Nestled in the heart of Utah's majestic Wasatch Mountains, Deer Valley stands as a haven for winter sports enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable skiing experience. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, impeccably groomed slopes and a range of luxurious amenities, Deer Valley has earned its reputation as a truly special place to ski. From limited lift ticket sales and world-class dining to extensive terrain you can really ski the difference (as they like to say) at Deer Valley.
Having been to Deer Valley on multiple occasions year-round I can attest to the fact that its exceptional experience extends beyond the winter months. One such endeavor is their Mountain Beer Festival which my wife and I attended this past weekend. There we saw the Deer Valley difference in full effect. Now in its second year, the Mountain Beer Festival is more than just your average beer festival. With a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, the festival gives patrons the opportunity to sample excellent craft beer from across Utah while maintaining the Deer Valley difference.
Deer Valley has always prided itself on its dedication to creating an unmatched experience for its visitors. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by warm smiles and a genuine commitment to their satisfaction. Take for example this last winter when my daughters and I visited. I had a question about our passes and where to meet our resort host. Within minutes of asking a resort representative, he had our passes to us and he was on the phone connecting us with the resort host that we were skiing with that day. The resort has built a reputation for its exceptional customer service such as this. It ultimately ensures that every aspect of a guest's stay is tailored to meet their desires.
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
Another component that sets Deer Valley apart is its unwavering attention to detail. Whether it's the perfectly groomed slopes, the cozy fireplaces in the lodges or the mouthwatering cuisine at their award-winning restaurants, every element is meticulously curated to provide the ultimate experience. It's the raclette cheese melting onto plates in front of a massive fireplace in full view of guests walking through the door at Fireside Dining. Or, the transport service that picks you up in brand new Range Rovers within minutes of calling for them. These are just two examples of how Deer Valley's commitment to excellence is evident in the smallest details, ultimately creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort.
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
As previously mentioned, Deer Valley's pursuit of excellence extends beyond the ski season and throughout the year. Last year, in an effort to further elevate the guest experience, they introduced the Mountain Beer Festival. Now an annual event, it celebrates the artistry of craft beer while showcasing the finest breweries from across the state. Held against the backdrop of the magnificent mountains, the festival offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of unique and flavorful brews.
However, Deer Valley's Mountain Beer Festival is more than just a multitude of beer tastings. It is a celebration of community, bringing together beer enthusiasts, vendors and live music to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Visitors can explore the diverse range of craft beers, savor delicious BBQ food pairings and enjoy live entertainment, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Deer Valley.
Sounds great, right? It ABSOLUTELY is. Sounds like every other mountain beer festival? It ABSOLUTELY is not.
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
What sets the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival apart is how they have managed to make it feel crowded yet intimate at the same time. There is simply nothing worse than going to a beer festival and feeling cramped. What is even worse is having to wait in long lines to get what you came for...great beer.
That kind of defeats the point. Don't you think?
This happens more often than you think however, it was far from my experience this past weekend at the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival. Ultimately this comes down to Deer Valley's three circle model which includes taking care of the guest, the company and each other.
Josh Hockman, Director of Beverage elaborates saying, "We want to provide our attendees with a memorable experience, with Deer Valley's attention to details at the forefront. Our goal is to think through every detail that affects our attendees, to alleviate any potential oversights prior to the event, so the guest experience is seamless. We like to be proactive, instead of reactive."
As previously mentioned, Deer Valley prides itself on providing an excellent experience for thitsuests, no matter what the occasion. Just like other aspects of the resort, the attention is in the details at their Mountain Beer Festival. Throughout my two days at the event I never once waited in line for a beer. Not only was this nice from the perspective of getting to taste copious amounts of beer, but it also allowed me to have conversations with the brewery representatives themselves.
Again, I am proud of the hard work and dedication that the Utah breweries showcase, says Hockman. For this, when building the DVMBF I didn't want it to be just a "fill my beer and walk away" style event. I wanted a setting that was intimate enough that the breweries get to speak about their beers and their brands, and the guests get the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the craft. Limiting numbers falls into line with originally Deer Valley lift ticket mentality, which creates an uncrowded mountain experience."
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
With two successful seasons under their belt, the idea of expansion has crossed the minds of resort representatives and patrons alike. However, it begs the question, how do you expand while keeping the Deer Valley difference in mind? Again, what makes their Mountain Beer Festival special is the crowded but intimate feeling of the event.
"Our intention is to grow the event incrementally each year so that we don't lose sight of the aspects that our guests have told us that they love about the event already," says Hockman.
This includes the potential expansion of the current footprint around the Silver Lake Lawn area thereby allowing them to grow the numbers without going over the intended density. There is also talk of expanding the event to other areas of the resort like the Bald Eagle and/or Bald Mountain peaks.
Deer Valley's commitment to providing its guests with an exceptional experience is exemplified through the Mountain Beer Festival. By combining their renowned attention to detail with the celebration of craft beer, the resort creates an atmosphere of luxury, adventure and community. Throughout the course of the weekend, I never once waited in line for a beer. Furthermore, I had countless opportunities to speak with the representatives from the breweries and learn more about the beers and their brands. This is truly the Deer Valley difference at its finest which clearly extends beyond the winter months and spills over into every little thing they do.
Are you visiting a different mountain beer festival this fall? You should. But when you do, just remember to wear your Brews with a View T-shirt. This shirt just screams Mountain Beer Festival. And, that is exactly why I wore mine at Deer Valley this past weekend (pictured above). Cheers!
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Photo Credit: Brundage Mountain
What's a gaper?
According to Urban Dictionary, a Gaper is a skier or snowboarder who is completely clueless. It's also an acronym meaning Guaranteed Accident Prone on Every Run.
On most days you definitely want no part in being a gaper. However, for this day only, Brundage Mountain Resort is asking you to channel your inner gaper and bring it to the mountain.
This is your opportunity to break out your old highlighter jacket, sport the gaper gap and rock your nicest pair of jorts as you shred for the day. Then when it's time to après ski, you'll be dressed and ready to participate in Brundage Mountain's BREWlympics.
Photo Credit: Brundage Mountain
If you've ever dreamed of being a Brewlympian, this is your chance. Brundage Mountain Brewlympics is where champions are made. For the occasion, they have assembled some of the best drinking games in order to separate the pretenders from the contenders.
The festivities kick off with the Root Beer Relay. Yes, this one is for the kiddos and is bound to bring enjoyment to the crowd in anticipation of the Beer Relay that follows.
As fun as a good beer relay can be it's the main event that everyone will be waiting for. This year, Brundage Mountain has teamed up with Salmon River Brewery to bring you their very own Gelande Quaffing tournament.
Photo Credit: Brundage Mountain
If you've never gelande quaffed before, you are missing out. It involves three key skills and a whole lot of style.
THROW the beer. CATCH the beer. DRINK the beer.
Gelande Quaffing is that simple and very exciting.
Throughout the tournament, teams of four hurl the beer down the long table toward their waiting teammate who will catch it and chug it. Scoring follows the official Gelande Quaffing rules (yes, they exist) and style points are added for tricks and costumes.
"The most athletic beer-drinking game in the world" never disappoints and will definitely have the crowd whipped up into a frenzy.
Photo Credit: Brundage Mountain John Webster
Beyond hosting a variety of great events this spring like the two mentioned above, Brundage Mountain Resort has received above-average snowfall totals this March. On average Brundage receives 33" in this month alone. They have already surpassed this total with the 69" they received so far this March. And, there are still a few more days left.
As if you needed more reasons to get the "Last Tracks" tradition at Brundage Mountain, but if so, Mother Nature just gave you 69 of them.
Photo Credit: Brundage Mountain
All this extra snowfall will make Brundage Mountain's annual "Last Tracks" tradition feel more like first tracks. Nonetheless, good things have to come to an end and so will their season on April 9. Guests are encouraged to grab a portable beverage from Smoky’s Bar & Grill and meet at the summit that day at 4 Pm for a toast to the season and a final group lap on Main Street.
It's the ultimate end to a great season and a fantastic series of spring events.
Spring events like the ones at Brundage Mountain require the best apres ski attire. If you are competing in the Gelande Quaffing Championships teams are encouraged to have team names with matching costumes. Make yours the Après Ski Team and wear our Apres Ski Team T-Shirt or ski hoodie. You're matching outfits will turn heads especially when you win. Just be sure to post a pic rocking your shirts when you do.
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Deer Valley Ski Resort has long been at the forefront of the culinary ski competition. The Deer Valley restaurants and bars are innovative and offer some of the best-tasting and most creative food I have had in the mountains (you can check out my post on the best Deer Valley restaurants for more information). Ultimately, it is these high standards that have directly translated into a vibrant and fun Deer Valley après-ski scene.
Over the past year, Deer Valley Resort in Utah has added to its long-standing tradition of providing its guests with top-notch après-ski. New this winter season they have added Cast and Cut to the arsenal of amazing Deer Valley restaurants. Their Taste of Luxury series featuring Michelin Star chefs from around the world including Chef Massimo Bottura and more recently Chef Giancarlo Morelli has been very well received.
Both Cast and Cut and the Taste of Luxury are very on brand with Deer Valley Resort and their high-end appeal. However, for those of you looking for a more traditional apres ski experience they have you covered there as well. This spring Deer Valley Resort invites guests to spend après-ski at a variety of beer and spirits-themed gatherings including the return of the High West Whiskey Garden and their Brews and Tunes series.
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day weekend, the High West Whiskey Garden returns to Deer Valley. Beginning March 16, visitors should head on over to McHenry Beach, located mid-mountain at Silver Lake Lodge, for four days of festivities.
The festivities kick off at 11 am each day (you can't après all day if you don't start in the morning) and wrap up around 4. During that time High West Distillery will be serving their award-winning whiskey, including featured event cocktails, from the vintage High West Airstream bar.
On-mountain bars don't get much cooler than that.
There will also be fire pit cauldrons to gather around and warm with friends new and old, DJ Five spinning the tunes and, for the non-whiskey drinkers, some tasty suds from Park City's own Offset Bier.
With so much going on you simply cannot miss this ultimate beach party in the event of the mountain.
Cold beer, live music and the mountains...they just work well together. This trio is the inspiration behind Deer Valley Resort's Brews and Tunes Après-Ski Series.
