Back in the day, ski resorts seemed to always have some kind of cool or crazy special event. I remember as a kid taking part in a “Mulligan Stew Race” on St. Patty’s Day. You skied the gates with a pot in your hand and had to collect ingredients along the way. Silly, fun and memorable. What’s wrong with that?
But the pandemic put a pause on all that and it never seemed to come back. Until now. This upcoming vacation week you can find all sorts of fun events that might not end up with a stew to eat but will absolutely cook up some great memories. Consider these:
Family Vacation Week, Wachusett Mountain, MA: Every day of the February vacation week WaaWaa (as the loyalists call it) have something super fun happening. On Feb. 18 little ones (and Disney lovers of all ages) can enjoy a skiing story time with Elsa herself from 12-3 on the beginner hill. On Feb, 19, ski in your onesie and post it on social media and you can win big prizes. There’s more: www.wachusett.com/
Apres Karaoke, Waterville Valley, NH: On Feb. 21 you can warm up your act while skiing all day (who doesn’t love to sing out loud when skiing?) and then head to the Freestyle Lounge (slopeside) for an Apres Ski Karaoke Party from 4-7 p.m. Appetizers, drinks and a family friendly vibe means you, your friends or your entire family can take center stage and wow the crowd. (www.waterville.com/)
Vacation week at Saddleback, Maine: There’s something special happening every day of vacation week there, like apres horse and carriage rides from 4-6 p.m., their “Chairaoke at the Rangeley Quad,” where you perform for the crowd right on the slopes, and a classic torchlight parade and fireworks on Feb. 21. www.saddlebackmaine.com/
King Pine Spirit Week: Vacation week is filled with crazy fun like the Messy Hair Don’t Care contest on Feb. 17 (you can win lift tickets; you always knew that helmet hair would pay off), a Denim Day (let your true Joey out!) and more. www.kingpine.com/
Cardboard Race, Attitash, NH: Long a classic in resort events, Attitash invites you to create, race and win with your own cardboard vehicle on Sat., Feb. 22. Design a vehicle or sled made of only reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill. Participants must pre-register (do it now; only 20 spots are available). Three-person max teams compete for best slide, most creative and best kids only sled. www.attitash.com
There are more, too. As you choose your high season destination, check out the resorts events page ahead of time. You’ll want to be ready for all that fun.