While the warm weather and vibrant sunshine of April mark the end of the winter season, they also add to the excitement of a weekend in Steamboat that is looked forward to and appreciated by so many. When soft snow combines with the shared stoke of guests and locals alike, hilarious and entertaining events, and stunning weather, you know you’re in for a great time.

Slushy snow covers the runs leading into the base area at Steamboat Resort, and with crowds of smiling faces looking on, some of our most daring and goofy ski and snowboard patrons descend the slopes. Except this weekend, there is a caveat. On Saturday, April 12, Steamboat will host its 43^rd annual Cardboard Classic. Here, participants shed their skis and boards for cardboard creations of your wildest imaginations. A Batmobile, Viking ships, and race cars just begin to scratch the surface of some of the fun and unique creations we see each year. The action begins at 11:30 am, and it’s easy and fun to spectate with a bite or cold beverage from the base area. Sign up and start creating your cardboard craft and be a part of this historic and creative Steamboat tradition.

The fun continues Saturday afternoon and evening with our second-to-last installment of the Bud Light Rocks the ‘Boat Spring Concert Series. Kick back at Steamboat Stage and enjoy cold beverages from pop-up bars as you enjoy the tunes, vibes, and crisp mountain air. Looking for something more low-key? Enjoy the sights and sounds of Steamboat Stage from one of the well-regarded establishments located nearby.

One of the spots that first comes to mind is Timber and Torch, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining/seating. Outdoor space is ample on the deck at Timber and Torch, and with an outdoor bar and grill, you’re never too far from the action. Lounge near the fires or grab a table with a great stage view and take in the tunes! On the other side of the stage sits The Range Food and Drink Hall. With a plethora of different made-to-order food options, including but not limited to tacos, pizza, and ramen, this is the perfect spot to bring your family and relax while enjoying the tasty food and great music. With two floors to sit and enjoy, full bars on each, and an upstairs and downstairs patio, the Range is a great spot to post up at the end of your day and enjoy the spring experience of Steamboat.

If you thought our Saturday slate was fun, then you won’t want to miss the action on Sunday at Steamboat. The afternoon excitement kicks off at 1 pm with the electric Splashdown Pond Skim, featuring locals and guests dressing up in hilarious outfits and attempting to slide across the top of an ice-cold pond. With a panel of judges and hundreds of people in attendance to watch and cheer on the participants, this is sure to be one of the most engaging and crazy events of the season. The five judges will be in charge of scoring five categories on a ten-point scale (Costume, Distance, Style, Crowd Response, and Air), and ultimately will crown one individual skimmer as the champion. You truly see it all in this competition, with individuals attempting to throw flips and spins off of jumps, cannonballs, and some of the slickest moves on skis and boards. This event also has some of the best crashes you will see this winter season. For competitors and onlookers, this is truly a joyous exhibition to be a part of.

As the Pond Skim wraps up, take the last laps for your day and head back down to Steamboat Stage. It won’t be long now until the base of Steamboat is filled with the classic rhythm and vibe of the music from The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin. While Bob Marley is gone, his iconic sound lives on through the musical brilliance of the Wailers and Julian Junior Marvin. Marvin, the lead guitarist and musical contributor on all Bob Marley & the Wailers albums since 1977, has stepped out to front this unique version of the Wailers, playing and singing Bob Marley & the Wailers hit songs the way Bob intended them to be heard. Kick back throughout Steamboat Square to enjoy what has become a staple in the end of the winter season festivities.

While this weekend isn’t the end of Steamboat’s winter season, it does signify a celebration of so many of the things that make the town and the mountain so special. From the outdoor access and community within the Yampa Valley, to our commitment to connect with and welcome all people to the beauty and opportunity that is Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Resort.