As the weeks close in on another end to a ski season, I find need to celebrate. To put to rest another great season, and look forward to the next.
In the past I have closed the season with local resorts, but experience has taught me that the best way to do this is with the large destination resorts. They offer a variety of activities to enjoy. For me, this year's destination was Vail.
The Spring Back to Vail event is the perfect combination of skiing, music, parties and energy. Amazingly enough we even had great snow.
There is truly something special about closing out a season with like-minded enthusiasts. The energy is palpable. The constant pursuit of yet "another" last run.
Vail gets high marks for keeping the entire weekend packed with events throughout the village. Three concerts – Sierra Leone Refugee All-stars, Wyclef Jean and Guster. The momentous closing of Chair 5 in the back bowls, one of the earliest chairs on the mountain. (Don't worry, it is merely being upgraded to a higher speed chair.) And Après Ski parties everyday. Closing with the always classic Pond Skimming.
The events throughout the weekend seemed well put together, located throughout Vail Village and on mountain, these were just enough to keep busy but not so much you thought you were missing out.
If you have never closed out a season at a major resort I suggest Vail as your first. I left with a few things on my mind:
"That was an amazing weekend to end a season"… and
"I can't wait until next season!"