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 antics range from the
philanthropic to the family-friendly to all-out high
intensity competitions.
Heavy doses of snowfall have 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.
After the jump is a (lengthy) roundup of events and deals in Colorado Ski
Country through March 31.
Spring Events
Arapahoe Basin
March 1 – 7th Annual Fire Hose Race, benefitting 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.
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 much 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 eagerly
anticipated 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 NY-style pizza
slices, Zinfandels and smoky
barbecue wings and Champagne (brunch) and gourmet breakfast burritos.
More information can be found at
http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/events_and_activities/calendar/1651059514
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’ 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.
For more info visit
http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/events_and_activities/calendar/1396399688
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
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. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/473765216005995/
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. For more information
visit
www.trailheadkids.org
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. Visit
www.skipurg.com/events for more details.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
http://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 5th
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 1-800-778-8581 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.
# # #
Colorado
Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association
representing Colorado’s 21 ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the
global voice of the
Colorado ski industry. The Association’s primary functions are
concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations.
Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at
www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA
and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information
can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.
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