As the interest in skiing and snowboarding has grown, so has the interest in unique winter events both on and off the slopes. Ski resorts across North America have answered the call with fun winter events, including everything from music festivals to winter celebrations to one-of-a-kind skiing experiences to food and drink festivals and much more. As you plan your ski trips for this season, look no further than our list for some of the best winter festivals and events at ski resorts across North America.
As you return from your ski trip, rate and review the ski areas you’ve visited here to help other skiers and riders as they plan their trips.
New England
Subaru WinterFest, Killington, Vermont (and other ski resorts)
Subaru puts on a winter festival every year that tours some of America’s top ski resorts. It’s a unique opportunity to test out Subaru’s latest and greatest products alongside amazing music and plenty of fun. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate stands, s’mores stations, and demo skis from Nordica at each stop on the tour. The 2026 Subaru WinterFest schedule includes Killington Resort, Eldora Mountain Resort, Copper Mountain, Snowbird, and Mt. Bachelor. This year’s music acts will include Shakey Graves, The 502s, and more. See additional details here.
Check out Lodging options at Killington | Copper Mountain | Snowbird | Mt. Bachelor
XC Ski and Chocolate Festival, Intervale, New Hampshire
Many cross-country ski enthusiasts in New England know the XC Ski and Chocolate Festival all too well. It’s been gaining popularity ever since it began over 30 years ago, earning the nickname “the sweetest day on the trails” for its perfect combination of skiing and chocolate. The XC Ski and Chocolate Festival, put on by the Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation, takes place in February, featuring 9 different chocolate stations spread out over 15 kilometers of trails. Stations include shops, inns, restaurants, and more. Guests can cross-country ski or snowshoe from station to station, taking in the gorgeous scenery while picking up treats along the way. A shuttle bus also runs between sweet stops for those who don’t want to ski.
The 2026 XC Ski and Chocolate Festival event will be held on February 22. Tickets are $45 and go on sale December 1 (get your tickets before they sell out).
Waterbury Winterfest, Waterbury, Vermont
For many skiers and snowboarders, Waterbury might seem like just a scenic stop en route to Vermont’s iconic ski destinations like Stowe. But from January 28 to February 1, 2026, the charming town of Waterbury will transform into a winter wonderland for the 16th annual Waterbury Winterfest. One of Vermont’s most beloved winter festivals, Waterbury Winterfest features a vibrant mix of daytime outdoor and evening activities—including unique sports like snow soccer and broomball, along with fat-tire bike demos and guided ski and snowshoe tours. As the sun sets, the festivities continue with live music, trivia competitions, and wine and beer tastings.
Although Waterbury isn’t a traditional ski town, its location is ideal—just a short drive from some of New England’s best ski resorts like Stowe and Bolton Valley. Whether you’re carving slopes or soaking up the festive spirit, Waterbury Winterfest promises a weekend full of unforgettable winter fun.
Check out Lodging options at Stowe | Bolton Valley
West
Steamboat, Colorado
Typically held late in the season, WinterWonderGrass combines the thrill of winter sports with the soulful sounds of bluegrass music in Steamboat. The festival features an outstanding lineup of bluegrass and acoustic roots artists and offers a diverse selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries. Attendees can enjoy the crisp mountain air while dancing to the lively tunes of both established and up-and-coming musicians. Beyond the music, WinterWonderGrass embraces the mountain culture, encouraging festival-goers to hit the slopes during the day and gather in the evening for the warmth of the festival’s communal spirit.
WinterWonderGrass will take place from February 28 to March 2 at Steamboat. This year’s lineup includes The Devil Makes Three, Leftover Salmon, and Elephant Revival. Check out the full lineup here.
Check out Lodging options at Steamboat
Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest, Jackson, Wyoming
Skiing, good food, and good drinks go hand in hand. After all, après-ski is just about as important as the skiing itself. Jackson Hole brings all of it together for a special 3-day weekend featuring local and guest chefs, renowned winemakers, and more for the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure to enjoy multi-course dinners, whiskey tastings, cooking demos, tasting experiences, and unique events. This year’s Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest is scheduled for February 26-28. Make sure you save the date for the Summer Festival, happening June 25-27.
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, Aspen, Colorado
The Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series returns to Aspen Snowmass in February and March with free live music, elevating what is already a vibrant après-ski atmosphere in the heart of the Rockies at Aspen. This beloved series among visitors and locals alike brings the winter stoke with big-name artists. The 2026 Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series schedule will see shows on February 17 at Snowmass Base Village and March 27–28 at Aspen Mountain. Artists will be announced soon.
Check out Lodging options at Aspen Snowmass
Telluride Comedy Fest, Telluride, Colorado
You may not think of comedy shows when you think of ski towns, but then again, Telluride isn’t your typical ski town. The Telluride Comedy Festival is now in its 26th year, bringing together some of the nation’s funniest comedians for four nights of comedy over Presidents’ Day Weekend. Since 1999, the historic Sheridan Opera House has hosted what is one of the most unique events you’ll find in any ski town. Past performers have included Jason Mantzoukas (pictured below), Nick Kroll, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Jack McBrayer, and Natasha Leggero. The weekend includes free late-night after-shows, improv, and many other events.
The 2026 Telluride Comedy Fest kicks off on February 12. Get tickets on Sheridan Opera House’s website.
Check out Lodging options at Telluride
Midwest
Mardi Gras Family Festival, Granite Peak, Wisconsin
Family festivals at Granite Peak Resort in Wisconsin center around major holidays. For Mardi Gras, the ski resort comes alive with tons of events, activities, and hidden surprises on the slopes. The Mardi Gras celebration takes place March 7-9, when guests can ski for free and celebrate Mardi Gras in all its glory. Skiing jesters from the Alpine Learning Center will be scattered across the mountain tossing out strands of beads, while the resort’s social media accounts will be putting out clues for the traditional festival trailside scavenger hunt.
Check out Lodging options at Granite Peak
Carnival Weekend, Boyne Mountain Resort, Michigan
Formerly known as “Crazy Daze,” Boyne Mountain‘s annual Carnival weekend transforms the resort into a full-on party with live music, costumes, and a slush cup race. Guests can expect themed events, on-slope antics, and après-ski entertainment that spills late into the night. Whether you’re plunging into icy water in costume or dancing slope-side to local bands, this festival guests to let loose, get silly, and enjoy a weekend of fun, friends, and fantastic skiing. This year’s event is slated for March 21-22.
Check out Lodging options at Boyne Mountain
Canada
Griz Days, Fernie
Fernie’s annual Griz Days Festival, celebrating the legend of Griz, is the town’s biggest event, taking place all across town, from Fernie Alpine Resort to Provincial Park to historic downtown Fernie. Griz Days typically takes place in late February or early March, with the 2026 event, celebrating its 49th year, happening from March 6-8. This year’s theme has yet to be announced, but last year’s was Vintage Formal—complete with top hats, monocles, pearls, and fur as a nod to Griz’s roots. Events include beer tastings, trivia nights, live music, a Griz parade, a craft fair, lots of activities for kids, and more. On Saturday, ski with Griz at Fernie Alpine Resort.
See the complete schedule of events on Tourism Fernie’s website. This is truly one of the most unique ski town events you’ll find.
Check out Lodging options at Fernie
Header image: ©Subaru WinterFest
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.onthesnow.com ’
