Snowmass preps for another big closing weekend

Dave Dugan believes the successful grassroots effort to up the fun factor on Snowmass’ closing day last year will enable an even bigger, beach-ier bash this April.

“It’s always easier growing something when you hit one out of the park,” said Dugan, a part owner of Base Camp Bar & Grill, Slice and Sake restaurants. “People were talking about (Snowmass’ closing day) all summer, so hopefully some more people are looking forward to it this year.”

With a shared goal of creating a cooler closing day at Snowmass last year, Dugan and Dieter Schindler, manager at Elk Camp Restaurant, spearheaded a slew of colorful events on the mountain and at the base.

See page 5 for Snowmass’ rundown of closing day events to date; however, a number of plans for the spring fling-themed party are still in the works, Dugan said.

But this time around, the Snowmass restaurateur hopes to recruit more players throughout the village.

“We’re all working together with (Aspen Skiing Co.), with the town of Snowmass, with East West, with different restaurateurs and small businesses in general to keep it going. Because it really was a lot of fun last year, and a lot of people showed up — more than anyone expected,” Dugan said. “We don’t want to lose that, we want to keep everyone involved and get even more people involved.”

In recent years, closing events at all four mountains have grown, Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle said.

“I think we’ve realized that closing day is a reason to celebrate, even though the season is ending, it has become quite a noteworthy day,” Hanle said. “Every mountain has their locals and their dedicated guests who want to be there, so (closing day) gives them all a reason to celebrate at their home mountain.”

Snowmass’ closing day offers a historical significance this year as well, as the end of the 2017-18 season marks the culmination of the ski resort’s 50th anniversary.

“It has been so special celebrating the 50th anniversary all season-long and we can’t wait to close out such a landmark in Snowmass’ history with a bang during the spring fling weekend,” said Snowmass Tourism public relations coordinator Sara Stookey. “The spring fling lineup is full of awesome parties, apres specials, restaurant and retail deals and, of course, the return of Schneetag.”

Snowmass closing weekend also is locals’ and guests’ final opportunity to take advantage of the ski area’s 50th anniversary season restaurant and retail specials.

Centered around the numbers 50 and 1967, the anniversary specials include everything from a shot ski at Slow Groovin or a three-course meal at the Stew Pot for $19.67, to dinner for two priced at $50 at restaurants such as Sake and Slice Italian Bistro.

A full list of Snowmass anniversary specials may be viewed at http://www.gosnow mass.com.

Check the next two editions of the Snowmass Sun, on newsstands and online Wednesday, for more details on Snowmass’ 2018 closing celebration.

erobbie@aspentimes.com