Colorado has already seen a plethora of events this winter, including the Alpine World Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek and X Games in Aspen. But many more are still waiting to be enjoyed at nearly every mountain in the state. Mark your calendars for these nine, which will remove you from the spectator perspective, show you a great time and, in some cases, even help the world become a better place.
Eldora
Ski to Defeat ALS – Feb. 22
We all heard about ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon, but now you can make an more tangible impact through Eldora’s “Ski to Defeat ALS” event. Participants find sponsors (parents, friends, family) and raise money based on how many runs they take in a day—the more runs, the more money. It’s taking place this Sunday, so act quickly.
Loveland
Ski With a Ranger Day – Feb. 11, Feb. 28, March 11, March 28
Ever been curious about the relationship between ski resorts and the land they reside on? Take some turns with a US Forest Service Snow Ranger, learn about glacial geology, winter ecology, local history and partnerships and head home with increased knowledge about the mountains we love.
A-Basin
New Belgium Mountain Adventure – March 7
Indulge in a day full of skiing, boarding, beer-drinking and scavenger-hunting at A-Basin this spring for the New Belgium Mountain Adventure. $10 gets you into the event, in which you search for prizes while raising money for HCS (High Country Conservation Center), a nonprofit that promotes waste reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable food production.
Winter Park
Invest in Kids Jane-A-Thon – Feb. 28
Think you know how to ride moguls? Take part in the 16th Annual Invest in Kids Jane-A-Thon and use those skills for the good of Coloradan children. After gathering a sponsor or two (family, friends, whoever), you can raise money for each run you take down Winter Park’s infamous Mary Jane mountain. Every dollar goes to Invest In Kids, an organization that helps Colorado kids reach bright futures both in and out of the classroom.
Copper
Subaru Winterfest – Feb. 28 – March 1
Subaru is coming to town and offering Coloradans a fun-filled weekend at Copper with free ski and snowboard demos on Nordica and LibTech gear, clinics and prize giveaways. Subaru owners also receive free parking at the event, so carpool wisely with your Suby-drivers.
Keystone
Burton Mountain Festival – Feb. 20 – 22
Burton is taking over Keystone this weekend for the Burton Mountain Festival. The event will feature free demos on Burton gear, pro riders signing autographs and meeting guests, a snowboard contest open to anyone interested and après fun at the end of each day.
Breckenridge
Avalanche Education Series – March 26
Going out in the backcountry takes a ton of education, including several courses and certifications to ensure you’ll be as safe as possible. And, for a basic rundown about how it works out there, go check out Breck’s Avalanche Education Series event. There’s free food and prizes, too, if you need some convincing. Do keep in mind, however, that this class will by no means get you fully prepared; it’s simply an introduction.
Beaver Creek
Arlo Guthrie 50th Anniversary Tour – March 28
Folk music legend Arlo Guthrie is coming to Beaver Creek in late March on his tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his widely-acclaimed song, “Alice’s Restaurant.” Arlo is the son of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan’s main inspiration, and, if that doesn’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will.
Vail
Burton U.S. Open – March 2 – 7
One of snowboarding’s biggest events, the Burton US Open, is returning to Vail this spring for a week full of extreme, high-flying action. Watch pros compete in slopestyle and halfpipe events, dance your tuckus off at free concerts from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Girl Talk, grab free stuff from the event’s various sponsors and dive into the wild parties that take place each night.
