Mardis Gras madness has just about begun. There will be plenty of bead-throwin’, boob-flashin’, and beer-swillin’ fun to be had here in Denver, but if you’re feeling the call of fresh powder, Vail has a crazy weekend scheduled.

Skip the goggles and grab a mask for the Mountain Dew Verticle Challenge, or hit the town for bar specials at the Tap Room (hurricanes, beads, t-shirts, cajun food) or the Lion’s Den, where your $10 Mondo Hurricane means you can keep the glass (or pay $15 and they’ll throw in a pair of women’s panties. Um, ick?). Street festivals, zydeco music, a high country crawfish boil, gumbo cookoff, Mardi Gras parade: you name it, they have it planned. The fun starts Saturday, and will surely end with red beer breakfasts on Wednesday morning.

Before you go, hit the Wizard’s Chest in Cherry Creek North to stockpile your masks and beads, and if you’re really in the spirit, snag a purple, green and gold feather boa.

Lassez les bons temps roulez!