Snowmass Village, Colo., (February 7, 2018) – In celebration of 36 years of Mardi Gras Spirit and continuing the revelries for its 50^th Anniversary, Snowmass presents “50 Strong & Groovin’ On”, a day long party in honor of Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. One of the longest running Mardi Gras parties in the mountains, this year’s Mardi Gras festivities include a Mardi Gras carnival and bead toss on the Snowmass Village Mall, appearances by the Otone Brass Band and El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band, a Mardi Gras themed Ullr Night at Elk Camp Restaurant, Snowmass restaurant & bar specials, and fireworks.

This year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen are Karla and John Baker, long-time locals, who have lived and worked in Snowmass Village since the late 1970’s. John is a Road Superintendent in the Public Works department. John has been with the Town of Snowmass Village for over 35 years. Karla Baker, recently retired after 25 years from her position as National Group Sales Manager in the Tourism department. Both enjoy experiencing all of the outdoor recreation available in Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley.  

“We will be practicing our “parade waves” and “bead tossing skills” in preparation for the event,” says Karla Baker, Mardi Gras Queen. “We are honored to be this year’s Mardi Gras King & Queen and could not think of a better year to participate. We are ready for the party, so, ‘Let the good times roll!’”    

Be sure to dress up in Mardi Gras colors and costumes for the day of festivities. The Mardi Gras King & Queen will be bestowing favors in the watering holes of the Snowmass Village Mall to those in costume and high spirits.

“50 Strong & Groovin’ On” –Snowmass Mardi Gras Events Schedule:

7:00am – Mother of All Ascensions 26^th Anniversary Uphill Race

The Mother of All Ascensions returns for the 26^th year to kick off Snowmass’ Mardi Gras celebration. Participants start at the base of Fanny Hill in the Snowmass Base Village Plaza for a 7:00am start on snowshoes, stabilizers, telemark gear, track skis, or choice of uphilling gear. The course takes participants on a climb of over 2,000 feet in less than two miles, culminating at Gwyn’s High Alpine for a post-race celebration, costume contest, and awards ceremony, complete with prize giveaways – there are over $15,000 in prizes. Outrageous Mardi Gras outfits are encouraged to be entered into the costume contest for prizes. Tickets are $30 in advance/$40 day-of. A portion of this year’s entry proceeds benefit the Aspen Hope Center. Pre-register online or in person at select locations throughout the valley. For more information or to register, go to snowfusion.com.

1:00-5:00pm – Carnival Festivities on the Snowmass Mall

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with crazy carnival festivities including stilt walkers, face painters, performers, and the crowning of the 2018 Mardi Gras King & Queen.

2:30-3:30pm – Live Music by the El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band & The Otone Brass Band

El Jebel’s Shrine Pipe Band – the oldest continuous pipe band in Colorado – and The Otone Brass Band – Denver’s premier New Orleans street style brass band – parade down the Mall serving up a generous supply of funk, Latin, and soul. 

3:00-3:30pm – Bead Toss on Snowmass Mall

The annual bead toss is back again this year with over 20,000 beads distributed throughout the mall.

5:00-9:00pm – Mardi Gras Party Ullr Night

Head up to Elk Camp Restaurant for a not-to-be-missed Mardi Gras Carnival, Ullr Night style. Enjoy Cajun style food specials, hurricane specials at the bar, and live music all night long. Guests can make a night of it, with classic winter activities, such as snow tubing and rides the new Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Gondola passes ($10) are required; separate pricing and reservations are required for other activities.

7:00pm – Fireworks over Fanny Hill

Culminating the celebrations, fireworks over Fanny Hill light up the night sky and slopes of Snowmass at 7:00pm.

All Day Mardi Gras Restaurant Specials:

Base Camp Bar & Grill features an extended Mardi Gras celebration starting Saturday, February 10 through Fat Tuesday, with Brazilian cocktails and Cajun food specials. On February 13, enjoy DJ Benny in the Base Village Plaza from 2:30pm until 5:00pm, with a Stoke Party upstairs in Base Camp with DJ Rama from 4:30pm until 2:00am plus a Leblon “Caipirinha” cocktail station, snowboard raffle, Cajun bites, carnival cocktails, and lots of free swag.

Big Hoss Grill serves hurricanes and special shots on the outdoor patio.

Francesca’s Empanadas features Cajun empanadas in honor of the celebrations.

Gwyn’s and Gwyn’s High Alpine are serving Cajun gumbo, homemade king cake, and hurricanes at the bar, while diners at Gwyn’s can order a naked cowboy oyster po’ boy. The staff will be decked out in Cajun themed costumes.

Mountain Bayou Bar & Grill features many Cajun inspired items all day long.

Nest, newly located by the pool area in The Viceroy Snowmass, features hurricanes and gumbo specials all day.

Sage Restaurant & Bar serves hot crawfish dip, chicken & shrimp gumbo, and vanilla bread pudding with praline sauce from 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Slice Italian Bistro celebrates Mardi Gras starting Saturday, February 10 through Fat Tuesday with hurricanes and Cajun pizza.

Slopeside Lanes continues the celebration into the night with $6 hurricanes and a variety of shot & beer specials.

Slow Groovin’ BBQ features $5 gumbo and $3 pints from Dixie Brewing Company out of New Orleans.

State 38 serves brandy milk punch and special Mardi Gras themed dishes all evening long.

The Edge Restaurant & Bar features beignets, gumbo, blackened steak, red snapper, and banana foster crepes.

The Stew Pot serves crawfish gumbo, shrimp jambalaya, and hurricanes throughout the afternoon and evening.

TORO Kitchen & Bar showcases classic New Orleans cocktails and live music from 3:30pm-7:00pm.

Venga Venga features a DJ from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Zane’s brings back their popular crawfish boil.

For updates on Mardi Gras events and specials, visit www.GoSnowmass.com/events.

About Snowmass Village, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant mountain community just 9 miles from downtown Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best ski areas in the world and was listed as the #4 resort in the west by SKI Magazine in 2018. Celebrating 50 years of operations during the 2017/2018 ski season and part of Aspen Snowmass, Snowmass Ski Area offers guests 3,332 acres of multi-level terrain and boasts the second largest vertical drop in the United States. 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging, over 35 restaurants, numerous shops and boutiques, a bounty of off-piste activities, and a friendly, small town feel beckon visitors year-round. View Snowmass’ 50^th Anniversary film here. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit: www.gosnowmass.com.

Snowmass Tourism Media Contact: Sara Stookey Sanchez, Public Relations Coordinator, Snowmass Tourism, 970-922-2285 or sstookey@SnowmassTourism.com.

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