Denver, CO – Colorado Ski Country USA resorts have announced their spring event lineups. This year’s antics feature unique competitions and activities, both on and off the slopes, designed for all ages and abilities. These home-style, home-grown Colorado events range from the philanthropic to the family friendly to all-out high intensity competitions.
Fresh snowfall has recently coated the state’s mountains, and Colorado’s traditional snowiest months are still ahead. As a result, guests at Colorado ski resorts will have plenty of opportunities to embrace the best of what Colorado Ski Country has to offer: powder days filled with sunshine, music, and a healthy dose of enticing events. Food and festivals, races and rail jams, and even fireworks shows will leave visitors spoilt for choice. Select deals at several resorts are also available this spring, making it an easy choice for skiers and riders to visit Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Below is a roundup of events and deals in Colorado Ski Country through March 31.
Arapahoe Basin
March 1 – 7th Annual Fire Hose Race, benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado
Fire departments from across Colorado will team up to participate in a unique slalom-style event. Teams of five firefighters race down a 15-gate slalom course while holding on to 50 feet of fire hose. All participants will be dressed in their bunker jacket and fire helmets, and proceeds will benefit the Burn Camps Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Registration is at 8:00 a.m., and the awards ceremony and BBQ will take place after the race at 4:00 p.m.
March 2 – CU vs CSU Snowdown, sponsored by Muscle Milk
This competition will take place in the terrain park between students from the University of Colorado and Colorado State University
March 16 – Rail Jam
A free competition for freestyle skiers and riders held in the Treeline Terrain Park.
March 31 – Beach’n Egg Hunt
Arapahoe Basin invites guests to this free event, as the Easter Bunny visits A-Basin for an egg hunt that both skiing and non-skiing kids can enjoy. Kids on skis will head to one of the green (beginner) trails to search for eggs, and those who wish to hunt on foot can search in the learning spaces near the base area.
Aspen/Snowmass
March 2 – Power of Four Mountaineering Race
The Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race tests athletes’ endurance as they race in teams of two across all four area mountains. The grueling course covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 vertical feet of climbs. Teams start in Snowmass Village, traverse to West Buttermilk, then on to Aspen Highlands where they ski over to Aspen Mountain and end in gondola plaza.
March 21 – 24 – Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships
Skiers from across 45 states of ages ranging from 3 to 90 will converge to compete for national titles in various divisions. This event will serve as a celebration of the great sport of alpine skiing and a reunion for top recreational skiers throughout the country. Events will vary from race clinics, races, free concerts, autograph signing, Warren Miller screenings and more.
March 21 – 31 – 13th Annual Bud Light Spring Jam
The 13th Annual Bud Light Spring Jam brings two weekends of competitions, concerts and parties to Aspen/Snowmass. Brett Dennen kicks off the live music on Friday, March 22 in Snowmass Base Village to celebrate the NASTAR National Championships. The Bud Light Spring Jam Core Party will expand into two nights for the first time and will feature a beer garden. The event will kick off with March Fourth Marching Band playing a street concert in downtown Aspen on Friday, March 29. Grouplove will take to the same downtown Aspen stage on Saturday, March 30.
March 23 – Fallen Friends Memorial Event
The 6th annual Fallen Friends memorial event will gather teams of two to five to compete in a course of jumps, bumps and park features on Scarlett’s Run at Aspen Highlands. The event will feature a DJ, announcers and food and drink specials on the deck of the Merry-Go-Round. Teams are encouraged to dress in a costume and incorporate a common theme. All the proceeds from the event will benefit an Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) scholarship fund in honor of local fallen friends.
March 23 – 14th Annual KickAspen Big Air Invitational at Aspen Mountain
In the 14th Annual KickAspen Big Air, the best regional ski and snowboard athletes will compete under the lights at the base of Aspen Mountain. Prize giveaways, a beer garden and a DJ will round out the action at the base of the mountain.
March 23 – 24 and March 30 – 31 – Terrain Park Boot Camp
This free event at Snowmass gives kids and adults alike a chance to learn the ropes of the terrain park. Professional coaches and athletes teach rails, jumps and boxes on features that are the perfect size for any beginner.
March 29 – 30 – Bud Light Hi-Fi Core Party
CORE Party is the most anticipated outdoor concert of the season. Past success of the CORE party has led Aspen/Snowmass to add two free days of concerts this year. Stay tuned for the artists of these back-to-back days of awesome live music.
