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* All information is courtesy of www.ski.com
With our second nor'easter in the last two weeks dumping another foot or more on the east coast and the Pacific Northwest getting blanketed by insane amounts of snow as well, (I saw 57" in one spot during one storm) it is hard to imagine skiing's second season being upon us. Longer days are here though, now that the calendar has turned to March but with these storms, it would appear that this spring season will be the best of both worlds, featuring tons of early pow and more than your fair share of season ending celebrations. “Springtime provides the best in ski and snowboarding experiences,” says Dan Sherman CMO of Ski.com. “Travelers can combine great conditions and plentiful sunshine with parties, concerts and competitions for an unforgettable mountain vacation." All this new snow is just an added bonus. So, whether you’re a concert-goer, a park-and-pipe fan, a onesie-wearer, or a family on a spring skiing trip, here’s your guide to top spring events at ski resorts from the experts at Ski.com.
TOP SPRING EVENTS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Aspen Snowmass Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series
The free concert series returns to Aspen with three performances this March.
3.24.18: Rebirth Brass Band, Snowmass Base Village
3.30.18: Spoon, Downtown Aspen
3.31.18: Antibalas, Downtown Aspen
Park City Mountain Resort Spring Concert Series
From March 3 through Closing day on April 8, 2018, Canyons Base Village and Park City Village host the annual free Spring Concert Series on Saturdays. Gather around the Village stage at 3PM for high-energy performances ranging from rock to blues to reggae and international sounds.
Jackson Hole Music Under the Tram
Now in its seventh year, Jackson Hole’s popular Music Under the Tram is a free spring concert series centered around the iconic “Big Red” tram. Skiers jam out to regional and local bands every saturday throughout March. Music starts at 3PM.
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Whistler Blackcomb World Ski & Snowboard Festival
From April 10-15, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival takes over at Whistler Blackcomb with film, art, professional ski and snowboard competitions, and a stacked list of concerts and parties. The free Outdoor Concert Series brings big acts to the Skier’s Plaza as well as a lineup of club nights featuring live DJs and dancing.
TOP SPRING EVENTS FOR FAMILIES
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Keystone’s Kidtopia
The season-long Kidtopia events only get better when the days become longer and the sun gets stronger in March and April. Ever day, kids can play in the Kidtopia Snow Fort, a giant snow castle with hidden tunnels, slides and amaze located at the top of Dercum Mountain. On Saturdays at 4PM, kids are invited to join Riperoo’s Village Parade, which features a horse-drawn sled for kids to ride in and concludes with a firework display at 7PM.
Breckenridge Spring Fever - Easter Egg Hunt
Breck’s Spring Fever hosts not one but two Easter egg hunts. Non-skiing family members or those too small to ski will enjoy the downtown Breckenridge Easter Egg Hunt, while families who ski and board can enjoy the on-mountain 8,000-egg hunt together on March 27th. Eggs can be redeemed for sweet treats and prizes.
Copper Mountain’s World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt
Grab the kiddos and hop to Copper Mountain for a fun-filled Easter vacation. On April 1, Copper hides 65,000 eggs across 2,500 acres!
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Aspen Snowmass Full Moon Dinners
What a better way to earn your dinner than to skin up and ski down. On March 2 and 31, plan to skin or hike up Tiehack on Buttermilk under the full moon to catch the last two Full Moon Dinners of the season at the Cliffhouse. Before skiing down, treat yourself to a hearty meal under the stars accompanied by live music.
TOP SPRING EVENTS FOR PARTYING
Squaw Valley Pain McShlonkey
On March 17, Squaw Valley celebrates the legendary (and hilarious) late Shane McConkey with the 8th annual Pain McShlonkey. Dress up in your most outrageous retro ski-wear and get ready to enjoy a full day of laughs, camaraderie and memories. Festivities include the Extreme Small Mountain Invitational and a downhill race, where pros and amateurs battle it out on snow-blades for the highly coveted Golden Saucer trophy plus G.N.A.R. points, a.k.a. ultimate bragging rights.
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Vail Spring Back to Vail World Pond Skimming Championships
Like everything in Vail, this pond skim is massive. Watch as brave skimmers defy the laws of physics (and common sense) in the 16th annual World Pond Skimming Championships on April 15.
Park City Mountain Resort’s Spring Gruv Pond Skim
For 16 days in March, Park City Mountain Resort celebrates the oncoming spring weather with the 11th annual Spring Grüv in Canyons Village. The celebrations include awesome free concerts and après-ski parties, but the 22nd Annual Pond Skimming Contest on April 7 is really what Spring Grüv is all about. Contestants must dress in costume—the funkier the better—as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard.
Steamboat Springs’ Springalicious 38th Annual Cardboard Classic
On April 14, Steamboat’s traditional rite of spring returns. This wild and hilarious race features homemade cardboard crafts, constructed only from cardboard, glue, string, water based paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons and other decorations. Contestants race down Stampede run to a hysterical finish.
TOP SPRING EVENTS FOR FOODIES, WINE LOVERS, & BEER ENTHUSIASTS
Breckenridge’s Spring Fever Beer Festival & Chili Cook Off
Home to the Breckenridge Brewery and the 12th annual Spring Fever Beer Festival, Breck holds a special place in the hearts of craft beer lovers. The Spring Fever Beer Fest (April 7) showcases more than 40 breweries and three live bands. When you’ve had your fill of beer, make sure to save some room and stay another night for the Annual Breck Chili Cook Off (April 8).
Vail’s Taste of Vail
Rated among the nation’s best Spring food and wine festivals by Forbes.com, USA Today and The Travel Channel, the popular Taste of Vail returns to the Valley, April 4–8. A skiing or snowboarding foodie’s dream, the Taste of Vail showcases more than 30 of Vail’s top chefs and restaurateurs, as well as winemakers from 50 of the country’s best wineries.
TOP SPRING EVENTS FOR COMPETITION
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Aspen Snowmass Bud Light Street Rail Fridays
Aspen Snowmass is the ultimate Spring destination for skiers and snowboarders who want to watch and even compete in events. On Fridays from February 2–March 30, you or your groms can sign up to showcase your rail skills at 2 PM on Snowmass’ Fanny Hill.
Squaw Valley 28th Annual Cushing Crossing
April 14 marks the 28th Annual Cushing Crossing in Squaw Valley, recognized as the best event of the Spring, experience where the pond skimming ritual all began! With prizes consisting of a GoPro 5, up to $500 cash and a pair of Oakley shades – we suggest you line up for registration before 9 AM at KT Base Bar, as there is a cap of 50 contestants.
Vail’s Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships
Mark your calendars for the largest snowboard competition, the Burton US Open, returning to Vail March 5-10. Watch more than 100 of the world’s best riders compete to win the most prestigious halfpipe and solve-style titles. The action doesn’t stop there, as a free concert will follow.
