Perhaps no other sport rolls out the red carpet for festive activities more than skiing. After all, skiers as a whole are an active group who enjoy spending time outdoors either by being part of the action or as spectators watching spirited competitions and special events take place. As such, ski resorts present a wide variety of activities designed to thrill and entertain. The following ski resort events and activities are sure to draw large and enthusiastic crowds.
United Airlines Waterville Freestyle Cup, Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire
The prestigious 2024 United Airlines Waterville Freestyle Cup, presented on Jan. 26-27 by ID One at Waterville Valley Resort promises to be a showcase of world-class athleticism combined with the undeniable spirit of competition that defines the world of freestyle skiing.
2024 Freestyle World Cup Highlights:
- Elite Athletes: The event will feature 139 top-tier athletes from around the globe, representing 19 countries. These world-class athletes will be competing in two major freestyle disciplines: moguls and dual moguls.
- Historic Venue: Waterville Valley Resort opened the first freestyle instruction program in the U.S. in 1969 and is known as the birthplace of freestyle skiing. Since 1969, Waterville has hosted several world-class freestyle ski competitions, including the Freestyle National Championships, National Open Championships and the Hot Dog Competition: National Championships of Exhibition Skiing. Many legendary freestyle skiers played significant roles in the development of the ski resort, including Wayne Wong, Doug Pfeiffer and Nick Preston.
Mardi Gras festivities, Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass is a renowned winter playground just nine miles from Aspen, and consistently ranks as one of the best winter ski areas in the world. With 4,406 vertical feet of skiing and riding, 96 lifts, more than 1,000 acres of black diamond trails and over 100 park features, wintertime in Snowmass is more than just prime ski conditions, it’s a destination for thrilling adventure, luxury après, rejuvenation and slope-sside events. On Feb. 21 Snowmass Village will again transform into a Western Mardi Gras Haven, bringing back a tradition spanning more than 40 years and welcoming visitors to Fat Tuesday celebrations for all ages. Visitors to the Village for this year’s Mardi Gras festivities will enjoy DJ tunes and activities throughout the day followed by a Hi-Fi concert featuring SNACKTIME. Throughout the winter season, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on and off the slopes from skiing and snowboarding to backcountry snowmobile tours and fat biking across eight miles of groomed trails.
Elite Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Athletes, Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
Iconic Sun Valley Resort hosts the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel for the second year in a row, kicking off March 20, 2024. The alpine racing event, which runs through March 24, welcomes elite Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes and next-generation ski racers and is the final elite competition of the season. New this year, Sun Valley is hosting a stand up comedy series. Each night will feature a different world-class entertainer. Experience the magic of Sun Valley’s Light Up the Ice event series at the Outdoor Ice Rink. Check out the full calendar of events.
Vermont Open, Stratton Mountain, Vermont
Skiers and riders at Stratton Mountain can choose from 99 trails, many as wide as an interstate, along with glades and fast lifts. Make your plans now to visit Stratton on March 9-10 for the Vermont Open, a two-day banked slalom event open to 300 riders split into seven age divisions. Riders will compete in a downhill slalom course featuring berms, bumps, jumps and rollers twisting down Big Ben. Join other ski and snowboarders for “24 Hours of Stratton,” a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride Stratton at night under lighted trails into sunrise. Join in camaraderie with hundreds of winter enthusiasts from across New England for a magical weekend of fun-filled activities, fireworks, food and charity.
The Shedhorn Skimo, Big Sky Resort, Montana
Big Sky is aptly named, as winter enthusiasts feel as though they are skiing and riding under endless blue skies. Surrounded by the beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Region, wide-open spaces meet dramatic peaks in Big Sky, and the quaint town of Bozeman welcomes guests with open arms. The Shedhorn Ski Mountaineering Race returns for 2024. Race up the steeps and down the chutes of Lone Mountain in this competition of endurance and skill. Savor Big Sky Winter Wine Dinners, Jan. 21 and Feb. 4 as guest chefs and winemakers collaborate to create delectable Winter Wine Dinners at the slopeside Peaks Chophouse & Wine Lounge.