Can’t-Miss Roaring Fork Valley Winter Events
Make Carbondale your home base to experience all the top winter events in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Tired of paying big prices for your mountain getaway? Make Carbondale, Colorado, your home base this winter! Tucked into the quiet, scenic heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, Carbondale offers a relaxed pace, affordable lodging options, and effortless access to all the major mountain action via the Roaring Fork Valley (RFTA) bus system to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
This winter, the valley is packed with can’t-miss events. Here are the highlights you need to mark on your calendar:
Gear Up: 2025/2026 Ski Season Calendar
Whether you’re looking to catch the first chair of the season or soak up the final days of spring slush, mark your calendars! Here are the opening and closing dates for our neighboring peaks:
- Aspen Mountain: November 27, 2025 – April 19, 2026
- Snowmass: November 27, 2025 – April 12, 2026
- Sunlight Mountain Resort: December 12, 2025 – April 5, 2026
- Aspen Highlands: December 13, 2025 – April 12, 2026
- Buttermilk: December 13, 2025 – April 5, 2026
World-Class Competitions:
X Games Aspen – Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen, CO
January 23-25, 2026
The biggest winter action sports event of the year returns! Over 100 top athletes will compete in iconic events, including SuperPipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, and Knuckle Huck. Fans can look forward to a full weekend packed with high-tier competition and lively on-site activations. Learn More
Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering – Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk & Aspen Highlands
February 21, 2026
Experience the full scale of the Aspen Snowmass wilderness. The Audi Power of Four Race Series takes endurance to the next level, utilizing the unique terrain of all four area mountains. From elite competitors to weekend warriors, this series is the ultimate way to test your skills against the best of the Rockies. Learn More
Professional Snowboarding League – Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen, CO
February 27 – March 1, 2026
Aspen Snowmass hosts the professional snowboarding league created by legendary snowboarder Shaun White. Athletes from around the world will converge on Buttermilk to showcase their skills in a fresh format designed to celebrate progression in the sport. Learn More
Mountain Music
Palm Tree Music Festival – Rio Grande Park, Aspen, CO
February 20-21, 2026
Trade the silence of the slopes for the sounds of world-class music! This two-day festival at Rio Grande Park features headliners like Calvin Harris, Sammy VIRJI, Blond:ish, Kygo, Mau P, and more. Carbondale provides the perfect relaxed, quiet pace to recharge after two days of dancing in the mountains. Learn More
Spring Jam – Various Venues, Aspen, CO
March 27-29, 2026
Kick off your weekend with a double dose of action on Aspen Mountain! Catch live tunes at the Hi-Fi Concert Series, then gear up for KickAspen Night Skiing to score some rare late-night laps under the lights of the Little Nell Chair. If you’re looking for more thrills, head over to Snowmass to watch (or join!) the high-speed drama of the Slash the Mass Banked Slalom Race. Learn More
Snowy Celebrations
Ski Spree – Sunlight Mountain Resort, Glenwood Springs, CO
January 31, 2026
Don’t miss the legendary tradition that has become Sunlight Mountain’s longest-running celebration! It’s a full day and night of mountain magic featuring a scavenger hunt, mesmerizing fire dancers, a torchlight parade, and a fireworks display that lights up the mountain. It’s the ultimate way to experience the heart of Sunlight. Learn More
Sunlight Closing Day – Glenwood Springs, CO
April 5, 2026
Celebrate the end of the season at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Learn More
Buttermilk Closing Day – Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen, CO
April 5, 2026
Celebrate Buttermilk’s closing day, on April 5th, with a unique all-things-bacon event. Learn More
Elk Camp Surf & Snow Beach Party – Snowmass Ski Area, Snowmass Village, CO
April 11, 2026
The 7th annual Elk Camp Surf & Snow Beach Party is the Snowmass season finale! Don’t miss the legendary pond skim, live DJs, and hot tubs at Elk Camp, followed by an after-party in Base Village that keeps the celebration going all evening long. Learn More
Aspen Highlands Closing Day – Aspen Highlands, Aspen, CO
April 12, 2026
Highlands closing day is the ultimate local’s tradition. Grab your thrifted shades and craziest costume for a mountain-wide party! Enjoy DJs and drink specials at Merry-Go-Round, high-energy vibes at Cloud Nine, and the final après celebration of the year at Highlands Alehouse. Don’t miss the valley’s favorite ski season send-off!
Ready to plan your unforgettable winter getaway?
Make Carbondale your affordable, accessible home base. Check out our affordable lodging options and hop on the RFTA bus—your epic mountain adventure is just a ride away!
