Late Season Events You Don’t Want to Miss in Summit County

March, April and May are some of the best months to experience Summit County with longer days, warmer temperatures, and a full calendar of on-mountain events that celebrate the final weeks of ski season. From pond skims and live music to one of Breckenridge’s most iconic endurance races, late season is filled with opportunities to enjoy the mountains in a more relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Whether you are visiting for spring skiing or planning your next trip to the mountains, these late season events are worth marking on your calendar.

Imperial Challenge

Often referred to as “Breckenridge’s wildest race,” the Imperial Challenge is one of the most iconic spring events at Breckenridge Ski Resort. This multi-sport race challenges participants to bike from downtown Breckenridge to Peak 7, skin or hike uphill to the base of Peak 8 and then ski or ride down to the finish.

The race attracts both elite athletes and enthusiastic locals, while spectators gather around the Peak 8 base area to celebrate racers as they cross the finish line.

Event Details

Date: April 4, 2026
Time: Race typically begins around 9:00 AM
Cost: Entry fees vary by category (generally $40–$120)
More Information: https://www.breckenridgerecreation.com/races/imperial-challenge

The New Worlds

The New Worlds is an exciting freeride competition hosted at Breckenridge Ski Resort that showcases elite snowboarders competing on steep alpine terrain. Athletes navigate technical lines, cliffs, and natural features while judges score runs based on creativity, control, and difficulty.

Held in April, the event highlights Breckenridge’s world-class big mountain terrain and gives spectators a chance to watch top freeride athletes push the limits in a dramatic alpine setting.

Event Details

Date: April 17 – 19, 2026
Time: Competition typically runs late morning through early afternoon (weather permitting)
Cost: Free for spectators; lift ticket required to access viewing areas on the mountain
More Information: https://www.thenewworlds.com/

Peaks & Beats

Peaks & Beats brings high-energy music to the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort for a weekend-long celebration of spring skiing and live DJ performances. Stages set up around the mountain host a lineup of electronic artists and DJs, creating an atmosphere that blends a mountain festival with classic Breckenridge spring skiing.

Adding to the excitement, the iconic pond skim returns to the Peak 8 base area from 10 am to 1 pm on both Saturday and Sunday where skiers and riders attempt to glide across an icy pond in full spring costume style. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, it’s one of the most entertaining celebrations of the season.

Event Details

Date: April 25 & 26, 2026
Time: Performances typically run late morning through the afternoon
Cost: Free with a lift ticket; concerts open to spectators
More Information: https://www.breckenridge.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/peaks-n-beats.aspx

Sunsation

Each spring, Copper Mountain hosts Sunsation, a lively closing-season celebration featuring free concerts, ski competitions, and spring festivities across the base area.

Visitors can spend the morning skiing Copper’s famously well-groomed terrain before heading down to the base for live music and entertainment, creating a festival-like atmosphere in the mountains.

Event Details

Date: April 25 & April 26, 2026
Time: Concerts and events typically run midday through the afternoon
Cost: Free concerts; lift ticket required for skiing
More Information: https://www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/events-calendar/sunsation/

Copper Mountain Pond Skim

Copper Mountain’s annual Pond Skim is one of the most entertaining traditions of the late ski season at Copper Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders attempt to glide across an icy pool of water at the base area, often wearing elaborate costumes that make the spectacle even more fun for spectators.

The event draws lively crowds each spring and perfectly captures the playful spirit of late season skiing in Summit County, with plenty of sunshine, creative outfits, and memorable splashes.

Event Details

Date: April 26, 2026
Time: Typically begins late morning, around 11:00 AM
Cost: Free for spectators; lift ticket required to participate
More Information: https://www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/events-calendar/spring-pond-skim/

Flavorbasin

Flavorbasin is one of the most unique spring celebrations at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, combining mountain culture with food, costumes, and a lively on-snow party atmosphere. Inspired by the playful spirit of “Flavortown,” the event encourages participants to ski or ride in creative outfits while enjoying themed food, music, and community fundraising efforts.

Event Details

Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free to attend; lift ticket required for skiing or riding
More Information: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/event/flavorbasin/

Festival of Brewpubs

At Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, spring is synonymous with sunny ski days and the legendary tailgating scene known as “The Beach.” One of the resort’s most popular events is the Festival of the Brewpubs, where Colorado breweries gather slopeside for tastings paired with live music and classic spring skiing conditions.

Event Details

Date: May 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost: Beer tasting ticket required (generally around $40–$50)
More Information: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/event/festival-of-the-brewpubs/

A Season Worth Extending

Spring in Summit County offers some of the most enjoyable days of the ski season. Longer daylight hours, soft snow, and a lively event calendar make March, April and May an ideal time to visit the mountains. For many second homeowners and visitors, late season events are also a reminder of why Summit County remains such a special place to spend time year after year.

If you are considering owning a home in Breckenridge or Summit County, the team at Breckenridge Associates Real Estate would be happy to help you explore opportunities that put you close to the mountains and the lifestyle that comes with them. Call us today at 970-453-2200 to speak with one of our local experts on local living.