Colorado Ski Resort Spring Celebrations and Closing Events
Have you ever wanted to keep something a secret? Sometimes I don’t want to let anyone know about all of the great events happening because, well, I am selfish. You’ll understand what I mean when you read this list of amazing and fun events happening over the next few days and week at Colorado Ski Resorts.
ASPEN-SNOWMASS
Photo Credits: AspenSnowmass
EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH BACON
First up is Buttermilk Closing Day (aka Bacon Appreciation Day) on Sunday, April 3.
The bacon-filled day includes bacon waffles at the summit in the morning, bacon samples on the mountain throughout the day, bacon for après (with a bacon-and-beer happy hour at Bumps Restaurant) and a competition among Aspen Skiing Company bartenders for the best bacon-inspired cocktail.
The day also kicks off with the Fueled by Bacon Upsizzle, an uphill event for all disciplines. Registration starts at $15 for individuals and $40 for families at 6:30am, with the event starting from the base at 7:30am and ending at the Cliff House. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Costume, the Center Cut (person who is in the middle of the pack) and Fastest Family.
Kid’s games will be going on in the base area throughout the day.
SNOWMASS SPRING FLING
It might officially be spring, but we’re holding on to winter for as long as we possibly can. How? By celebrating this amazing season on Saturday, April 9th. Base Village in Snowmass will host a DJ, and lots of family-friendly activities like face painting, a dunk tank and a bouncy house for the kiddos.
But don’t forget, you still have a day to get some more turns in with the official closing of Snowmass happening on April 10th. Parking in the Base Village Parking Garage maxes out all weekend at just $10.
SCHNEETAG: THE MOST RIDICULOUS WAY TO FINISH THE SEASON
Snowmass Closing is up next on April 10, but so is the biggest après party of the year — the legendary closing at Aspen Highlands.
It all culminates with Schneetag, a ridiculous event in which teams of four descend the slope in a homemade craft and try to cross a pond at the base. Bonus points are awarded for airtime, creativity and costumes.
A little planning for the Aspen Highlands Closing will go a long way in terms of transportation (limited paid parking, don’t drink and drive), ski plans (you gotta ski one last lap of the bowl with your friends!), registering for Schneetag (or at least claiming a spot to watch the hilarity at 1:30pm) and the après party at the base, which goes off.
EXTENDED SEASON DATES
Heavy spring snowfall and the deepest base-depths of the season will extend the season at Aspen Snowmass into May. Aspen Highlands will reopen for the weekends of April 23-24 and April 30-May 1 with 100% of the mountain’s terrain, including Highland Bowl accessed by Exhibition, Loge Peak and Deep Temerity lifts. Hours of operation will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BRECKENRIDGE
The Bud Light Concert Series brings the party to Breck with three concert days of big-name acts on the mountain. All concerts will be FREE to the public and will take place on a specially-constructed stage on the snow facing One Ski Hill Place, a RockResort, at the base of Peak 8 at 2 pm on each concert date.
2016 Concert info:
The 2016 Spring Fever concert lineup is here! Three amazing bands will make this year’s Spring Fever unforgettable. DJ DC gets the party started with music and giveaways at 2:00 pm. Start making your way to the venue for free swag, and amazing prizes like Smith helmets, gift cards and more! Concerts start at 3:00 pm.
Additional Venue Information:
Dogs are not allowed at the Spring Fever Concerts. Only accredited service dogs wearing vests will be allowed to the base area, but will still NOT be allowed inside the concert perimeter. They must stay outside the venue, and remain in areas like the patio.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Saturday, April 9, 2016
Michael Franti & Spearhead are known for their authentic and uplifting music that guarantees a show that will be as energetic as it is though provoking. Franti is a pioneer in the music industry, who has long been known for his globally conscious lyrics, powerful performances, and dynamic live shows. Franti has continually been at the forefront of lyrical activism, using his music as a positive force for change. Giving back has always been at the heart of Franti’s mission, he has dedicated his life to spreading the joy of music and positivity to millions of people. Franti’s humanitarian, social justice, and peace efforts continue to inspire his music and are infused throughout his upcoming album on Fantasy Records due to release in May 2016. “I make music because I believe it can change people’s lives and make a difference in the world,” Franti says, “music gives us new energy and a stronger sense of purpose.”
