For many skiers, April 18 marks the end of the ski season. It's the last big weekend of resort closings. After Sunday, only three more resorts, Echo Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Loveland, will be open regularly, with Aspen Mountain opening for two more days the following weekend. Six resorts will shut down the lifts this coming Sunday, including four of the big Front Range ones: Copper, Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Vail. Here's the skinny on the final weekend.
Breckenridge
For its final week of operations, Breckenridge is offering 50 percent off lodging, or the option for a buy three nights of lodging and three days of skiing and get the fourth for $1. The annual Bump Buffet is apparently no more, but on Saturday, the 14th Annual Imperial Challenge will take place. In this event, racers start with a 6.2 mile mountain bike ride from Breckenridge across Peak 7 to Peak 8, then ascent Peak 8 to the top of the Imperial Bowl using snowshoes or skis, then descent Peak 8. In past years, the top time has been under two hours.
Copper
Head up to Copper Saturday and Sunday for cool free music at Copper Sunsation. On Saturday, includes AC/DC tribute band BC/DC at 1:30, Perpetual Groove at 3:30, and Steel Pulse at 5:30. On Sunday, White Buffalo plays at 1:30, followed by Pato Banton & The Now Generation at 3:30 and Los Lonely Boys at 5:30. Lodging deals include book one, get the second for 50 percent off. On the hill, you can participate in the Red Bull 1976 Games, a tribute that 1976 games that Colorado voters rejected. The team competition includes two events: Snowbladecross and Old School Air. Judging will be on event performance, creativity, and overall 70's style. Best costumes and "team mojo" get prizes.
Silverton.
Ah Silverton. They've been getting pounded all year long, and list a 110 inch mid-mountain base right now. Given the snow depth, it's a shame they are shutting down, but the one old chairlift they have will indeed stop turning on Sunday. Right now, unguided skiing is open, so you can ski the endless expert runs for $49. Guided skiers do access to more terrain, and if you decide to change your mind, you can get a guide when you arrive.
Vail
Lindsey Vonn has a picture on her Facebook page of her skiing her new run Lindsey's. This weekend will be your last change to hit it this season. Vail has reported four feet of snow in the last week, so the skiing should be awesome. Free music abounds as well, with performances by Robert Earl Keen Band and Wyclef Jean on Saturday and Guster on Sunday.
Winter Park
Winter Park ends its season with a free concert by Colorado jam band Home on Saturday and Lotus on Sunday. Both shows start at two. On the hill, test your zaniness on Sunday in the 42nd Coca-Cola® Spring Splash. Participants ski through an obstacle course on the Larry Sale trail and then skim across a pond at the base. Cost is $20. Try guessing your time before going down. The one to guess best within two seconds will win a 2010/2011 season pass and cash. One male winner and will female winner get the pass.
Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek is offering Local Appreciation rates for closing weekend, with $31 lift tickets for adults and $18 for seniors and kids. The Sport Shop will be selling jackets at 40 percent off.
