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Bid winter adieu: Spring Back to Vail

Staff Report

VAIL – For those who’ve spent enough time with Old Man Winter, Spring Back to Vail marks the end of the valley’s winter from April 8th through April 10th and April 15th through April 17th with parties, pond skimming and live music.

Spring Back to Vail features headliner concerts, on-snow events and the World Alpine Pond Skimming Championships.

“Spring Back to Vail is a prime opportunity to shed your winter layers and welcome in the new season,” said Amy Hornyak of Highline Sports & Entertainment – the Vail-based sports marketing and events company responsible for Spring Back to Vail. “Let’s celebrate Spring the best way we know how: Mountain style. I guarantee it will be an over-the-top wacky, wild and splashing good time.”



Festivities begin Thursday, April 8, with a pub crawl in Lionshead and Vail Village. The party heats up Friday, April 9, at MidVail with live music from Little Hercules and then from 5-7 p.m., and Hazel Miller cranks up the soul, live on the lawn adjacent to the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. Spring Back to Vail continues Saturday, April 10, with Look Ma’s Rockin’ Relay followed by live music in Vail from 3:30-8 p.m. headlined by the renowned jam-band Blues Traveler.

A Poker Run happens Thursday, April 15, while Reggae Fest boasts three reggae bands, set to perform Friday, April 16. Djante’, Musa Konate and the Lost Tribe and Yellow Wall Dub Squad, take to the lawn in Lionshead from 5-7 p.m.

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The World Alpine Pond Skimming Championships raise a ruckus Saturday, April 17, from 2-5 p.m. as competitors compete for 100 feet of fame at the base of Golden Peak.

Pond Skimming involves finely-tuned athletes attempting to defy the laws of physics and slide completely across a pond of freezing water on skis or a snowboard. A select panel of celebrity judges will score each contestant on distance, style and creativity.

“Pond Skimming is one of the great mountain rites of spring,” said Hornyak. “And, we are stoked to be able to host once again the World Championships. Costumes are definitely encouraged and we will have lifeguards on duty for those who forget their water wings.”

Pond Skimmers of all ages and abilities can pre-register for the Championships online at http://www.pondskimming.com. Entry is limited to the first 125 skimmers and costs $20 each, with event-day registration also available for $25 – based on availability.

The two-week extravaganza ends with a performance by E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons and his 12-piece Disciples of Soul from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

For additional information on Spring Back to Vail visit http://www.springbacktovail.com.


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