For many families throughout the state, Presidents’ Day weekend is the ideal three-day break to head to the slopes. But with so many resorts to choose from, how do you pick? To narrow your search, here are some upcoming events taking place over this year’s holiday weekend, Feb. 16-18.
Enjoy a party in the snow with live music, giveaways and s’mores during Copper Mountain’s Subaru Winterfest. Get outside and test new gear from Nordica, Lib Tech, Thule, Klean Kanteen and more; meet adventurous Subaru owners; and learn how you can support Avalanche Rescue Dogs, all while jamming out to SiriusXM. Event also features a Tiny House display in Center Village, as well as a concert by indie pop band Bleachers.
Skiers can celebrate at Dante’s Deck Party on Feb. 17 from 1-3 p.m. with Steamworks Brewing, offering and afternoon of music, beer and giveaways. Or take a scenic snowcat tour, witnessing spectacular panoramic views of Purgatory Resort. At night, rest your weary body while tapping into your creative side at Picasso & Vino, Feb. 17 5-6:45 p.m. All materials are provided as a professional artist provides step-by-step instructions to paint a beautiful mountain ski scene. (Children are welcome.) For families interested in a unique dinner experience, take a snowcat excursion to the Powderhouse Restaurant to savor mulled wine, hors d’oeuvres, fresh salad, handcrafted soup, a main course and dessert, plus wine or beer (Feb. 17 and 18). Feeling in more of a party mood? Head to Night Rail Jam, the resort’s biggest rail jam of the season, at the DC Terrain Park under the lights. Feb. 17, 5:30-8 p.m.
Families will find tons of unique mountaintop fun throughout the winter season at Snowmass, starting with First Tracks (8-9 a.m.), which allows guests to take the first run of the day through fresh powder with patrollers or instructors. (Advance reservation and valid lift ticket required; skiers/riders should be age 11+ with intermediate skills. 970.923.0560 or stop by the Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion at the end of the Snowmass Mall.)
At day’s end, enjoy an après-ski s’more, offered daily from 3:30pm-4:30pm by the fire pits. Choose from an assortment of out-of-the-ordinary fixings to create the perfect sweet treat. At night, honor the Norse God of Snow — Ullr — at Elk Camp, which is transformed into a nighttime winter wonderland, Fridays from 5:30-9 p.m. Guests can participate in a wealth of winter activities, including snowbikes, tubes, guided snowshoe tours, rides on the new Breathtaker Coaster and visits to Ullr’s ghost ship. The event also includes an à la carte culinary celebration with live music, s’mores and hot chocolate by the campfire. (Activities Passes are $49 per person, which includes Ullr Nights and a 2-hour session with access to tubing and the alpine coaster during that time.)
Presidents’ Day Weekend will also include Bud Light Street Rail Days, Sat., Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m., where athletes showcase their creativity and skills in an urban-inspired rail garden set on Fanny Hill. Saturday night, enjoy a Starlit Trek & Dinner, 5:30-9p.m., taking part in a 1.2-mile snowshoe or cross-country ski tour around the Snowmass Golf Course. Learn about constellations, stopping along the way for cocoa and cookies. End the tour at Black Saddle Bar & Grille for a pasta dinner and live music by Tom Paxton. (Reservations required; dinners typically sell out. Bring your own cross-country skis, snowshoes or hiking boots.) Or head Saturday night to Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza for the Bud Light HiFi Free Concert Series featuring Cold War Kids.
