Photo Credit: Doug Blackmore
It's always been a dream of mine to visit Germany during the month of September to experience Oktoberfest. I have visions of lederhosen dancing to Oompah bands in my head. Not to mention the three "B's", brats, Bavarian pretzels and biergartens. Yes, there is definitely something fun and mythical about Oktoberfest in Germany, but that will have to remain a bucket list item for me. In the meantime, though, there are plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations in and around mountain towns all across the country. Here are some the ones you must visit this fall.
Snowbird's 45th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Copyright: Snowbird
This is the grand daddy of them all and was even voted as one of America's top Oktoberfest celebrations by Men's Journal. Now in it's 45 year, Snowbird's Oktoberfest attracts upwards of 60,000 visitors over the course of a two month period that begins the weekend of August 12 and runs through October 15. The video says it all, so get on over to this event over the course of the next few weekends. You won't be disappointed.
20th Annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest October 7 & 8
Photo Credit: Doug Blackmore
Mount Snow's Oktoberfest is a full weekend of fun for the whole family. Sure, there's everything you'd expect from an Oktoberfest, but with the added bonus of activities for the kids. In the Kids Zone, you can find family friendly activities like bounce houses and pumpkin painting. Step outside that area and jump right into Mount Snow's famous "schnitzel toss". Nothing says Oktoberfest like some flying fried cutlets between friends. This truly is an event for all and exactly why it was named a Top 10 Fall Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Steamboat OktoberWest September 16
Talk about reinventing the wheel, that's exactly what Steamboat Springs has done with their Western themed Oktoberfest. Take all the goodness of a great Oktoberfest celebration and layer it with good ol' western fun. That's right, beers and food straight from the Rockies. There's even a beef cook off, so you can eat all the red meat your heart can take. Is one day of fun not enough for you? Then kick your OktoberWest weekend off early with their beer stroll right through downtown Steamboat.
Whitefish Great Northwest Oktoberfest, September 28-30 & October 5-7
Two weekends means double the fun for this Oktoberfest with a little northwest flare. Taking place under the "Oktoberfest Bigtop" right in downtown Whitefish, you can get your fix of German beer, food and souvenirs. However, that's only the tip of the foam on your stein. Step out of your lederhosen a bit and particpate in some of the fun contests including the stein hoisting and keg tossing. Don't forget the wurst eating competition...it's bound to be, "the wurst minute of your life." Or, at least the weekend.
Mammoth Oktoberfest September 22-24
They are advertising this event as bigger than last year which should come as no surprise...this is Mammoth after all. Listen to the kick ass sounds of Bayern Maiden while you eat and drink German fare and take part in their legendary competitions. There is even a ski swap on Sunday this year so don't forget to bring your old gear. Who knows you may be able to swap out that old lederhosen you did the pond skim in for a new pair?
Sun Valley Sawtooth Brewery Oktoberfest, September 15-16
Sawtooth brewery has taken Oktoberfest and ran with it. They brew up their own versions of traditional German beers, host a brewer's dinner during the week and include the "Beer Olympics." Think your friends have what it takes to win? Then assemble a team of four and compete for the coveted "Das Boot" all while shopping the German market and eating from the wide array of food trucks.
Sugarbush Resort Oktoberfest, October 8
Any Oktoberfest celebration that includes a stein hoisting competition, keg tossing and cornhole tournament is good in my book. Sounds like a typical Saturday in my neighborhood minus the lederhosen clad peeps. Compete while listening to the melodious tunes of the Mad Bavarian Brass Band and chow down on some tasty German food. You just can't go wrong at Sugarbush.
Whiteface Oktoberfest, September 30-October 1
You just have to mark your calendar for this one which was rated by Ski Magazine as one of the 5 Must Visit Oktoberfests in North America. Enjoy beer games, live entertainment and the High Peaks Little Circus all amidst the backdrop of the former Olympic location.
All About Après Has New Gear
Going to be out and about at any and all of these Oktoberfest celebrations? There's no better, or more comfortable, way to show your celebratory pride than in some newly designed après ski clothing from All About Après. After all, après ski is about good times with friends and family and that seems to fit right into this traditional German festival theme. Don't forget to tag us on social @allaboutapres using the #allaboutapresskiteam #itsalldownhillfromhere.
