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Ah, mud season: when high-country hiking trails turn into Shrek’s swamp, ski areas shutter for the season, and mountain-town tourists begin heading to lower ground. Less savvy travelers might avoid higher elevations altogether this month—but they don’t know about the ample fine-dining, cultural, and family-friendly events that populate the mountains during shoulder season (not to mention the lodging deals).
So, for those of us who do know that April’s an ideal time to head for the hills, here are more than a dozen ways to pass the time at altitude—in between your last ski runs of the season, of course.
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Summit County
Scar of the Sea Dinner at Rootstalk Breckenridge
After an entire winter of cafeteria-style chicken tenders, pizza, and sandwiches, it’s high time you treat yourself to some elevated cuisine. Luckily, the winding-down of lodge lunches coincides with the beginning of Rootstalk’s 2024 spring dinner series. James Beard Award semifinalist chef Matt Vawter will collaborate with Mikey Giugni of California’s Scar of the Sea Winery on a five-course menu. The roster will feature spring ingredients such as ramps, white asparagus, and morels and paired beverages that include a 2022 chardonnay (with hints of lemon cake and caramel apple) and a 2022 syrah (with notes of black olive and cracked black pepper). April 10; 5 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.; $205 per person
Pop Up in the Park: Solar Eclipse
On April 8, North America will experience a total solar eclipse. And while the closest locale in the path of totality is in Texas, stargazers in Colorado will be able to see a partial eclipse. At this pop-up event in Frisco, see the sun 64-percent covered—with the provided protective glasses, of course—use a solar telescope, and get all of your burning astronomy questions answered by a local expert. April 8; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; free
In Plain Sight: Queer Rural Narratives from the Water and the Land
Walk the halls of any major Mountain West gallery, and you’ll likely see stunning representations of life this side of the Mississippi. What’s been largely missing from that body of work, however, is depictions of how queer identities and rural environments overlap. In this five-artist exhibition, see visual depictions of the often-underrepresented queer existence, resistance, and endurance in rural and remote areas of our country, including pieces from mixed-media artist Janie Stamm and painter Robert Martin. Through April 28; Tuesdays 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free
Vail and Beaver Creek
Vail might be known first as a world-class ski destination, but its culinary scene—which happens to include half a dozen Michelin-recognized restaurants, experimental gastronomy-forward menus, and this marquee festival—makes it a destination for gourmands, too. During this four-day soiree, attend wine dinners, seminars (like one about the world of caviar), and tastings. Don’t miss the Après Tasting on the Streets of Vail on Thursday, where 22 chefs and 55 wineries, breweries, and distilleries will offer samples of their best creations. April 3–6; times vary; event tickets start at $80
Après at the Amp
Those who aren’t completely tuckered out by a full day on the slopes can make the most of their vacation by heading to these after-hours concerts. Night one will include performances by Canadian electronic duo Bob Moses and Atlanta-based electro-soul producer Daily Bread; on night two, see duo Sofi Tukker and DJ Disco Lines. The early-to-bed crowd can still catch a DJ set or two during the day, thanks to a bevy of on-mountain performances. April 5–6; starting at 5:30 p.m.; $90–$120
Let’s Sing Taylor
If you couldn’t score tickets to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour when it made a pit stop in Denver last summer, you can still get your fix of Fearless, Midnights, and more when this touring tribute band comes to Vail. Belt out the iconic bridge to “Cruel Summer” and scream-sing the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” along with a live band and TS impersonator. Although you shouldn’t expect a full-blown Folklore house, there will still be plenty of costume changes, captivating visuals, and friendship bracelets. April 12; 7 p.m.; $40–$50
Crested Butte and Gunnison
Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party
Throw on your trusty tie-dye and grab your dearest deadheads for this end-of-season jam session at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte. Colorado-based Grateful Dead tribute group Easy Jim will perform timeless tracks like “Fire on the Mountain” and “Friend of the Devil” to usher in shoulder season. Local musicians Chris Coady and Donny Morales will also take the stage. April 4; 8–11 p.m.; $35-$55
Where Are They Now?
To artist and Rocky Mountain College School of Design professor David Chatfield, elements of the current gig economy can be traced back to the Great Depression. In this new exhibition at the Kinder Padon Gallery, the Denver-based creator explores this idea in large-scale mixed media pieces using toner transfers and oil paint. Attend the free opening reception on April 4 to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments. April 4–17; Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free
Beer Ski World Championships
All those Coors Lights and Fireball shooters on the ski lift weren’t taken in vain—actually, you were just training for this beer-fueled relay race. In groups of four (solo racer options available, too), you’ll chug a 12-ounce beer, then ski a half-mile lap as quickly as you can. The first team to complete four laps wins. If that sounds like just another day on the slopes, sign up for the bonus tequila round. April 13; 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; $45–$100
Estes Park
Bigfoot Days
Sasquatch hunters, don’t get too excited when you stumble across a whole herd of bigfoot (Bigfeet?) in Estes Park this month. You haven’t hit the jackpot, they’re just celebrants of this irreverent festival. On Friday, attend a barbecue with honorary guests such as Russell Acord and Ronny LeBlanc of the Travel Channel’s Expedition Bigfoot and Ranae Holland of Finding Bigfoot. On Saturday, head to Bond Park to interact with the aforementioned experts, screen a local documentary, The Bigfoot of Bailey, Colorado and Its Portal, and listen to live music. April 19–20; times vary; barbecue: $90, festival: free
Colin Quinn at the Stanley Hotel
Live from Estes Park, it’s Saturday Night! Coloradans will have the chance to see beloved comedian Colin Quinn—formerly a host of Weekend Update on SNL—in an iconic Centennial State venue this month. In the Stanley Hotel’s intimate setting, expect to hear Quinn’s one-of-a-kind takes on life’s absurdities and growing up in New York City. April 27; 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; $50
Winter Park
Winter Park certainly won’t be going out with a whimper this year. To close out its ski season, the resort is throwing four consecutive, rowdy weekend parties. Don all the pleather in your closet for a ’90s-themed fete the first weekend in April. The festivities include DJs, costume contests, retro games (N64, anyone?), and a charity retro shred-a-thon, where you’ll ski from bell to bell to benefit the High Fives Foundation. Other themes include Recess in the Rockies, Beach Bash, and finally, the resort’s annual pond skim at the Spring Splash. Through April 21; times vary; free
Steamboat Springs
Cardboard Classic
Think you know your way around some duct tape and scissors better than any other ski bum? Well, now is your chance to prove it. Handy competitors will fashion a cardboard vessel out of household supplies like glue and duct tape, then dress them up with a paint job, balloons, ribbons, and more. On race day, see how aerodynamic your design is as you race down Steamboat Stampede—and even if you’re not first down the slope, you might win the “most creative” or “crowd favorite” awards. April 13; starting at 10 a.m.; free, registration starts April 1
Aspen
Bud Light Mountain Challenge
If racing your mates to the bottom of the mountain isn’t enough challenge to sate your competitive side, engage in some friendly après antics during this games series. On April 5, you and your buddies can tee off against one another in snow golf; on April 12, try to be the last axe-thrower standing during a single-elimination tournament. April 5 & 12; 3–5 p.m.; free
