Winterskol 2010

The New Year has started out nicely here in Aspen with many a snowy night followed by a bluebird day. The pictures at www.aspensnowmass.com tell the story better than words can. The rest of January promises to be full of fun and excitement. Coming up in mid January (1/14-1/17) is the Aspen Winterskol. This year’s Winterskol is aptly named “epic steeps and decades deep.” Winterskol is a tradition dating back to January, 1951. According to the Aspen Chamber, Winterskol was created as “a toast to winter” that celebrates Aspen’s “unique Nordic lifestyle.” I will post the complete and detailed schedule of events at the end of this post, but before that I would like to highlight my personal favorite parts of the Winterskol celebration. Probably my favorite part of Winterskol is the “Soupskol”, during which everyone is invited to sample soups from a multitude of local restaurants and then vote on which they think is the best. This is a free event that will take place on Friday, January 15th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. It doesn’t get much better in my opinion than eating warm and delicious soups on a beautiful night in downtown Aspen…for FREE. Another of my favorite parts of Winterskol is the “Wintersculpt.” This event takes place over 48 hours from 1/14 -1/15. During this period teams work (often around the clock) to turn an 8x8x8 pre-made snow cube into elaborate snow sculptures. At the close of the sculpting period the teams’ creations are judged on creativity, technical execution, and compliance to rules by an independent panel of community members. I love this event because you can watch these talented artists work throughout the 48 hour sculpting period. They do not mind at all if you grab a hot chocolate or coffee and watch them ply their trade. Their artwork then adorns the mall area for many days after their completion. This event leaves adults and children alike in awe of what can be accomplished with snow, some rudimentary tools, and a lot of creativity and effort. I think the fact that so much effort goes into a sculpture that we all know will not last only adds to the beauty of this special event. Of course there are many more great activities to check out, including live music, fireworks, and more. Here is the detailed schedule kindly provided by the Aspen Chamber and Resort Association for this year’s Winterskol celebration:

WINTERSKÖLTM
"EPIC STEEPS AND DECADES DEEP"
JANUARY 14-17, 2010

SLOGAN CONTEST
The Wintersköl Committee has selected "Epic Steeps and Decades Deep" as the official slogan for the 59th Annual WinterskölTM Celebration, January 14 - 17, 2010. The slogan was submitted by Dana Laughren, who captured the essence of this year's "2010, new decade" theme. Laughren's winning prize is (1) pass to the 2010 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. Her slogan will appear on buttons, in print and other promotional and advertising materials for the celebration. Congratulations Dana!

The Wintersköl Committee would like to send a special thanks to everyone who participated in the slogan contest. There were more than 85 people who submitted slogans this year, and the committee appreciates the community's creativity and support of Wintersköl 2010.

The contest encouraged entrants to create catchphrases between one and five words, short enough to fit onto a three-inch, round button and embodying this year's "new decade" theme. The contest was limited to five entries per person. Past Wintersköl winning slogans include 2008's "Some Like it Hot" and 2009's "Powder Days & Stellar Nights."

WINTERSCULPT

2010 Wintersculpt Theme: "What goes around comes around"
Awards (announced Saturday night, January 16, 2010): First Prize: $600 / Second Prize: $100

For more information, rules & regulations, or questions, please visit the Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday 1/13/2010: A Special Addition to Wintersköl 2010...in honor of Aspen's "Decades Deep"
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Aspen Institute Dinner Discussion "Why Goethe? Why 1949? Why Aspen?"
Aspen Meadows Restaurant "Something very strange happened in Aspen in the summer 1949 (exactly sixty years ago). Even though there were very few hotel rooms, 2000 people came here. They came from every state except for two, and they came from 11 different countries. Come find out who came; what they were so "worked up" about, and why Time Magazine featured this unusual meeting in Aspen, Colorado as its cover story on July 11,1949! After seeing this multi-media presentation, you will have a new understanding of the "big bang" that caused Aspen to be the unique spiritual, cultural, intellectual and recreational center that it is today. Narrated by Steve Wickes, an Associate Director at the Aspen Institute. Join us at the Aspen Institute for dinner and to learn more! Tickets $50 for Aspen Institute and ACRA members/$60 for non-members. To register, call Beth Slater at the Aspen Institute 970-544-7914. For more information, www.aspeninstitute.org/aspenevents.
THURSDAY 1/14/2010: Winterskol Officially Begins
Noon - 1:30 p.m. ACRA Opening Luncheon
The St. Regis Aspen. Tickets $40 for members/$50 for non-members. For tickets ACRA, 970-925-1940