Every Friday and Saturday from now until April 8 you should head on over to the Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley Resort in Utah. There, they will be featuring craft beer from a different local brewery every weekend. Accompanying these fine suds will be live music from DJ Nevermore or Mountain Town Music as well as a variety of après-ski snacks including the famous Deer Valley Chili.
Find out when your favorite local brewery will be pouring beers in the schedule below or just go ahead and attend them all. It will be worth it.
Feb 24 & 25: Roosters Brewing Co. | Mountain Town Music
Mar 3 & 4: Proper Brewing Co. | Mountain Town Music
Mar 10 & 11: Bohemian Brewery | Mountain Town Music
Mar 17 & 18: Offset Bier | Mountain Town Music
Mar 24 & 25: UTOG Brewing | DJ Nevermore
Mar 31 & Apr 1: Uinta Brewing | Mountain Town Music
Apr 7 & 8: Proper Brewing Co. | DJ Nevermore
Spring ski events such as Deer Valley Resort's High West Whiskey Garden and Brews and Tunes events require the right kind of après-ski attire. Lucky for you our après-ski clothing works for all occasions. In this instance, I'd recommend our Après-Ski Team Hoodie. It's the perfect ski hoodie for you and your friends to wear right from the slopes to the festivals. Aside from being warm and comfortable, you'll all represent the team everyone wants to be a part of.
Do you enjoy finding out about the best places to hang out on your next ski trip to Deer Valley or anywhere else in the high country? If so, then Sign up today for our Events and Festivals Blog. You'll never miss another post or an event that you want to attend.
]]>Sure, skiing and snowboarding conditions are variable, at best, but when it comes to this time of year, it's all about the festivals. In their effort to attract visitors at a time when many have packed up their gear for the season, resorts host a variety of outdoor events that are fun and entertaining. While enticing others who do not ski and snowboard to join in the spring mountain fun, they simultaneously give regulars a reason to stay when the snow becomes just a bit too much like mashed potatoes.
One such event which happens to be one of my favorites is Mount Snow Winter Brewers' Festival. Although not nearly as big as its summer counterpart, it has been held this time of year at Mount Snow Ski Resort for roughly 12 years prior to the pandemic. Now it's back and ready for you to partake.
Excited as you may be, you don't want to go into this Mount Snow beer fest all unprepared. Here are five tips to consider in order to make the most out of your Mount Snow Brewers' Festival experience.
If you know you are going to be attending Mount Snow Winter Brewers' Festival then why wait? Purchase your tickets ahead of time online. Not only does this save you money and the trouble of having to buy one in person the day of, but it will also save you from getting yelled at by all the anxious people that you are holding up in line behind you.
Tickets are available on the Mount Snow events page. Adults 21 and older are $20 and come with a commemorative glass and four drink tickets. You also have the option to purchase an additional five drink tokens for $20 which is certainly worth it. This way you'll have them already and won't have to worry about standing in line to purchase more tokens when all you really want to do is drink more craft beer.
Whether you are skiing and snowboarding or just going for a good time, it is always best to arrive early. Get out on the mountain first thing in the morning and get your laps in. Then bag it around noon. The longer you wait the more crowded the even will become.
Arriving early will give you access to the best craft beers without the hassle of a long line. As the afternoon wears on, more visitors who are there to just drink begin to filter in. Sure the crowd makes for a good time but the beer lines will grow. So if you are looking to get a few extra beers without the struggle, click out of your skis and board early and head to the base area to start drinking.
This may seem obvious but I'd be remiss if I did not mention it. Mount Snow Winter Brewers Festival runs from 12-4 PM. That's a lot of time to be hanging out in your ski boots. Be sure to have a change of shoes with you. Whether you bring a bag and store it at Mount Snow's free baggage check or pack a pair and leave them in your car, you're going to want to put them on.
Not only will they prolong your day drinking, but when Jeff Tuohy takes the stage, you will be prepared to dance amidst the crowd. Ski boot dancing is all fun and games until you lose a toenail doing the running man. Trust me, I speak from experience.
Mount Snow Winters Brewers Festival is a fun way to end your spring ski day. Don't be dumb and drink and drive. If you are not staying within walking distance then be sure to have a designated driver. Mount Snow sells designated driver tickets for $5 for a reason. Have fun and drink responsibly. Everyone will be happier for it.
Trust me, this will happen. You will get so engrossed in tasting one Double IPA after another that you can forget to eat. Mount Snow ski resort has plenty of food options all within the base area. Whether it's a slice of Tony's Pizza or something simple from the market inside, coating your stomach with a carb or two will go a long way towards making your day more enjoyable. Not doing so could put you in a Double IPA coma that will have you sleeping in your car while your friends continue to party without you.
Spending a few hours at Mount Snow Winter Brewers' Festival requires the right après ski clothing. Nothing says festival wear like our Après All Day Beanie and Raised on Après Hoodie. Other than the fact that their names just work for the occasion, they will both provide you with the comfort you are looking for when it comes to all-day drinking.
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]]>Sun Valley Ski Resort was voted the number 1 ski resort by Ski Magazine in 2020/2021 for good reason. The skiing there is legit, especially on Bald mountain when the snow is good. Good skiing deserves après ski its equal and Sun Valley has plenty of that too. Whether on the mountain or in the nearby town of Ketchum there are plenty of places to play when the lifts stop spinning. Beyond great skiing and elevated après-ski, Sun Valley is also one of the most family friendly resorts in North America.
Family friendly is what it's all about this holiday season as Sun Valley Resort announced the return of its popular Winter Wonderland Festival. With a line up including the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, an Open Air Holiday Market, and Christmas Eve Ice Show with Torchlight Parade and fireworks it is the ultimate way celebrate the holiday ski season at Sun Valley Resort.
The Winter Wonderland Festival kicks off this weekend at Sun Valley Resort (December 11-12) with a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy. Always a fan favorite, the Open Air Holiday Market will fill the Sun Valley Village with local artisans selling their creation.
While the parents shop, children can head over to the Boiler Room and decorate their own cookie kits (available for purchase for $19.50). Once finished, the whole family can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Village shops throughout the holiday season by picking up a card at the Guest Center.
When the sun goes down Saturday, December 11, it's time for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Village right in front of the duck pond. Christmas tunes will fill the air beginning at 5:30 p.m. as you sip complimentary hot chocolate and fill your belly with yummy cookies. There's also a cash bar just in case the adults want to indulge in some treats of the liquid variety. I recommend adding a shot of peppermint Schnapps to your hot chocolate for a nice seasonal touch.
The tree lights up the night at 6 and you might just Santa may be seen strolling around the Resort. Feel free to take pics but don't get too close, we don't want the big guy to get Covid before the big night.
On New Year’s Eve, hit the slopes with your friends and family at Dollar Mountain and enjoy some night turns, music under the stars and fireworks. This is a special ticketed event and not included on a season pass. The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. and culminate with fireworks at 9 p.m. Tickets are $45 per adult and $35 per child 12 and under.
If you are looking for family friendly during the holidays, then it's hard to top Sun Valley Resort. The return of their popular Winter Wonderland Festival offers a variety of activities that will excite and delight everyone involved. From holiday shopping for a cause, to cookie decorating, fireworks and the annual tree lighting there is so much to do during the holidays in Sun Valley, Idaho.
This holiday season give the gift of après ski to your friends and family. Our après ski clothing is designed to be functional and fun, like our If You Don't Après Ski Hoodie. Layer it underneath your jacket to stay comfortable and warm on the mountain. Then when you ditch your jacket at the bar, it's sure to turn heads après ski.
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]]>Blog post updated on October 11, 2021
When it was first announced a few years back that Kllington would be hosting the FIS World Cup, I'm not sure that anyone saw this kind of success coming. Why would they? There hadn't been a World Cup ski race prior to 2016 on the east coast in roughly 20+ years. Nonetheless, if anyone would be able to pull this kind of event off in the East, of course it would be "The Beast."
A supremely passionate fan base coupled with Killington's ability to over-deliver on every aspect of this event has made the FIS World Cup into a Thanksgiving weekend staple at Killington. So much so, that the FIS World Cup every year since (excluding 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic.
Pretty impressive stuff.
If you've been, you'd completely understand why The Homelight Killington Cup is more than just a ski race but a weekend filled some of the best après ski Killington has to offer.
What is now dubbed the Homelight Killington Cup, is a weekend-long spectacle of events that goes far beyond the race itself. Don't get me wrong, the athletes are incredible to watch. They are absolute technicians at their craft, slicing down the mountain making turns at speeds average humans would only dream of. The atmosphere for this is straight up electric and carries over to what goes on when the race is over. The après ski race, so to speak.
The après ski at Killington is some of the best in all of Vermont. This year, Killington has literally brought post race entertainment component home. Concerts, movie premiers and parties each day featuring some home grown talent, the Green Mountains have to offer.
Are you headed up to The Beast of the East this weekend for the FIS World Cup? Here are six can't miss Killington après ski events to take in once the racers cross the finish line and the night lights up with all kinds of fun.
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
If you're rolling into town on Friday, like I imagine most are, there are plenty of activities taking place throughout the day. Get there early for the open ceremony, then hang and get your favorite skier's autograph. I suggest taking it easy, you don't want to come out of the gates too hard.
Grab a few beers and wander around the village while you listen to the unique stylings of the New Hampshire based band Recycled Percussion. They'll blow your mind with their banging array of percussion based music.
Then, once finished, head right on over to the Snowshed Base lodge for the premier of Teton Gravity Research's Winterland. The world's best big mountain skiers absolutely rip in TGR's newest winter installment. TGR is known to shred the biggest, gnarliest lines around the world and their new film will put you in the right frame of mind for the rest of the weekend.
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
Throughout the day on Saturday, DJ Logic will be spinning tunes between runs. This should have you more than amped for the race and what's to come. As I mentioned earlier, the après ski at Killington is some of the best.
This year, they literally brought it home with the entertainment. On Saturday, Vermont's own Grace Potter is the first half of the Green State installment to take the stage.
This Mad River Valley born star is back in a big way. With a new album entitled Daylight and an anthology of roots rock music to play, she is guaranteed to deliver the headlining show you are looking for.
Photo Credit: CSG Ltd
The Pickle Barrel is one of the best Killington après ski bars and is known across the United States. Saturday, along with The Kelly Brush Foundation, they are throwing an aprèsski party for a great cause.
