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So far, this year has brought less-than-ideal conditions for eager skiers and snowboarders—but the thing about Mother Nature is that you never know her next move. And word on the street is, she might deliver some fresh powder to the mountains this March.
We suggest you make hay while the sun shines—er, snow falls?—and get to the mountains for some schussing. And while you’re there, pencil in a few of these events (whiskey-fueled aprés parties! An immersive Beatles show!) that’ll make your late-season vacay worth the wait.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver This Week
Jump Ahead:
Aspen
Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge Turns Two
Get your aprés kicks at this birthday bash hosted by a distillery that knows how to party. To celebrate Stranahan’s Aspen outpost turning two, the Colorado mainstay is throwing down with a vinyl DJ party; a bottle signing with Stranahan’s founder, Jess Graber; a live musical performance from Graber himself; and lots of whiskey specials. March 6–8; event times vary; free attendance
Ullrhof Games
Your frat party days might be behind you, but this is your chance to put your latent beer pong prowess to good use. For the seventh year, Aspen Snowmass will hold this drinking-game faceoff, where teams of two will battle in beer pong, quarters, corn hole, and stump competitions. For those of us who spent a little more time hitting the books in college, there will be food, drinks, DJ sets, and giveaways to keep you occupied after your speedy elimination. March 17; noon–4 p.m.; free participation, email fvandoorn@aspensnowmass.com to sign up.
Estes Park
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Since its founding in Nederland in 2002, this festival—which pays homage to Grandpa Bredo, a man kept cryogenically frozen in a Tuff Shed for decades—has drawn Coloradans with its off-the-wall events and boisterous atmosphere. At its new home in Estes Park, attendees can still catch the beloved coffin races; performances from Gasoline Lollipops and the Polkanauts; a dance party at the Stanley Hotel; and a polar plunge. March 27–29; times vary; general admission $30–$55
Leadville
Leadville Ski Joring
Skijoring is a big deal in Leadville. Such a big deal, in fact, that this 78-year-old event has a snow contingency plan that involves Colorado Mountain College’s snowmaking system, student volunteers, and the City and County government in the event that Mother Nature doesn’t deliver. All that work will allow brave skiers to be pulled by horse through a course that includes gates, jumps, and rings in the hopes of being crowned the champion. March 7–8; first horse runs at noon; free for spectators, $80 to compete
Steamboat Springs
Western BBQ
Live out all your Yellowstone dreams at this lively dinner-and-dancing series. Fuel up with a buffet of smoked meats and traditional sides, then put on your cowboy boots for an evening of two-step and line dancing accompanied by a live band and instructor. Now–March 20; dinner times vary, make a reservation here; $64 for kids, $90 for adults
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
Inflation hasn’t yet hit the cost of this seven-week concert series, which has been free to the public for 25 years. Over the course of six weeks, hear live sets from genre-spanning groups including R&B outfit J & the Causeways, punk rockers Sneezy, and the iconic reggae artists the Wailers in Steamboat Square. March 7–April 12; Saturdays 3:30–5 p.m.; free
Summit County
Jodi Stuart: Second Life
Plastics can take up to 500 years to decompose, which is why artist Jodi Stuart is working to transform some of this forever trash into meaningful art. In this Breck Create exhibit, Stuart will present colorful, life-size sculptures made from recycled plastics that twist and bend in gravity-defying ways. Now–March 29; times vary; free
BritBeat – The Multimedia Beatles Concert Journey
If you weren’t around when the British Invasion first swept the globe, this multimedia performance will let you live through the cultural phenomenon retroactively. This immersive production takes fans through the Beatles’ evolution, from Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road. Expect all your favorite tunes, plus psychedelic visuals and costumes. March 7; 7:30 p.m.; $52–$62
BrewSki
If there was a contest for the “most quintessentially Colorado spectacle ever,” this annual brew fest held on skis just might take the crown. Participants strap into cross-country skis or snowshoes, dress up in wacky costumes, and sample beers from taprooms such as Odell Brewing Co. and Highside Brewing at stations around the Frisco Nordic Center. Stick around for the after-party and prizes awarded for best costumes. March 7; 2–5 p.m.; $25–$55
Vail and Beaver Creek
Shamrock Shuffle Snowshoe and Winter Running Race
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with spending St. Patrick’s Day bellied up to an Irish bar, Colorado’s fresh-air addicts might beg to differ. Luckily, this outdoor celebration is a way for nature nerds to don green and hit the trails. During this snowshoe and running competition held on Vail Nordic Center trails, you can opt to tackle the long (10K) or short (5K) routes in snowshoes or sneakers. Prizes are hidden around the course, so try to channel that luck of the Irish. March 15; 10 a.m.; $25–$40
Experts Only: John Summit
You won’t need to book a flight to Vegas or Miami to see this EDM superstar. John Summit is touching down in Vail for a two-day appearance in Ford Park. During the weekend, expect a full lineup of high-energy artists (including Fallon, Odd Mob, and Devault), after-parties, and surprise pop-ups on the slopes. March 21–22; 5 p.m.; starting at $190
Winter Park
Winter Park Express Ski Train
This seasonal Amtrak offering is so popular that it opened a month earlier this year. The Winter Park Express, also known as the “ski train,” 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.) Now–March 31; times vary, check schedule; starting at $9
Spring Bash and Splash
Spring might be here, but that doesn’t mean we’re done playing in the snow. This three-week celebration of late-season skiing boasts one raucous event after another. The festivities kick off at the end of March with tons of craft beer, live music, and more than 40 Colorado makers at TheBigWonderful Beerfest & Bluegrass. March 28; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance, $45 beer fest ticket
