Weekend snow on tap at Vail, plus plenty of Olympic-level snowboarding at Burton U.S. Open

Beaver Creek rolls out tons of spring specials to keep party rolling into next month

It’s been another warm and dry week in the Vail Valley, but just like last week, a shot of snow is headed through over the weekend to freshen up the slopes and make the drive a bit of a mess. It could be worth it on Saturday, though, with the Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships in town and some fresh snow to ride.

The men’s and women’s halfpipe finals are Saturday, with the likes of freshly-minted Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim strutting her stuff on the Golden Peak superpipe. On Friday, it’s the slopestyle finals, where two-time gold medalist Jamie Anderson will do her thing — along with a loaded field of international riders.

Kudos to both golden girls from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on this, the International Day of the Woman. And also to 2018 halfpipe bronze medalist Arielle Gold of Steamboat, who will also likely be in the running for a podium or maybe even a win in Vail.

On the men’s side, expect Olympic medalists Red Gerard and Mark McMorris to shine in halfpipe and slopestyle, respectively. Gerard just has a short drive over Vail Pass from his home in Silverthorne — or should we say, “Goldthorne?”

For the sake of the competition, let’s hope the weather doesn’t get too dicey on Saturday, although we do need the snow. A slightly snowier pattern is expected to stick around through Tuesday before another dry spell. But, according to Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz, much colder, snowier weather is likely headed our way in mid-March.

“Thursday and Friday will be warm and dry, then on Saturday, the central and northern mountains could get a few inches of snow, especially in the morning,” Gratz wrote Thursday.

“On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, a weak storm will drift over or near Colorado and could bring snow each day, with the southern mountains perhaps having the best chance for a low-end powder day,” Gratz added. “The middle of next week will be dry, then we should see colder weather with chances for snow from about March 15-21.”

That’s good news for snow riders hoping for a strong finish to a sub-par season, especially with only about five weeks left to go before closing days for both Vail and Beaver Creek on Sunday, April 15.

Something else besides world-class snowboarding and a shot of fresh snow to look forward to this weekend: EagleVail’s Mikaela Shiffrin jumps back into action after winning gold in giant slalom and silver in combined at the Pyeongchang Games.

Shiffrin is looking to wrap up her second straight overall World Cup title starting with a GS in Ofterschwang, Germany on Friday and a slalom on Saturday. That would get her halfway to Lindsey Vonn’s American record of four overall World Cup titles.

In many ways, the overall is the mosted impressive feat in alpine ski racing because it takes a whole season of consistent winning results. Vail’s Vonn did it four times, Phil Mahre three times, Bode Miller twice and Tamara McKinney once. That’s it for Americans.

Also, two wins this weekend and Shiffrin would tie Vonn for the most wins by an American in one season (12) and surpass Sweden’s Anja Paerson for sole possession of fifth on the women’s all-time victory list with 43. Of course, she’d still be 38 behind Vonn, who tops the list with 81.

Vonn won’t race this weekend but instead will target the World Cup Finals in Are, Sweden later in the month as she tries to catch and surpass Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark for the most victories ever on the circuit by a man or a woman. His record is 86, and Vonn has promised to stick around at least one more season to try to surpass Stenmark’s mark.

Oh, and not to leave the Beav’ out of the mix, here’s a Vail Resorts’ press release listing a bunch of cool things to do this spring at Beaver Creek, including some good bar, restaurant and lodging specials:

Spring Fun at Beaver Creek Resort

 Beaver Creek, Colo., March 7, 2018 – Beaver Creek Resort has a line-up of springtime events that can’t be missed. Having received 7 inches of fresh snow in the last seven days, the mountain beckons guests to experience late-winter and spring snow perfection, family-friendly events and world-class skiing.

Village Events and Activities

 Ice Skating

Pop some skates on and glide across the ice in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. Skate and helmet rentals are available. Open daily, 12 – 9 p.m.

Thursday Night Lights

Join the glow-stick ski-down and fireworks finale. For more information and registration, call or visit Children’s Ski School, (970) 754-5464. Thursdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29. 7 p.m. Registration,7:30 p.m. Upload.

Village F.A.C. (Friday Afternoon Club)

Beaver Creek Village comes alive with live music, games, an open-air bar, and more at this family-friendly après-ski afternoon. Fridays, March 9, 16, 23, 30. 4 – 6 p.m.

Music Schedule:

Friday, March 9 – Robby Wicks Duo

Friday, March 16 – Austin Ellis

Friday, March 23 – Ben Hammond

Friday, March 30 – King Cardinal

FAMILY FUNFEST CARNIVAL

A village-style carnival complete with games of skill and prizes. Saturdays through April 4, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Beaver Creek Loves Kids – SpringFest

Amazing weather and amazing activities are the cornerstones of Beaver Creek Loves Kids SpringFest. Performers of all types will light up the spring-themed stage throughout these two fun filled weeks. Kids can enter contests, take photos with our spring characters and join in parades while the plaza comes alive with theatrical performances, magic, juggling, comedy and more. Join us as we celebrate all the kids who are out of school and on the slopes.

