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The thing about Mother Nature—especially in Colorado—is that she’s just as likely to end ski season early as she is to extend it into June (Punxsutawney Phil be damned). That’s why there’s no time like the present to get you and your board up to the mountains.
But even if you aren’t a fan of barreling down powder-covered peaks, there are plenty of other reasons to head for higher ground this month. Below, all the best mountain-town happenings in March, including a free concert series, a live performance from an iconic comedian, and a vertical challenge hosted by a pro skier.
Jump ahead:
Summit County
Mardi Gras 4Paws
Bourbon Street has some stiff competition in Frisco thanks to this canine Mardi Gras celebration. Costumed four-legged friends and their owners will convene on Main Street for “yappy hour” (aka festive music and brews) before the procession commences at 2 p.m. Stick around afterward for the costume contest, during which a furry King and Queen will be crowned. March 1; starting at noon; free attendance
March First Friday Rail Jam
No need to wait in a lengthy chairlift line to get to this terrain park. Every March, Silverthorne hosts this competition, during which more than 100 skiers and boarders face off on a custom rail course on the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center lawn. Opt to participate—there are cash prizes—or just watch and indulge in food and drinks from La Perla and live music from DJ BKellz. March 7; 5–8:30 p.m.; free attendance
Vail and Beaver Creek
Colorado Snowsports Museum: Through the Lens
After exercising your quads on the mountain, give your brain a workout during one of Colorado Snowsports Museum’s engaging educational events. Throughout the winter, the institution will host a series of events with experts such as Eddie Taylor and Philip Henderson, members of the first all-Black team to summit Mount Everest; Lance Blyth, author of “Ski, Climb, Fight”; and filmmakers Ben Appleby and Antonella Previdi of The Lost Mountaineers. Feb. 5–March 26; 6 p.m.; $20-$25
Dine with the Dogs
Paw Patrol has nothing on the real-life Vail Ski Patrol Dogs, who keep powder hounds safe from avalanches—and look super cute while doing it. Each Sunday through March, visitors can meet the VIPs (Very Important Pups) at Henry’s Hut and learn more about avalanche safety from their human companions. Stay tuned for special dates throughout the season, where the canines will show off their skills in drills and sponsor Helly Hansen will give out free swag. Now–March 30; Sundays 10:30–11:30 a.m.; free
Ski for MS: Jonny Moseley’s Vertical Challenge
Whether you know Jonny Moseley from his time on the U.S. Ski Team or when he hosted MTV’s the Challenge, this is your opportunity to schuss side by side with the pro. Even if you’re not familiar with his work, this distance comp is a great chance to lean into your competitive side: The goal is to log as many vertical feet as possible during the event. Moseley and cohost Donny Pelletier will also lead side events, such as a free ski, mogul sessions, and an après party. All of the proceeds of the event will go to those living with multiple sclerosis. March 1; 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; starting at $75 for individuals
Jerry Seinfeld
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re familiar with this comedian’s work—namely his iconic television show, Seinfeld, which critics often refer to as the best sitcom of all time. At Vail’s Vilar Performing Arts Center, Jerry Seinfeld will riff on more than just airplane food. In the mood for more top-tier comedy? Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon will also grace Vilar’s stage later this month. March 14; 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.; starting at $472
St. Patrick’s Day at Riverfront Dining
Don’t let the fact that you’re thousands of miles from Dublin stop you from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. The Westin Riverfront is making sure Coloradans can cheers to the Emerald Isle with a party that includes drink deals ($5 green Michelob Ultra drafts and $8 Guinness), a beef stew special, and live festive music. March 17; 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; free attendance, food and drink for purchase
The Alpine Table: Allie’s Cabin x Tavernetta