March 30 – Elk Mountain Grand Traverse
This 40-mile backcountry ski race is on an old mail route from the 1880s that connects the towns of Aspen and Crested Butte. The race begins at midnight in Crested Butte and climbs more that 7,800 vertical feet before the extreme endurance event comes to an end in Aspen. In order to maintain safety, the race is in teams of two and all racers must have mandatory gear in order to compete. A staple event for Aspen since 1998, this competition puts athletes to the test both mentally and physically.
March 30 – Battle in the Bowls
Teams of two will race to ski/ride the bowls of Aspen Highlands as quickly and strategically as possible on a course designed by Aspen/Snowmass athlete Chris Davenport. In the competitive skiing/riding division of the race athletes will battle their own limits and challenge themselves against other teams of two skiers in an effort to cover the course as quickly as possible. The race will also have a recreational division, where the course will be different but still feature elements of the competitive course.
Copper Mountain
March 8 – 10 – Copper Uncorked
A working man’s wine festival, Copper Uncorked features affordable wines and not-so-traditional food pairings – as in Chiantis and New York-style pizza slices, Zinfandels and smoky barbecue wings and Champagne (brunch) and gourmet breakfast burritos.
March 16 – Eenie Weenie Bikini Contest
In celebration of Copper Mountain’s 40th Anniversary season the Eenie Weenie Bikini Contest is welcomed back just in time for spring break in the high country. This on-snow bikini contest debuted at Copper Mountain in 1986 and was featured in Rolling Stone magazine and Good Morning America. Now, more than 25 years later, it’s coming back with more flair than ever in conjunction with Copper Mountain’s St. Patty’s Day O’Fuego celebration. Don’t miss the action at Copper Mountain on Saturday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m. when contestants will ski or snowboard from the base of the 22-foot Main Vain Superpipe into Burning Stones Plaza at Copper’s Center Village in bikinis of all shapes and types. Jack’s Slopeside Grill & Bar is the place to be with St. Patrick’s Day specials, green beer, music and the best view for the show.
Crested Butte
March 9 – FestEVOL – Come to Play. Stay to Rock.
FestEVOL is a unique lifestyle experience combining snowsports with live music, innovative natural brands and the sustainably focused Reverb Eco-Village. This year, Crested Butte Mountain Resort brings The Wailers to the stage on, with an opening band Twiddle. Advance purchase tickets are now available for $25 at www.skicb.com/festevol or by calling (970) 349-4554. VIP tickets and 25 percent off lodging packages are also available through Crested Butte Vacations at (800) 600-2803.
March 9 – Big Air on Elk
This downtown Crested Butte signature event returns to Elk Avenue again this year, as guests can join the crowds of people who line the streets to watch local and professional freeskiing and snowboarding athletes as they compete in a big air event on the town’s main street. Big Air on Elk is organized by the local shop, Colorado FreeSkier and helps support the Crested Butte Snowsports Foundation and the local athletes in the Gunnison Valley.
March 16 – Kids Rock Winter Concert Series
Back by popular demand, the third annual Kids’ Rock Winter Concert Series will bring world-class family entertainment to Crested Butte. This year at 4 p.m. Doctor Noize will entertain families with his one man band, interactive-style of music inspiring children to be the musicians themselves. The show is presented by The Trailhead Children’s Museum, Crested Butte Music Festival and the Center for the Arts and takes place in the Ballroom at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. The $10 per person includes kid-friendly cuisine and entertainment.
Durango Mountain Resort
March 15 – Clambake on Purgatory Beach at Durango Mountain Resort
From 2 – 5 p.m., Steamworks Brewing Co. will host its annual event. Steamworks serves bowls of delicious clams, potatoes, corn on the cob and crayfish, as well as its craft beer to those hanging out on the ski beach and others who want some après ski fun. Guests are invited to bring their beach attire as they enjoy the incredible outdoors, dance to cool beats, enjoy delicious steamed clams, corn, potatoes, mud bugs, tasty Steamworks craft beer and Lil’ Toot Root Beer for the kiddos. Proceeds benefit the La Plata County Search & Rescue. Search and Rescue volunteers and dogs are also usually in attendance greeting guests and participating in the fun atmosphere.
