As ski resorts begin to close, it’s a great time to look back and reflect on the past winter. The ups and downs. The chairlift-chats and gut-busting laughter with friends, both old and new. The long days filled with powder and après. But just because the snow is winding down, doesn’t mean the fun has to, too. If there is anything good to be said about resorts closing and the season coming to an end, it’s all of the spring skiing traditions, festivities, and celebrations that come along with it.
Costumes and Theme Parties
Spring skiing traditions are in full swing when you begin seeing dozens of the goofiest, most outlandish costumes and outfits hot-dogging down the wiggle runs and all around the mountain. Skiers and boarders trade their equipment for snow blades and monoskis, and waterproof layers for denim shorts, neon jackets, onesies, cowboy hats, and just about any costume you can think of. These events bring out the best vibes for what ski culture is all about at the core; having a damn good time on the snow with your peers. From instant annual classics like “The Frank” to weekly, themed dress up days, you get to put on your funkiest outfit and go celebrate yourself, the season, and this rad community.
Contests, Races, and Friendly Competitions
Most people out enjoying the slopes aren’t usually doing so in a competitive way. However, once spring rolls around, so do the fun yet friendly, end-of-season races, rail jams, and contests. These events often feature giveaways, prizes, and raffles, adding to the excitement and energy of the competition. Plus, what other opportunity will you get to race your peers in a homemade cardboard boat down the snow, or show off your golf skills at the top of a snowy mountain?
Pond Skims
Pond skims are easily the most loved, well-known, and looked-forward to event of the spring season. As temperatures get warmer and the season winds down, ski resorts all over the world host some variation of pond skims and the results are always outrageous and incredible. The funniest, wildest outfits are typically encouraged and add to the laughter as skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim their way across the water and back to the snow. Whether it’s a 100 foot man-made “pond” or an actual lake crossing, there is no better way to send off the season in style than participating (or just watching) in this end of season tradition.
Concerts and Festivals
During the clashing of the seasons when the days are long, the skiing is slushy, and the après never ends, live music always helps to keep the spring party rolling. Few things pair as perfectly as a day of shredding under blue skies and sunshine, and live entertainment during and after. Together, music and the mountains offer a chance to appreciate the art of sound made by humans and instruments, while fully immersed in the natural beauty that Mother Nature created. Regardless of if it’s a DJ every week, all spring, or a massive weekend long event that attracts folks from all over, skiing and jamming in the spring sun is an unforgettable experience.
“Bonus” Days and Extended Seasons
Although not so much a tradition, occasionally some ski resorts or areas will re-open their slopes for an additional day or two of skiing and riding, or push-back their planned closing day and extend the season. And needless to say: when they do, it’s an absolute treat. Attending these extra days on the slopes can often lead to two or even three sport days; consisting of skiing in the morning, mountain biking in the afternoon, and golfing in the evening. So if a resort near you announces “bonus” days on the hill, or the holy-grail; a season extension, get out there, take full advantage and seize the opportunity.
It’s that time of the year. With at least a dozen ski resorts still open in North America and a plethora of spring skiing traditions to partake in, there’s no time like now to go experience spring on the slopes for yourself. And once the lifts officially stop spinning for the season, don’t let that deter you from chasing turns all year.
