ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK HOSTS “ALL FOR LOVE,” A GROUP CIVIL UNION CEREMONY

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 Organizers Aim for Highest Elevation and Largest Group Civil Union Ceremony in U.S.

Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate equality with “All For Love,” a group civil union ceremony in downtown Aspen, on January 18, 2014. Organizers hope the event will be the largest same-sex ceremony in the U.S. and also the highest elevation group ceremony at Aspen’s 7,908 feet above sea level. 

“Colorado recently passed a law in May, 2013, recognizing civil unions, and it’s only a matter of time before gay marriage is legal as well,” remarked Todd Heimel, board president of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund, the beneficiary of Aspen Gay Ski Week which promotes tolerance, understanding and diversity through education, community action and service. “We want to celebrate the progress that has been made and continue to promote equality for all.”

The group ceremony, open to all same-sex couples, will be held at 11 a.m. in Wagner Park (300 S. Monarch St.) amongst the iconic surroundings of the quaint town of Aspen. In addition to couples willing to make the commitment officially, other same-sex couples are encouraged to participate ceremonially in order to show support for marriage equality.

For those wishing to make the union legal, partners should visit Pitkin County Clerk’s office for official paperwork. Learn more by visiting http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Clerk-Recorder/Civil-Union-Licenses/.

A champagne and cake reception will follow the ceremony at The Limelight Hotel, a partner in the event and the host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week. A honeymoon package is available from the hotel, which includes a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as complimentary lift tickets up the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of iconic Aspen Mountain to take stunning photo shoots overlooking the Elk Mountain Range—and the option to ski or snowboard down this legendary mountain.

One couple will receive a dream honeymoon at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (Ojai, CA), including a three night stay with breakfast daily, dinner one evening at Maravilla and a couples’ massage.

To learn more about “All For Love” and Aspen Gay Ski Week, visit www.gayskiweek.com. 

About Aspen Gay Ski Week

Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) is the oldest annual, week-long gay ski event in the nation. A model for other gay ski weeks, AGSW offers a unique vacation experience in the scenic and historic mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. AGSW visitors enjoy four mountains of varied skiing and snowboarding terrain, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoe and winter hiking trails in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. For more information, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

About the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund

With a mission of promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity through education, community action and service, the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) has been serving the GLBT community of the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond since 1996 as a non-profit organization.  The RFGLCF produces many events throughout the year, including Aspen Gay Ski Week each January, which brings thousands of GLBT skiers to the mountains of central Colorado.  RFGLCF has partnered with the TEACH program in the Roaring Fork School District to help fund training for children and adults who are learning the principles of diffusing situations of racism, sexism, ageism, bullying and homophobia.  Visit www.rfglcf.com to learn more. 

About The Limelight Hotel

The Limelight Hotel is Aspen's newest hotel, offering guests the best of mountain adventure in a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere. The property offers more amenities for skiers than any other Aspen hotel, including free lift tickets, ski area transportation, boot dryers/lockers, ski valet and more. It is the official host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week. Visit www.limelighthotel.com for details.

About Ojai Valley Inn and Spa

Since 1923, vacationing guests have sought the tranquil pleasures of the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a AAA Five Diamond property located on 220-tree shaded acres, located just an hour and a half north of Los Angeles and half-hour south of Santa Barbara. Affirmed by its many prestigious awards, the legendary Inn is one of the nation's unique hidden treasures. Learn more at www.ojairesort.com.

Aspen Gay Ski Week: The Photos

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Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, celebrated its 32nd anniversary January 11-18, 2009.

The week’s events included a Prince cover band, “Purple Reign,” a SnowBall, and the infamous pool party on Saturday night. Comedy Night at the Wheeler Opera House showcased top comics Mark Alan Smith, Erin Foley, Scott Kennedy, and Paul Williams—the producer of the show and hilarious emcee of the downhill costume contest.

For more information, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

Photo credit to Dick Mitchell.

Aspen Gay Ski Week Celebrates 32 Years

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Media Contact: Jim Guttau: 720 530 9533

Annual Event to Attract Nearly 4,000 January 11-18

Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate its 32nd anniversary January 11-18, 2009.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this year’s gay ski week, themed ‘Fire & Ice,’ featuring après ski events, comedy night, and the popular downhill costume competition,” remarked Bryan Gonzales, co-producer of Aspen Gay Ski Week and Executive Director of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund.

The week’s events also include a Prince cover band, “Purple Reign,” a SnowBall, and the infamous pool party on Saturday night. Comedy Night at the Wheeler Opera House showcases top comics Mark Alan Smith, Erin Foley, Scott Kennedy, and Paul Williams—the producer of the show and hilarious emcee of the downhill costume contest.

“Opening in November 2008, the new Limelight Lodge will be the host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week,” said Gonzales. “The 20 person hot tubs at the Limelight will be the perfect spot for après ski sightings.”

Event passes and lodging are still available. For the entire schedule and to purchase event passes, lodging, and ski lift tickets, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a fundraiser for Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund. This year, a portion of the proceeds from Gay Ski Week activities, pass sales, and lift ticket purchases will directly benefit the Western Colorado AIDS Project, as well as local schools.

Founded over a decade ago to provide services for the Roaring Fork Valley community, the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) hosts parties, educational forums, and special events, such as Aspen Gay Ski Week. The efforts of this volunteer group of men and women have allowed RFGLCF to become a philanthropic gay and lesbian community. The organization has provided tens of thousands of dollars to schools and various charities of gay and lesbian interest and elevates Aspen’s reputation as a prominent gay and lesbian travel destination. For more information, visit www.gayskiweek.com.