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – Saturday, April 16, 2016
Lukas Nelson first picked up a guitar at the age of 11 and practiced his craft by playing along to classic Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix songs. The son of music legend Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real electrify fans year-round with performances across the country, while also backing for the Neil Young band. Their cowboy, beach-hippy vibe meshes with a gritty rock and roll feel that creates a high-energy and infectious live set. At the heart of Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real is their undying passion of Rock n Roll that speaks from the heart.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Sunday, April 17, 2016
New Orleans native Trombone Shorty is the bandleader and frontman in the hard-edged funk band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He began playing professionally at the age of five, and now Trombone Shorty and his band tour internationally with their unique style that employs rock dynamics, a hip-hop beat and improvisation in a jazz tradition. The group’s musical talents are best showcased during live performance, where NOLA jazz heritage is paired with modern funk to delight fans everywhere.
Photo Credits: Steamboat Resort
COPPER MOUNTAIN
World of Adventure Presents Dos Equis Après Ski, April 2, 9, 16
After a great day on the slopes, be sure to head over to Dos Equis Après Ski. Every Saturday from 3:30 – 6 p.m., enjoy happy hour specials, live entertainment, giveaways and more at Storm King Lounge, located in Center Village. On April 2 and April 9, Dos Equis Après will include live music in Burning Stones Plaza. Music will be provided by Lonesome Days on April 2 and Missed the Boat on April 9. For more information on Dos Equis Après Ski events, visit CopperColorado.com.
Woodward Copper Winter Camp, April 9-10
Join Woodward Copper for their final Winter Camp of the season sponsored by K2 Skis and Saga Outerwear. These 2-day freestyle camps offer participants a half-day in the Woodward Copper Barn, followed by a half-day on-snow in Woodward’s award-winning terrain parks. Campers have exclusive access to the BagJump NIP™ to further progression. For more information on Woodward Winter Camps, visit WoodwardCopper.com.
Photo Credits: Copper Mountain
Sunsation presented by Dos Equis, April 16-17
Close out another awesome season with Copper at Sunsation presented by Dos Equis, April 16-17. The entire weekend is jam-packed with events, free live music and plenty of springtime fun to go around. Headlining this year’s Sunsation is the hip hop-EDM group Far East Movement, and Brothers Keeper, featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler’s.
Photo Credits: Copper Mountain
Get in on the fun at the 5th annual RedBull Slopesoakers on Saturday, April 16. A twist on the traditional pond-skim challenge, this contest gives competitors the chance to strut their stuff across floating rails and other features. Pre-register online at CopperColorado.com, or register day of at the Woodward Cage from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Be sure to register early, as this event is known for selling out quickly.
Be a part of history at the Eenie Weenie Bikini Contest on Sunday, April 17. Once featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, the Eenie Weenie Bikini Contest has been a part of Copper since 1986. This on-snow bikini contest allows competitors to ski or snowboard down the course in their beach best. Judges focus on creativity and flair. Registration will take place in Burning Stones Plaza on April 17 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
Extended Weekend, April 22-24
With the help of Mother Nature, Copper is excited to offer an extended weekend of skiing and riding for the 2015/16 season. The lifts will shut down from April 18-21, but from Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24, limited terrain will open for guests to get in their final turns of the season. Stay tuned at CopperColorado.com for details on open lifts and terrain.
LOVELAND
Photo: Casey Day, Skier: Eben Mond, Location: Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
April 30, 2016
Loveland Ski Area is excited to host the 14th annual Corn Harvest benefit ski party for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center plays a much bigger role in your skiing safety than you might think. Not only is this organization an invaluable source for backcountry travelers, but anyone who has driven on I-70 have the CIAC to thank in part for their safe travels along this highway. Come show your support for this amazing organization.
May 8, 2016
Closing Day! Close out another amazing season of skiing and riding with us on the Basin Patio on May 8th! We are excited to have Funky Johnson back to help us go out in style. BBQ’s, drink specials and great funk tunes make this a party you don’t want to miss!
With the exciting new edition of Jessica Jones Funky Johnson has expanded its library to include the soul stylings of Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone and more. From the metropolis of Summit County, Colorado comes a funk outfit with tasty vocals, virtuistic guitar grooves, solid bass and tight drum beats. Playing originals and covers ranging from Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, James Brown, Prince(the artist formerly known as Prince), The Funky Meters and many more. Funky Johnson is dance music with funk and soul overtones. If you wanna have a good time and shake yo booty, THIS IS IT!!
STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT
The Steamboat Ski Area will celebrate the end of the 2015/16 winter season this weekend with a boatload of Springalicious festivities such as the 36th Cardboard Classic, 8th Splashdown Pond Skim and two FREE music concerts by Ozomatli and Leftover Salmon.
“The only way to close out a spectacular season is with a huge Springalicious event,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “This is our chance to say thank you to all the locals, guests and staff who helped make this winter one for the books.”
Live music is a constant staple of Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.® and closing weekend will be no exception as the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series rolls into its final swing with a blow-out, end-of-season weekend show by Ozomatli on Saturday, April 9, and on closing day, Sunday, April 10, with Colorado favorite Leftover Salmon. Both shows start at 3:30pm and take place on the Steamboat Stage in Gondola Square at the Steamboat Ski Area.
On Saturday at 11am, the Cardboard Classic celebrates its 36th year featuring homemade cardboard crafts racing to a hysterical finish. Steamboat’s bravest (and maybe craziest) skiers and riders will attempt to cross an ice-cold pond at the base of the mountain during the 8th Splashdown Pond Skim starting at 1pm on Sunday. Registration, which is limited for both events, is currently open online and spots are going quickly.
Similar to the past several seasons, Steamboat will start to close mountain lifts early on Sunday, April 10 so guests and staff alike may enjoy the special end-of-season free concert by Leftover Salmon. Morningside lift will close at 2:30pm; Burgess Creek, Elkhead, Four Points, South Peak, Storm Peak Express, Sundown Express, Sunshine Express and Thunderhead Express at 3:00pm; and Bashor, Christie Peak Express and the Gondola at 3:30pm.
“The final weekend of the season is a good time to remind skiers and riders to have fun while being safe and respecting each other,” stressed John Kohnke, patrol director for the resort. “We want everyone to end the season on a high note without incident.”
Check the daily grooming sheet for trail closures as well as lift operating times. All trails, lifts, events and activities subject to change without notice. For more information on Springalicious closing weekend activities, events and festivities, go to www.steamboat.com/spring.
MONARCH
Photo Credits: Monarch Mountain
April 9, 2016
Kayaks on Snow, Monarch Mountain
Participants race down a specially designed course on Freeway into an icy pond as we kick off the river season! Monarch’s signature event, Kayaks on Snow is a head to head race, similar to Skier Cross but in Kayaks, down a specially designed course featuring berms, banks, and bumps, ending in an icy pond! This is as fun to watch as it is to race. Some good swag is to be had at this event. Their closing day is highlighted with a parking lot cook-off and tailgate party. Guests are encouraged to whip up their best eats costumes and décor.Times to be determined. http://www.skimonarch.com/calendar/
WINTER PARK
One of the most anticipated events Winter Park holds all year, this year’s free Springtopia concerts will take place on Saturday, April 23 with Denver institution The Rick Lewis Project taking the stage at 12:30 p.m. before giving way to G. Love & Special Sauce, a Colorado favorite for decades, at 2 p.m. Headliners American Authors will then cap the jam-packed afternoon of music at 4 p.m. The next day, the Winter Park side of the resort comes to a close with the often imitated, but never duplicated Spring Splash pond skim on Sunday, April 24 from 12-3 p.m. Don’t fret, because skiing/riding will still continue at Mary Jane until May 7.
Thanks to a massive powder week that has seen Winter Park Resort pick up 42” of fresh snow, the most in Colorado over that span, iconic Mary Jane will remain open an extra 13 days, with closing now slated for Saturday, May 7. Lifts and trails on the Winter Park side will still close on the originally scheduled closing day of Sunday, April 24. All that snow adds up to 13 extra days of Mary Jane’s world-famous moguls, tree-skiing, and C-Lot parties, a fitting continuation of what has been a stellar 40th anniversary for Colorado’s favorite lady. Exact available lifts and terrain will be released closer to the extension. This will be the latest Mary Jane has stayed open since 1998, when she stayed open until May 25.
Lodging will still be available at Winter Park Resort properties, including Fraser Crossing/Founder’s Pointe, Zephyr Mountain Lodge, and the Vintage Hotel and select Winter Park shopping/restaurants will be open, but the center of the celebration will be the Mary Jane base, with music and entertainment scheduled throughout the fortnight. Shuttle buses will be available for transportation from the Winter Park side or visitors can take advantage of closer, free parking at the Mary Jane base area.
STAY TUNED SO WE CAN KEEP YOU UP TO DATE!
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