Resort Events You Need To Know About
From Santa Ski Day To The A Slope Side Music Festival; Here's What You Need To Know
If you’re like me, there aren’t enough days in the year to be on the mountain. However, riding the same mountain often can become almost routine, and it can get monotonous. I know it’s not the worst problem in the world to have, but thanks to some quirky traditions, fun festivals, and winter sports competitions, there are plenty of opportunities to shake things up.
Here are some of our favorites:
Quirky Traditions
Jeans Ski Day, Jackson Hole, Wyoming – December 7th, 2024
If you’re headed out west in the early season, check out Jackson Hole’s second annual Jeans Ski Day. Swap out your snow pants for denim and enjoy discounted lift tickets and rentals if you need them. Their website offers $25 lift tickets during the event. Last year, the resort broke the record for the most skiers and riders in jeans, and they hope to break that record again this year.
Santa Ski Day, Sunday River, Maine – December 8th, 2024
It’s the only Santacon that matters! On December 8th, more than 250 people decked out as Santa Claus hit the slopes to raise money for a good cause — the River Fund, a local nonprofit that supports youth programs in neighboring Bethel, Maine. The parade of Santas is surely a sight to see!
Pond Skimming (multiple mountains) – Dates vary
At the tail end of the season, as snow melts at ski resorts, they embrace the change. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, pond skimming involves gliding across a body of water — usually a pond or a man-made pool at the base of the mountain. After picking up some speed, the goal is to see how far you can get before sinking. This entertaining event is a fun way to wrap up the season, whether you participate or just watch.
Competitions to Watch
Winter X Games, Aspen, Colorado – January 23-25, 2025
Head to Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain to check out this season’s games, held on January 23-25, 2025. While you’re there, you’ll be able to watch some of the best winter sports athletes compete in events ranging from superpipe to slopestyle. Go for the sport, stay for the après — while the musical acts for each night have yet to be announced, last summer’s games featured artists like Wiz Khalifa.
Shaun White Snow League, Aspen, Colorado – March 7-8, 2025
This year, snowboarding legend Shaun White is launching a new global snowboarding league that will include competitions all over the world. The inaugural event will be at Aspen’s Buttermilk — the same place as the Winter X Games. While details are fairly limited as of now, with a name like Shaun White behind it, it’s sure to be a good time.
Kings and Queens of Corbet’s, Jackson Hole Wyoming February 8-15, 2025
This annual Jackson Hole event takes place on the expert run Corbet’s Couloir. Known as one of the single most difficult runs this race is an invitational event not for the faint of heart. Twenty four of the world’s top skiers and riders will race down this 45 degree slope; competitors typically include top olympians and x games winners. For the rest of us, we can watch at the base of the run in awe. Last year because of high winds the event was postponed. Hopefully, this year this daring event won’t meet the same fate.
YETI Redbull Natural Selection Tour / Revelstoke, BC March 10 -17 2025
After a series of competitions around the world at well known resorts including Creste Butte, Co. and Andermatt, Switzerland. In March, twenty four of the top snowboarders will descend on Revelstoke, British Columbia for the aptly named natural selection tour to ride some of the most mind bogglingly challenging and frankly breathtaking terrain there is anywhere. The two day event that will fall somewhere between the 10-17 depending on mother nature’s whim. Spectators can watch from the resort’s Revelation Lodge or if you can’t make it on location, streaming on Red Bull TV.
Fun Festivals
Tahoe Live, Palisades Ski Resort, California – December 14-15
Alongside quality skiing at Palisades Ski Resort, one of the top mountains in Lake Tahoe, the aptly named Tahoe Live festival kicks off the season with a music festival as your après. Doors open at 3:00 PM (an hour before the last chair). This base-of-the-mountain festival will feature big names, including Lil Wayne (headlining Saturday) and Diplo (headlining Sunday).
Taos Wine Festival, Taos, New Mexico – January 29 - February 2, 2025
This New Mexico ski resort is known for its challenging terrain, but did you know it also hosts a wine festival during prime season? Now entering its 36th year, this festival brings together some of the area’s best restaurants for chef luncheons, seminars, and tastings. The five-day festival features winemakers, both big and small, from around the globe.
Sugarloaf Reggae Fest, Sugarloaf, ME. – April 10–13, 2025
As the season comes to a close, reggae is the way to go. For the 37th year, Sugarloaf is hosting its reggae festival. The resort in central Maine will hold four days of parties at the base of the mountain. There will be several indoor and outdoor venues across the mountain. As of this publication, the lineup has yet to be announced.
Electric Mountain Festival, Sölden, Austria – March 31 - April 4, 2025
The Alps are known for their après offerings, and Sölden is no exception. The Electric Mountain Festival in late March takes over the mountain, offering festival-only and ski-and-festival passes. As of the time of publication, this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but previous years have included names like Meduza, Oliver Heldens, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Azteck — so expect some of the biggest tastemakers in electronic music. While the trip is not during the festival, our partners at OvRride host a trip to Sölden every year.