If you don't know Kelly Brush's story, you must read it. A freak ski accident cut her career short and left Brush in a wheelchair. Now, the hard charging attitude that she was known for on the slopes has continued to define her life. Living, by example, Brush is empowering those with spinal cord injuries to continue to live an active lifestyle.
Be sure to get out and support her cause at, what is sure to be, a fun and gratifying Killington après ski party.
Just like the enduring passion of the east coast skier that will be on display at this weekend's race so too will their eternal love of winter. There is no better example of this deep affection than the annual premier of the Warren Miller movie. At this year's Killington FIS Cup, you can experience this first hand.
On Saturday head over to the Snowshed Lodge when the 70th, yes 70th, Warren Miller film, Timeless premiers. Ski industry greats such as Marcus Caston, Amie Engerbretson and even Glen Plake join newbies such as Jackson Hole's Queen of Corbet's, Caite Zelif to travel to far out reaches of the globe to shred. Of course, the voice of winter himself, Jonny Moseley is back narrating, so you know the stoke level will be at an all time high. Don't miss this more than worthy, night cap.
No Killington weekend is complete with a trip to the famed Wobbly Barn. It is one of the best Killington après ski bars. In fact, they were recently named as one of USA Today's Top 5 Après Ski Bars. It should come as no surprise that they too will be getting in on the post race party action.
Finish up with that Timeless premier and immediately head down the access road on Saturday night to the Wobbly Barn. There you are sure to find a packed house. So much so that the barn may actually be wobbling when Pulse and DJ Logic take the stage and play until closing.
If you just so happen to skip the movie, you can certainly head over early. The steakhouse opens at 4 and local legend Rick Redington and the Luv start jamming leading you right into the late night shenanigans.
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
Vermont's own, Twiddle, is the second installment of bands hailing from the Green Mountain State headlining the free concerts in the K-1 Base area. Admittedly, I am not a jam band kind of guy. However, I have seen Twiddle play two winters ago when they headlined the Vermont Open at Stratton, and it's worth it.
The love that the peeps from Vermont give them is unrivaled. Twiddle is good, really good, and fortunately for you, they are playing twice on Sunday. First, check them out for free following Run 1 at the festival village. Then again later when Whistlepig presents the World Cup Finale at The Pickle Barrel.
The best part, aside from the music of course, is that since Whistlepig is the sponsor, you know there will be some tasty whiskey cocktails ready and waiting for you that night. Now that's how you finish an amazing weekend at The Homelight Killington Cup.
When it comes to a good Killington après ski party, you'll want to wear the best après ski clothing. Nothing says a visit to the Wobbly Barn or Pickle Barrel like our If You Don't Après Ski Hoodie. Whether you are hanging out watching the race or getting a few laps in yourself, you must close your day with a little après. When you do our most popular ski hoodie will keep you comfortable and warm.
Stay on the right trail. Sign up today for our Après Ski Blog and never miss another post. This way you'll know exactly where to visit on your next ski trip.
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Mount Snow's Oktoberfest turns 21 this year.
I'm so proud.
It's all grown up now, they can actually legally drink all those stein filled beers they have been serving for the last two decades.
Drink, they and I, will.
How could I possibly miss the 21st birthday of my home mountain's Oktoberfest?
Not that I need an excuse to drink beer and eat German food, but if I did celebrating Mount Snow's 21st annual Oktoberfest seems like a good one. So with my family in tow, I will be making my way to Vermont to celebrate Mount Snow's Oktoberfest armed with these eight essential tips.
With the Gulp and Gallop beer run kicking of the day followed by plenty of beer and schnitzel you can eat, this is certainly the perfect way to jump start my intense après-ski training. With après-ski, season right around the corner, there is no better time to start than now.
However, Mount Snow's Oktoberfest is not just for adults. It's fun for the whole family. My girls are just as stoked to take part in the Kids Zone where there will be a ton of family activities including: beanbag toss, a bouncy house, pumpkin painting and, everyone's favorite, donut eating on a string.
Wishing you could take part in a competition or two. Wish no more. With the Keg tossing competition, Stein Hoisting even and schnitzel toss, there are plenty of games for the competitive adult in you.
With so many fun activities to take part in, it's hard to imagine fitting it all in. You have to try though and I'm here to help with your cause.
I caught up with Mount Snow's now former communications manager and festival expert, Jamie Storrs, for his top tips on how to survive Mount Snow's Oktoberfest.
Time to iron your lederhosen and get ready to strap them on. This fun-filled weekend will be one for the ages.
1. Kick off the weekend on Friday: On Friday night at 1900 burger, Mount Snow will be hosting one of its famous beer pairing dinners, this time with delicious beers from von Trapp Brewing and Upper Pass Brewing. Five gourmet courses paired with five tasty beers from two of my favorite Vermont Breweries. Sounds like my kind of event.
2. Get in early and stake your spot: While most people are content showing up later in the afternoon, those who know show up early and stake out their spot with a popup tent and/or chairs. Not only does this give you a home base, but it gives the kids a place to hang while mom and dad are getting schnitzel-faced.
3. Take a ride to the summit: Take a trip to the summit to see why Vermont is world famous for its fall foliage with 360 degree views that stretch for miles and let you see four different states. You aren’t the only one that wants to experience these views though, so be sure you head down early to avoid getting stuck in the lift lines. Bonus Points: Hike up to the summit and earn those beers!
4. Pretzel Necklaces are a Must: While there’s a ton of great options when it comes to edibles, Oktoberfest veterans come in wearing their own pretzel neck less so when hunger strikes all they need to do is reach down for a snack.
5. Fun for the kiddos: With a Touch-a-truck event, climbing wall, snowboard rodeo, and many more kid-focused activities, Oktoberfest is a great event to bring the kids as there’s tons for them to do. Heck, they even have a kids version of the Gulp and Gallop 5K race.
6. Limited Edition Steins: In a tradition that started last season in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Oktoberfest at Mount Snow, they secretly released 150 limited edition steins that sold out in the first 20 minutes. These steins are twice the size of the normal steins and hold a whopping 32oz of German malty goodness. Those who know, know to show up pre-event and purchase these limited steins at Mount Snow Sports in The Grand. Those who snooze, lose!
7. Keg tossing: Practice makes perfect, so pre-season training is highly encouraged if we want to beat the heavy hitters.
8. Buy early and save: Don’t snooze on a good deal. The earlier you buy tickets, the more you save.
Often times, the weather at Mount Snow, Vermont can be a bit unpredictable. The day can start cold, get quite warm and then immediately drop back down. With that in mind, our Après Ski Fleece Sweatshirt will be great addition to your attire for that day. Start off with it on. Then when it gets warm, tie is around your waste until that mid-afternoon chill hits the air again. It's functional, comfortable and worth having with you.
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]]>I'm hot off another spectacular weekend spent at Mount Snow's Oktoberfest. This is the second year in a row that my family and I have attended and it is, hand's down, one our favorite events of the year. Generally speaking, it is hard to really go wrong with a good Oktoberfest celebration.
Even the smallest of these festivals turn out just fine. How could they not? There are tons of really happy people that are only made happier by the copious amounts of beer and bratwurst that is readily available to them.
However, Mount Snow elevates this contentment to another level that extends far beyond just really good beer. It is a whirlwind of fun that will have you wishing that every weekend was this good. Here are just five of the key reasons why Oktoberfest Mount Snow Oktoberfest in Vermont is one of our favorite events of the year.
I'm not necessarily opposed to bringing kids to beer themed festivals. In fact, I'd be lying if I said that my three daughters aren't already veterans of these events. People tend to look at you a little cross eyed in these scenarios. Maybe it's because they're a little bit lit, but more than likely it's because they believe you just probably shouldn't tote your kids along to beer festivals.
This is SO not the case at Mount Snow's Oktoberfest. There is just as much to do there for the kids as there is for the adults. Kicking off the afternoon with their own version of the Gulp and Gallop race, they are primed and ready to hit every activity thereafter.
From pumpkin painting, to touch a truck, to the kids' stein hoisting, to bobbing for donuts there is just so much for them to do.
My girls love it!
And, because the kiddos are having so much fun, that mean's so can the adults.
Everyone enjoys a good competition and there are plenty of them to chose from. Some people like to drink beer, some people like to run, but athletic beer drinkers like my wife and I, we like to do them both at the same time. That is exactly why we hit the ground running in the Gulp and Gallop 5k. Four laps out and back, each culminated by chugging a beer will have you pumped for your day of competitive fun.
The Keg Tossing is always a fan favorite. Whether competing or not, there is nothing like watching some of these monsters go beast mode as they hurl a keg through the air.
The Stein Hoisting is my personal favorite. It really gets the people going. Large crowds gather to watch competitors' arms shake uncontrollably while trying not to not let that oh-so-heavy stein of beer drop below shoulder height. If you haven't done it, you must give it a try. The stein hoisting is as much a test of will as it is strength.
The stein hoisting and keg toss are both great but it is hard to argue the level of enthusiasm that accompanies the schnitzel toss. Nothing says good times like a weiner being tossed back and forth between friends.
Not to get all idyllic on you here, but the Vermont fall foliage is outstanding. The dates of Mount Snow's Oktoberfest happen to coincide with peak foliage and scenery like this makes the whole event just a bit better.
Beer in hand, take a break from the festivities and look around. The array of colors is fascinating to see. Immerse yourself in it by hiking the mountain to earn your après for the day. Or, soar above it all and get a bird's eye on the Bluebird Express. The culmination of your trip? Stunning views from the mountain top of the fall colors in the picturesque Deerfield Valley.
From simple t-shirts with catchy phrases to full on lederhosen and dirndls, there are no shortage of costumes at this festival. I love a good costume. It makes things more interesting especially when those costumes extend above and beyond the traditional German garb.
Sure lederhosen is cool and all but when the Teletubbies show up to run the Gulp and Gallop, you know you are in for a good time. Hell, I even had the chance to hang with Jesus, the Pope and the Cardinal this year (aka Jesus and the boys). These former Super Troopers (their costumes last year) were my inspiration to run this year's race in my Tipsy Elves onesie.
Throughout the day I watched as they turned water into IPA's (miraculous) and were the focus of many pictures with adoring fans.
