Not to Be Missed in Mountains this Spring.
While the
allure of bluebird skies and warmer temps bring enthusiasts and fair weather fans alike to the mountains. Spring also brings fun events at local mountains and huge festivals across the continent. Whether it be Co-ed focused parties or family friendly activities, there’s something for all skiers and riders in the mountains. See our picks for 11 celebratory ski events for 2019. (See picks for top 2020 spring ski events).
March 6 - 10: Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole College Rendezvous (opens in new window)
This year Jackson Hole is going full on college. Kicking off March 6th with discounted lift tickets and going into the weekend with a lineup of live music on the mountain and in the town of Jackson, plus giveaways and the best deals on shredding the most iconic terrain in North America. Music starts Friday Under the Tram with Mountain-funk band Left on Tenth from Bozeman, followed by Gasoline Lollipops Grant Farm from Colorado Saturday and Sunday.
March 16: Squaw Valley, CA
Pain McShlonkey
On March 16, Squaw Valley celebrates the legendary (and hilarious) late Shane McConkey with the 9th annual Pain McShlonkey. Dress up in your most outrageous ski duds and come out to Squaw Valley for a day full of belly laughs, camaraderie and philanthropy in celebration of legendary skier Shane McConkey. Festivities include the Extreme Small Mountain Invitational and a downhill race, where pros and amateurs battle it out on snowblades for the highly coveted Golden Saucer trophy and ultimate bragging rights.
March 15 - March 31: Aspen, CO
Bud Light Spring Jam (opens in new window)
The 19th annual Bud Light Spring Jam brings two weeks of competitions, downtown concerts and parties to Aspen Snowmass. This year’s calendar includes a host of returning signature events as well as newer happenings throughout the months of March and April including the return of Freestyle Friday, the Banked Slalom, KickAspen, CORE Party, free Bud Light Hi-Fi concerts, and more. New this year, Aspen Snowmass introduces Helly Hansen 4 MTN Mission in which teams will compete across the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass in a scavenger hunt adventure race.
March 17 - April 24: Breckenridge, CO
Spring Fever (opens in new window)
Breckenridge Ski Resorts annual month-long festival returns to end ski season with a bang, and features a number of on mountain events, including the Helly Hansen Big Mountain Challenge and Youth Ski League Champs on March 17. The Rocky Mountain Masters April 7 and the Chili Cook Off April 8. Then Music with a View starts April 13. To close it all out, test you waterskiing skills with the Plunge April 22.
March 23 - April 7: Park City, UT
Spring Grüv (opens in new window)
For 16 days huge, free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 23rd Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It's one of those traditions that has been wild from the start. The Pond Skimming Contest is Park City's most popular party and is the true indicator that spring has arrived. Contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. The pond and the excitement happen at mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge. Must be 10 years of age or older to enter. Spectators will need a lift or gondola ticket to watch.
March 30 - April 21: Winter Park Resort, CO
Splash + Bash
Check out action packed weekends at with free live music, special events, and great spring skiing. On March 30 the Uphill Battle returns followed by TheBigWonderful Beerfest and a Bluegrass from The Lil Smokies. April 6 brings a Luau, and on-snow spike ball tournament and music by Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef. April 13 kicks off the second half of fun at Splash + Bash.
March 30: Stratton, VT
Marchdi Gras Village Winterfest (opens in new window)
Stratton never disappoints as it celebrates Marchdi Gras and the annual (Stratton Meets New Orleans) Block Party. Warm up with the World Famous NOLA Crawfish King for an Authentic Crawfish Boil. Cool it off again with the Penguin Plunge and then head over for Apres and live music at Grizzly’s.
April 6 - 20: Big Sky, MT
Big Sky Spring (opens in new window)
With its 4350 feet of vertical, almost 6000 skiable acres and proximity to Yellowstone Big Sky is a wonder by itself. Add discounted lodging, a mix of spring conditions and top music acts (free) you’ve got a great time to be had by all. April 6 brings the legendary Galactic feat. Erica Falls then Big Grass returns April 11 for its 13th year in a row. Grass delivers an all-star lineup including: Sam Bush Band, Nashville's The Travelin' McCourys, Drew Emmitt Band featuring the dynamic lead singer and mandolin player from Leftover Salmon, Jeff Austin, formerly of Yonder Mountain String Band, Jacob Jolliff Band, mandolinist from Yonder Mountain String Band, Montana's own The Lil Smokies and more…
April 10 - 14: Whistler, BC
World Ski & Snowboard Festival (opens in new window)
For the mother of all events with tens of thousands attending, known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival combines spring energy with Whistler's unique mountain culture for 5 days of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes. There's ski and snowboard competitions, music, art, photography, filmmaking and exciting nightlife, plus some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season. Take their word for it, you’ll need more than the weekend to appreciate this vibe.
April 11 - 14: Sugarloaf, ME
Reggae Fest (opens in new window)
Good vibes guaranteed as the biggest party in the East returns to Sugarloaf. As in the past there are four days of music and non-stop parties at the base of Sugarloaf. Mark your calendars now, for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend! This year’s events kick off on Thursday and run through Sunday with 14 acts including Fortunate Youth, Mighty Mystic and the Hard Roots Movement, Roots of Creation, Ogee Wawa and closing out with the home grown talents of own Gorilla Finger Dub.
April 28 - June: Arapaho Basin, CO
Shakin’ at the Basin and Spring Rail Jam (opens in new window)
The die-hards and locals ski A-Basin from October into June. With longer days, sunnier skies and great snow conditions there is no better way to celebrate springtime in the Rockies than at A-Basin with live music on our stage in Mountain Goat Plaza. Starting on Saturdays at the end of April, up your tailgate to take in some tunes after you get in your morning runs. Don’t miss the Spring Rail Jam (free to enter!) on May 25
Be sure to bring your sunglasses and slather on that sunscreen!
Featured image: Sugarloaf
Related Articles:
The Allure of Spring Skiing.
Spring Skiing Advice.
Spring Skiing - How to Stay Comfortable.
Top 9 Spring Skiing Festivals 2020.