Pond skims, festivals, concerts, parties, charity events, races, and oh yeah, great spring skiing and boarding. No matter what you’re into, there’s plenty of reasons to get on the mountain for #onemoreday this spring (as if you needed another reason to go ski).
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spring events happening at ski resorts. Check your local ski resort’s calendar to see what’s going on near you.
Jump to New England events.
Jump to Colorado events.
Jump to NY, NJ, PA events.
Jump to California events.
Jump to Northern Rockies events.
Jump to Pacific Northwest events.
Jump to Southwest events.
Jump to Canada events.
28th Annual Bud Light Reggae Festival. PHOTO CREDIT: Sugarloaf Mountain
New England
1. 28th Annual Bud Light Reggae Festival at Sugarloaf, April 14-17
“Back for its 28th consecutive year, Sugarloaf hosts the annual Bud Light Reggae Festival, the biggest springtime party in ski country, April 14-17. We’re pulling out all the stops….again!
Headlining this year’s event is Ballyhoo! a Reggae/Rock/Pop band that is sure to get you dancing. Music starts Thursday night in the Widowmaker Lounge and continues Friday with our Reggae rave hosted by Renegade Sound Station. Reggae Rave not your scene? Have no fear, New Kingston will be throwing down Friday night in the Widowmaker Lounge.
The goods don’t stop there, we have a special treat for you on Saturday with an afternoon full of partying and live Reggae on our outdoor stage starting at noon. Keep the party going Saturday night with Ballyhoo! in the King Pine Room and even more music in the Widowmaker Lounge. Wake up with us on Sunday for Bloody Marys and reggae on the Beach, followed by even more at the Widowmaker Lounge.”
2. East Coast Pond Skimming Championship at Sugarloaf, April 9
“The East Coast Pond Skimming Championship is the most important sporting event to take place anywhere in the East. Just kidding… but they are super entertaining, so grab your garb and get weird as you slide and splash across our frigid lake. Come fly across our pond skim venue on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 at 12:00 pm!”
3. Pond-A-Palooza at Sunday River, April 9
“Last year’s Pond-A-Palooza was the biggest, wettest pond-skimming event ever thrown in the history of the resort and this year’s promises to outdo last year’s two fold.
Pond skimming will be held at South Ridge again this season for optimal viewing from the slopes, Chondola and Foggle Goggle deck, and we’ll be building an even crazier course. Pond skimming is limited to 100 competitors and all participants must register, sign a release, and pick up a bib. Costumes weigh heavy on your score, so come suited up. The top 3 will walk away with some sweet prizes, which have included a Gold New England Pass in the past.”
Get Sunday River lift tickets.
4. The Great Tailgate at Sunday River, April 16-17
“Spring isn’t complete without a rockin’ tailgate party! After an amazing day of spring conditions on the slopes, join us for the Great Tailgate in the Barker parking lot for live music and fun. In true tailgate fashion, there will be games including a Cornhole Tournament. Plus, no need to worry about driving home, because our Ski and Stay Packages are here to help. We’ve got you covered so you can eat, drink, groove, and cornhole it up with us. All. Weekend. Long.”
Get Sunday River lift tickets.
5. Rail Jam at Sugarloaf, April 2
“Come party with us on Saturday, April 2nd at the Sugarloaf Rail Jam. We will have music blasting and a bar set up on the Beach for spectators. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.”
6. 7th Annual Tailgate Party at Jay Peak, April 16
“Tailgating starts… well, whenever it starts, or gets warm enough. But, if you want to be judged and win great prizes, you should have your food and presentation ready for our judges around 2 PM. Remember, you must park in the designated tailgate section of the Stateside Parking Lot in order to be eligible for judging.
Post Tailgate Party starts up at 4 PM with live music by Horn Beam. Oh, and we’ll crown the Tailgate winners around 5 pm too.”
Colorado
1. RedBull SlopeSoakers at Copper Mountain, April 16
“The 5th Annual Red Bull Slopesoakers is coming back to Copper Mountain. This unique event combines a slopestyle rail jam with a pond skim and interesting ensembles. Register today or come out to enjoy the day and the revelry on rails!”
Get Copper Mountain lift tickets.