I have maintained time and time again that the craft beer scene at Mount Snow restaurants and bars is arguably the best of ski resort in the country. Food and Beverage director Michael Giorgio can go toe to toe with anyone on his knowledge of the craft beer scene. He parlays his firm grasp of this market into an epic selection of suds throughout the year.
Festivals like Mount Snow Oktoberfest only magnify this. A tasting ground for craft breweries from the tiny to the large it serves as a barometer for what they will offer at Mount Snow bars like Canned and The Bullwheel this coming winter.
As I sampled craft beer from over 36 different breweries I was blown away by the variety of styles that were available on this given day. Zero Gravity, Maine Beer Co., Two Roads Brewing, Fiddlehead Brewing...it was hard to make a bad choice and my only regret was that I could not try them all.
If it's warm enough, and costumes aren't your thing, there is no doubt you should go with a fun ski t-shirt. After all, Mount Snow is a ski resort so you want to dress appropriately. Nothing says mountain life like our Brews With a View Après ski T-shirt. It's the perfect way to show your love of the mountains and still stay cool on a hot day.
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]]>Photo Credit: Snowshoe Mountain
Now in its eighth season, Ballhooter takes place every March and gives skiers and riders in the heart of Appalachia a chance to cut loose with some spring break-inspired shenanigans, competitions, and live music. Yes, you read that right, spring break in the mountains and it's this weekend (March 13-15).
Photo Credit: Snowshoe Mountain
At the center of it all are the FREE concerts in the village. This year's super jammy lineup includes performances from Dopapod, North Mississippi Allstars, Perpetual Groove, The Wooks, Black Garlic, and the headliner Papadosio, a jazzy, electronic rock ish band that's been playing at Colorado's Red Rock for years. These bands are sure to get the crowd pretty amped but it you're there with your family, there is plenty of other events and activities to check out. A brewfest, yoga, painting classes, relay races and, of course, skiing and riding makes Ballhooter full of family fun. Not surprising since Snowshoes is one of the most family friendly resorts in the country.
Photo Credit: Snowshoe Mountain
And what exactly is a Ballhooter you might ask? With roots in Appalachia, ballhooter is an old logging term for a logger who rolls logs down hills too steep for teams. Sorry, to nix any filthy ideas you all had. Like I said, Snowshoes is as family friendly as they come. Enjoy!
For a full list of events visit Snowshoe Mountain.
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Lately though, Mount Snow has become our go to spot over over president's weekend. Having cemented itself as our home Vermont ski resort, I know it well enough to navigate the mountain and avoid the crowds. This is a task that I have found rather challenging at most other locations that I've visited on this particular weekend.
Crowded as it is, the trails at Mount Snow itself do not get chewed up like others that I've visited. This is in large part thanks to their new snow making system. Arguably the most powerful in the east, it gives Mount Snow the capability of laying down some serious snow prior to and during the holiday weekend. Doing so helps maintain their coverage and keeps the trails in good shape despite the continuous downhill traffic.
Let's be realistic though, yes we do actually ski and yes, we will get our fair share of laps in this weekend, but you know we are really All About Après. That is where Mount Snow distances themselves from the crowd on this particular weekend. Highlighted by craft beer, live music and competitions, Mount Snow is creating an experience that is not to be missed at their annual President's Weekend Winterfest.
Friday happens to be Valentine's Day and there is no better way to say I love you than with one of Mount Snow's popular beer pairing dinners at 1900' Burger. The people at Mount Snow know their craft beer. Regularly featuring some of the region's best at The Station Taproom, Canned, Iron Loft and The Bullwheel you will be hard pressed to find another ski resort that does craft beer better.
Having experienced Mount Snow's craft beer dinners before, I can speak first hand on how well executed they are.
There is no doubt that this coming culinary event will be next level as it features delicious beers from Maine's Allagash Brewing. Consistently rated as one of the top breweries in the country, Allagash brews some tremendous craft beer including their famous, and highly rated, Allagash White. Mount Snow's amazing food and beverage crew will, no doubt, take this one along with four others and expertly pair them with a delicious five course meal. The end result, a dining experience to remember and the ultimate way to kick off your holiday weekend.
Live music makes après ski better and Mount Snow will have plenty of it all weekend long. We're all about early après, especially when the music is rocking Cuzzins deck a little after noon. Grab some beers from the drive through window at Canned, post up near a table and get ready to do some serious boot dancing. Wyld Nightz will have you rocking to their classic rock and dance music on Saturday while Creamery Station lays down a series of bluesy jams on Sunday.
When they finish, there is no question where to head, right inside Cuzzins to see Bruce Jacques and his famous après ski party. There, the table dancing will begin in minutes as the raucous crowd sings along to his zany act. The people watching is something special and you will not be able to pull your eyes away until he finishes up.
No need to head home though, that's exactly when your night begins. Head over to the Snowbarn for some of their tasty pizza and then hang out for the live music that kicks off around 9. If you dig the Allman Brother's or just some good old rowdy rock and roll then The Peacheaters (Saturday) and Wild Adriatic (Sunday) are worth the price of admission.
Après Ski fun is not just for the adults. My daughters do love themselves a good Bruce Jacques show. How could they not? They've been regulars for about four years now. That said, there are other more, kid based, activities for them to partake in, none more so than making their own s'mores.
Sunday at 4, just as Creamery Station is wrapping up their set, Mount Snow will have a s'mores station conveniently set up for you on Main St. There the kiddos (and you too, of course) can indulge in the world's greatest après ski dessert. Hopped up on sugar and flying around the base area they'll be waiting in anticipation for that night's Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display. Always a cool display, it is our traditional ending to the Sunday fun.
I do recommend getting them in a bit earlier that night. This way you won't have any trouble getting them out the door the next morning and over to the mountain to check out the Grommet Jam. Watching kids their age get crafty on the features in Carinthia park is a sight to see. These youngins tend to be pretty impressive and it is a super cool way to cap off what will certainly be an amazing President's Weekend at Mount Snow.
]]>The notion that skiing and snowboarding are more than just winter activities is the very premise of the Subaru WinterFest Tour. Founded to provide a uniquely Subaru experience while making everyone's day at the ski resort better, they have created a one-of-a-kind concert and mountain lifestyle tour for skiers and riders to come together and share their passion for all things winter.
To say this is up my alley would be the understatement of the year and this weekend my family and I had the opportunity to take in Subaru WinterFest at Jack Frost Ski Resort. With a multitude of displays, free hot chocolates, s'mores and an incredible Bluegrass concert by Old Salt Union, Subaru WinterFest was, as advertised, resulting in a ton of fun for my entire family.
Up until last year, it had been about 20 years since my last visit to Jack Frost Ski Resort, but having been twice in two years, I can honestly say that they are doing an excellent job for a tiny mountain in the Poconos. Rolling into Jack Frost Ski Resort this past Saturday morning I wasn't entirely sure what to expect other than a day of skiing capped off by a concert. However, as we approached the lodge area, I realized instantly that Subaru WinterFest was going to be so much more than that.
My head began spinning in every direction as if it were on a swivel. It was tough to decide which display to check out first? Choices abound, my wife and I went with the free coffee. Duh, it was 8:30 in the morning and we still needed our fix.
My daughters? They took off instantly, free swag and fun demos has that effect on young children. It was tough to keep track of them as I drank one delicious La Colombe cold draft oat milk latte after another. Talk about a basic white girl drink. It was delicious though and I have no shame in admitting it. Our girls wandered around from tiny house to tiny house inevitably always popping back up, each time with a new Subaru buff on and sipping hot chocolates from their new Kleen Kanteen tumblers. Proudly rocking their ski bum name stickers that they created (check out the video to see what yours is) we headed out to make a few turns prior to the free S'mores setup at noon.
As previously stated, up until last year, it had been a while since I had skied at Jack Frost. However, having been twice in the last two years, I have been truly impressed with how well their operation runs. Sure, the lodge looks the same as it did back when I was in high school, just with a few more layers of paint, but that is just part of Jack Frost's OG charm. What is really impressive is how good the snow is for a tiny resort in the Poconos. We don't get a ton of natural snow out here these days (wait, what's global warming) but they make the most out of what they do get and what they produce on their own. Their base is always well maintained and the talk among my family, friends and I was how great the snow was all weekend long. That and how little we had to wait in lift lines, an added bonus that allowed us to get several laps in a short period of time before making our way back up for a hearty lunch of s'mores and craft beer.
S'mores just might be the greatest snack ever. It is hard to even think of ways to improve this decadent delight. That is until you are given gourmet chocolates and yummy Smashmallows as your primary ingredients. Boom! A next level explosion of flavor that our appreciative taste buds basked in as we indulged in the Subaru WinterFest S'mores station at high noon.
Done with coffee as our primary beverage, the adults washed them down with a couple of pints from the ski resort bar. Sidenote, if you have not been to après ski at Jack Frost's E2000, then you are missing out. It is one of the most underrated ski bars you will ever find. They really know how to get after it there and the people watching is off the charts.
Fluctuating between the bar, the Subaru WinterFest concert area and the ski slopes the remainder of the day was an absolute blast. Coincidentally, I randomly ran into two old friends from high school that I hadn't seen in years. This turned the Old Salt Union concert into a high school reunion, of sorts. Après ski never seems to disappoint. Throw in family and friends dancing around fire pits while listening to live music at a mountain festival and you really can't go wrong.
Bluegrass music seems to be aligning itself in recent years with mountain culture and after listening to Old Salt Union, it is easy to understand why. They were damn good and an excellent ambassador of the genre, surely attracting many new fans after rocking the yard. Fluctuating between their original music and après ski music covers, Old Salt Union had the crowd dancing and singing while putting a exclamation point on an excellent Subaru WinterFest at Jack Frost Ski Resort.
]]>Xanadu was no more than a failed attempt at creating what could have been a defining attraction in NJ. That all changed when the Triple Five Group took over this retired project in 2011, dubbed it the American Dream and now turned it into a reality.
Why do I care? Aside from the new, improved and much needed paint job, with it came the renewed dream of developing America's first ever real snow indoor ski and snowboard center. That dream finally became a reality as Big Snow American Dream opened for business last week.
Big SNOW American Dream, operated by New Jersey-based SNOW Operating is the first facility of its kind within the U.S. and Canada. Four acres, 160-foot of vertical, 1000 feet of length and a pitch that reaches 26% its steepest, and a constant temperature of 28 degrees, "Big SNOW is a a game changer for skiing and snowboarding in the United States," says Hugh Reynolds, vice president of marketing and sales at Big SNOW Operating.
