiel. A few letters a season, only when something matters. Leave any time; we never share your address.Aspen Chamber Resort Association: Wintersköl — checked October 1, 2026.
We handle the weekend around it: the house, skis at the door, Saturday's dinner and a driver after the fireworks.
Plan my Wintersköl weekend