With longer days of sunshine and cold temperatures turning, spring is on its way to the Roaring Fork Valley. While March is historically one of the snowiest months of the year in Aspen, it is also the month of bluebird spring skiing and après ski. From Basalt to Glenwood, the snow has already started to become sparse and trails are clearing for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. There are plenty of options for recreation throughout the late winter and spring as the temperamental weather persists through May. Here’s how to savor the remaining days of the winter season from Aspen to Glenwood. 

For the Athletes and the Snow Bunnies: 

Aspen Mountain - March is the perfect time to get in those final days of powder skiing before spring brings patio hangs and corn carving. Due to late-season snowfall and cold temps, Aspen Mountain is extending their season to Sunday, April 24th. Select lifts will continue running later in the day on Aspen Mountain, perfect for those golden hour selfies.  In celebration of Aspen Snowmass’ 75th anniversary, on-mountain closing festivities on Aspen Mountain, like live music and après parties, will be moved to the 24th, as well. 

Aspen Highlands - The locals best kept secret, Aspen Highlands, is bringing back their fabled closing party on April 10th. Hike the bowl, spray champagne at Cloud Nine, and boogie in your ski boots at the Ale House with live DJs. Don’t forget your funkiest outfit and wig, for a well-rounded experience. 

Buttermilk - Dawn patrol sounds a little more enticing when breakfast is awarded at the end. The Cliffhouse restaurant, located at the top of Buttermilk Mountain, will continue to host Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club through April 1st. Grab your buddies, or your AirPods, and hike or skin up on a sunny morning. Buttermilk will close on April 3rd with an annual Bacon Appreciation Day celebration. 

Snowmass - Celebrate the Norse God of Winter, Ullr, this March at Snowmass. For the family, check out Ullr Nights - a family-friendly winter party with snowbiking, tubing and marshmallow roasting. So, bundle up and gather ‘round the bonfire on March 18th. Or, flex your competitive spirit at the Ullrhof Games on March 17th. Along with a live DJ and deck party, join the Bud Light Mountain Challenge in games like beer pong, corn hole, and stump at the Ullrhof on-mountain restaurant. 

Sunlight Mountain Resort - Located between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, Sunlight Mountain Resort is closing its lifts on April 3rd. After a day of skiing with zero-lift lines, experience the best après ski at Glenwood Hot Springs, the world’s largest hot springs pool, or Colorado's newest, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, featuring 16 individual pools. 

For Those Who Use Their Ski Pass as an Accessory to Wining and Dining:

Ajax Tavern - For the best place in Aspen to “après ski and be seen,” you won’t want to miss the patio at Ajax Tavern. As you ski down Little Nell run on Aspen Mountain, look for the yellow umbrellas and orange ice buckets chilling Veuve Clicquot. Although this party lasts all day, come in the afternoon for bubbles and dancing with DJ Dylan. Clicquot in the Snow will continue to go through March 31st on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2-6pm. 

Snow Beach - Hosted by AspenX in partnership with fine art photographer Gray Malin, have some fun in the sun at this mountain top “beach getaway.” Sip champagne, boogie to DJ sets, and soak up the sun. Snow Beach will be hosting guests on Saturdays and Sundays through March 2th. 

For Those Who Wish To Savor Aspen’s 75th Season:

Last Call for NEPSA Entries - Don't forget to submit your best skiing clips to the 2022 NEPSA awards by March 18th! We know you’ve been capturing ski content all season long - now it's time to show it off. Impress your friends or make everyone laugh - either way, you’ll get the crowd stoked. The NEPSA awards will be hosted at the Wheeler Opera House on March 31st. 

Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series - After a year-long hiatus, the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series returns with free concerts from Snowmass Base Village to Gondola Plaza in Aspen. Get down with big-name musical artists as the warmer spring days bring sunshine to the slopes and buzzing nights downtown. 

March 25th - Aspen Mountain - The California Honeydrops

April 2nd - Downtown Aspen - Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats 

April 8th - Snowmass Base Village - Cash’d Out

KickAspen Night Skiing - In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Aspen Snowmass, ski under the stars on Aspen mountain for an honorary $7.50. Lap Little Nell Chair under the night sky from 7-10pm on March 25th and 26th. 

NASTAR National Championships - From April 4th - 9th, the NASTAR National Championships will be hosted on Snowmass Mountain. NASTAR racers of all ages and abilities from across the country are invited to register for this inclusive, exciting weekend of ski racing. Register here. 

ANON 4 MTN Mission - An adult treasure hunt of sorts, the ANON 4 MTN Mission takes you across the four Aspen Snowmass resorts to explore areas you may not otherwise go to and earn prizes. Gather your teammates and join the challenge from March 25th - April 3rd. 

Terrain Park Boot Camp - Learn from professional coaches and athletes how to slide rails at the Snowmass Terrain Park Boot Camp. This clinic to learn terrain park basics is the perfect opportunity for beginners of all ages. Plus, it’s never too late to learn something new!

For Those Who Are Over the Snow but Still Want to Recreate:

Hike Red Hill Recreation Area - Pull those hiking boots out from storage and head to Carbondale to explore the Red Hill network of trails. Whether you want to take a quick hike after work or venture further from town, all trails can be accessed from the Red Hill trailhead just outside of Carbondale on Highway 82. 

Healing Hoof It 5k - Head down to Carbondale’s famous community gathering, First Friday, on April 1st for the Healing Hoof It Autism and PTSD run/awareness walk. The streets of Carbondale will be closed to traffic for the run/walk and service animals are welcome to participate, too! Proceeds from the Healing Hoof It and First Friday help support the mission of Smiling GoatRanch, which brings the healing effects of horses, movement, nature, and supportive community to people affected by autism, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and related conditions. Register here.  

Thunder River Theater Company - Improv, cabaret, or drama? The Thunder River Theater Company is currently putting on live shows of all three genres. To learn about this season’s performances and to purchase tickets, click here. 

While the Roaring Fork Valley is internationally renowned as a year-round destination, late-winter and spring are unparalleled in the Rockies. With fewer crowds, great ski conditions, blue bird weather, and countless end-of-ski-season celebrations, March and April are excellent months to book your vacation to the Roaring Fork Valley. The good news: there’s still time to book your trip to catch the end of ski season, recreate in a variety of ways, and participate in the anticipated festivities of spring. Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty represents the finest luxury rentals in the Roaring Fork Valley and is happy to help you with finding the best rental for your needs. Not only are our broker associates experts in booking you the vacation of your dreams, but can also help you with all of your real estate needs in the Roaring Fork Valley. Please reach out to us to begin your journey of the abundant recreation and vibrant culture of the Roaring Fork Valley.