January Weekend Plans: Deals and Happenings Around the Region

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
January 9–12 Winterskol
Introduce yourself to the burgeoning sport of fat biking (think mountain biking in the snow) at Aspen’s annual toast to winter. Demo bikes will be available to test out January 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or watch the pros at Aspen’s first fat bike race.

January 9–12 Ouray Ice Festival
Watch some of the world’s best ice climbers defy gravity in one of the state’s most beautiful places. Plus: clinics, gear expos, climbing films, and—of course—beer.

January 11–23 National Western Stock Show
The National Western Stock Show rolls into town this weekend with all the rodeo action your heart desires, including miniature bull riding competitions this weekend.

January 23 Vail Symposium
Hear former U.S. Senator Gary Hart give his take on Homeland Security in the 21^st century at Vail’s monthly “Hot Topic” discussion.

January 23–25 X Games
Get geared up for Sochi at Aspen’s X Games. Viewing the winter sports events at Buttermilk is free; the awesome musical lineup—including New York indie favorites Matt & Kim and alt-rock’s Grammy winners Phoenix—is not, but tickets are just $30.

OTHER HAPPENINGS
Clothing and outdoor accessory boutique Filson, a longtime favorite of the Northwest’s rugged outdoorspeople, recently opened their first retail shop in Colorado in Aspen.

DEALS
Get a lift ticket and a lesson at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for just $59 during Learn to Ski Month (January). Extend your trip on the cheap at The Ruby of Crested Butte, which is offering a second night stay for just $1 Monday through Thursday, all month long.

—Images courtesy Shutterstock

Follow senior editor Kasey Cordell on Twitter @KaseyCordell.