2026 Recap
Thank You For Your Organization’s Support
AGSW and AspenOUT had another year of WILD expansion despite tariffs, terrain (lack of snow), and tensions for foreign travelers. The Q+ Community shows up stronger and more vibrant year after year, allowing us to expand our reach beyond Aspen. Our partnerships continue to grow with even more events across the region, including some down valley, to welcome even more regional guests to the festivities. Here is truly something for everyone during AGSW. AspenOUT would like to formally thank you for your support, and we hope you consider joining us again for our Golden Anniversary in 2027 as we celebrate 50 Years of Aspen Gay Ski Week.
The Nonprofit Behind It All
AspenOUT has been very busy relaunching our mental health fund and streamlining its processes to serve more of the Q+ population with faster turnaround times, ensuring folks get the help they deserve. We are renewing our partnership with the mental health app Voda and combining it with 1:1 and group therapy sessions to become a blueprint for other regional and rural mental health services. Your organization’s support allows us to do this vital work throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Read more about our renamed mental health fund by clicking here.
Looking Ahead
The solidified partnership with The Collective in Snowmass has allowed AspenOUT to grow its footprint beyond Aspen City Proper. We have proven that there is a need for more capacity and that growth beyond Aspen and Snowmass is possible. In 2026, AGSW stretches as far as Basalt with programming, and we look forward to continuing that trend as we expand and start to resemble an SXSW model. Our digital presence also reached new heights, driving over 300,000 visits to our website, with 90,000 active users, 500,000 targeted impressions on Instagram alone, and record engagement through text messaging. We will continue to feature your brand across our digital platforms and marketing channels throughout 2026.
Let’s Do The Numbers – AGSW 2026
AGSW distributed 2000 general-admission attendee gift bags, plus 175 VIP gift bags and an additional 2000 print programs. We saw the same pacing of around 5000 people in town between Aspen and Snowmass Village, welcoming the Q+ Community to enjoy all that the area has to offer. Numbers are calculated from hotel sales, lift ticket sales, event sales, pass sales, and the total number of people who attended our free events that we tracked through wristbands and clickers. We still outpaced Christmas and NYE in Aspen, clocking some of the highest numbers of lift ticket sales during the 2026 winter season in Aspen and Snowmass.
GROWTH EVEN AGAINST ALL ODDS. AGSW 2026 SERGED AHEAD FOR AN AMAZING WEEK.
AGSW’s 49th year brought in some famous faces for some underground fun. But we also kept our mission at the front lines by ensuring media outlets understood the meaning of AGSW. Page Six (with a U.S. rank of #591 and 22M monthly views) featured AGSW, including a top hit article, Orlando Bloom leads a conga line of ‘power gays’ while celebrating his 49th birthday, by Mara Siegler. Please take a look at some of the most notable stories published to date:
Yahoo
Aspen Times
Gay Cities
Denver Post
Aspen Public Radio
Find a full list of AGSW 2026 coverage by clicking here.
CREATORS THAT ARE AUTHENTIC.
AGSW continues to work with content creators who genuinely believe in the nonprofit’s mission, and those who participate in the Q+ winter sports. We make it a point that the social media creators AGSW works with ensure organic content is created without anything feeling forced. We welcomed back Griffin Maxwell Brooks, a TikTok personality with over 1.2M followers and 110.7M likes. Our partner and Los Angeles-based community leader, Chanel Lumiere, and IG influencers @JakeGrez , @JoeCorso, and @Gregory.Molony. @BillKapfer and @2_dallas_dads were back again for a combined reach of over 800k followers.
CAN’T HOLD US DOWN. WE’LL KEEP GROWING EVEN WHEN THE SNOW AND CLIMATE CHALLENGE OUR GATHERINGS.
What’s Next?
50 Years of Impact: Join the Movement as AGSW Redefines the Winter Festival
Since 1977, Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) hasn’t just played the game; we’ve rewritten the rules. For nearly five decades, we have reclaimed the great outdoors, proving that the mountains and fields belong to every one of us. Now, the countdown is officially on. In 2027, we are turning 50, and we’re celebrating with our most explosive lineup of sports, culture, and Q+ community events yet.
This isn’t just an anniversary; it’s a movement. And we want you to be at the center of it.
Unprecedented Growth & Expansion
We are riding a massive wave of momentum. Our footprint continues to physically expand; our move into Snowmass has provided a larger stage for electrifying panels, top-tier entertainment, and unforgettable après-ski moments.
We aren’t just a party—we are a purpose-driven organization. As one of the only Gay Ski Weeks in the world with 501(c)(3) status, we take pride in shining a spotlight on the charitable causes that sustain our community. When you partner with us, your brand isn’t just seen; it’s associated with a legacy of philanthropy.
A Vision for the Future – The “SXSW of Q+ Culture”
For our monumental 50th year, we aren’t just “leveling up”—we are evolving. Think SXSW, but make it Q+. We are growing into a dynamic, multi-dimensional festival format that encompasses all things queer—from film and fashion to advocacy and athletics. We are on track to become one of the largest winter festivals on the West Coast, offering a premier platform for brands to engage with an affluent, loyal, and diverse demographic in a meaningful way.
Maximize Your Impact Year-Round
The 50th Anniversary is more than a week-long celebration; it’s a year-round digital powerhouse. We are ready to help you leverage our Google Ads strategy and consistent online traffic to drive eyes to your landing pages and amplify your Q+ initiatives long after the snow melts.
Are you ready to make history with us?
The 50th anniversary will be a once-in-a-lifetime cultural milestone. Let’s schedule a meeting to explore how we can tailor this partnership to maximize your ROI and ensure your brand is the talk of the mountain.
Celebrate Pride in Aspen
AspenOUT is proud to host the best LGBTQ+ Ski Week in the World. We are the oldest Pride Organization in the Roaring Fork Valley, providing a wide variety of local LGBTQ+ programming.