2. Pond Skim & Closing Day Party at Telluride, April 3
“The Closing Day celebration will begin at Gorrono Ranch with the annual Pond Skim competition. Registration will take place from 10 am to 11 am and the first 75 participants to sign up will secure their spot in the competition. It’s free to participate and costumes are encouraged.
The Pond Skim kicks off at 12:00 pm and spectators can take advantage of drink specials from Tito’s Vodka, SweetWater Brewing and Telluride Brewing Company. DJ Soul Atomic will also be on hand to provide tunes during and after the Pond Skim.”
3. Beer Maker’s Dinner at Arapahoe Basin, April 15
“Chef Christopher Rybak is cooking up another fabulous Beer Maker’s Dinner in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill. Save the date for some awesome food paired with some Sierra Nevada brew! Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. Reservations REQUIRED; book online or call. Cost: $55 (plus tax and gratuity).”
Get Arapahoe Basin lift tickets.
4. 15th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs at Arapahoe Basin, May 29
“Breweries + live music = A GREAT TIME! Join us for our largest party of the year. Spend the day sampling beer from breweries from Summit County and Colorado. Featuring live music and outdoor food stations, this is a spring-time party not to be missed!”
Get Arapahoe Basin lift tickets.
5. Spring Back To Vail at Vail, April 8-10
“Springtime in the Rockies welcomes warmer temperatures, stellar skiing conditions, grilling out at various on-mountain decks and, of course, awesome events. Spring Back to Vail, the annual spring bash celebrating the close of the winter season, returns to Vail for its thirteenth year. In 2016, SBTV will have events throughout the weekend that are sure to create a positive, long-lasting memorable experience for our guests. Enjoy a jam-packed weekend of action including the World Pond Skimming Championships, live music, sponsor Expo Village, aprés parties, giveaways, and so much more. End the season in style with some serious fun under the sun at Spring Back to Vail.”
Get Vail lift tickets.
NY, NJ, PA
1. Springfest & Pond Skim at Whiteface, April 3
“March is a great time of year to take a ski vacation, hit the slopes, and work on that goggle tan. Come out for Whiteface Springfest and enjoy spring skiing, more sunshine, live music, and activities for everyone in the family.”
2. Pond Skimming Contest at Gore Mountain, April 9
“Get goofy, get wet, and have fun! Skim across Gore’s huge pond in our annual spring classic. Each participant gets one splash. There will be a Costume Judge – the most important of all! DRESS UP! There will also be a judge for Splash, a judge for Skim Distance, and a judge for Overall Performance. Costume scores will break any ties, followed by Overall Performance, Splash, & then Skim Distance.”
Get Gore Mountain lift tickets.
WinterWondergrass Tahoe. PHOTO CREDIT: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
California
1. WinterWondergrass Tahoe at Squaw/Alpine, April 1-3
“WinterWonderGrass Tahoe is 3 days of world-class Bluegrass/Acoustic Roots music on three stages, California craft breweries and beer tasting all under the snow covered peaks at Squaw Valley. It’s going to be an epic weekend bringing together those who love music, mountains and a good time. Get your lift ticket and festival combo pack today!”
Get Squaw Alpine lift tickets.
2. Boarding For Breast Cancer at Sierra-At-Tahoe, April 2
“2016 marks 20 YEARS of outreach, support, and events across the nation and we think that calls for celebration! You only turn 20 once and to celebrate, we’re going back to our roots. We’re heading to Sierra at Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, CA to bring back the iconic Boarding for Breast Cancer Snowboard + Music Festival Shredding the Love for 20 Years!”
Get Sierra-At-Tahoe lift tickets.
Boarding For Breast Cancer. PHOTO CREDIT: Sierra-At-Tahoe
3. Jorts Jam at Sierra-At-Tahoe, April 9
“Pull out your best pair of jeans, cut those bad boys into some trendy spring short shorts, and enjoy live music from the Grateful Bluegrass Boys + Swamp Zen and all things amuurrrican in the Solstice Plaza starting at 1pm! Be dressed to impress because we have the Annual Jorts Catwalk going down at 3pm with fabulous prizes for the best outfits!”
Get Sierra-At-Tahoe lift tickets.
