Mardi Gras returns to Snowmass with beads, music, and fireworks

Snowmass Village is bringing back its beloved Mardi Gras celebration for the 43rd year, filling Fat Tuesday with music, revelry, and plenty of beads on March 4, according to a press release. 

The festivities include a bead toss led by the newly crowned Mardi Gras royalty, a high-energy Bud Light HiFi Concert featuring the Spazmatics, kids’ activities with DJ Erica and Kidtoons, the return of the Mother of All Ascensions uphill race, and a grand fireworks display to close out the evening, according to the press release.

“Mardi Gras is one of our favorite winter traditions here in Snowmass,” Julia Theisen, director of Snowmass Tourism, said in a news release. “The event brings such a vibrant energy to the community, with guests and locals alike enjoying the live music, the bead toss, and the unforgettable atmosphere of New Orleans right here in the mountains. It’s a celebration like no other, full of color, fun, and excitement that captures the essence of Mardi Gras, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Snowmass.”

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Meet the 2025 Mardi Gras royalty

This year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen, Mike Sura and Marla Welch, bring a wealth of local history and Caribbean flair to their royal titles, according to the press release. 

Sura, who moved to Snowmass from Michigan in 1979, played a key role in launching the village’s first pizzeria, Mama Maria’s, which he ran until 1996. Over the years, he has been actively involved in the Aspen Chamber Resort Association Board, Aspen Skiing Company Advisory Board, and the Snowmass Marketing Advisory Board.

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Welch, originally from St. Martin, where she ran a beach boutique and a reggae bar with Sura, moved to Snowmass in 2005. She has spent years working with the valley’s youngest residents at the Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center and summer camps. The couple are devoted attendees of Snowmass’ Free Concert Series and JAS Labor Day events, never missing a show.

“We’re honored to be this year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen,” said Sura and Welch, who will preside over the bead toss and other festivities, according to the press release.

The Mother of All Ascensions returns

The 33rd annual Mother of All Ascensions brings its classic uphill race and party back to Fat Tuesday, according to the press release. 

Beginning at 7 a.m., racers will make the climb from Snowmass Base Village to the High Alpine on snowshoes, AT gear, telemark skis, or stabilizers. Participants will be treated to an awards ceremony and raffle at The Collective Snowmass, with $30 from each registration benefiting the Aspen Hope Center. Registration includes a goodie bag and prize giveaways. More details can be found at snowfusion.com.

Beads, music, and family fun

At 2 p.m., the newly crowned royalty will make their way from the Snowmass Mall to Base Village, greeting festivalgoers and handing out beads alongside a live brass band, according to the press release. 

Families can enjoy face painting and other kid-friendly activities from Kidtoons until 4 p.m. DJ Erica will set the tone with a set from 2-3 p.m. leading up to the bead toss.

The highlight of the afternoon is the Bud Light HiFi Concert featuring the Spazmatics. At 3 p.m., the royalty will take the stage in Base Village for the official Mardi Gras Bead Toss, followed by live music from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Fireworks over Fanny Hill

The festivities wrap up spectacularly with a fireworks display over Fanny Hill at 7:15 p.m., lighting up the mountain to close out Snowmass’ Mardi Gras celebration, according to the press release.

For a full schedule of events, visit gosnowmass.com/mardigras.