4:00 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt"
Aspen Mall Area. Snow sculpture competition. Anderson Ranch selects six teams to participate in this intense 48 hour snow sculpture competition. Each team receives a participation fee and cash prizes are awarded to the top three sculptures. Teams often work around the clock on Thursday and Friday of the event to transform their 8' x 8'x 8' snow cubes into freestanding creations. By Saturday afternoon, the completed sculptures are judged by a panel of independent community members based on creativity, technical execution, and compliance to rules. Anderson Ranch, 970-923-3182 or www.andersonranch.org

6:00 p.m. Special AAM Wintersköl | Soupsköl events
Aspen Art Museum. Fish On: A Public Program about Fishing Flies and Fly Tying Internationally-renowned for fly fishing, the Roaring Fork Valley provides inspiration for artist Claire Fontaine's sculpture Passe-Partout (Aspen-Leurre), a new sculpture with associations to fishing flies used in the rivers of Colorado. This public program brings together individuals from the Valley who make their living designing, tying, and fishing with flies. Soup's On: A Soupsköl Preview with Chef Clark Church. Join 3-time Soupsköl competition winner Chef Clark Church of Garnish Café for a preview taste of Friday night's Soupsköl celebration! Aspen Art Museum, 970-925-8050 or www.aspenartmuseum.org

7 p.m. "Surfing 50 States" and Surfwear Competition | Wheeler Opera House
Film about two early-20's Aussies who travel to America to find surfing opportuniteseverywhere they go. Wear your most outlandish beach
costume to the screening for a chance to win $200! Free Admission. Wheeler Opera House, 970-920-5770 or http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/

9:00 p.m. Keller Williams Concert
Belly Up Aspen. Singer/song writer/guitarist. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets in advance $32. Day of $35. For tickets, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyupaspen.com
FRIDAY 1/15/2010:
8:00 a.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Wintersculpt"
Aspen Mall Area. Sculpting continues.

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center's "Kidsculpt"
Aspen Mill Street Mall. Snow sculpture competition.

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health at Aspen Wintersköl
The Ultimate Party in The Snow - Check out our schedule of events and carve your trail through Aspen Wintersköl
2010. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealth.com/winter
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RECOVER
From your day on the slopes with tranquil spa services and new products to try in the Men's Health/Women's
Health Sanctuary, Lower Gondola Plaza.
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOUNGE
Between runs in the Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge featuring games, sweeps, and Internet Café, Upper Gondola Plaza
• 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. SIP
Beer and wine, munch on snacks and groove to the sounds of some of Aspen's hottest DJ's at our Après Ski Party, Upper Gondola Plaza
• 10:00 p.m. DANCE
At our annual Snow Jam concert featuring The Spazmatics at Aspen's Belly Up. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts after 10:00 p.m. Tickets prices - $20. 970-544-9800 or www.bellyup aspen.com
10:30 a.m. - noon Apple Strudel Downhill
Apple Strudel Trail, Aspen Highlands. Free to everyone! All participants receive complimentary apple strudel with whip cream and a drink, and bragging rights at finish line!

