The spring brings plenty of fun to Colorado ski resorts, and many areas have quirky, exciting traditions that take place during the warmer months of the ski season.

Here are some of the most iconic spring time skiing traditions at Colorado resorts:

1. Pond skimming

Skiers try their best to glide all the way across a, usually freezing cold, pool of water at the base of the mountain. They sometimes even do it in costumes. Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is known for its legendary pond skimming at Lake Reveal. Some other popular spots include Copper Mountain’s “SlopeSoakers,” Steamboat’s “Splashdown Pond Skim,” and at Monarch Mountain.

2. Costume skiing

Spring skiing in Colorado brings with it a tradition of skiing in anything from Hawaiian shirts and retro gear to full costumes. It’s not uncommon to see someone ski past you in a neon one piece or a banana suit on the slopes in the spring.

3. Deck parties and concerts

The spring is the perfect time for skiers to take advantage of the resort decks and patios, and enjoy the sunny weather as they eat lunch or enjoy a drink. Some resorts including Vail and Winter Park even host deck parties with DJs in the spring.

4. Cardboard Classic

Teams build and race contraptions that they create from only cardboard, glue, string, and tape down the mountain in this Steamboat event.

5. Apres on The Beach (at A-Basin)

This iconic parking area right at the base of the mountain is known for its legendary spring atmosphere. People set up grills in the lot, tailgate in ski boots, and blast music. You can even take off for a few ski laps, come back, enjoy food and a drink, and do it all over again.

6. Ski slushy bumps

Moguls are often more forgiving and easier to ski when the sunshine softens them up, so the spring is the perfect time to practice your bump skiing. Skiers are known to lap mogul runs until their legs give out in the spring.

7. Spring Splash

This event is part of Winter Park’s Spring Bash + Splash, consisting of a pond skim with an obstacle course that skiers have to complete first. Winter Park suggests participants (and spectators) “strap on your snorkel and zip up your onesie,” for the event.

8. Take laps on one of your favorite runs

Skiers will lap their favorite runs when lifts run later and days are warmer, trying to get as much more skiing in as possible. “One more run” easily turns into five more runs, and then you’re accidentally skiing until the lifts close. But, it means you got your fill of skiing in.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)