There is no need to travel to New Orleans for a legitimate Mardi Gras celebration when you can party in the mountains! It truly is the best of both worlds. Start the day skiing or snowmobiling then stuff yourself with gumbo, collect a kaleidoscope of colorful beads, enjoy festive parades, and dance all night. Whether you are in the Vail Valley or Summit County, there is a variety of Mardi Gras events to choose from.
Breckenridge begins its Fat Tuesday festivities with a Gumbo Cook-Off at Main Street Station. Next is the annual Mardi Gras parade; the colorful floats are created by locals and are sure to toss out bead necklaces to cheering onlookers. Afterward the Riverwalk Center will host the Lowdown Brass Band. LDB is high energy and sure to get even the wallflowers dancing with their ensemble of horns and dynamic vocalists. The fun can continue until the wee hours of the morning, as you and your party posy bar hop through Breckenridge.
Keystone is also throwing a Mardi Gras party. For just $12 guests get unlimited tastings of gumbo while enjoying live music. Since the event takes place at the base of the ski slopes you are sure to get your money’s worth after working up an appetite playing in the snow.
Frisco’s festivities take place on Saturday, February 25th. The Lost Cajun restaurant will donate gumbo and beignets for the event. Inspired by the Bacchus Parade in New Orleans, Frisco’s parade will feature pets and their family in Mardi Gras themed costumes. After judging and awarding prizes to the parade’s winners, there will be Yappy Hour refreshments. Beverages will be on hand for people and pets alike; bottled ‘doggie beer’ will be available! Proceeds from the event will be donated to L.A.P.S., the League for Animals and People of the Summit, a local non-profit organization. They raise funds to support a variety of assistance programs for companion animals of low income families. For more information regarding Mardi Gras 4Paws visit TownOfFrisco.com.
The Vail Valley offers CarniVail, with its Fat Tuesday Parade, street festival, and the legendary crawfish boil. The weekend of February 25th and 26th is full of fun contests, prizes, and giveaways. Details for Vail’s non-stop Cajun Apres and parties can be found at Vail.com/events.
With so many exciting options to celebrate Mardi Gras in the mountains, you and your friends can unwind in a shared shuttle, as Peak 1 Express takes care of transportation to Denver International Airport on your way home. We also offer private shuttle services, within the comfort of your own ride the party doesn’t have stop. With Peak 1’s private charters its BYOB. Why not sip on mimosas before that morning return flight?
Amber Boutwell is a published Denver photographer who loves capturing nature and food. She shoots with natural light but has a deep love for dark skies. When she’s not on mountaintops chasing the Milky Way, she’s managing the great brands behind AVA and The Outlaw Group as their Marketing Manager. She’s been known to quote Joe Pesci, over-kiss cats, enthusiastically eat cheese, and return pugs.
Her motto:
“Seek out places where the Wi-Fi is weak, the views are stunning, and don’t forget the snacks.”
