NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | JANUARY/FEBRUARY | MARCH/APRIL

JANUARY 8–11
WINTERSKÖL
This toast to winter is in its 58th year. Celebrate with four days of skiing, partying, shopping, and nonstop fun. Soupsköl, a cook-off between Aspen restaurants, has become the newest tradition. Be sure to catch the downtown parade and fireworks extravaganza. 970-925-1940; aspenchamber.org.

JANUARY 10
ASPEN VALLEY SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB NORDIC BONFIRE DINNER
Cross-country ski or snowshoe along a candlelit path while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, soups, and sweets from the finest Aspen/Snowmass restaurants. The dinner benefits the AVSC Nordic programs. Aspen Cross Country Center, 308 South Mill Street, 970- 205-5140; teamavsc.com.

JANUARY 11–18
GAY SKI WEEK
For a full week, the Aspen gay and lesbian community hosts après-ski parties, fabulous nighttime events with world-class DJs, and nonstop skiing. With various happenings at Aspen’s hottest venues, it’s sure to top years past. 970-925-9249; gayskiweek.com.

JANUARY 18
LAST COMIC STANDING
This reality-TV talent show brings such comics as Iliza Schlesinger to Aspen for one of the last cabaret performances before the Las Vegas finals. Wheeler Opera House, 320 East Hyman Avenue, 970-920- 5770; wheeleroperahouse.com.

JANUARY 22–25
ESPN WINTER X GAMES
13 Skiers, snowboarders, moto X bikers, and snowmobile pros return for the eighth year in a row as Aspen hosts theWinter X Games, staged at Buttermilk. Competing athletes are the best in their categories and come from all over theworld. 970- 925-1220; aspensnowmass.com.

JANUARY 31
JANUARY ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET
The storied Peking Acrobats return to Aspen to flaunt their treacherous wire-walking, trickcycling, precision tumbling, and gymnastics. Their astonishing juggling and balancing acts give balletgoers a new appreciation for dance. Aspen District Theatre, 0199 High School Road, 970-920-5770; aspensantafeballet.com.

ASPEN HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET
Aspen, as we know, is home to numerous philanthropists; this night honors those who’ve made a lasting impact on the Aspen/Snowmass communities, whether through economic, physical, spiritual, or intellectual efforts. Doerr-Hosier Center at Aspen Meadows Resort, 845 Meadows Road, 970-925- 3721; aspenhistorysociety.com.

FEBRUARY 5–8
ASPEN/SNOWMASS SKI & SNOWBOARD OPEN AT BUTTERMILK
More than 200 ski and snowboard aces compete in this four-day freestyle event that includes men’s and women’sdivisions of the superpipe and slopestyle competitions. 970-925-1220; aspensnowmass.com.

FEBRUARY 9
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL
Jeffrey Kahane, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra music director, will be playing his “sizzling solos” on the piano. Harris Concert Hall, 960 North Third Street, 970- 925-9042; aspenmusicfestival.com.

FEBRUARY 12
THE 18TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE CLASSIC
Response, which is dedicated to helping survivors of violence and sexual assault, stages its annual Chocolate Classic at the Hotel Jerome. A silent auction benefits the organization, and with live music and all the chocolate one can eat, it’s sure to be a sweet time. 970-920-5357; responsehelps.com.

FEBRUARY 13–14
THE ASPEN CENTER FOR INTEGRAL HEALTH HOSTS ITS SIXTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA
One of the biggest gala events of the season, this sophisticated soirée benefits the Aspen Center for Integral Health. 970-920-2957; acih.org.

FEBRUARY 13–APRIL 3
BUD LIGHT BIG AIR FRIDAYS & FIREWORKS
Top professional and amateur skiers and boarders kick off the weekends in Snowmass by hucking their hottest moves off a 40-foot jump each Friday afternoon. Live music, cash prizes, giveaways, and evening fireworks make Snowmass’s TGIF scene one to remember. February 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3. Fanny Hill, 970-923-0595; aspensnowmass.com.

FEBRUARY 24
SNOWMASS MARDI GRAS PARADE & CELEBRATION
Snowmass celebrates 27 years of Fat Tuesday revelry with the biggest Mardi Gras bash in the mountains. From a wild uphill race at the crack of dawn to mask making for kids, this fête offers Cajun fun for every age. 800-SNOWMASS; snowmassvillage.com.

FEBRUARY 27–28
13TH ANNUAL ASPEN CELEBRITY DOWNHILL
The annual weekend fundraiser of Aspen Youth Experience, which is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth from all over the US, consists of parties, ski racing, and a magnificent gala. For tickets, sponsorships, or to volunteer, call 970-925-6671; ayexp.org.

FEBRUARY 27– March 1
COLORADO FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT SNOWMASS
Big-mountain skiers and riders put it all on the line in judged runs down the cliff-littered steeps of Snowmass. The freeride championships draw a full field of top athletes and amateurs from around the globe. Watch the action from the Hanging Valley Headwall base or Gwyn’s High Alpine. 970-923-0595; aspensnowmass.com.