Festivals on the ski slopes

Dear Family Travelers,

Many think spring on the slopes is the best--warmer temps, blue ski days and this season, plenty of snow.

There’s a lot of fun to be had –and deals too—on the slopes and off with many events earmarked to help local community organizations.

This weekend, Feb. 23-25, we’re taking our Subaru to Copper Mountain in Colorado, with 15 inches of new snow over the Presidents Day Weekend, for Subaru WinterFest, a one-of-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour that invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders, music fans, and dog-lovers to celebrate winter with live music.

Subaru swag, the latest in adventure gear, free snacks and beverages, fun for pups and more. Subaru will host additional WinterFests in California (Sierra-at-Tahoe March 23-24) Utah (Snowbird April 5-7) and Oregon (Mt. Bachelor April 12-14.)

You’ll find plenty of festivals and special events throughout snow country this spring whether you want to join the fun on the slopes or off, enjoying the sunshine and music. Keep in mind that some snow resorts plan to stay open into May—even June for Arapahoe Basin Ski area in Colorado.

In Breckenridge, CO, celebrate Breck Pride (March 7-11) with live music, and a daily run in costumes, among the fun; Then from March-17-April 22 there’s Breck Spring Fever which boasts it’s “the biggest spring party in the Rocky Mountains” with daily events on the mountain and off . (See if you can spot the Easter Bunny on Easter or see determined skiers and riders attempt to skim across a pond!) Breckenridge will be open at least until mid-May.

The Bud Light Spring Jam is back at Aspen Snowmass March 22-24 with KickAspen late-night skiing, the Slash the Mass Banked Slalom Race at Snowmass, A bud Light Mountain Challenge, concerts and more.

And in Vail, you can dine with the Vail Ski Patrol and their avalanche dogs at Henry’s Hut (Sundays 10:30-11:30 am until March 31.

Steamboat celebrates the end of the ski season ( April 1-14) with Springalicious complete with free music, the Cardboard Classic. Think racing down a trail in a homemade cardboard craft made only from cardboard, glue, string, water based paint, tape and other decorations.

EVEN MORE mountain events:

In Vermont, celebrate 24 Hours of Stratton (March 16-17) and play on the slopes under lighted trails into sunrise. The proceeds benefit The Stratton Community Foundation. There will be a team costume contest, vertical uphill challenge, outdoor glow dance party, tubing, fireworks, music and more.

In New Hampshire, March 7, come dressed as your favorite hero or villain at Gunstock Mountain Resort Tubing Park.

In Utah, celebrate Alta’s Snowflake Festival March 25-March 31 where you can join the kids’ hunt for a Gnome, learn how to tie die with snow, taste the chili at the annual chili cook off, and more fun.

In Park City, Red White & Snow (March 7-9) celebrates wine, food and snow sports all to benefit the National Ability Center which creates opportunities for those with special challenges to enjoy the outdoors. And from March 2-April 13 there’s a Canyons Village Spring Concert series at Park City Mountain.

In California, Sugar Bowl celebrates its 85th anniversary with a return of the Silver Belt Classic, a ski race that was first held in 1940 at this resort west of Truckee. The three-event series taking place March 25-29 is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages, ability levels, and interests. Contests include a poker run, banked slalom, and a mini pipe contest. On April 6, skiers who enjoy earning their turns should show up for the Sugar Bowl Uphiller. Dress up in a crazy costume, skin up your skis, and complete as many laps as you can without riding a chairlift,

In April, head to California’s Kirkwood for fun-filled events like the community-focused Banked Slalom, a zig-zagging race course through Snow Snake Gully. Anyone who can carve a sharp turn can enter the race in one of 10 age divisions, and spectators get to cheer on the 8-and-under rippers and 60-plus shredders as they throw it down.

Taking the Kids Cruise Guide

Just Updated! Cruises are filling up again. Health and safety still top of mind, especially for family cruises. Find cruise ideas here!

Third Edition of Eileen's Kids' Guide to Washington DC

Published April 2023

Before you plan a family visit to the Nation's Capital City, get some help from a professional . . . and from your kids! Our newly published The Kid’s Guide to Washington DC lets the kids help plan the trip and guides you as you explore the city, neighborhood by neighborhood. Inside you’ll find kid-tested tips on where to go, where to eat, what to see, and where to get the best souvenirs. Along the way the kids will be engaged by sharing fun New York facts and cool tips. Awesome games will keep everyone busy as you crisscross the city on foot, by Metro, or bus, or in a cab.