March 10 and 13 – Alpenglow Snowshoe Tours
From 3 – 7:30 p.m., guests are invited to take the last chairlift up the mountain and enjoy a guided snowshoe tour of the backcountry. Guides will point out wildlife and their tracks, geology, flora and fauna. This is followed by snowshoeing down to the on-mountain facility, the Powderhouse Restaurant, where guests will enjoy hot chocolate for the kids and wine and beer for adults, complete with cheese, fruit, cookies, crackers and a deli tray. Afterwards, snowshoe with guides down the slopes that are now closed to skiers and watch the beautiful sunset and the awe-inspiring Alpenglow on the Needles Mountain Range – a truly unique experience. Call (970) 385-2147 for more information. The cost is $60, which includes guides, gear, uplift and the party.
March 11 – 17, 24, and 30 – 31 – Live Music at Purgatory
Live music will rock the house at Purgatory during the spring fling. Various artists will be featured at Purgatory’s venues, and there will be many exciting activities and fun for all ages, including live music, giveaways, contests and more.
Eldora
February 23 – New Belgium Scavenger Hunt
All registration proceeds will benefit the Boulder-based Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
February 24 – 12th Annual DOJOE Memorial
This is an uphill-downhill race for individuals and teams of two, and all registration proceeds benefit Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
March 16 – Retro Ski Day
Games, giveaways and music will all take place at the base area of Eldora. Individuals with the best throwback outfits and dance moves will win prizes from New Belgium Brewery.
Loveland
February 23 – Ski With a Ranger Day
The US Forest Service and Loveland Ski Area team up to host Ski with a Ranger Day, where guests can join a Forest Service Snow Ranger for a fun, free, and easy run centered on the relationships between Loveland and the land. Topics include glacial geology, winter ecology, local history, and partnerships and are suited for all ages (recommended for ages 8 and above). Guests meet at Ptarmigan Roost Cabin at the top of Chair 2 at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. for a run with the Snow Ranger (guests should plan to be there 15 minutes early).
The Ski With a Ranger Program will take place once a month until the end of the season.
February 24 and March 3 – Albritton Skis Demo Days
Designed and handmade in Salida, Colorado, Albritton Skis are made to excel in areas other skis cannot. Guests are invited to try a pair of Albritton Skis for free – the demo tent will be set up at the Basin of the Basin, with demo hours of 9 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate, although a driver’s license and credit card are required for deposit as is a valid lift ticket.
March 7 – Outdoor Divas
The Outdoor Divas visits Loveland for a women’s specific demo day. This gives guests a chance to try all the latest women’s ski equipment before buying. There is no cost to participate, although a driver’s license and credit card are required for deposit as is a valid lift ticket.
March 14 – Ski Hooky with 95.7 The Party
Once again, Ski Hooky Days with 95.7 FM The Party will return to Loveland this season. By listening to 95.7 FM The Party, guests can earn the chance to win free tickets to Loveland and by visiting 95.7 FM The Party guests can join Loveland for Hooky Day on Thursday, March 14th featuring $25 tickets. Visit 95.7 FM The Party, print a coupon good for a $25 ticket valid on Thursday, March 14, and join others for a great day on the slopes.
Monarch Mountain
March 10 – Butterfly Roundup
Individuals are invited to hunt around the mountain collecting colored butterfly stickers worth various points. The top three individuals win prizes. Extra points will be awarded for those wearing costumes. This event is free and open to all ages. The event is sponsored by Smith, Bolle, Camelbak, Scott Sports, and Mountain Khakis.
March 24 – The North Face Jibber Jam
This event will take place on several features in the Never Summer terrain park, and will include a jam style session with multiple runs. The top three skiers and snowboarders win. One individual will go home with new skis or a snowboard. Sponsors include The North Face, Blindside, Bolle, Scott Sports, Albritton, Smith and Mountain Khakis.
Steamboat
March 9 – Bud Light Rocks the Boat FREE Concert-Young Dubliners
March 11 – 13 – Billy Kidd Race Camp
March 16 – Bud Light Rocks the Boat FREE Concert-The Aggrolites
March 17 – Torchlight & Fireworks
March 22 – 26 – STARS of Tomorrow Kids Adaptive Camp
March 23 – Bud Light Rocks the Boat FREE Concert-The Dunwells
March 30 – Bud Light Rocks the Boat FREE Concert -MarchFourth Marching Band
March 30 – 3rd Annual Ski 4 Yellow
Winter Park
March 1 – 3 – 38th Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup
The event brings together world-class disabled ski racers, Denver celebrities, Broncos alumni along with amateur skiers and snowboarders of all abilities for a weekend of activities to benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). Competitors in the Governor’s Cup, a Pro Am race, assemble a team of five friends, family members or co-workers to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. The highlight of the weekend is the World Disabled Invitational, when disabled skiers compete head-to-head on parallel courses. The Celebrity Challenge is one of the most entertaining events of the weekend as celebrities and former football stars make their way down a race course. There also is a giant silent auction.
Wolf Creek
The Fun Race Series will take place on March 2, 9, 23 and April 7. These races are free and open to skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. The series will also feature a St. Patrick’s Day Race on March 17 and the Easter Race on March 31st.
Spring Deals
Aspen
Kids Ski and Stay Free in April
Kids ages 7 – 12 ski and stay free with the purchase of comparable adult ticket for three or more days. Kids ages 7 – 12 can rent for free with purchase of comparable adult rental. The package also includes 10 percent off a group lesson for kids ages 7 – 12, and kids eat free at select on-mountain restaurants with a comparable adult purchase. The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center and Ski and Snowboard School lets kids of all ages experience industry-leading instruction and care. This must be booked by March 11, 2013, and is valid April 1-14, 2013
Spring Escape
This package lets guests enjoy a quick spring getaway to Aspen/Snowmass. By booking a spring escape, guests can be rewarded with great deals on lift tickets, lessons and more. Buy two, get three on lift tickets, equipment rentals, and group lessons (all kids group lessons ages 5 – 17 and adult group lessons level 4 and up). This must be booked by March 25, 2013 and is valid April 7 – 14, 2013.
For more details, visit: www.aspensnowmass.com/deals
Copper Mountain
Kids ski free with the purchase of an Adult 2-Day Secret Pass. Small kids and big kids can tube for free with the purchase of a full price tubing ticket (maximum of two free tubing tickets per reservation). And, to start the morning off right, guests can get a free pancake breakfast special at Jacks (maximum of two free breakfasts per reservation). Combine those three pieces of fun with 50 percent off 2-bedroom units for five or more nights and the total savings add up to 48 percent off the entire lodging package. This offer is valid on visits before April 14, 2013, and must be booked by February 25, 2013.
More details can be found at www.coppercolorado.com/winter/plan_and_buy/winter_vacation_packages?bhn_mid=2910564&bhn_rid=413616027
Powderhorn
The Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau has partnered with Powderhorn Mountain Resort for the first ever 2013 Ski, Stay & Play packages. Guests can pick a lodging package and bundle savings on lodging in the Grand Valley and lift tickets to Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Once booked, guests will receive deals to the local golf courses and bike rental shops. This can all be paired in the beautiful setting of Colorado Wine Country, making the Ski, Stay & Play package the complete Colorado ski adventure. Full details can be found at www.visitgrandjunction.com
Steamboat
The SnowSaver Package offers 20 percent savings on lift and lodging when guests purchase three nights of lodging and three-day lift tickets, plus additional discounts on Ski and Snowboard School, Retail and Rental, and Restaurant Outlets. SnowSaver is currently available for visits through closing day, April 14, 2013.
Sunlight
By visiting Sunlight Mountain Resort during the month of March guests can save by purchasing five lift tickets for $200. This is a savings of $75, and tickets can be used by anyone.
For Gems Card Holders, flashing the card enables the holder to receive $1 off any food and beverage item – that includes meals or drinks from the Out-of-Bounds Grill or a drink at the Last Turn Lounge. This is a one use per person, per day deal, good for the month of March.
Telluride
This spring at Telluride, kids can stay, rent and ski for free when Telluride Resort Lodging is purchased. The fifth night of lodging is free for children, each child lift ticket is free per adult lift ticket purchased, and each child’s rental equipment if free per adult paid rental (minimum four day rental required).
This deal is blacked out from March 9 – 15, 2013, and some date and other restrictions may apply. Call (800) 778-8581 for more information.
Winter Park
Winter Park will continue its $50 Dining Credit with each night of lodging at any resort property through March 31. The resort is also offering its Sunday Sleepover Package for guests trying to avoid Sunday afternoon traffic back to Denver. By adding a Sunday night stay at any resort property, guests receive half-price tickets at the Coca-Cola ® Tubing hill, 25 percent off dinner at Doc’s Roadhouse, and a $10 pizza from Five Mountain Tavern.
Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek Ski Area is offering Local Appreciation Days on March 6 and 13, and April 3 and 7. This includes $35 lift tickets to adults and $20 for children and seniors. Wolf Creek will also feature College Days on March 24, 30 and April 6, which allows students to ski for $35. A current college photo ID is required.