Game changer, for sure. I recently had the opportunity to check it out and came away more than pleased. Aside from a lack of on site apres ski it more than delivered on its promise. The snow was pristine, aided by the radiant cooling floor and snow melt systems. The atmosphere was fun and exciting as the attendees lapped the hill over and over taking full advantage of the limited lift lines. And, as for the apres ski...it's coming. Word is that soon enough, there will be a Hard Rock Cafe and a brewery upstairs to provide the perfect ending to your day at Big SNOW.
]]>One day, after having recently read an article on farm breweries, I came across Screamin' Hill Brewery in Cream Ridge, NJ. Situated on the farm that their family has owned and operated since 1860 they have reinvented themselves in many ways over the past six generations, most recently as a brewery. Having been growin beer in the garden state for four years, this New Jersey farm brewery also happens to have one of the most amazing fall festival experiences a family can find. Brilliant, we thought. Craft beer, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and hayrides are things that the entire family can enjoy. Thus our annual tradition was born.
Now in our fourth year of visiting, this year's visit was elevated to new heights with the addition of their fall festival series. In the past we would pack some snacks and a lunch, set up shop near the farm brewery for a bite and some NJ craft beers then head out and take part in the multitude of activities that included the hayride, pumpkin picking, climbing on the features in the barnyard and a series of mazes that we may or may not have gotten lost in.
Photo Credit: Picture sourced from Screamin Hill Farm Brewery Instagram
Forever pushing the boundaries, last year Bullock Farms and Screamin' Hill Brewery hosted their first ever fall festival in addition to the other normal fall activities on weekends. Let's just say that it went well. So well that they expanded it to four set dates this year, the last of which is this Saturday, October 27.
Don't get me wrong, there are no shortage of pumpkin picking style festivals in New Jersey and many of these are significantly closer to where I live. However, I hate them and refuse to go. They are overcrowded, overpriced and overall lacking in fun. They also don't have a farm brewery on site serving very tasty craft beers.
Bullock Farms and Screamin' Hill are doing their fall festival right. At $15 a person, you are getting a ton of value for the price of admission because the majority of the activities are included. Paint your face, pet the animals, climb on the hay towers, get lost in one of their mazes; it doesn't matter it's all fun and free for the taking.
The parents...well, we grabbed some beers from the NJ farm brewery, food from the food trucks on site for the day and enjoyed, arguably the best part, the live music. The kids even got in on the action, dancing to the music on their frequent check in breaks with the fam. Then in between sets, we'd hop on that hay ride and head out to the pumpkin patch to hand pick our pumpkins for for the season.
I'm not really sure that it gets much better than this. Visiting Screamin' Hill Brewery and it's farm is truly a ton of family fun. It's an event that is not to be missed and with one more chance to go this Saturday, I suggest you jump on that opportunity.
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No stranger to this very concept is legendary Olympic skier, the voice of Warren Miller Entertainment and après-skier extraordinaire Jonny Moseley. Being an Olympic gold medalist doesn't happen by accident and you can certainly still find him all winter shredding his home mountain of Squaw. What you don't see is that he is putting in work each off season to be able to still ski at the highest level. Training at the gym, running, yoga: it's all deadly. He's crushing it on the reg all while celebrating with a solid après sesh. This very notion is the exact theme of this weekend's Skitoberfest with Jonny Moseley and long time outdoor clothing and gear store, Peter Glenn.
Photo Credit: Jonny Moseley's Instagram page.
Billed as "a weekend of Mayhem with Jonny Moseley" it kicks off this Friday at the New Power Yoga Studio and culminates with Bloody Mary's at Moseley's Sports Bar on Sunday. Each day includes dry land training with Squaw Valley Ski Team Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mark Dyer. He'll be taking you through some of the very workouts that Moseley and other top winter athletes do and you'll walk away with a written pre-season training program based on what you've learned.
Photo Credit: Moseley's Sports Bar Instagram Page
What's a good training session without the opportunity to talk about it with those who sweated through it with you? Boy are Jonny Moseley and Peter Glenn doing this right. Head over to Moseley's Sports Bar after your workouts finish up and enjoy the excellent variety of post-sweat activities they have in store for you. There will be athlete Q & A discussions with legendary big mountain skiers Scot Schmidt and Connery Lundin as well as Jonny and Bryan Allegretto, Co-Founder and Chief Forecaster at Open Snow. They've even brought in everyone's favorite Squaw Valley bartender Mona for the entire weekend. She'll definitely be mixing up her famous bloodies on Sunday which is good because you'll probably need them after hanging late on Saturday night to watch The Great Bingo Revival play to benefit Ski for MS.
If this isn't an All About Après kind of weekend, I am not sure what is. Get out, train hard and afterward, celebrate with friends. I love it. My only regret is that I live across the country and that would be one hell of a commute each day to get there. But you definitely should. Enjoy!
WHAT!?
Yup, you read that correctly, Park City vs. Breckenridge is quickly becoming one of the best competitive rivalries in all of the United States. In what, you ask? Only the coolest competition ever...the world shot ski record.
For the fourth consecutive year, Park City is aiming to break the record for the world's longest shot ski once again. They were the first to set the original record back in the fall of 2017. However, in the true spirit of one upmanship, Breckenridge topped it later that winter at their annual Ullr Festival, a back and forth that has gone ever since.
This Saturday October 12, that rivalry will be renewed once again as Park City Sunrise Rotary Club and High West Distillery are refilling glasses for Park City’s 4th Annual Shot Ski Event. 1,310 Park City Shot-takers will assume their positions along Park City’s Historic Main Street to simultaneously tip their glasses of tasty High West whiskey in an effort to break Breckenridge's current mark 1,299.
“The Park City community support of this event continues to grow every year, and we have no doubt we’ll be the new shot ski record holders come fall,” said Park City Sunrise Rotary Club member Connie Nelson.
Put that in your shot and drink it Breckenridge!
As fun as a shot ski rivalry between two incredible après ski towns can be there is a charitable component to all of this that they are also looking to surpass. All proceeds will benefit the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club’s Grant Program for 20 community groups and last year they raised $29,474.57. However, there is always opportunity for growth as Connie Nelson fully understands, "“We are excited about our ambitious goal to raise $40,000 for our grant program and see how this fun, lively event will go on to serve our community.”
Fun and lively, for sure. High West Whiskey will fill shot glasses again this year as the event’s presenting sponsor and a $25 ticket gets you a spot on the shot ski. It also includes a token to enjoy a High West specialty drink at one of several after-party locations including High West Distillery & Saloon, Wasatch Brew Pub, No Name Saloon, OP Rockwell and The Cabin.
Now that is the way you fire back at a rival. Park City sees you Breckenridge and after this Saturday, the spirit will be in your glass...so to speak.
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Photo Credit: WinterWonderGrass
The Caravan to WonderGrass series will kick off at this year's Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO on October 3rd, stopping in Tahoe City and Truckee, CA over three days before the culminating event happens on October 26th in Manchester, VT.
Caravan to WonderGrass aims to curate intimate, pop-up events in the festival’s host states–namely Colorado, California and Vermont–to produce gatherings that celebrate both the release of the annual festival lineups, while also offering an opportunity to connect more deeply with the local community. A “caravan,” after all, is defined as, “a group of people, especially traders or pilgrims, traveling together,” and with three national locations to its name, WinterWonderGrass, and the events leading up to it, embody just that.
Photo Credit: WinterWonderGrass
“The journey is often the greatest part of the adventure–the anticipation, the allure of reconnection, the enthusiasm and camaraderie,” WinterWonderGrass founder, Scotty Stoughton, shares about the Caravan concept. He elaborates, “We absolutely love the communities where WinterWonderGrass has found a home over the years, and we enjoy spending more time connecting with the culture of each of these unique villages. Part of our mission during the Caravan events is to highlight the incredible local food, talent, farms, train depots and lakeside porches inherent in each community, and use them to welcome the next iteration of WinterWonderGrass each year.”
Photo Credit: WinterWonderGrass
Each location will have its own unique experiences with the ultimate goal of continuing to build and showcase each community's specific music, food and beer scene.
Highlights Include:
A limited quantity of fee-free tickets to WinterWonderGrass festival stops will be available for purchase during all Caravan to WonderGrass events. For tickets and more information on specific Caravan events, please visit Caravan to WonderGrass.
WinterWonderGrass will go on sale Thursday, October 3, 2019, at 10:00 am MST with all 2020 events including Steamboat Springs, CO (February 21-23), Squaw Valley, CA (March 27-29) and Stratton, VT (April 10 & 11). The lineup announcement will take place the same day.
You already know how picturesque Jackson Hole is. If not, just jump on Instagram and look at some pictures. And, not that they need any more help in being awesome, but throw in a day of mountain biking and disc golf accompanied by live music and a beer festival and you have yourself quite a Saturday. That is exactly what will be going down in Teton Village on Saturday, August 24 at Jackson Hole's Bikes, Brews and Baskets event. This family-friendly event whose proceeds benefits Friends of Pathways will kick off in the morning with some laps around JHMR's Bike Park followed by a disc golf tournament. Like I said, you have to earn your après first. Then when the afternoon rolls around around ditch your wheels and discs and head to Teton Village for live music and Jackson Hole's first-ever brewfest.
I am still trying to wrap my mind around them never having a brewfest before but better late to the party than never. The brewfest will feature local and regional breweries that are popular in the rocky mountain region and it is quite a lineup. Filling up your cups with sudsy goodness this year are Roadhouse Brewing, Grand Teton Brewing, Lander Brewing, Odell Brewing, Epic Brewing, Lagunitas, Big Sky Brewing, Upslope Brewing, Snake River Brewing, and Uinta Brewing. There will also be food available to purchase by Bovine & Swine and the Tin Can Cantina. All while the band plays live amidst the beautiful mountain backdrop of Jackson Hole. Good beers, good food, live music...sounds like my kind of après party and something that I highly recommend you check out if you are anywhere near the area.
