Spring Has Sprung in Summit County: Pond Skims, Closing Day Parties & Spring Events 2026

Kick off Breck's spring season with one of the most gloriously unhinged events in all of Summit County. Often called "Breckenridge's wildest race," the Imperial Challenge is a multi-sport sufferfest: bike from downtown Breck to Peak 7, skin or hike all the way up to 12,996 ft at the top of Imperial Chair, then ski or ride back down to the finish. It's brutal, it's beautiful, and the costumes are absolutely incredible. Spectators gather at the Peak 8 base to cheer (and laugh) — this one is free to watch.

This one's got history behind it — The New Worlds celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 1986 World Snowboard Classic, one of the most pivotal moments in snowboarding history. Held right here in Breckenridge, expect four decades of big Breck energy packed into one spring weekend of riding, culture, and mountain vibes. Lift ticket required to access viewing areas on mountain.

This is the one. Breck's signature spring sendoff goes two full days this year — that's two days of free concerts AND two days of pond skimming under the Colorado Superchair at Peak 8. Skiers and snowboarders in full-on costume glory attempt to skim across an icy pond for a shot at Best Overall Skim, Best Costume, and Biggest Splash. Athlete check-in is 8:30–9:30am with a mandatory athlete meeting at 9:30am sharp. Pond Skim entry is $30, spectating is completely free, and the whole thing is family-friendly. Pro tip: spaces fill up fast — register as soon as registration opens.

Keystone's closing weekend kicks off with a rail jam for skiers and snowboarders who want to show off their park skills in front of a crowd. Think cash prizes, gear, and that end-of-season energy where everyone's skiing just a little bit looser than usual. Spectators are welcome throughout the weekend, and there will be swag, samples, and giveaways from partners including Helly Hansen, Oakley, and GoPro.

Keystone's beloved Springtastic Slush Cup is one of the most family-friendly pond skims in all of Summit County — there's a full-sized pond for adults AND a kid-sized pond for the little shredders ages 6 and up. Helmets are required, poles are not allowed, and fun outfits are absolutely encouraged. All entry fees benefit the Epic Promise Foundation, so you're doing good while getting wet. Registration opens in advance online — this event sells out, so don't wait.

Copper's legendary Sunsation is back and it's calling for your best tropical shirts, leis, and grass hats. This two-day end-of-season snow dance party is the finest spring festival in the Colorado high country — The Record Company (blues rock legends) performs Saturday, while Don Fuego brings the DJ heat from 3–5pm Sunday. Spring corn laps in the morning, free live music at the base in the afternoon, and just enough sunshine to pretend you're somewhere warmer.

Copper's pond skim got a serious upgrade this year. Say hello to the Skimmy Dippers — a brand-new team event where pairs of two drop in simultaneously on side-by-side pond skim courses. We're talking a 60-foot rail and jump features on the course. Teams are judged on style, technique, creativity, and difficulty. First place wins two Copper season passes for 2026–27, with additional prizes for second, third, Best Costume, and Best Trick. No day-of registration — sign up at CopperColorado.com. Helmets required. Costumes strongly encouraged.

Not ready for the season to end? The Slush Rush extends Copper's spring party into May. Assemble a team of three and take on a wild relay race that combines the superpipe slalom, a cross course, rails, and — you guessed it — a pond skim. The team with the quickest overall timed run gets their names on the Slush Rush Trophy. It's chaotic, hilarious, and one of the most uniquely Summit County experiences you'll find anywhere on the mountain.

Nobody does spring quite like A-Basin, and Flavorbasin is the proof. Inspired by the playful spirit of "Flavortown," this is a full-on mountain party with themed food, creative costumes, live music, and community fundraising — all while skiing or riding in some of the most ridiculous outfits you've ever seen at 13,000 feet. A-Basin's legendary Lake Reveal pond skim area opens naturally as the season winds down — skiers and riders attempt to skim across the naturally-formed lake at the base. No manufactured pond needed. This one's the real deal.

When most resorts are already in the rearview mirror, A-Basin is still spinning lifts and pouring craft beer. The Festival of the Brewpubs brings Colorado breweries slopeside for tastings paired with live music and some of the most surreal spring skiing you'll find anywhere on the planet. Skiing in May with a beer in hand and the Continental Divide as your backdrop? That's the Summit County lifestyle we're all here for.

Arapahoe Basin doesn't schedule a closing day. They ski until the snow runs out — and that's usually well into June. The famous "Beach" tailgating scene in the parking lot is a Summit County institution: lawn chairs, costumes, grills, music, and a crowd that treats a bluebird day at 13,000 feet like a day at the oceanside. Closing weekend features live music in the base area both Saturday and Sunday, plus the Lake Reveal pond skim for one final splash. A-Basin's legendary bacon Bloody Mary at the A-Frame is a non-negotiable closer to any day on the hill.