As if the food itself wasn’t fancy enough, this dining experience starts with a sleigh ride through the woods. Diners will arrive at Allie’s Cabin on Beaver Creek Resort and eat their way through a multicourse Northern Italian menu crafted by Tavernetta Vail chef Ethan Diamant and Allie’s Cabin executive chef Jillian Shaw. March 27–28; 5:15–9:15 p.m.; $350 per person
Crested Butte
Sleds and Kegs
At first glance, this raucous get-together might look like a boisterous backyard cookout. And while it certainly does have that vibe, it’s actually a fundraiser for a variety of Crested Butte nonprofits, including Oh Be Dogful Rescue, the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition, and State of Mind. Grab your sled (hint: there will be awards for fastest sledder, best dressed, best trick, and more), a brew, and listen to an all-day lineup of music. On Sunday, nurse your hangover at a wrap-up event at Elevation Hotel & Spa, where you can see DJs SkiiTour. March 22; 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; $40–$85
Estes Park
Frozen Dead Guy Days
To out-of-towners, a festival honoring a deceased frozen man might seem absurd. To those in the know, it’s a can’t-miss event. As legend has it, a Norwegian immigrant brought the frozen corpse of his grandfather, Bredo Morstøl, to Nederland. He’s been kept on ice ever since—and this celebration honors him. Expect plenty of macabre and rowdy events, like coffin races, a bar crawl, weekendlong live music, and more. March 14–16; times vary; festival tickets $50
Winter Park
Mountaintop Après
There’s no lift ticket required for entry into this monthslong après bash—and we won’t tell if you happen to skip the whole skiing part. After 4 p.m., ride Winter Park’s gondola for free to the Lodge at Sunspot to see dozens of live music performances (including Liver Down the River, Blood Sugar, and Wild Love Tigress), enjoy food and drink specials, and watch the sun go down at 10,700 feet. Through April 5; Thursdays–Saturdays, 4–8 p.m.; free admission
Winter Park Express
To some, this seasonal Amtrak offering is simply another form of public transit—but we like to think of it as an exclusive event unto itself. For three months each year, Amtrak runs the Winter Park Express (known to locals as the “ski train”), which takes passengers from Denver Union Station straight to Winter Park. During the two-hour-long ride, families can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel—all while circumventing the blood-pressure-spiking I-70 traffic. (Bonus: the train will stow your skis for free.) Jan. 9–March 31; Thursdays–Mondays, train departs Denver at 7 a.m., train departs Fraser-Winter Park at 4:05 p.m. and Winter Park at 4:35 p.m.; one-way starting at $19
Alpenglow Bounce 5k
Choose your adventure for this nighttime 5K: You can cross the finish line on a fat-tire bike, snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snow cleats. No matter your mode of transportation, you’ll be met with high-energy music and lively lights throughout the course and at the finish-line party. For extra fun, drinking-age racers can head to Devil’s Craft for an after-party with live band Photon. March 8; 6–9 p.m.; $25–$85
Steamboat Springs
WinterWonderGrass
While fair weather music lovers might get excited for “festival season,” Coloradans know that every season is festival season. That’s why thousands of bluegrass fans flock to Steamboat each winter for this multiday event. This year, look forward to sets by Trampled By Turtles, Leftover Salmon, and the California Honeydrops, plus after-dark gigs in local venues such as the Old Town Pub and the Thunderhead Lodge. Feb. 28–March 2; times vary; starting at $132 for a one-day pass
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
Inflation hasn’t yet hit the cost of this concert series, which remains free this year. Over the course of six weeks, hear live sets from the genre-spanning Magic Beans, SoCal surf rock duo the Wheeland Brothers, and soul-and-roots ensemble Southern Avenue. March 15–April 13; Sat 3:30–5 p.m.; free
Aspen
Ullrhof Games
If your real talent lies not in skiing, but in après activities (read: imbibing), this drinking-game competition at Snowmass’ Ullrhof Restaurant is your chance to shine. Grab your best drinking buddy and sign up (email: fvandoorn@aspensnowmass.com) to play a range of games, from beer pong to stump to speed quarters. March 17; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; free attendance
