Vail Mountain to finish out the winter season with Closing Day parties
No snow? No problem, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy Vail during this abbreviated season
Avanti F&B Vail/Courtesy photo
Even though Vail didn’t get its typical annual snowfall and abundance of powder days this winter, there was still quite a bit of fun to be had, on and off the mountain. That vibe will continue with Closing Day parties as the 2025-2026 ski and snowboard season winds down on Wednesday. Vail Resorts announced on Apr. 3 that the resort would close on Apr. 8, ahead of its scheduled closure on Apr. 19.
No matter the conditions, Closing Day draws revelers, many in costume, who head to the slopes for one last day on the hill. The on-mountain decks will be filled with picnics while locals and out-of-towners gather to say farewell to another season. Terrain will be limited and downloading is the required way to get down the hill and the end of your ski or ride day. For the latest on what terrain will be open, Lee Nielsen, senior manager of communications for Vail Mountain, suggests you check vail.com or the Epic app for the most up-to-date terrain information.
All season long, Avanti F&B Vail has been a great place to stop and grab a bite, a drink, special DJ pop-up concerts, sing-alongs with live musicians and a free shot of tequila during its “Avanti Avalanche” parties. It’s no wonder that this location, which has been deemed Best Après Ski in the Vail Daily’s Best of the Vail Valley contest, will host the Official Closing Day Party on Wednesday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The party will feature DJ Littlefoot and DJ Sunny Side Up, food and drink specials and free drinks/shots every hour on the hour at 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Free parking is now available at Avanti F&B Vail.
On Thursday, the town of Vail is keeping the party going with an End of Season Bash at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village. Local favorites The Laughing Bones will open up the concert from 3-5 p.m. followed by Gasoline Lollipops from 5-7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
The concert is open to all, but there are special perks for those who live or work in the Vail zip code area (81657/81658). Raffle prizes will be drawn at 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Register for the raffle at the event or go to DiscoverVail.com to get signed up. You must be present to win, but the organizers are allowing a 50-minute grace period for people to get to Checkpoint Charlie to claim their prize.
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Many local bars will be staying open beyond Vail’s Closing Day. The Red Lion will host Brian Spotts on Wednesday, Jonny Mogambo on Thursday, Johnny Schleper on Friday and Spotts again on Saturday. Look for live music continuing at King’s Club Lounge at the Sonnenalp Hotel Vail, Shakedown Bar, 10th Mountain Whiskey Tasting Room and more locations. Après at the Amp returns this weekend with Tiësto, BUNT., Purple Disco Machine, Aspens, Calvin Campbell and more. View the schedule and get tickets at GRFAVail.com.
So, even though it may feel like the ski season is coming to an end, there will be plenty of ways to divert your attention away from this being a less-than-stellar season compared to other years. On Closing Day, make sure to thank the lifties, ticket scanners, on-mountain trail staff and any other employees you see after a challenging season. Tip your bar staff and musicians and look forward to summer — one of the best kept secrets in the Vail Valley.
