A Mini-Guide to Aspen in January
January is one of the most popular times to visit Aspen; there is a good reason for that. This snow-filled month offers many events and activities that attract people around the globe to our small and luxurious ski town. To help you make the most of your January vacation in Colorado, we’ve created this mini-guide highlighting Aspen’s most prominent events and activities.
Start planning your trip today by browsing our luxury rentals or calling us for personalized recommendations—Let’s Plan Your Adventure!
Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club (every Friday starting January 9th)
photo by Catherine Aeppel
Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club is truly a unique Aspen experience. Every Friday of the month, hike up Buttermilk Mountain and enjoy breakfast at the Cliffhouse restaurant. Breakfast will be served from 8:45 to 10:00 AM and features a delightful spread, including an oatmeal and yogurt station, quick oats with a toppings bar, and hot breakfast options available à la carte. This event is a great way to get in an early morning workout with unparalleled views and some of the first tracks of the ski day. The 2026 season runs from January 9 through March 27, 2026, with no breakfast on January 23 due to X Games and February 27 due to Snow League events. An Uphill Pass is required to hike up the mountain before lifts open.
Gay Ski Week (January 11th-January 18th)
photo by Matt Power
Aspen Gay Ski Week is entering its 49th year, making it the longest-running gay ski week in the world. The event lasts seven days and offers fun-filled activities for everyone. This week is jam-packed with events, including concerts, parties, films, comedy, symposiums, and dinners. To get the full experience, we recommend grabbing a pass, which offers access to four mountains of terrain, special lunches, receptions, ice shows, and even more parties.
Full Moon Dinners at Cliffhouse (January 1st)
photo by Jordan Curet
Full Moon Dinners at Cliffhouse are another unique Aspen opportunity to enjoy an exclusive meal after a beautiful hike up the mountain. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, skin or hike up Buttermilk Mountain to enjoy a special dinner under the full moon. Cliffhouse offers à la carte dinner options, light snacks, and a cash bar from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, including the flavor-packed Mongolian Grill. Unlike the Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club, also offered by Cliffhouse, this experience is available only this one night to take full advantage of the full moon from a stunning and picturesque location.
2026 X Games (January 23rd-January 25th)
Photo by Jeremy Swanson
The X Games is a world-renowned event that brings the best extreme skiers and snowboarders from around the globe to our own Buttermilk Mountain. Alongside world-class action sports, the event features an incredible music and festival experience at the mountain’s base and in town. The 2026 X Games marks the 25th consecutive year of the event in Aspen and features top-level competitions in SuperPipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, and Knuckle Huck, along with live entertainment from headline musical acts and daytime performances. This weekend is undoubtedly one of Aspen’s most prominent and well-loved events, perfect for mountain and music enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that tickets are required for evening competitions and concerts, while daytime access is free until early afternoon. Tickets are still available through XGames.com.
Toyota U.S. Grand Prix (January 7th – 10th)
Photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
The Toyota US Grand Prix is an unmissable event for those who appreciate high-level skiing and snowboarding! This competition attracts elite athletes from around the world who compete in exciting slopestyle and halfpipe events. Held at the iconic Buttermilk Mountain, it offers thrilling sports action with stunning mountain views. On January 10, the event culminates with a special Road to Italy U.S. Team Send Off at the Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring athlete recognition followed by a free outdoor concert by Less Than Jake. To learn more, visit the Aspen Chamber’s event page.
Have we convinced you yet?
January is the perfect time to plan your Aspen getaway; let us help make it unforgettable!
Start your journey today by browsing our rental collection or giving us a call at (970) 205-9960. Let us help you create a genuinely extraordinary January in Aspen, filled with adventure, comfort, and lasting memories!
