It's hard to argue that other than a powder day, the next best day on the mountain is a spring skiing day. Longer days, warmer weather and softer snow make an already fun sport even better. Throw in the fact that many mountain goers remain outdoors during après ski, basking in the warm glow of the sun, and an already amazing time is taken to a whole new level. Looking to capitalize on this good weather and sense of community, while adding a touch of the islands to the spring mountain culture is Magic Mountain and Mount Snow who, this weekend, will be hosting their annual Spring Fling and Bud Light Reggaefest respectively.
Magic Mountain Spring Fling
* Photos Courtesy of Magic Mountain
New ownership and some serious snow, have resulted in a rejuvenated Magic Mountain this winter. At its best, there is no topping what many dub the sickest terrain in southern Vermont. In addition to the gnarly skiing and riding, The Black Line Tavern has one of the liveliest après ski scenes in all of the state. Chris James, co-founder of Ski The East even referred to their locals as, "the professionals at après ski times 10!" How do you top such a great combination? Make your Spring Fling into a luau theme and host contests and bands all day long. The activities kick off at 10:30 am with the Alpine Fun Race and continue in the afternoon at 2 with the always engaging Flamingo Toss from the Red Chair. In between, be sure to stop by Sunshine Corner which has a bar that is literally made of snow. People will be popping or hanging out at this mid-mountain bar all afternoon.
Once you've had enough to feel good, head over and watch the contestants throw down some crazy tricks in the Big Air Contest at 4, presented by Zero Gravity. Finish the day by sending it into après with, Kevin Shields playing live at the Black Line Tavern and rock into the night with Nick Dittmeier and The Sawdusters. All the while on their luau themed dinner that includes a pig roast. Sorry, I'm such a sucker for live music and slow roasted swine. Together, they are really tough to top.
Bud Light Reggaefest at Mount Snow
* Photos Courtesy of Mount Snow
You may be questioning the concept of a Reggae festival in the mountains, but don't. Just go with it...somehow it just works. Spring time is about good times with good people and celebrating an epic ski season. To build on and enhance this awesome vibe, Mount Snow created Reggaefest and, pretty much, "turned the mountain into a big party for the weekend" said Jamie Storrs, Communications Manager at Mount Snow. Reggae bands will be rocking the stage all day long at the mountain base, the beers will be flowing and the good times will roll. The fun continues into the night at the Snow Barn, where the main stage will be headlined by national music acts, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad and John Brown's Body. For a full music lineup head over to Mount Snow's Reggaefest page.
Adding to the festival spirit and making it a family oriented event, Mount Snow will be hosting their yearly fan favorite, Sink or Skim Pond Skim competition. The crowds will be sure to gather and watch skiers dressed up in crazy outfits (my friend will be in the gingerbread man costume), hurling themselves at high speed down the mountain towards a pond in the hopes of not face planting as they hit it. This spring right of passage always makes for great fun. The fun continues on Sunday with more bands and is highlighted by the oh-so-creative Duct Tape Derby where participants must slide down the snow tubing luge in their homemade cardboard and duct tape creations.
Become a Member of The All About Après Ski Team
With events like Magic Mountain's Spring Fling and the Bud Light Reggaefest at Mount Snow you just can't go wrong where ever you end up in southern Vermont this weekend. While there, be sure to rock your All About Après gear and tag us in pics on social media all weekend long @allaboutapres on Twitter and @allaboutapresski on Instagram using the #allaboutapresskiteam and #itsalldownhillfromhere.
If you don't have any après ski clothing from All About Après, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to purchase one of our apres ski t-shirts, hats or hoodies. They are perfect to wear while skiing and riding on a beautiful spring day. Get yours today for 10% off using the coupon code springskiing plus FREE shipping on all orders over $25.