]]>Summer camp...being away from home, seeing old friends, meeting new ones, taking part in endless activities, it is the highlight of every kid's summer. But what happens when you grow out of it? Eventually those good times take a back seat to the real world for adults. Summer camp can be quite the challenge when you are sitting behind a computer screen for six hours a day left with nothing but your summer dreams. However, sometimes something so good comes along that you just have to throw caution to the wind and say, F this...I'm going to get back to what made me happy as a child. That very something is the third annual Camp Troegs at Roundtop Mountain Resort.
Photo courtesy of Troegs Independent Brewing Instagram Account
There is no better way to relive your childhood than at a camp sponsored by a brewery. Just imagine all your favorite summer camp activities from when you were a kid just with craft beer from Troegs at your disposal. Ziplining, Human Foosball, Dodgeball, Paintball...yup it's all there for just $125. And, of course, there will be plenty of Troegs beers to sample throughout. There is even a beer pairing buffet dinner of sorts. Now, that's something we never had at summer camp when we were kids making Camp Troegs the only place you can relive your childhood with the addition of your favorite frosty adult beverage.
For more information visit Camp Troegs today.
]]>It is hard to define just how good bacon is. Salty, fatty strips of mouthwatering porky goodness that, whether on its own or partnered with pretty much anything else, offers up an unrivaled explosion of taste. Yes, life is much better with bacon in it and you would be very hard pressed to argue that there is anything better. Anything better, that is, except more bacon. What if there was a way to have 3,000 pounds of our favorite slabs of swine paired with bourbons from all over the world? Sounds dreamy, right? It just so happens that dreams can come true and you can at the 2019 Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival.
Photo Credit: Elisabeth Biebl
What started as a simple summer festival based around the world's single greatest food item has now tripled in size over the past nine years and this year is more family focused than ever. As always, the event's admission and the live music is free but at its core, this festival is all about the bacon. This year there will be more than ever with over 3,000 pounds of the delectable treat provided by the events sponsors. On top of all that, over twenty food vendors will be on site whipping up their best bacon-centric dishes including but not limited to the perennial favorite, Bacon Bloody Mary.
Photo Credit: Elisabeth Biebl
The sky's the limit when it comes to these bacon driven culinary creations and this year's chefs are primed and ready to tantalize your taste buds. With this amount of pork, you'll need something to wash it all down. The perfect pairing to cut through and compliment all of that salt and fat. Yes, I'm talking about the other key component of this festival, bourbon.
Photo Credit: Elisabeth Biebl
There will also be no shortage of this wonderful spirit at the Bacon and Bourbon Festival. This year's Jim Beam Bourbon Tour will take whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts on a worldwide trip to taste whiskeys and bourbons from all over the globe. A fictional trip that begins and ends in the Centennial State where there will also be a focus on local Colorado products. Interested in more than just drinking bourbon and actually learning how to whip up your own festival worthy mixed drinks? The Tour will feature Maker’s Mark Mix It Sessions so attendees can learn how to make their favorite bourbon cocktails, such as Old Fashion’s, right at the event.
Photo Credit: Keystone Resort
Now, as a festival loving father of three, I know exactly what all of you parents are thinking that this all sounds phenomenal but are wondering what you will do with your kids. Bring them! This year's event is more family focused than ever and the kiddos will love it. New this year is Camp Bacon, a mini-festival within the bigger Bacon and Bourbon Festival. I wish they had something called Camp Bacon when I was a kid, especially one like this that includes kid-themed bacon talks, free face painting, EpicMix Photo Booth, crafts, and even an amped up interactive experience for kids called the Cave of Confusion. Kids can also become a “Bacon Camp Ranger” and compete in a kid’s bacon eating competition, just like the adult bacon competition that happens every year.
Photo Credit: Elisabeth Biebl
“After nine years of the Bacon Festival, this summer we aim to create an
experience for every member of the family,” says Maja Russer, director of
events and marketing for the Keystone Neighbourhood Company, the
organization which produces the festival. “By incorporating education
around bacon and fun activities for the kids, while still maintaining quality
food, music and an exclusive Bourbon Tour from Jim Beam, we are
excited to make this year’s festival better than ever before.”
Photo Credit: Elisabeth Biebl
3,000 pounds of bacon, a worldwide bourbon tour and kid focused events like Camp Bacon...this seems like a no brainer. So mark your calendars the weekend of June 22-23 and get your tickets now. The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival is as good as it gets.
]]>I'm a total beach bum once summer rolls around however, having been fortunate enough to travel beyond the friendly confines of my Jersey Shore locale I can honestly say that summer in the mountains is very underrated. This is especially true when those mountains are in Colorado. I know it is still snowing there, and many resorts are actually still open for skiing, but summer season is around the corner in Colorado’s high-country and Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are offering a little something for everyone.
Can you say bluebirds days, breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure? That's right, mountain coasters, alpine slides, scenic chairlift and gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, white-water rafting, zip lining, paragliding, festivals, dining and food events and more will have you and your family craving more. It doesn't matter if it's your first time or if you're a seasoned veteran, Colorado has all the activities you need to keep you and your family busy for an entire trip.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area: June 28 – September 15
Low Country Boil, July 13
Arapahoe Basin is will host the Low Country Boil on Saturday, July 13. This celebration will feature peel and eat shrimp, andouille sausage, Cajun boiled potatoes, sweet corn and smoked cheddar grits in the beautiful base area. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride and hike down to get the appetite going and enjoy an all afternoon feast with live music.
Aspen Snowmass: Aspen Mountain: May 25 – October 6. Snowmass: June 21 – October 6.
The Audi Power of Four Race, August 17
The Audi Power of Four Race Series is a premier endurance race series utilizing the unique and varied terrain of each of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains. Each race is designed to test the limits and skills of both elite and recreational athletes. The weekend will feature several running options including 10K, 25K, and 50K races, plus a unique 33-mile mountain bike race.
Cooper: Summer operating dates: Friday, July 12 and Friday, August 2
Fridays on the Mountain
Cooper will be hosting Fridays on the mountain during the summer. Friday, July 12 will be an Italian themed dinner and Friday, August 2, will be a seafood themed night.
Copper Mountain: Summer operating dates: June 14 – September 1
Copper Live, Starting July 6
Experience the magic of the Rocky Mountain acoustics with a free live summer concert series July through August. Copper Live is a curated series of six diverse musical performances ranging from up-and-coming indie folk, funk, jazz, reggae and electronic artists starting July 6, 2019.
Echo Mountain: Summer operating schedule: Opening Saturday, July 13.
Summer Concert, July 13
Echo mountain is hosting a concert Saturday, July 13. The concert and performers will be announced at a later date.
Granby Ranch: Summer operating schedule: ‘The Grill’ opens May 26. Open weekly Wednesday – Sunday, June 5 – September 29
Music at Milestone Series, Summer Wednesdays
Join Granby Ranch for the first annual Music at Milestone Series, an extraordinary lineup of award-winning musicians from around Colorado. Be sure to join on Wednesdays throughout the summer, at the base of the Milestone Lift to enjoy this live concert series. The event is every Wednesday from 5-8 pm and is free for the whole family.
Powderhorn Resort: Summer operating dates: June 14 – October 6
Gears & Beers Festival, August 31
Powderhorn’s 4th Annual Gears & Beers Festival will feature a fun filled day of live music, multiple beer, wine, distillery vendors and biking. It is free for all guests and is sure to be a great day on the Grand Mesa.
Purgatory Resort: Summer Operating Date: May 25 – October 13
Muck and Mire Mud Adventure, August 2
Purgatory will host the Muck and Mire Mud run on August 2. This is one of the most popular events of the year and is great for the whole family. The event features a 5k course filled with mud pits, a giant slip n’ slide, more mud pits, hay bales, climbing walls, and more mud pits.
Steamboat Resort: Summer operating Schedule: May 24 – October 13
Photo Credit: Curtis DeVore
Oktoberwest, September 13-14
Steamboat will host the 11th Annual Oktoberwest September 13-14. The weekend will feature a beer stroll through downtown Steamboat restaurants on Friday and a tasting at the base of Steamboat Resort on Saturday with over 40 craft breweries, live music, and a beef cook-off. The famous beef cook-off will have local chefs competing for the title of the best beef brisket in town.
Sunlight Mountain Resort: Summer operating dates: May 20 – October 31
Sunlight Mountain Resort will offer excursions to Hanging Lake, one of the most popular hikes in Colorado. Departing from its retail store in downtown Glenwood Springs, Sunlight’s new Hanging Lake Excursions include a shuttle ride to Hanging Lake, a Hanging Lake hiking permit plus bike rentals to enjoy a scenic 10-mile downhill cruise through the majestic Glenwood Canyon back to Glenwood Springs. The cost is $50 for adults, $40 for children 12 & under and must be booked 48 hours in advance.
Telluride Resort: Summer Operating Dates: May 22- October 20, 2019
Telluride Reserve, August 15-18
Telluride Reserve is a new food and wine event that celebrates the character and uniqueness of Telluride’s Mountain Village. This unique celebration will immerse guests in the vibrant story of food and wine, as told by a diverse collection of award-winning chefs, winemakers, farmers, authors and culinary influencers. Limited to 500 guests, Telluride Reserve brings intimacy to each tasting and close interaction with chefs, winemakers and producers.
Winter Park Resort: Summer operating schedule: June 15 – September 2. Weekends only from September 7 – October 6
USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Championships, July 23-28
The USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Championships will bring some of the best riders in the nation to Winter Park to compete in various disciplines like downhill, cross-country, short-track cross-country, team relay, enduro, and the spectator-friendly dual slalom. USA Cycling is anticipating over 1,200 participants ranging from 6 to 70 years old representing juniors, amateurs, and professionals to compete over the event’s six days.
The end of ski season can be a drag. Gone are the masses of smiling people clad in snow gear all partaking in winter's awesomeness. Après ski bars, sadly, either close for the season or are significantly less crowded. Ski towns clear out leaving only local commerce. And, of course there is mud season to contend with. Good times. I can see how people would be depressed over this, it's miserable in so many ways. However, once these initial doldrums are in our rear view, summer in the mountains can be quite fun. This is especially true when mountain resorts like Okemo, strive to be a destination that every member of the family can enjoy.
