By Charlotte DeFazio
DECEMBER 15-17
50th Anniversary of Snowmass Ski Area
Hit the slopes and join the weekend-long celebration of Snowmass, where lift ticket prices will be the same as opening day in 1967. Expect to find a kids’ zone, retro party, fireworks and more. Lift tickets from $6.50. 120 Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, gosnowmass.com
Aspen Snow Polo Championship
Kick off the tony 5th annual Aspen event with the Mountain Social at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. Friday marks the first round of games at Aspen Valley Polo Club Arena in Carbondale. On Saturday and Sunday, join spectators at the Rio Grande Park, where fans will get a chance to meet the players before the final and subsidiary games, along with the trophy presentation. Tickets from $350-$500. 315 E. Dean St., Aspen, 970.429.9650, stregisaspen.com
DECEMBER 19-30
Aspen Academy Screenings
Get the popcorn ready! This film series highlights at least 20 acclaimed films actively campaigning for upcoming Academy Award consideration. Tickets from $20. Paepcke Auditorium, 1000 N. 3rd St., aspenfilm.org
DECEMBER 27 + 30
Audi Ajax Cup
The Cup kicks off at Casa Tua on the 27th with a party, live auction and Pro Draw where each team randomly selects a pro racer to race with—2017 pros include Chris Davenport, Alice McKennis, A.J. Kitt and Casey Puckett. Bode Miller of Bomber skis will also be present during the event. Tickets from $500. Casa Tua, 403 S. Galena St.; Aspen Mountain, 601 E. Dean St. audiajaxcup.wordpress.com
JANUARY 11-14
67th Annual Wintersköl
The 2018 celebration’s slogan, “Together We Move Mountains,” is a tribute to the community. Among the many games and events there will be an incredible snow-sculpture contest and the announcement of the 2018 Wintersköl King + Queen. Pricing and locations vary. aspenchamber.org
JANUARY 20
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Arabesque into the one-night only compilation of ASFB’s top performances including acclaimed ballets Alejandro Cerrudo’s Silent Ghost, Cayetano Soto’s Huma Rojo and Fernando Melo’s Dream Play. Tickets from $36. 0245 Sage Way, aspensantafeballet.com
JANUARY 25-28
ESPN X Games
Ski, snowboard, snow bike and snowmobile athletes gather to compete in 17 different disciplines amidst a four-day entertainment event. This year, X Games will introduce the Snow Bike Best Trick competition and feature performances by LCD Soundsystem, Marshmello, Martin Garrix and Method Man + Redman. Four-day general admission from $150. Buttermilk Ski Area, 38700 CO-82, xgames.espn.com
FEBRUARY 11
Owl Creek Chase
On your marks, get set, Nordic ski! Langlaufers will go ski-to-ski in the 21K Classic and Nordic Ski races for prize money in the top three overall men and top three overall women Classic divisions. Registration fee from $45. Snowmass Cross Country Center,446 Clubhouse Drive, Snowmass Village, aspenspecialevents.com
FEBRUARY 17
Ascendigo Blue Aspen
Party for a good cause at Ascendigo Blue Aspen’s annual autism benefit. Proceeds go to raise both awareness and funds for children on the autism spectrum. DJ entertainment, prize drawings, celebrity guests and more. Aspen Highlands Ski Resort, 199 Prospector Road; Belly Up, 450 S. Galena St., ascendigo.org