Sunday, March 11 – Sunday, April 6

Beaver Creek Skate and Social Club

Spring is heating up at the Beaver Creek ice rink this March. You’re invited to glide across the ice with glow wristbands, prize giveaways, and more at this weekly skate party. Plus, teens (ages 13-17) skate for free. Mondays, March 12, 19, 26. 4 – 8 p.m.

26th Annual Beaver Creek Eggtravaganza! Egg Hunt at Creekside Park

The Egg Hunt includes 5,000 eggs followed by a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. There will be another opportunity for photos with the Easter Bunny from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday in Beaver Creek Village. Parents should bring a camera and a basket, or use one of the bags provided. Kids 12 and under can take part in the Egg Hunt in waves according to age group. Saturday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m.

Village Restaurant Specials & Events

Blue Moose Pizza

$3 Colorado Craft Draft Beers

$4 Sangria

$3 Any one toping slice

$6 One topping slice and a Colorado Craft Draft Beer

Splendido at the Chateau

Nightly live piano entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Pianists include: Kathy Morrow, Peter Vavra, Taylor Kundolf & Bob Finnie.

Beaver Creek Chophouse

Tableside Magic with Dan Fleshman, Thursday through Sunday from 6 – 9 p.m.

CBar

Live slopeside music featuring Reid Tynan. Friday and Saturday from 3 – 6 p.m.

Powder 8

Live après music with Shannon Tanner.  Monday through Friday from 2 – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 4 – 8 p.m.

Grouse Mountain Grill

Nightly live jazz music nightly (except Tuesday) through April 7^th from 6:30 – 10 p.m.

Vilar Performing Arts Center

Spring highlights include:

• Family night out and kid friendly shows: Mike Super: Magic & Illusion, Let It Be, Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger
• Country Duo Thompson Square with three #1 hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About”
• Collective Soul in a small, intimate venue
• John Hiatt & The Goners Featuring Sonny Landreth – legendary singer-songwriter
• Richard Marx – Grammy-winner who has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide with four Top 5 singles, including “Right Here Waiting,” “Hold on to the Nights,” “Now and Forever”

Tickets and information at vilarpac.org.

Top to Bottom Live Music

Live music fills the air in Beaver Creek Resort all spring, from the village and slopeside patios to mountaintop  decks.  Guests can bask in bluebird skies, perfectly groomed terrain and lively tunes throughout March.

• Beaver Creek Village Live Music

o   Village FACs

o   Slopeside Live Music

• Powder 8
• C-Bar
• Beaver Creek Chophouse

o   On-Mountain Live Music

• Mamie’s Mountain Grill
• Talons Restaurant
• Broken Arrow

Save on Spring Lodging
The longer you stay, the more you save. Visit Beaver Creek this spring and discover one of the best times to visit with longer days to enjoy our 1,832 skiable acres and traditionally warmer weather to partake in on-mountain and village events and activities.

Stay 1-3 nights and save 10% off lodging

Stay 4-6 nights and save 20% off lodging

Stay 7+ nights and save 30% off lodging

For the best lodging rates, consider The Pines Lodge, a RockResort or The Osprey, A RockResort or if your family or group requires more space, consider our 2 and 3 bedroom premium condos, many located slopeside or within walking distance to the lifts. To speak to one of our expert reservation agents, please call 888-840-9148.

Only One Pass Can Be This Epic

Vail Resorts’ industry-leading season pass – Epic Pass – returns for its 10^th season, providing skiers and snowboarders with not only the best value in the industry, but also unprecedented worldwide access. New for next winter, the 2018-2019 Epic Pass will feature access to Telluride in Colorado; Hakuba Valley’s nine ski resorts in Japan; and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies across Canada, including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec, all in a long-term alliance. With just one pass, guests have unlimited, unrestricted access to explore 15 mountain resorts, and limited access to 46 more, across eight countries – including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe; Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont; Afton Alps in Minnesota; Mt. Brighton in Michigan; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; and Perisher in Australia for the 2019 season. Epic Pass holders will again enjoy limited access to 30 European ski resorts, including Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski and Tignes-Val D’Isere in France; 4 Vallées in Switzerland; Arlberg in Austria and Skirama Dolomiti in Italy. In celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of the Epic Pass and to honor the epic service of the Company’s founders from the 10th Mountain Division, Vail Resorts will donate USD$1 for each 2018-19 season pass sold to Wounded Warrior Project. The Epic Pass is on sale now for just $899 and guests can lock in the lowest price combined with the most benefits, including 12 total discounted tickets for family and friends, when buying before April 15, 2018. Visit EpicPass.com to purchase the Epic Pass or to learn about all Epic Pass options, such as Epic Local and Epic 4-Day passes.