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It’s an all-too-familiar scenario: You shelled out hundreds for an Epic pass in July with ambitious plans for the season, then between holiday functions and day-to-day obligations, you realize you haven’t hit the slopes once.
Luckily, there’s still plenty of time in the season to get your money’s worth. And, while you’re at it, why not make it a whole weekend away? From an indulgent paired bourbon dinner to a brand-new skijoring competition, we think you’ll find plenty of excuses to head for the hills.
Jump ahead:
Summit County
Snow Sculpture Championships
The artists participating in this creative competition work with what might be the most Colorado medium of all: snow. Teams from across the globe will gather in Breckenridge to carve sculptures (think: massive vikings, angels, and a robot arm) out of 25-ton blocks of snow. The most impressive part? All their tools will be hand-powered, meaning no chainsaws. Visitors can watch the groups work from January 20–24 or peruse the final products from January 24–29. Jan. 20–29; times vary; free
Eat, Ski & Be Merry
Why wait until after you’re done skiing to get the aprés treatment? At this annual after-dark cross-country event, skiers and snowshoers will be able to enjoy all their favorite post-slope activities while on Frisco Nordic Center’s 2.5k course. Along the trail, stop at four stations to warm up by bonfires, sip a spiked or non-alcoholic drink, and refuel with snacks. The trail is lit by candles, so no headlamps or flashlights are necessary. Jan. 25; 5:30–9:30 p.m.; rentals $15, tickets $35–$75
Vail and Beaver Creek
Vail Aprés
Whether you’re still mastering the pizza or you spent your day on double black diamonds, everyone’s back on equal footing at aprés. For two months, Vail is hosting weekly silent discos where you select your own tunes, outdoor ice-skating shows featuring international performers, and whimsical pocket-size holiday villages. Now–Jan. 5; times vary; most events free
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
Vail Winterfest
If you feel like you’re being watched during this annual event in Vail, it’s because you are—by towering owls made of ice. The theme of this year’s festival is Night Owls, so Rockies-based ice sculpting group Alpine Ice will craft several sculptures of the nocturnal creatures, which are said to bring good fortune, throughout the Gore Creek Promenade. Snap photos with the art, visit after dark to see the installations illuminated, or check the programming calendar for special sessions with live birds. Opens Jan. 10, through February if weather permits; 24 hours a day; free
Stoke & Rye American Whiskey Experience
Mittens and wool socks can only do so much to keep you cozy in the mountains—for the ultimate belly-warming experience, head to this whiskey tasting dinner. Stoke & Rye chef Angel Munoz will craft a menu paired with a variety of whiskeys from makers such as Blade & Bow, Bulleit Bourbon, and Balcones Bottled in Bond. Jan. 14; 6 p.m.; $135 per person
Crested Butte
The Infamous Stringdusters
Bluegrass enthusiasts will already be well-acquainted with this Nashville-born progressive bluegrass band, and novices better get initiated. The five-person quintet has played big venues (hello, Red Rocks), won a Grammy award, and recently founded their own record label. Catch them in Crested Butte or at another stop on their Ski Dust Tour through Beaver Creek, Aspen, Denver, Telluride, and more. Jan. 8; 8 p.m.; $45–$65
The Alley Loop
This Nordic marathon has a strict dress code, which can be distilled into three words: No. Boring. Attire. In addition to races ranging from a whopping 42k to a doable 1.5k, the competition doubles as a costume contest, so adorn your brightest ’fit (think: onesies and Halloween costumes) and think fast. Before you line up at the start, see the folks from Crested Butte Nordic Center for a free ski wax or rentals. Jan. 31–Feb. 2; times vary; registration starting at $25
Estes Park
Before European settlers came to Estes Park, the area was inhabited by members of the Arapaho tribe. This two-year-old festival aims to educate Estes Valley residents and visitors about the region’s Indigenous history through events including a fashion show featuring Indigenous clothing, a friendship powwow, a film symposium, and a vendor’s market with wares including Navajo jewelry, Acoma pottery, and Iroquois beadwork. Jan. 17–19; times vary; some events free, some ticketed
Estes Park Skijor
What do skiers and cowboys have in common? They both know how to send it. Watch these two action-packed art forms merge during Estes Park’s inaugural skijoring competition. Skijoring is a contest in which skiers are towed by a horse and rider through an obstacle course rife with gates and jumps. Brave souls can register to compete, but if you don’t feel like careening down main street behind a mare, opt to explore the warming hut filled with local artisans or the lineup of food and beer vendors. Jan. 24–26; 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; free admission
A Rocky Mountain Auld Lange Syne
For more than 200 years, Scots have been commemorating the life and work of poet Robert Burns on his birthday, January 25. But, you don’t have to be Scottish—or an English major—to attend this celebration. The festivities commence with a dinner at Trout Haven featuring traditional dishes such as haggis Balmoral, Scotch onion soup, and roasted game hen; attend whiskey tastings at Hogback Distillery throughout the weekend; and don’t miss “Burns Night,” during which Scottish poetry will be read, a piper will play, and a hearty Scottish dinner will be served. Jan. 24–26; times vary; prices start at $40
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
Steamboat Springs
Cowboy Downhill
What happens when you cross a cowboy with a downhill skier? That might sound like the start to a bad joke, but it’s actually the description of this quintessentially Colorado snowsports event, in which dozens of ProRodeo cowboys don skis and barrel down the slopes of Steamboat Springs. To celebrate the event’s semicentennial, the city will host a drone show the preceding night. The next day, watch the Stetson-wearing athletes complete a dual-slalom course, lasso willing victims, and saddle a horse before crossing the finish line. Afterward, check out the festive sideshows including 4H farm animals, a learn-to-rope clinic, and appearances by the Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Jan. 19–20; Sunday drone show: 5:30 p.m., Monday starting at 11 a.m.; free attendance
Aspen
Aspen Gay Ski Week
Now an iconic Pride event, this weeklong bash dates back to 1977, when local Jon Busch got in trouble at an Aspen bar for dancing with another man. Busch and several other Aspen residents founded this inclusive ski week as a way for LGBTQ folks to convene, party, and most importantly, shred powder. The event has expanded into a townwide celebration, from drag brunches to dance nights to cabaret-like performances. Jan. 12–19; times vary; ticket prices vary
X Games
When you think X Games, you think Aspen. Since 2002, the iconic winter sports competition has been held in the snowy locale, drawing the world’s foremost athletes plus some 35,000 spectators. After watching the Big Air, Knuckle Huck, and SuperPipe events, stick around for tunes from big-name artists like Illenium, Big Gigantic, and Deadmau5. Jan. 23–25; times vary; tickets start at $50