4. Dummy Downhill at Diamond Peak, April 2
“The 16th annual Dummy Downhill is on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016! Participants build a dummy on skis (or a snowboard) that gets launched off a big jump on Show-Off and spectators can view the action from the Base Lodge Deck. This wacky event is fun for the whole family, so mark your calendar now!”
Get Diamond Peak lift tickets.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mammoth Mountain
5. Pond Skim at Mammoth, April 17
“The crowds will fill up Canyon Lodge to watch the craziest skiers and snowboarders straight line it across an ice cold pond. As if one pond wasn’t tricky enough, this year we’re making it two. Competitors can skim Pond #1 into a second, longer pond or just skip the first pond altogether. But skipping a pond comes at a price, there will be a jump feature into Pond #2 for spring shredders willing to test their limits. This is the most entertaining event you’ll see all season.”
Get Mammoth Mountain lift tickets.
6. Pond Skimming Contest & Brewfest at Bear Valley, April 2
“Another winter season means another Pond Skim. Pond Skim 2016 comes to you on April 2, 2016 and we are going RETRO.
In the 80s, everything was like a really totally awesome superlative, like, radical and bitchin’ and tubular. Our crew played it so well last spring, it shall return. Back by special request in 2016 we are looking for your best retro outfit. Don’t forget your costume, the crazier the better! (G-rated please!).
In addition to Pond Skimming, we’ll also have a delicous BBQ, live music, and a variety of delicous brews for you to sample! All proceeds for the brewfest go to Sierra Hope. So make plans to join us for what is often considered one of the best events of the season!”
7. Cinco De Mayo Party at Squaw/Alpine, May 5
Grab your skis or snowboards and swim suit for unique Cinco de Mayo party at 8,200 feet. We’ll be serving up ice cold margaritas, Mexican themed food specials and live music at the High Camp Pool & Hot Tub. Get out on the mountain in the morning then head over to the fiesta for a fun afternoon under the California sun. Let’s celebrate skiing and riding in May!
Get Squaw Alpine lift tickets.
Cino De Mayo. PHOTO CREDIT: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Northern Rockies
1. Pond Skim at Big Sky, April 16
“Another winter season means another Pond Skim! Pond Skim 2016 comes to you on April 16, 2016. The only thing better than watching people skim across our housemade pond is being one of those skimmers. Music, drinks, and entertainment to last a lifetime.”
Get Big Sky lift tickets.
2. Pond Skim & Crazy Days at Brundage Mountain, April 9
“Come join us for our craziest day of the season as brave skimmers shoot the chilly 100-ft pond! We’ll hold our traditional Treasure Hunt, Costume Contest and Poker Run plus our 2nd annual Beer Relay.”
Get Brundage Mountain lift tickets.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mt. Hood
The Pacific Northwest
1. Sno-Kona Pond Skim at Mt. Hood, April 30
“The 9th Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim at Mt. Hood Meadows is scheduled for Saturday, April 30! Snowboarders and skiers, get ready to skim your way across 100 feet of frigid water. All competitors must be 21 or over.”
2. The 5th Annual Bare Skinned Bonanza at Crystal Mountain, April 9
“Skin to win! All ladies must wear either a bikini or one-piece bathing suit (skirts and shorts allowed but no more than a 4″ inseam) and guys must wear speedos or board shorts. Dress like you’re going to be beach! No underwear (boxers, briefs, bras, etc.) allowed.”
Get Crystal Mountain lift tickets.
The Midwest
1. Doomtree Live at Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountain, April 1-2
“Doomtree started as a mess of friends, fooling around after school, trying to make music without reading the manual. The group had varied tastes-rap, punk, indie rock, pop-so the music they made together bore the toolmarks of several styles. When they had enough songs, they booked some shows and recorded some CDs. A decade and fifty releases later, Doomtree’s seven members (Cecil Otter, Dessa, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan, P.O.S, Paper Tiger, and Sims) have built an international fan base one city, one show, one song at a time. Each has a career as a solo artist, but every so often the whole crew convenes to make a collaborative record or tour, busting razor-sharp cadences, hard-hitting punchlines and monstrous choruses with the spotlight passing back and forth until the house lights come up.”
