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Winding down

Aspen Times writer

This is the closing weekend for a handful of ski resorts across the state, including Breckenridge, Copper, Vail, Winter Park and Eldora, which all close Sunday. Arapahoe Basin will remain open until June, while Loveland shuts down May 1. Silverton Mountain, which was slammed this winter and still boasts a 125-inch base, will remain open until June 13 but will stop taking reservations April 24. This Sunday is the third annual Brew-Ski and gear swap, which will include Flying Dog, New Belgium, Three Rivers, Ska, Steamworks and Carvers breweries. Whoever dons the best beach outfit will be awarded a free day of skiing. The gear swap will also include mountain bike related equipment and gear. The entry fee for this celebration is $12. The festivities at Silverton continue Sunday, April 24, with the World Championship Steak Cook-off. Amateurs and esteemed chefs will battle it out over the grill, with the beef council and a food critic from 5280 Magazine judging the results. The steaks will be judged on overall quality, flavor and appearance on a scale of 1 to 10. The winner receives a cash prize and a trophy, and of course the distinguished title of creator of the “World’s Best Steak.” It’s $25 to enter the cook-off. The weekend is getting booked up, so if you want to ski, make reservations now. Over in Utah, every resort – except Snowbird – that is still open will close for the season this Sunday, including Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbasin. The Bird, which has a 170-inch base, will remain open until May 30. On the Alta side, the Baldy Chutes have been open and should remain open through this weekend.