Photo Credit: Adam Ford
Just like during the winter, Okemo's Jackson Gore plays host to a large variety of summer events. Summer fun begins on June 7 with the Jackson Gore Summer Music Series. Kick off every summer weekend with a free concert in the courtyard by setting up a lawn chair and enjoying some al fresco dining and drinks while taking in an eclectic mix of local and regional music artists. While these weekly concerts are a great time, they are just a taste of what Okemo delivers with their annual All Come Home Festival. Over the weekend of July 12, the Jackson Gore courtyard turns into outdoor concert venue for two days of live music, great food, drink, and family fun in the hills of Vermont. Finally, Okemo concludes their summer series with one of my absolute favorite summer festivals, Hops in the Hills. This multi-day celebration has previously been cited as a Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Summer Event and when you experience it for yourself, you will immediately understand why.
Photo Credit: Donald Dill
Day drink away from their impressive lineup of beer, wine and cider all while listening to live music and chowing down from their next level lineup of food trucks. Hops in the Hills is mountain fun at its finest, and one of the best parts is it's proximity to Okemo's Adventure Zone. This multi-activity center highlighted by their famous mountain coaster allows the kids to enjoy themselves just as much as mom and dad and right within their sight line.
Photo Credit: Steve Mulcahy
Okemo's Adventure Zone is also open daily and a highlight of their many other Okemo activities. Spend hours there playing mini golf, bungee jumping, zip lining, playing disc golf and more. If you would rather hit a little white ball than toss a frisbee around, then head down the road to Okemo's championship golf course at Okemo Valley Golf Club. Be sure to bring your A game though. I have played here and tight fairways coupled with fast greens make this course no joke. If you do start slapping the ball all over the green mountain state, you can always indulge in some tasty bevvies and calm your nerves at one of the coolest 19th holes, Willie Dunn's Grille.
Photo Credit: Rob Bossi
Beyond your adventures on the course and in the park, you can always indulge in more back at the mountain. Rent a mountain bike and enjoy Okemo's Evolution Bike Park or even hop on the Sunburst Six and ride up to the summit where you can hike around and take in the beautiful scenic views. Views that are sure to take your mind off the winter for a little while and along with the slew of activities and events make Okemo an excellent destination for family summer fun.
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For years, ski resorts remained mainly a one season destination. Primarily cold weather resorts, they were designed to draw winter loving skiers and riders in to enjoy their snow covered mountain landscape. At some point, someone realized that this may not have been the best business plan and that in order to remain operational they needed to become year round destinations. Enter the four season mountain resort complete with epicurean delights and live summer concerts.
Mountain resorts are a perfect venue for summer concerts. They offer an expanse of land with excellent acoustics and a climate that is temperate and comfortable. Many of these resorts have really upped their foodie game in recent years to accommodate the year-round guests. With an increased focus on dining over the last half decade at ski resorts are ultimately attracting a new clientele interested in more than just skiing and riding in the winter.Two resorts that have elevated themselves to the top of the music and food categories are Deer Valley Resort and Snowbasin Resort both of which are redefining summer concerts with the addition of an incredible food and beverage scene.
* Photo Credit - Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort and The State Room Presents recently announced the complete lineup for the 2019 Deer Valley Concert Series and it looks amazing. Located in their incredible Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater while overlooking their beautiful mountain landscape they'll play host to seven concerts this summer. Running the gamut from the outlaw country rock artist Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, to downtempo world beats from Thievery Corporation and finally pop rock and personal favorite, Squeeze the series offers a little something to satisfy a multitude of music interests.
* Photo Credit - Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley will also tantalize your taste buds too. Complementing what will prove to be an excellent concert schedule, Deer Valley is also featuring an array of food and beverage options. This includes, but is not limited to, their Gourmet Picnic Bags. I know what you're thinking..."Rich, have you lost your mind? How could a picnic bag be an epicurean delight?" Trust me, these are not your grandfather's bagged lunch. No bologna and cheese on Wonder Bread here. I have actually partaken in one of these picnic bags and it included braised shorts ribs and gnocchi. I'm not messing around and neither is Deer Valley when it comes to their food and beverage scene. That's why they are consistently seen as one of the best in the high country and why you need to make sure you order up one of these picnic bags when you attend their concerts this summer.
* Photo Credit - Ryan Thompson
This summer, Snowbasin Resort's Blues, Brews and BBQ free summer concert series is back and, once again giving new meaning to the phrase Sunday Fun day. Beginning June 9 when it kicks off the summer with the Naughty Professor, and running through September 8 music will fill the mountain air with live from Earl's Patio. Three bands will perform each week, playing everything from blues to funk and Americana to rock-and-roll, offering a family-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.
* Photo Credit - Snowbasin Resort
In addition to the incredible music lineup (which you can see in the video below) filling the air with melodious tunes, it will also be filled with the sweet smell of BBQ emanating from Earl's Lodge. Trust me, I've had their brisket and the BBQ here is legit! As is Snowbasin's craft beer selection, which you can also experience for yourself as they will have a wide array of local beer on tap outside on the patio. As if the addition of BBQ and craft beer to an already awesome music lineup isn't enough, they have even added a mini golf course this year, ultimately making Blues, Brews and BBQ a fun for all ages kind of event.
]]>Following enthusiastic support from locals, artists, fans and the New England music community at large, the nationally acclaimed bluegrass and brew gathering will be back, but at a warmer date. In the spirit of WinterWonderGrass, the event will feature performances by Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, the Kitchen Dwellers, Twisted Pine, Beg Steal or Borrow, Will Seeders Mosheim & False Hearts and special guest, Pappy Biondo of Cabinet. A WWG Family Jam will take place at Grizzly's Saturday, April 13 as well.
“All of the WinterWonderGrass family including artists, staff and crew have deep gratitude for the warm and inviting welcome we received in our inaugural year at Stratton,” shared Scotty Stoughton, the festival founder. “And so, we are absolutely coming back! Following lengthy discussions with bands, our team, locals and fans, we have decided to move the event later in winter to take advantage of longer (and warmer) days, and sugaring season.” The event, Sugar & Strings, coincides with Vermont’s maple syrup season and is rooted deeply with sweet intention - designed to celebrate all things WinterWonderGrass, Vermont and Stratton’s end of season. All things includes keeping family at the core so there will once again be the aforementioned most incredible kids zone ever, activities for kids and adults and plenty of delicious beers and food.
Does all of this sound good to you? Of course it does and now you can win a sweet prize package to attend this closing weekend at Stratton along with tickets to tall three WinterWonderGrass shows during the 2020 winter. How? Simple, head on over to their contest page and enter to win the Big Contest before Friday, April 5th.
If you were there with us the first time around in December, you know exactly what you are in for. Sugar and Strings is sure to be an excellent end to the season as we gather once again to celebrate good times with good people. Mark your calendars so you don't miss out, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled as WWG is set to announce ticket packages for next winter in the coming weeks.
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Spring is here and with it comes festival season. Mountains around the country have already begun lining up some of their most exciting events as they compete to attract skiers who are starting to pack it in in the waning days of the ski season. For me, these are some of my favorite weekends of the year...in a bittersweet sort of way. Warmer weather creates more opportunities to have even more fun but the impending season's end looms in the not so distant future. Yes, nothing brings people together better than a good mountain festival. I love them all, but when that festival involves BBQ my interest is elevated to new heights.
As my late, great idol, Anthony Bourdain once said, "Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start." And, in a similar way, so too are spring mountain festivals. People come together looking for some late season enjoyment like this weekend's Bumps and BBQ Party at Hunter Mountain.
Hunter Mountain events are always a sick time and this Saturday they will celebrate all that is great about spring skiing. Soft bumps, delicious foods and good times are the very definition of the warm weather mountain days. That is exactly what will be in play as Hunter hosts their second annual Bumps and BBQ Party. As the warm (ish) sun of March climbs higher in the sky, casting its heat down on the slopes, those hard, crusty moguls of late February begin to soften. Skiers love nothing more than getting sendy on these newfound softies, slicing through them like a hot knife through butter. There is no doubt that conditions like this will have the skiers' game at an all time high as compete for this year's Bumps and BBQ title. What's waiting for them at the finish line, besides bragging rights?
A pretty sweet party and BBQ event presented by Bud Light. With live entertainment, a Bud Light beer bar and the BBQ area set up on the mountain. Talk about some sweet après-ski activities, this is the ultimate place for everyone to gather and have an amazing time. And as if this isn't enough, be sure to head to The Main Bar in the base ski lodge when the on-mountain fun is over. That's where I'll be rocking my après-ski clothing enjoying some tasty craft beers and the live B-Boyz performance at their après-ski party. See you there. Cheers!
Use code BBQ and save 10% on all orders over $30, plus FREE shipping. Now Through Sunday.
Grab your Hunter Mountain Lift Tickets early and save.
]]>Of course I was going to include this event...I'll be there for a reason. It's a damn good time! Aside from our colossal bar crawl undertaking (follow our Instagram story @allaboutapres and join us for a drink or two) this weekend is all about the music. Kick it off on Friday with a "sick day" and take advantage of $17 lift tickets and live music at après featuring Beast Mode. But don't go too hard too early, you'll want to be at Cuzzins bright and early Saturday morning to get your kegs and eggs on before heading out for a few laps, prior to reconvening on Main St. in the afternoon. There you'll find a pop up Mount Gay Rum bar, more live music including, Wurliday and Kwame Binea and a ton of people having a good old time. Finish the night off at the Snowbarn with the rock folk stylings of the Alpaca Gnomes. If you have anything left in the tank for the actual St. Paddy's Day, grab yourself a Bloody at the Bullwheel and finish off where you all began, back on main street jamming with the Bryac Allstars.
Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass
Although not a true St. Patrick's Day festival, Spring Jam is definitely worth attending. Festivals like this don't make it 19 seasons by accident and I am sure that will be plenty of attendees clad in green when the festivities kick off this Friday. Think two weeks of non-stop action across all four of Aspen's mountains including yearly staples like Freestyle Friday, the Banked Slalom, KickAspen, CORE Party, and free Bud Light Hi-Fi concerts. This year, to keep it fresh, they have even added the Helly Hansen 4 Mtn Mission, a team race and scavenger hunt across all four mountains that is guaranteed to have your après earned.
I've been to this celebration and know it's a ridiculously good time. This year should be even better the way they have been getting dumped on lately. Get your skiing in early this Sunday then take your pick of either location, the Park City Mountain Village or the Umbrella Bar in Canyons Village. Either way you'll be fine as you rock your greenest après-ski gear and enjoy everything Irish including food specials, St. Paddy's Day cookies and s'mores and free Irish swag for you to add to your collection. Plus the live folk music at either location will have you dancing and singing to your favorite Irish drinking songs all afternoon long.
