ARRIVAL. From the airport, Aspen is a short ten-minute drive. OutWest will arrange an airport pick up. That evening, OutWest hosts a cocktail reception with brief orientation. Later in the evening is the opening party of Aspen Gay Ski Week.

THE SKI AND SNOWBOARD TERRAIN. The OutWest package includes a five-day lift ticket good at all four Aspen ski areas: Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands. Whatever your ski ability or interest, Aspen has the terrain for you.

For beginners and intermediates, Buttermilk Mountain is the perfect choice. The gentle well-groomed slopes make Buttermilk one of the best learning mountains in the country. Snowmass is the largest of Aspen’s ski mountains. It is also one of the most popular with OutWest guests. With over 4,200 vertical feet it boasts the most vertical in the U.S.

Access to Aspen Mountain, or Ajax, is a gondola from the center of town, just two blocks from our hotel. Ajax offers open mogul fields and tree skiing as well as well-groomed cruisers. When you’re finished skiing for the day, just ski back into town. For expert skiers, Aspen Highlands offers some of the steepest slopes in the U.S.

COSTUME CONTEST AT ASPEN MOUNTAIN. The entertainment at the base of Aspen Mountain includes outrageous costumed skiers, music, and comedy. In the costume contest, the OutWest group has won the grand prize for the past five years. In the past OutWest has had such outrageous themes as “the evolution of gay camping,” “the fabulous pool party,” “homo-improvement,” and “bring the boyz home-oh.” This year’s theme will be revealed to you the week before but must remain a secret. Help us win again in 2006!

THE EVENTS. Special events are conducted throughout the week: a comedy night, a film festival, performances, and charity events. You’ll have a tough time deciding what to do.

AFTERNOON APRES-SKI AND EVENING THE PARTIES. If you’re out and about during the afternoon or finishing up your day on the slopes, meet other gay skiers at après-ski events that are held at various venues in the area. Every evening features a dance party that goes late into the morning.

GROUP DINNERS. As part of the OutWest package, we’ll have three group dinners. These are great times to get to know the other people who are part of the OutWest group. The second and last nights are usually casual dress, but more upscale food. In the past we’ve eaten at The Little Nell, Mezzaluna, The Mother Lode, and Sardy House. The mid-week dinner is usually a casual evening meal with Mexican food.

FIT IN RIGHT AWAY. INSTANT CAMARADERIE. OutWest creates a smaller group within the larger group context. We create a friendly, fun environment that makes it easy to meet other people. In short, the camaraderie of the group makes a fun week even more fun. There will be other people in the group who ski or snowboard at your level, who will want to go to the parties or wake up early for first tracks. Don’t go to Aspen alone; join the OutWest gang!

OUTWEST TRIP LEADERSHIP. Our guides are there to take care of the details. After years of offering Aspen Gay Ski Week, we've figured out the best restaurants, the best runs, and the best places to go. Our guides also serve as your quasi concierge. Perhaps the airlines have lost your bag or you forgot a prescription medicine; we're there to help make your travel experience easy.

EASY TO BOOK AND GREAT VALUE. Because we put together all the components of the week, OutWest guests arrive with nothing to think about except having a good time. With rates at the Sky Hotel starting at $375 plus 9.6% tax, the OutWest package is your best value. Add in lodging, airport transfers, lift tickets, and meals, booking with OutWest is your best-valued upscale package at Aspen.
Accommodations: The Sky Hotel

BLACK DIAMOND PARTY PASS.  $195. The Black Diamond pass gives you easy access to most events. Most parties and events are open to the public for $15- $25. If you plan to attend most of the dance parties and a few other events, this pass is worth it. If you’re not into going out every night, you might choose to pass on the party pass.