Wintersköl begins by celebrating royalty at the luncheon, with non-profits and businesses of the year

Debbie Brown, president and CEO of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, said as she kicked off Winterschool’s annual awards and budget-passing luncheon on Thursday after a few years off because of the pandemic, there’s plenty of fun left in Aspen.

Winterschool, after all, is all about local fun after the holidays among the big crowd. The festival is jam-packed with events through Sunday, culminating in a bonfire and fireworks Saturday, followed by a hands-on drag queen bingo brunch in Snowmass, mingling with the start of Aspen Gay Ski Week and the next wave of visitors. .

“Go out there and get rid of your life this week,” she joked. “I might do it myself!”

And so, hundreds of Aspenians celebrated the 72nd Winter Reception with the Helen K. Klandrud Winterschool Luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel.

The event brought together the business community and celebrated the association’s royalty awards and awards.

The Buddy Program, which is celebrating its 50th year in business, won Nonprofit of the Year.

The organization pairs adult community members with local youth for mentoring relationships, and hosts school-based and community programs from Aspen to Carbondale and Rifle.

“We are honored to be recognized by ACRA and local business community leaders,” said Lindsay Lofaro, executive director of the Buddy Program. “We know our work wouldn’t be possible without so many other nonprofits.”

This year, the Buddy Program is moving to Glenwood Springs with their outdoor leadership program at Glenwood Middle School and plans to launch the Big and Little Buddy Program at the beginning of the next school year.

The Chamber Resort Association awarded the title of Business of the Year to Pure Bare Cyclebar Aspen.

General manager Eli Radney said: “We know everyone loves a glass of champagne, but we claim to be the best bar in town.

And, the Molly Campbell Service Award was presented to retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dick Merritt, for his more than four decades in Aspen as a ski instructor, ranger and leader of the local veterans community.

“I came straight from Vietnam 57 years ago and fell in love with the place, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said to a standing ovation.

The Resort Chamber Association won this year’s Winterschool royalty honors — exemplary representatives of the Winterschool spirit — at Winter Laurel.

Nancy Meyers, already a highly decorated Aspen socialite, has been recognized as Ms. Aspen 2022 and Best Socialite. The Aspen Times, has called Aspen home for 42 years. She worked. Aspen Magazine For 17 years before taking the position of publisher Aspen Sojourner In 2003

Another royal honoree is John Rigney, the longtime Aspen Skiing Co. executive.

Winterschool 2023 is the first in-person event after two years of COVID-19 protocols banning large gatherings.

Weekends are packed with a calendar of indoor and outdoor Winterschool events – the option of streaming is encouraged, if only in jest.

“I hope everyone has a chance to celebrate Winterschool this year,” said Jennifer Carney, COO of the association. “This is a very traditional part of Aspen’s history. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate winter.”

“To all the Aspen locals who make our mountain town so special: May you always find joy, laughter and wonderful memories throughout that winter. Cheers!” Brown said at the luncheon over one of several champagne cans. Soon after, the members at the luncheon adopted the association’s bylaws and approved the Aspen Chamber Resort Association for the new year.