As interest in skiing and snowboarding has grown, so has interest in unique winter events on and off the slopes. Ski resorts across North America have answered the call with everything from music festivals and winter celebrations to one-of-a-kind ski experiences and food and drink festivals. As you plan this season’s ski trips, check out our list of some of the best winter festivals and events at ski resorts across North America. Dates and lineups change each year, so check each event’s website for this season’s details.
After your ski trip, rate and review the ski areas you visited here to help other skiers and riders plan their trips.
New England
Subaru WinterFest, Killington, Vermont (and Other Ski Resorts)
Subaru puts on a winter festival tour each season that visits some of America’s top ski resorts. It’s a unique chance to check out Subaru’s latest vehicles alongside live music and plenty of fun, with complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, s’mores stations, and ski demos. The 2026 tour stopped at Killington, Eldora, Copper Mountain, Snowbird, and Mt. Bachelor, with headliners including Shakey Graves. Subaru typically announces each season’s tour stops and lineup in late fall; see details here.
XC Ski and Chocolate Festival, Intervale, New Hampshire
Many New England cross-country skiers know the XC Ski and Chocolate Festival well. It’s been growing in popularity for more than 30 years, earning a reputation as the sweetest day on the trails. Put on by the Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation each February, it features chocolate stations at inns, shops, and restaurants spread along roughly 15 kilometers of trails. Guests can cross-country ski or snowshoe from station to station, taking in the scenery and picking up treats along the way, and a shuttle runs between stops for those who’d rather not ski. Tickets typically go on sale in early December and sell out, so buy early.
Waterbury Winterfest, Waterbury, Vermont
For many skiers, Waterbury might seem like just a scenic stop on the way to Vermont’s iconic ski areas, but for several days in late January or early February, the town becomes a winter wonderland during Waterbury Winterfest, one of Vermont’s most beloved winter festivals. It features a mix of daytime and evening activities, from unique sports like snow soccer and broomball to fat-bike demos and guided ski and snowshoe tours, plus live music, trivia, and beer and wine tastings after dark.
Waterbury isn’t a traditional ski town, but its location is ideal, just a short drive from Stowe and Bolton Valley, so you can ski by day and join the fun by night.
West
WinterWonderGrass, Steamboat, Colorado
Typically held in late winter, WinterWonderGrass combines winter sports with bluegrass at Steamboat. The festival features an outstanding lineup of bluegrass and acoustic roots artists, past headliners have included The Devil Makes Three and Leftover Salmon, along with a big selection of craft beer from local and regional breweries. Ski during the day, then dance under the stars to established and up-and-coming musicians in the evening.
Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest, Jackson, Wyoming
Skiing, good food, and good drinks go hand in hand. Jackson Hole brings them all together for a special weekend in late February featuring local and guest chefs, renowned winemakers, and more at the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest. Bring your appetite and sense of adventure for multi-course dinners, whiskey tastings, cooking demos, and unique events. There’s also a summer edition each June.
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
The Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series brings free live music to Aspen Snowmass in late winter and spring, adding big-name artists to an already vibrant après-ski scene. Shows have been held at Snowmass Base Village and at the base of Aspen Mountain, and artists are typically announced in winter, so keep an eye on Aspen Snowmass’s events page.
Telluride Comedy Fest, Telluride, Colorado
You may not think of comedy when you think of ski towns, but Telluride isn’t your typical ski town. Since 1999, the Telluride Comedy Festival has brought some of the nation’s funniest comedians to the historic Sheridan Opera House for several nights over Presidents’ Day weekend. Past performers have included Jason Mantzoukas (pictured below), Nick Kroll, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Jack McBrayer, and Natasha Leggero, and the weekend includes late-night after-shows, improv, and more. Get tickets on the Sheridan Opera House website.
Midwest
Mardi Gras Family Festival, Granite Peak, Wisconsin
Family festivals at Granite Peak in Wisconsin center around major holidays, and for Mardi Gras, the ski area comes alive with events, activities, and surprises on the slopes. Skiing jesters toss out strands of beads across the mountain, and the resort’s social media accounts post clues for a trailside scavenger hunt. Check Granite Peak’s events calendar for this season’s dates.
Carnival Weekend, Boyne Mountain, Michigan
Formerly known as “Crazy Daze,” Boyne Mountain‘s annual Carnival weekend, typically held in March, turns the resort into a full-on party with live music, costumes, and a slush cup. Expect themed events, on-slope antics, and après entertainment that spills late into the night. Whether you’re plunging into icy water in costume or dancing slopeside to local bands, it’s a weekend to let loose and enjoy great skiing with friends.
Canada
Griz Days, Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie’s annual Griz Days Festival, celebrating the local legend of Griz, is the town’s biggest event and a tradition going back nearly 50 years. It takes place across town, from Fernie Alpine Resort to historic downtown Fernie, typically in late February or early March. Each year has a costume theme, and events include beer tastings, trivia nights, live music, a Griz parade, a craft fair, and plenty for kids, plus a chance to ski with Griz at Fernie Alpine Resort.
See the complete schedule on Tourism Fernie’s website. It’s truly one of the most unique ski town events you’ll find.
Looking ahead to spring? See our guide to the best spring events and festivals at ski resorts.
Header image: ©Subaru WinterFest
