Australia Day Hits the Aspen Slopes

Every year, Australians celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the first British ships to their continent’s shores. Halfway around the globe, transplants and visitors in Aspen proudly wave the flag to honor their homeland on Jan. 26. This year, Aspen Skiing Co. is making it an official by hosting Australian Day celebrations.

On Sunday, Aspen Mountain will open at 8 a.m. and host a Vegemite-eating contest in Gondola Plaza. For lunch, expect the Aussie burger, with beetroot, pineapple and fried eggs, at The Sundeck, Elk Camp Restaurant, Ullrhof and Merry Go Round. The spirit of Australia will be loud and clear at each of the four mountains, with many seasonal employees hailing from Down Under and ready to show their pride.

Leading up to Australia Day, local chefs will compete in a pavlova-making contest on Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Residences at the Little Nell. Pavlova is a meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova.