Hal Williams, Aspen Snowmass
As Colorado’s 2015/16 ski season enters what is typically the state’s snowiest month, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts have calendars full of events, deals, promotions, and activities for the whole family. Between now and the end of March, guests at CSCUSA ski areas and resorts can celebrate spring and participate in fun racing events, enjoy a diverse range of live music, learn new tricks in the terrain park, partake in giant on-mountain scavenger hunts, and much more.
Below a sample of the early spring festivities at resorts across Colorado Ski Country between now and the end of March:
Arapahoe Basin
Alpenglow Ascents Rando Challenge (Race 1 of 2) – March 12
Dave Camara, Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin’s spring uphill/downhill ski mountaineering race provides a great afternoon challenge for ski area guests. Whether training for the Traverse or just trying out their randonee equipment, this race is an awesome way for athletes to work out in the alpenglow. Registration is 3:30pm; 4:30pm race start. The entry fee is $25; no lift ticket needed. For more information, visit www.arapahoebasin.com.
6th Annual Save Our Snow Celebration and Demo Day – March 26
A benefit for the High Country Conservation Center (HC3), $20 from each lift ticket sold at the window goes to the HC3. Participating guests will celebrate sustainable practices and meet Colorado companies working to keep winter white. The ski area will also be demoing local Colorado ski and snowboard manufacturers for a donation to the HC3. Guests can try out the latest in Snowsports gear, learn about A-Basin’s efforts to improve the sustainability of our business and find out how they can make a difference for the environment in their everyday lives. For more information, visit www.arapahoebasin.com.
Aspen Snowmass
16th Annual Bud Light Spring Jam – March 18-27
The 16th annual Bud Light Spring Jam will bring two weekends of competitions, downtown concerts and parties to Aspen Snowmass. The festival features everything from the 17th annual KickAspen Big Air, where skiers and snowboarders compete under the lights at the base of Aspen Mountain, to free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts with acts such as Nahko and Medicine for the People, Big Gigantic, and Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers. Other events include a snowboard Banked Slalom competition, Terrain Park Boot Camp sessions that offer instruction on how to slide a box or hit a rail in a mini-park at Snowmass, as well as the inaugural Colorado Collegiate Freeride Championships. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com.
Cooper
10th Mountain Division Day at Cooper – February 19
Each year Cooper honors the men of the 10th Mountain Division to whom we owe our existence as an industry and an organized winter sport. The day will culminate with an S-Formation “Ski-Down” on the Molly Mayfield trail. Several surviving veterans are expected to participate, and those who are unable to ski will ride in one of our 12-passenger Chicago Ridge snowcats. For more information, visit www.skicooper.com.
Cooper Mogul Competition – March 19
Cooper invites skiers to test out their bump skiing skills in the competition course and have a chance to win cash and other prizes. The competition will be divided into Junior (11-17) and Adult (18+). Prizes in the Junior group will include awesome selections of Cooper swag, and a 2016/17 season pass for 1st place. Prizes in the Adult category will include a cash purse and pass products. The course will be bumps-only. Scoring will be based on turns (75%) and speed (25%). A “bonus” 5% will be available for air, but air must be taken from a mogul, as no jumps will be built in the course. Inverted aerials not allowed. For more information, visit www.skicooper.com.
Copper Mountain
USSA U-19 National Championships – February 28 – March 4
Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
Copper is home to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association’s under-19 Alpine Championship 2016. The best of the best in alpine ski racing, ages 16-19, will compete for a National title in slalom, giant slalom, downhill and Super G races. For a detailed schedule, visit www.coppercolorado.com.
Moonlight Dine & Ski – March 19
Join Copper Mountain for their last Moonlight Dinner of the 2015/16 ski season. Participating guests will ride the lift to Solitude Station, where they will enjoy fine dining and live entertainment. Once dinner is complete, guests are invited to ski down a groomed run under the moonlight. The evening finishes in Center Village with a celebratory cocktail. Learn more at www.coppercolorado.com.
Crested Butte
Ski Town Breakdown – March 19
Skiing, springtime and music go hand in hand at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The resort hosts its annual Ski Town Breakdown on Saturday, March 19, featuring a free KT Tunstall show in the base area. After spending a day on the slopes, guests at Crested Butte will enjoy this awesome singer and songwriter that is sure to wow the crowd with her energy, spirit and jams! For lodging deals visit www.skicb.com/deals.
Eldora
Easter Sunday – March 27
Eldora is hosting Easter Sunday of fun for everyone. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to say hello to all the children and he will hit the slopes as well for some fun on the snow. In addition, the resort will host an Easter Egg hunt for kids in the base area, featuring eggs loaded with candy and great prizes including Eldora goodies and more. For more information, visit www.eldora.com.
Howelsen Hill
25th Annual Steamboat Pentathlon – March 5
Steamboat Pentathlon
The Steamboat Pentathlon, hosted by the City of Steamboat Springs Parks & Community Services Department, is a one-of-a-kind spring event featuring five athletic disciplines in one race. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Steamboat Pentathlon, which was first held in 1991. Participants can race as individuals, dynamic duos or as a team, with both short-course and long-course options available. The race is comprised of five separate stages that include alpine skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, mountain biking and running. Stick around after the race for the after party, featuring free food, drinks, prizes and participant raffle. All participants receive a swag bag, event t-shirt, free lunch and chances to win great prizes. For more information and to register, visit www.steamboatpentathlon.com.
Loveland
Ski With A U.S. Forest Ranger – Wednesday, March 9
The U.S. Forest Service and Loveland Ski Area team up to host Loveland’s Ski with a Ranger Day. Guests can join a Forest Service Snow Ranger for a fun, free, and easy run centered around the relationships between Loveland and the land we all enjoy so much. Topics include glacial geology, winter ecology, local history, and partnerships and are suited for all ages (recommended for ages 8+). Meet at Ptarmigan Roost Cabin at the top of Chair 2 at either 10:15am or 1:15pm for a run with the Snow Ranger. Loveland will host another Ski with a U.S. Forest Ranger Day on Saturday, March 26.
Giant Easter Egg Hunt – Sunday, March 27
Visit Loveland on Easter Sunday for a giant Easter Egg hunt. Participating guests will gather at Loveland Basin for first chair at 8:30 am and keep their eyes peeled for the giant Easter eggs hidden on the slopes and around the base area. Huge eggs mean huge prizes like skis, snowboards, outerwear, lift tickets and more. This is an event for all ages.
The Easter Bunny will also be enjoying the slopes and there will be a more traditional Easter Egg Hunt just for kids off Lift 7 at Loveland Valley, a separate base area just for beginners. For more information about spring events at Loveland Ski Area, visit www.skiloveland.com.
Monarch
Telemark Festival – February 21
Monarch is hosting a series of telemark workshops, tours, and other activities to show some tele love. Guided Mirkwood tours and tele lessons are available for $55. For more information, stop by the season pass desk or email mktg@skimonarch.com.
Purgatory
Spring Break Fun at Purgatory for the entire Family, March 5-20
With games, giveaways and unique activities every day for kids, teens and adults, it’s nonstop fun for everyone during Spring Break at Purgatory in Durango, Colorado. Guests can enjoy live music, tubing hill parties, sleigh rides, dog sledding, family movie and game nights, snowshoeing, free yoga and meditation classes, teen dance and karaoke parties, and more. Purgatory’s March festivities continue with the Purgatory Cardboard Derby on March 26. For details, visit www.purgatoryresort.com.
Kids Ski free during Spring Break at Purgatory. Guests can save 25% on lodging and receive free lift tickets for the kids. For more information, call 800-525-0892 or book online at www.skipurg.com.
Powderhorn
Night Skiing – February 26-27
The 3rd Annual Night Skiing is also the inaugural year of the Flat Top Flyer high speed detachable lift. Two runs from top to bottom, one of which will lead to the terrain parks which are illuminated as well. For beginners, the EZ Rider Lift will be operational and one EZ run will be under the lights. Tickets from 4:00PM-9:00PM will be $56 for 13 & Up and $35 for 12 & Under. Tickets from 12:00PM-9:00PM will remain the same as our normal ticket prices. Season Pass and P-Card Holders will be able to ski for free both nights (Mid-Week passes only good for Friday). In addition, Powderhorn is hosting a USASA Rail Jam under the lights! For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com.
Ski Granby Ranch
Rock the Ranch
Granby Ranch hosts Rock the Ranch on Saturdays in March with live musical entertainment. Guests can start the month off on a good foot by skiing or riding for a cause at the Dress in Blue fundraiser event for the Colon Cancer Alliance on March 4th. At night head out on the slopes after après ski at Granby Ranch Grill for the only Night Skiing in Grand County, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm – 8pm for only $17. Mom and dad can get out early on Saturdays for the Morning Intro Ski Tour, a beginner’s opportunity to get into the sport of Alpine Touring.
Beach Bash – March 26
Closing weekend is jam-packed with the Beach Bash celebration on Saturday, March 26, which includes snow cones, leis and a pond skim. The day will close with night skiing on the mountain and a Moonlight XC Ski and Snowshoe on the Golf Front 9. On the last day of the season, Sunday, March 27, head up the mountain for a Sunrise Easter Service, enjoy a special Easter Brunch at Granby Ranch Grill and visit the Easter Bunny during the Easter Egg Hunt. To celebrate the nearing bike season, the resort will be holding its first Granby Ranch Meltdown, an on-snow downhill bike race and kids’ fun ride. Register to race or come cheer as bikers get air and cruise through the turns on the way to the finish line. For more information visit www.granbyranch.com.
Steamboat
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concerts – March 5, 12, 19, 26 & April 2, 9 & 10
The Steamboat Ski Area will again be rockin’ during the winter ski and snowboard season as the Rocks the ‘Boat Free Concert Series returns for the 17th season offering a great mixture of various musical genres. The Rocks the ‘Boat series has brought together everything from bluegrass and New Orleans style rhythm & blues to a traditional Irish sound to flat out rock and roll. The spring lineup includes:, Afrolicious, Magic Giant, Goonies, Jakubi, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Ozomatli and a soon to be announced band for closing day.
U.S. Freestyle Championships – March 18-20
Freestyle skiing makes its return in late March as the Steamboat Ski Resort hosts the 2016 US Freestyle Championships, featuring the America’s best men and women mogul and aerial athletes, including Olympic, World and National Champions. The 2016 Championships will take place across the Park Smalley Freestyle Complex, which consists of the Voo Doo aerial venue and the 1,000-foot vertical long adrenalin generating Mayer’s Mogul Course. Steamboat has one of the premier freestyle facilities in the country and is the place that launched numerous athletes on their way to the pinnacle of the sport including World Champion Ann Battelle, Olympic medalists Nelson Carmichael and Travis Mayer as well as 2014 Olympian and US Champion Eliza Outtrim. For more information about spring events at Steamboat, visit www.steamboat.com.
Sunlight
Defiance Challenge – March 4
The Defiance Challenge features ten hours of skiing on expert terrain. Lifts open at 7:00 am and close at 5:00pm. Proceeds from the event are split between the Sunlight Ski Patrol and the family of a fallen patroller with the National Ski Patrol. Registration is $150.00 per team and includes event hat, T-shirt, lift ticket, after event dinner and party. For more information, visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
Melanoma Awareness Day – March 5
Sunlight will host free skin screenings in the lodge from 10:00am – 2:00pm as well as a prize drawing featuring a Sunlight Season Pass and other prizes. All proceeds are directed to the Melanoma Research Foundation. For more information, visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
Telluride
Rail Jam at the Beach – March 12
Participate in Telluride’s annual Rail Jam, located at the Beach in Mountain Village. Registration begins at 12:00 pm at Mountain Village BootDoctors and runs until 2:00 pm. Freestyle sessions begin at 2:00 pm, the competition kicks off at 4:00 pm and awards start at 6:00 pm.
Helly Hansen Scavenger Hunt – March 27
Helly Hansen will be hosting an on-mountain scavenger hunt using their app and geocaching. Guests who download the app will be notified when they are close to free Helly Hansen gear. From 1:00 – 3:00 pm, there will be a free beer tasting at Gorrono Ranch with Telluride Brewing Company and SweetWater Brewing serving up some of their most popular beers. For more information, visit www.tellurideskiresort.com.
Winter Park Resort
The 41st Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup – February 26-28
Winter Park Resort
The Wells Fargo Ski Cup celebrates its 41st anniversary with a weekend featuring world-class disabled ski racers, Denver celebrities, Broncos alumni and amateur skiers/snowboarders coming together to benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD).
The weekend is highlighted by three races, the Corporate Challenge, a Pro Am style race where teams of five friends, family or coworkers are paired with an NSCD Competition Center athlete and compete for prizes; the Kids Snowplow Sprint, which features up-and-coming NSCD athletes and able bodied young skiers; and the Wells Fargo World Disabled Invitational. The weekend also includes a giant silent auction with items perfect for any budget. All proceeds go directly to fund NSCD programs, which serves over 3,000 participants on an annual basis and has delivered on its goal to “enable the human spirit through therapeutic recreation and sport” for over 45 years. For more information, call the NSCD at (303) 293-5711 or visit www.winterparkresort.com.
Wolf Creek
Weekend Fun Races at Wolf Creek
Fun Races at Wolf Creek Ski are held every weekend throughout the season with eight races in February and March. The modified giant slalom course with a dual race format is free to both skiers and boarders. With more than 14 age brackets, men, women, boys and girls of all ability levels are able to race for gold, silver and bronze medals. Races begin at 11:00 a.m., awards are at 3:30 p.m. on the sun deck of the main day lodge.
Wolf Creek will also be hosting a Wolf Creek Challenge Series. The series will include two races: A Giant Slalom with 40+ gates and a Super-G race course. The Challenge Series races are open to teams and individuals. Entry rates for the races along with dates can be found on www.wolfcreekski.com.
Local Appreciation Days
Local Appreciation Days at Wolf Creek offer all guests a discounted lift ticket. No I.D. is required, everyone is a local that day. Lift tickets are $43 for adults, $26 for seniors and $24 for children. College Days offer students with a valid college photo I.D. and printed, current class schedule a break from the books and a $43 discounted lift ticket. For a calendar of races, local appreciation days, and clinics visit www.wolfcreekski.com.
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