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Snowmass Pub Crawl
Snowmass Village & Snowmass Base Village, 970-922-2299 or www.tosv.com. FREE Live Music:
Big Hoss Grill - featuring Brad Manosevitz, Acoustic Guitar
The Sweet Life - featuring DJ Dee O Gee
Cirque Bar & Grill - featuring Holy Smoke, Classic Rock
Mountain Dragon - featuring Tom Ressel, Acoustic Classic Rock

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. "Soupsköl," 7th annual cook-off
Cooper Ave. & Hunter St. Soup contest. Restaurants offer a FREE sample of their soup. Public votes for their favorite. Free to everyone! To register ACRA, 970-925-1940 or www.aspenchamber.org

7:30 p.m. Nathan McEuen and Friends | Wheeler Opera House
Son of John McEuen, string-master for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Free Admission.
Wheeler Opera House, 970-920-5770 or http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/

7:00 p.m. 13 - The Musical
District Theatre, Aspen High School. Tickets $22. $13 students 18 & under with school ID. For tickets call 970-920-5770 or http://www.aspenshowtickets.com/. Theatre Aspen, 970-925-9313 or http://www.theatreaspen.org/
SATURDAY 1/16/2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health at Aspen Wintersköl
The Ultimate Party in The Snow - Check out our schedule of events and carve your trail through Aspen Wintersköl
2010. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealth.com/winter
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RECOVER
From your day on the slopes with tranquil spa services and new products to try in the Men's Health/Women's
Health Sanctuary, Lower Gondola Plaza.
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOUNGE
Between runs in the Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge featuring games, sweeps, and Internet Café, Upper Gondola Plaza
• 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. SIP
Beer and wine, munch on snacks and groove to the sounds of some of Aspen's hottest DJ's at our Après Ski Party, Upper Gondola Plaza
• 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. WATCH
The Wintersköl Fireworks Display at our Little Nell viewing party, The Little Nell, RSVP required. Visit the Men's Health/Women's Health
Lodge to RSVP by 5 p.m., space is limited
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Introduction to Skijoring with your Dog
Aspen Animal Shelter. Classroom education session prior to practical at Golf Course

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Skijoring with your Dog: A Healthy, Safe Way to Exercise and Bond Together
Aspen Golf Course. Presented by the Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter. Popular in Scandinavian countries and pockets of the United States, skijoring is a sport that combines nordic skiing and dog sledding. This introduction will be led by Champian Racer Fritz Howard and will cover basic equipment, techniques to encourage your dog to pull, and how to skijor safely and responsibly on the trail. Equipment will be available for use at clinic or may be purchased at the Aspen Animal Shelter pet store, and Aspen Wags to Riches. Kicksledding demonstrations will be offered by Seth Sachson, Director of the Aspen Animal Shelter and shelter dog dog-sledder, and Ed Foran, two-time Iditarod finisher. Nordic skiing experience a plus but beginner's welcome. $40 suggested donation, proceeds to benefit Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. For more information and to register, Aspen Animal Shelter, 970-927-1771 or www.dogsaspen.com.

10:00 a.m. Canine Fashion Show - registration
Cooper Ave. & Galena St. Free to participate. Registration required and takes place day of. ACRA, 970-925-1940 or http://www.aspenchamber.org/

11:00 a.m. Canine Fashion Show
Cooper Ave. & Galena St.

10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. EPIC WinterFest
Cooper Ave Mall
• 10 a.m. - Canine Fashion Show registration
• 11 a.m. - Canine Fashion Show
• 12 p.m. - Performance by the K9 Kings
• 1 p.m. - Music on The Mall featuring live performance by the US AirForce Drum & Bugle Corps and the El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band
and other members of the Red, Plaid, and Blue Pipes and Drums
• 1 p.m. - Street Fair begins featuring Clowns, Face Painters, Kettle Korn, Cotton Candy
• 2 - 6 p.m. - Rocky Mountain Dee Jays
• 4 - 8:30 p.m. - Beer Garden at Bad Billy's
• 5:45 p.m. - Anderson Ranch to announce Wintersculpt winners
• 6 p.m. - Performance by Crystal Palace Productions
• 6:15 - 8 p.m. - Live Music by Jes Grew
• 6 - 8 p.m. - Complimentary hot chocolate & cookies around the Cooper Mall Fire Hearth
• 8 p.m. - Torchlight Descent
• 8:15 p.m. - Fireworks Extravaganza
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Wintersköl Public Skate
Lewis Ice Arena. Free admission. Aspen Recreation Center, 970-544-4100

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Public Skate
Aspen Ice Garden. Free Admission.

