Snowmass Hosts Second Annual Cru Cup Food and Ski Event

Snowflakes gently fall on the slopes of Snowmass, casting a serene silence over the mountain. The sound of skis gliding down the slopes and the smell of food wafting through the air will soon fill the atmosphere as the second annual Cru Cup approaches. This year's event, scheduled for April 2-3 at Viceroy Snowmass, promises to bring together the best of food, skiing, and community.

As Viceroy Snowmass' Chef Matt Zubrod puts it, the Cru Cup was inspired by the Grand Marnier chefs' ski event, with the goal of combining great food and winter sports in the heart of Snowmass before the season's end. "It usually starts out with a blast text to my friends," Zubrod said, explaining how he gathers a lineup of talented chefs for the event. The numbers back that up, with a diverse range of local restaurants participating, including Aspen Elevated Catering, Cache Cache, and The Little Nell.

The event's focus on culinary talent is evident in the variety of dishes that will be available, from short rib tacos to pork belly banh mi, and even a passionfruit tart with white chocolate. Zubrod emphasized that the event is designed to be fun, with a focus on quality food and wine. "What I tell chefs is to make a tasting portion of whatever your favorite thing is to cook," he said. This year, due to the low snow, the event might look a little different, with a greater emphasis on the culinary offerings and less on the ski racing portion.

The Cru Cup is also partnering with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, donating a portion of proceeds to the local nonprofit. As Noah Wheeless, events and operations manager for AVSC, explained, the funds will go towards the club's fellowship fund, which helps over 3,000 kids have the ability to ski and snowboard in the valley. "We're extremely grateful for the Viceroy and the local restaurants that are all partaking in this event, and we can't wait to see how it turns out," Wheeless said. The community aspect of the event is clear, with a focus on bringing people together and supporting local organizations.

The schedule for the event includes a welcome evening on Thursday, April 2, with a reception at Toro, featuring global beers and ciders, as well as international street-food-style bites from local restaurants. The following day will include a culinary showcase, with a range of dishes available, and potentially, a ski racing competition, depending on the snow conditions.

As the event approaches, locals can expect a fun and lively atmosphere, with great food and drink, and a strong connection to the local community that is hard to find elsewhere. "It's definitely a community event," Zubrod said, emphasizing the importance of connecting with locals and making Snowmass a hub for the culinary scene. The outcome of this event will be shaped by the efforts of the organizers and participants, and that's something to look forward to.

"We're trying to connect with locals and make Snowmass associated with the culinary scene," Zubrod said, highlighting the mission of this annual gathering. As Snowmass prepares for the festivities, folks around here can expect a unique and exciting experience that combines the best of food, skiing, and local culture. The question is whether this event will become a staple of the Snowmass calendar, but for now, it's clear that it's an event that is not to be missed. As Wheeless put it, "For us, it's about everyone coming together — that's part of our mission at AVSC."