What's in a name? Ballhooter just suggests something just a little out of the ordinary and with this being more of a spring break weekend than a St. Paddy's day event, that's exactly what you will get. Ballhooter is arguably the best mountain festival that you've never heard of. Head down to the the underrated Snowshoe Mountain for this hedonistic weekend long party. "It tends to get pretty rowdy, says Public Relations Manager Shawn Cassel, especially this year with Clutch and CKY performing essentially guaranteeing Ballhooter will be just as crazy as ever." Sound like you should keep your helmet on for this one and enjoy!
I have to give my home state's mountain of choice some love. The weather can be variable and that is when we turn up the party especially in this warm-ish weather inspired St. Patrick's Day event. Most pond skims are reserved for later in the spring, but not here is Jersey. Don your best Irish costume (or any costume, for that matter) and race down the mountain while attempting to get all the way across. Then après-pond skim with with a luau themed party at the super fun Red Tail Lodge. Kelly green Hawaiian shirt required.
]]>This year, the Burton Concert Series lineup is featuring four nights of free entertainment in Vail, Colorado. That's right, four nights! And you better be ready to party because the lineup is sick. This year’s roster of live bands and DJs includes Tune-Yards, Greensky Bluegrass, Khruangbin, Turkuaz and more! The Burton Concert Series will coincide with the competition, running from Wednesday the February 27th through Saturday March 2. When the competition ends each day, take in free live performances at the Solaris concert stage and, if you are still wired from the early show, head over to the Shakedown Bar where Jack Daniels will be presenting the late-night Shakedown Sessions. There is even a closing party on the last night at the Dobson Ice Arena, that you better not miss.
There is no doubting the strong connection between music and snowboarding and the Burton Concert Series continues to build on the close tie which the Burton U·S·OPEN has celebrated throughout its 37 years. This year’s roster includes unique artists all with a huge stage presence ranging from danceable bluegrass, to global fusion, to must-see experimental acts, plus Red Bull 3Style World Champion DJs bringing explosive live sets.
Use Code "Prez" and save 10% on your entire order of $30 or more through Monday.
The Solaris Concert Stage performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night will follow the exciting Burton U·S·OPEN Snowboarding Championships Junior Jam, slopestyle and halfpipe finals awards presentations.
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It's not often that you can find a freeski event on the East Coast that offers a cash payout to the winner. Most of those competitions are reserved for the larger resorts out West. This ultimately attracts the big players in the sport, pulling them away from the East with the allure of earning some dough. "Not often," however, does not mean never and that is all about to change this weekend. After a two year hiatus, Monster Energy's After Hours event makes its triumphant return to Jack Frost Big Boulder with a new and improved look and a cash payout that is guaranteed to have the sport's best sending it into the Saturday night sky.
Use Code "JFBB" and save $10 on all orders of $35 or more, plus FREE shipping through the weekend.
With Monster Energy as the presenting sponsor, JFBB is not only able to debut an impressive new stair feature but also put up five thousand dollars cash for the winner. This type of cash prize guarantees that freeriding's most talented skiers and snowboarders are bound to show up with their A game and, with an impressive new Monster Energy stair feature making its debut there is no doubt the creativity of the riders will be at an all time high. This will most certainly stoke the crowd's enthusiasm which is sure to be enhanced by the live DJ and highly entertaining MC. Additionally, be sure to check out the peeps from Teton Gravity Research, Freeskier Magazine and Red Hydrogen who will also be on hand to hang throughout. There is even live music kicking off at 2pm for the family friendly crowd at the Frosty Toboggan and at 3 pm for the adults only crew at E-2000. An après-ski session like this is sure to have you primed and ready for Monster Energy's main event.
Who said the big freeride competitions were only in the West? That will certainly not be the case when it comes to Jack Frost Big Boulder this Saturday night. Be sure to mark it on your calendars because when the resort closes and the lights kick on this true après "After Hours" event is going to be a night to remember.
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We all know how important that first après-ski beer is to all mountain riders. Part relaxing, part revitalizing, it is certainly the perfect thirst-quenching ending to your day on the mountain. Craft breweries have been on the rise for quite some time now across the country leaving us with an abundance of options when it comes to choosing this perfect beer. Utah is often overlooked when it comes to the craft brewing craze thanks to their funky liquor laws. However, having sampled their goods on multiple occasions, I can honestly say that Utah has gotten a bad rap and is a highly underrated when it comes to craft beer. In fact, many of their breweries are producing beers that come home with awards on a year to year basis. This has not gone unnoticed by Utah ski resorts, particularly Snowbasin Resort who will be featuring many of these beers this season with their Tap Takeover program.
This past week, Snowbasin Resort released the schedule for their Tap Takeover on Earl’s Patio. Each weekend a different local Brewer will ‘take over the taps’ on the patio of Earl’s Lodge with their best brews for you to enjoy as you hang out and relish in the beautiful view of the mountain. And, if you are a beer geek turned skier the brewers will be on hand to discuss their beers and answer any questions guests have.
Not only does beer pair well with a ski day, it is also the ideal complement to good food. No slouch when it comes to the culinary scene, Snowbasin will also be offering grilled items to purchase and pair with the variety of beers you are sampling. The menu includes comfort food staples such as: meatball subs, Philly Cheesesteaks, buffalo chicken Philly and Maple Chipotle Shredded Jack Fruit Sandwich.
All of this greatness will culminate in the spring when Snowbasin hosts a ‘Brew Madness’ for three weeks in March, where different local breweries take over the taps and guests vote for their favorite. The guest favorite move on to the next round until the season ends with the Brew Madness Finale the weekend of March 30th, where the breweries vie for the favorite brewery of Snowbasin guests.
Interested in getting out and sampling some of Utah's finest brews? Take a look at the list below and pick a weekend. Or, just hit them all, you won't be disappointed.
December 22-23: Kiitos Brewing
December 29-30: Talisman Brewing Company
January 5-6: Roosters Brewery
January 12-13: Moab Brewery
January 19-21: Shades of Pale Brewery
January 26-27: Epic Brewery
February 2-3: Uinta Brewery
February 9-10: Bohemian Brewery
February 16-18: Wasatch Brewery/Squatters Brewery
March 2-3: Park City Brewery
Brew Madness
March 9-10: Talisman Brewing Company, Roosters Brewery, RoHa Brewing Company, and Uinta
Brewery
March 16-17: Red Rock Brewery, Epic Brewery, Wasatch Brewery/Squatters Brewery, and Kiitos Brewing
March 23-24: Shades of Pale Brewery, Park City Brewery, Moab Brewery, and Bohemian Brewery
March 30-31: Brew Madness Finale: Winners from each week compete
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After getting in our first tracks of the season on Saturday, we capped off a great day of skiing by making our way over to Lot 1 at Stratton to take in the festivities. One of the great parts of Stratton is the village at the base so I was kind of curious when I heard that they were holding it across the street from there, but believe me, it worked. Based on the layout that included a main stage and three sizable side tents, where bands played, along with the VIP section and multiple vendors,this lot was more than accommodating and certainly served its purpose. As we all walked in to the sounds of live music on the main stage, a beer tasting event located in the side tents and people playing cornhole, I instantly felt at home. One small caveat, I had my two little daughters with in tow. My oldest was still on the mountain, determined to get the last chair up despite mommy and daddy's drive to get to the beer sampling before it closed at 5 pm. The little ones were over skiing for the day, though, and excited about the Kids Zone that we had pumped up in their minds all day.
Having been to many festivals, these areas are becoming the norm as even organizers begin to realize that there are a lot of people who have children and also like to actually have a social life. However, despite dedicated activities for children becoming a common occurrence, I have never quite seen one like this. There were a multitude, and I do mean multitude, of activities that kept my children occupied for hours on end. Even my ten year old had a blast once she finally arrived from here first chair to last chair ski day. And aside from the activities, the staff working the tent was incredible, treating the girls as if they were their own and making them feel right at home. Honestly, my wife and I could have left and gone out to dinner and the girls would have never known. It's this type of hospitality that makes mommy and daddy really happy on so many levels, the least of which was that we could wander around the beer tasting without any concerns.
I wasn't too sure what to expect when it came to the beer tasting component of WinterWonderGrass. Despite their tagline being Music, Brews and Mountains, I assumed that the brews part was really just an add on to the main event. I could not have been more wrong. This was not a, "hey come try some of these beers," kind of thing but rather an integral part of the the entire festival and its culture. I chatted with so many people who were craft beer lovers like me and were there to sample the goods as much as they were there to listen to the music. Who could blame them? With major players in the craft beer world like Lawson's Finest Liquids, brewers of the infamous Sip of Sunshine, and 14th Star Brewing whose Tribute is also widely recognized as a well balanced double IPA, people definitely got their money's worth. It was exciting to sample beers that are super hard to find, like Lawson's Fayston Maple Imperial Stout which seemed sweet and innocent as it tantalized my taste buds with maple syrupy deliciousness. That is until it turned around and smacked me right in the face with its 10.1 abv. Good thing I didn't get to that one until the end, otherwise I would have missed the main attraction which was definitely the music.
Full disclosure, I don't know too many bluegrass bands and heading into WinterWonderGrass I only heard of two of the bands that were playing, Fruition and Saints and Liars, both of whom I have seen before during some fun apres-ski sessions at Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain. But, let's just say that I left a big fan for two reasons, the music itself and the people who follow it. Aside from the two aforementioned bands, who killed it on stage, I also really dug the headliners, The Infamous Stringdusters and Railroad Earth. All the music is relatable, fun and just like a spring day in my own backyard. I was seriously ready to bust out the cornhole boards, throw some animal on my smoker and have a big ol' party. Oh wait, I was already at one and the people that I was with, although mostly strangers were some of the nicest people that I have ever met.
Chatting with people from places as far away as Squaw in California and Bozeman, Montana it was like being around old friends. Maybe it was the beer or the fresh mountain air but I'd like to believe that everyone was just really friendly and happy to be there. Honestly, how could they not? WinterWonderGrass is as advertised! Scotty Stoughton and his crew really do it right, covering all of their bases and putting on, hands down, one of the best music festivals that I have ever attended.
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