We obviously love the snow here at Curbed Ski, but sometimes, summer in the mountains is just as epic. The sleepy off-season is already about to come to an end and Memorial Day Weekend is when many ski towns officially open back up. Days are filled with hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, climbing, camping and of course, plenty of festival-going. Still sans plans? Pick a fest and head to the high country to kick off the "secret season" and celebrate the holiday honoring our fallen friends. Plus, there's plenty of lodging deals to be found in each spot before summer gets into full swing.
13th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs
Where: Arapahoe Basin
When: Sunday, May 24, 2014
A-Basin is all about the party and the Festival of the Brewpubs is one of the biggest on The Beach. Featuring 12 Colorado breweries (Pug Ryan's, Dillon Dam, AC Golden, Avery, O'Dells, Oskar Blues, Wynkoop, Tivoli, Twisted Pine, Breckenridge Brewery, Left Hand and Elevation) the $25 ticket grants you unlimited tastings - mug included. Local "Dancegrass" favorite White Water Ramble will take the stage in the afternoon, which is also where you can pick up the free shuttle back to any town in Summit County.
Breckenridge Wine Extravaganza
Where: Breckenridge
When: May 23-25, 2014
Based out of the mountainside Beaver Run Resort, the inaugural festival will highlight twelve Colorado made wines and beers paired with plates from Executive Chef Stephen Kleinman and bites by local chocolatiers. A portion of the $80 ticket benefits the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary Club and special room rates are available if you want to sleep where you sip.
Blues, Brews & BBQ
Where: Beaver Creek
When: May 24-26, 2014
Nothing says summer like a good old fashion barbecue, but Beaver Creek takes grilling out to the next level, natch. Now in it's 11th year, it's a family friendly three-day celebration of meat, music and microbrews. There's a judge's competition for the Colorado masters, but amateurs have their chance too with Sunday's "Backyard BBQ" challenge. Oh, there's also a full lineup of performers like the Grammy award-winning Charlie Musselwhite to provide a live soundtrack to the face stuffing.
FEAST!
Where: Vail
When: May 23-26, 2014
Some serious chef talent will convene for what is a much more approachable and accessible festival of food and wine than what's going down in Aspen next month. FEAST! also brings the outdoors into the festival with events like a casting clinic, "Belay and Brunch" and "Yoga for a Cause." Tickets are sold individually to each event throughout the weekend. Score a special rate at The Sebastian Vail or Sonnenalp Hotel - two of Curbed Ski's Essential 38's.
Mountainfilm
Where: Telluride
When: May 23-27, 2014
Mountainfilm is the epitome of environmental focused film festivals set against the spectacular San Juans. What started in 1979 as an opportunity for climbers and mountaineers to enjoy the outdoors by day and watch films about mountain culture by night, has evolved to a feature documentaries, short films, parties and a full-day symposium on the environment. Can't make it in time for the weekend? Be sure to check out their World Tour schedule, which starts June 6 in Cimmaron, New Mexico. Inspiration from Mountainfilm is guaranteed.
33rd Annual Old West Days Celebration
Where: Jackson Hole
When: May 23-26, 2014
Take a trip back to "The Last of the Old West" for a weekend dedicated to a real slice of Americana. Rodeos, parades, stage coach rides, chuckwagon dinners, storytelling you name it. There's a few modern additions on the itinerary too with your standard wine and brew fests. Personally, we're pretty excited about the Shootout Gang on the Town Square - the longest running in the country (since 1957).
2nd Annual Made in Tahoe Festival
Where: Squaw Valley
When: May 24-25, 2014
Just as the name suggests, here you'll celebrate the area's talented creative community showcasing all things made in and around Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Shop for locally made products, sample organic food and enjoy live music and performance art from Root Elements of the Tahoe Flow Arts Studio and InnerRhythms Youth Performance Companies. End a day of festing with a a ride up Squaw Valley's aerial tram, which opens this weekend for the season.
Last Call and Summer Kickoff
Where: Mammoth Lakes
When: May 24-26, 2014
For the even more active enthusiast, head to Mammoth to say farewell to winter and ring in the summer all at the same time. Pretty much every alpine activity either ends or opens this weekend and it's one giant party. Between playing on the mountain, there's a beer pong tournament, keg toss competition and frozen t-shirt contest (who knew?). Monday's grand finale is a group ski down Cornice Bowl. Pack accordingly.
Did we miss a fest? Let us know and we'll add it!