Get Lutsen Mountain lift tickets.
Dummy Downhill. PHOTO CREDIT: Diamond Peak
Southwest
1. Pond Skimming Championships at Taos, April 3
“Celebrate the end of the season by laughing until your sides hurt at this must see event. Competitors will use any means necessary to skim across a pool of ice cold water (best costume earns points). No motorized vehicles. You must be 13 to compete, under 18 must have a parent present at all times. Registration is $5 ONLINE and is open until Saturday, April 2nd at 4pm MST. Or you may register the day of at the Phoenix for $10.”
Get Taos lift tickets.
2. Cardboard Derby Classic at Arizona Snowbowl, April 2
“5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Agassiz Lodge.”
Get Arizona Snowbowl lift tickets.
PHOTO CREDIT: World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Canada
1. World Ski & Snowboard Festival at Whistler Blackcomb, April 8-17
The World Ski & Snowboard Festival is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. With a combination of sport, music, and art, there is good reason to celebrate every day and party every night – for ten full days. That’s ten days that host Canada’s largest free outdoor concert series, pro-athlete ski and snowboard competitions, photography and film events, endless nightlife, and some of the best spring skiing & riding you’ll find in North America. It’s a celebration of everything that’s core to mountain culture and we invite you to come join the never-ending celebration.
Get Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets.
2. 88th Annual Sunshine Slush Cup & Pond Skimming World Championships at Sunshine Village, May 23
“SSV’s largest event, held on the last day of the season, Slush Cup is a competition where participants ski or snowboard down a run into an icy pool of water. The aim is to skim across to the end on the pool. Registration day of ONLY from 8:30 a.m. in the village outside Ski School.”
Get Sunshine Village lift tickets
PHOTO CREDIT: Ski Big 3
3. Caribou Cup (Pond Skimming) at Tremblant, April 2
“Take a shot at crossing a 75-foot pool with your skis or board and end your run at Le P’tit Caribou.”
4. Shake the Lake Rail Jam at Lake Louise, April 30
“Come out and watch our local talent throw down their biggest & best tricks in a rail jam format. Live DJs, and Red Bull’s remote music band & team will also be on hand spinning the beats on the Kokanee Kabin deck (base area), which is the perfect place to sip your favourite beverage while taking in all the action.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Sun Peaks
5. Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival at Sun Peaks, April 9-10
“The Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival is a blast for the entire family! Retro outerwear is the name of the game so dig waaay back into your closet for your best and brightest one piece suits, headbands, or even the perfect pair of jeans to tuck into your ski boots. The energy is always high with tons of fun events to keep you smiling.
Slush Cup is sure to send a chill down your spine as costume clad contestants attempt to glide across an almost frozen pool of water on their skis or boards – with chilling consequences for those that fail to reach the far shore! Sun Peaks Aquatics has come on board and will be setting up a hot tub for contestest to warm up after their cold pluge!
Top to Bottoms Race is the only one of its kind. Participants celebrate the end to a great season by racing the final run of the day all the way from the Top of the World to the Bottoms Bar & Grill patio – the first racer to ring the bell at Bottoms wins! Entrants must stay on the designated 5 Mile run and speed suits are not allowed, but costumes are encouraged. The Top to Bottoms Race is a Sun Peaks tradition, and a great way to wrap up a stellar winter.”
6. Bac’n Jam at Mount Washington
“Join us for rails and a roast! All weekend, our spring park will be sculpted in front of the Alpine Lodge. Come and test your jibbing skills, or just enjoy the spectacle.
On Saturday, the best place to spectate will be from our Vancouver Island Brewery beer garden, featuring a pig roast and BBQ. Enjoy it all to the sounds of DJ Skian.”
Get Mount Washington lift tickets.
7. Corona Spring Skiing at Tremblant, April 9
“Let’s celebrate the spring season with the Corona. Meet us on the patio of La Fourchette du Diable for sunny afternoon with beers and music.”
8. Slush Cup at Cypress, April 16
Slush Cup, 11 AM – 4PM, costumes welcome, no fee.
Get Cypress lift tickets.
All the more reason to get out for another day! Thanks!
Love it!