World Cup community events

The Audi FIS Alpine World Cup at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational takes to the hill, kicking off the Aspen/Snowmass opening weekend November 24-25th.

Ski racing fans in Aspen.
Real Aspen file photo

The greatest female racers in the world take to Aspen’s world renown racing venue as spectators near and far are invited to the base of Lift 1A for prime viewing. The event is free. Giant Slalom racing will take place on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., and then finals at 1:15 p.m. On Sunday, Slalom races begin at 10 a.m. and finals start at 1 p.m. As always, the races are surrounded by a host of free community events and activities.

The popular World Cup Kick-Off Party at the Limelight Hotel takes place Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The party is free and open to the public and will feature the U.S. Ski Team Autograph Signings from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. & the Public Bib Draw for the top 15 racers from 6:45 – 7 p.m.

Join in the festivities of World Cup at the Taste of Winternational. Hosted by Aspen/Snowmass and the Aspen Community Foundation, the entire valley is invited to enjoy beverages and complimentary food tastings from on-mountain restaurants across Aspen/Snowmass and ASC Catering. Starting at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday come enjoy food, music, giveaways and help cheer on the racers. Live music will accompany halftime at the Taste of Winternational event on both days.

Aspen/Snowmass will officially kick-off the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series with a free concert featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Saturday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the base of Aspen Mountain in the Upper Gondola Plaza. World Cup Awards will take place on the stage following the concert at 8 p.m. A spectacular fireworks display will follow at 8:15 p.m. There will be an outside beer garden and food available at Ajax Tavern.

New to the lineup this year is the Audi Ski Challenge, a Parallel Giant Slalom race on the NASTAR Course on Aspen Mountain. This event is free and open to the public, snow conditions permitting. Pre-register at http://usskiteam.com/events/all/alpine or on race day at Gondola Plaza, for a chance to win a free trip to the U.S. Alpine National Championships in Squaw Valley.

Other things not to miss: Bud Light’s Dine-Around Program is back and better than ever, offering food specials from Friday, November 23 to Thursday, November 29 participants include Ajax Tavern, Elevation, Jimmy's, L'Hostaria, Matsuhisa, Rustique and more. Take of tour of participating downtown stores as they share in the excitement for the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational with the annual Window Decorating contest. Children throughout the valley have contributed to helping make each window stand-out. See what goes into making each racer’s equipment perfect for race day at the free Wax Room Tours. Tours run continuously from 4:30 – 5:30 pm on Friday, November 25 at the Mountain Chalet Parking Garage Entrance.

It is going to be a non-stop weekend of racing, music, food and activities. Take advantage of this lift and lodging package to get on the slopes in the early season. Buy 2, get 3 on lift tickets, equipment rentals, and group lessons. For more information please visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com/deals. This offer must be booked by November 19, 2012 and is valid November 22 – December 20, 2012.