Nordic Ski Spring Break Travel: Music in the Mountains

Here’s where to find a perfect apres-ski blend of live music, local culture, and ski-town atmosphere.

Colorado Nordic skiers are good at traveling off the beaten path and dodging spring break crowds, but sometimes we can miss some of the mountain-town local color.

Culture overflows in our ski towns this time of year, especially on the music front. Here’s a quick guide to help you find a great live music spot to peel off to after a day on the trails, no matter where you ski. 

If you ski at Vail Nordic: Music on the Mountain – Ski & Après-Ski Performances

Vail Mountain hosts various ski slope-side performances that transition into après-ski shows in town throughout March. Local bands, folk artists, and indie acts frequently play at après-ski venues like Pepi’s or The Red Lion.

If you ski at Beaver Creek Nordic: Sundays at the Symphony Concert Series

A cultural gem for classical music lovers, this event takes place each Sunday in March in the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Expect top-tier performances by renowned symphonies and orchestras set in the heart of the charming Beaver Creek village.

If you ski at Keystone or Frisco Nordic: 10 Mile Music Hall

This intimate two-story venue is for serious music lovers; check out the San Fran-based bluegrass act The Brothers Comatose on March 2, among others this month.

If you ski Gold Run or Breck Nordic: Breck Create hosts G. Love & Special Sauce

Breck Create hosts G. Love & Special Sauce with Ron Artis II on March 14 at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge for a night of genre-blending sound fusing blues, hip-hop, and folk. 

If you ski Vista Verde or Rabbit Ears Pass: Strings Music Festival—Winter Concert Series

Strings Music Festival offers a more classical and acoustic music experience. Performances at the Strings Pavilion include a range of high-caliber talent for classical music, folk performances, and jazz concerts.

If you ski Snow Mt., Devil’s Thumb, or Latigo Ranch: Devil’s Craft 

This underground brew and smokehouse is one of Winter Park’s coolest spots for live shows; this month check out reggae/jamtronica band Giant Walking Robots. 

If you ski Keystone or Tennessee Pass Nordic: Rocky Mountain Country Fest

Keystone hosts their annual country music festival on March 15, complete with whiskey tasting and two-step lessons.

If you ski Aspen Nordic: Aspen Music Festival & School Spring Season

Aspen’s world-renowned music festival’s spring season features chamber music, jazz, and performances by emerging artists across various venues like the Wheeler Opera House, Michael Klein Music Tent, and the Harris Concert Hall.

If you ski Crested Butte Nordic: Center for the Arts Crested Butte 

Check out acts ranging from jazz and funk to singer-songwriters and opera at this state-of-the-art performing arts center.