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Aspen Skating Club Wintersköl Skating Exhibition
Aspen Ice Garden.

6:00 p.m. "Wintersculpt" judging and awards
Aspen Mall Area. Judging at 4 p.m. Awards at 6 p.m. @ WinterFest

7:00 p.m. 13 - The Musical
District Theatre , Aspen High School. Tickets $22. $13 students 18 & under with school ID. For tickets call 970-920-5770 or www.aspenshowtickets.com. Theatre Aspen, 970-925-9313 or www.theatreaspen.org

8:00 p.m. Torchlight Descent
Little Nell - Aspen Mountain

8:15 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza
Little Nell - Aspen Mountain

9:00 p.m. The Punch Brothers
Bluegrass and acoustic music. Wheeler Opera House. Tickets $35. For tickets call 970-920-5770 or www.aspenshowtickets.com.

10:00 p.m. Tea Leaf Green with Elmwood
Belly Up Aspen. Tea Green Leaf, San Fancisco's psychedelic/jam band. Elmwood, the Southeast's energetic live performers with elements of rock, pop, funk, soul and jazz. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets in advance $18. Day of $20. For tickets, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyup aspen.com
SUNDAY 1/17/2010
7:30 a.m. Wintersköl Hike for Hope Uphill Race
Buttermilk Mountain. 6th Annual Family Charity Event, 100% of funds raised go to research a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. Reg. is $25 and DOES NOT include the pancake Breakfast at Cliffhouse. Day of registration will be from 6 - 7:15 am at Bumps Restaurant. Door prizes and a huge prize give-away, fun for all!! For more information and to pre-register, 970-925-6137 or www.hikeforhopeMD.com

8:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast $5
Cliff House Restaurant, Buttermilk Mountain
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Men's Health & Women's Health at Aspen Wintersköl
The Ultimate Party in The Snow - Check out our schedule of events and carve your trail through Aspen Wintersköl
2010. Free and open to everyone. www.menshealth.com/winter
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RECOVER
From your day on the slopes with tranquil spa services and new products to try in the Men's Health/Women's
Health Sanctuary, Lower Gondola Plaza.
• 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOUNGE
Between runs in the Men's Health/Women's Health Lodge featuring games, sweeps, and Internet Café, Upper Gondola Plaza
• 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. SIP
Beer and wine, munch on snacks and groove to the sounds of some of Aspen's hottest DJ's at our Après Ski Party, Upper Gondola Plaza
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wintersköl at Aspen Highlands Village
Aspen Highlands Village. Free and open to everyone. For more information, The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands, 970-429-2300. Includes:
• Kastle Demo Day featuring "Ski with Chris Davenport", 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Musical Entertainment, 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• "Ice Bar" on the patio of Willow Creek Bistro, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Featuring: Bobby Gleason, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for making the most cocktails in 1 hour; and David Mays, The Whiskey Professor
• Fashion Show, 1 - 2 p.m. Presented by SNOW Magazine
• Village LunchFest, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Featuring all the Aspen Highlands Village restaurants outdoors in main courtyard. Purchase great food and beverage specials.
9:00 p.m. The Wailers: 40 Years of Fams Tours
Belly Up Aspen. Slow, funky rhythms and soulful bass characterize the Wailers' sound post-Bob Marley. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets in advance $30. Day of $33. For tickets, 970-544-9800 or www.bellyup aspen.com

**Schedule of Events is Subject to Change**