Here’s a look at January’s aprés-ski music schedule in New England

The Snow Barn has exciting music events every weekend during ski season. (Mike Dawson/Mount Snow)

Ski season is in full effect in New England, with resorts throughout the region expanding their open terrain, and the backcountry filling in nicely. But of course, we all know skiing is only part of the equation. 

Music was once the main focus of the aprés-ski scene, with ski bars striving to have the best and biggest bands playing on their stage. In the evening, the crowds that shared the slopes would head to whichever bars had the best bands, and would share the dance floor.

While the focus has somewhat shifted (with some exceptions) away from this party-heavy lifestyle in exchange for a more family friendly environment, music in New England’s aprés-ski scene is far from dead.

If you plan on spending time in the Northeast’s ski country this month, here are a few events to check out.

Mount Snow | Mount Snow’s premiere music venue, the Snow Barn, has exciting music events every weekend during ski season, and January is no exception.

Jan. 4: Hailing from Burlington, Vt., the Edd has been playing psychedelic rock for more than 10 years. The band often incorporates improvisation into its set, making every experience unique.

Jan. 11: Kat Wright is another Burlington-based artist. The band has toured extensively, supporting major acts such as Grace Potter and the Wailers.

Stratton Mountain | Located at the base of this iconic Vermont resort, Grizzly’s is one of the most popular go-to aprés bars in the area and features specials and live music every weekend.

Jan. 24: Ghost of Paul Revere, from Portland, Maine, is a well-known folk band throughout the Northeast. The band has performed as part of major lineups, including the Newport Folk Festival, and often plays in various towns across New England.

Stowe | The recently reborn Rusty Nail Stage — now a part of Tres Amigos restaurant — has been a staple venue in Vermont for decades. The newly renovated space debuted at the end of 2017 and continues to bring live music to the Stowe area.

Jan. 4: The Mosaic Band featuring Bob Wagner and Rob Compa takes its influence from the traditional mosaic art style. Its philosophy is to use music to bring people together, affecting positive changes in local communities.

Waterville Valley | It’s difficult to go anywhere in New Hampshire that sells beer and not find a selection of beers from 603 Brewery. But with its location near New Hampshire’s seacoast, it can be difficult to get there from many of the state’s ski hills. Luckily, sometimes the brewery will head to the slopes.

Jan. 4: The Johnny Friday Duo will be performing for aprés ski, hosted by the 603 Brewery, in the Freestyle Lounge, from 3-6 p.m.

Mount Washington Valley | The Red Parka is one of the oldest aprés-ski bars in the Mount Washington Valley and has been a music destination since the current owners bought it in 1972. To this day, it continues to be a popular destination in the North Conway area for music. And on Jan. 17, Riley Parkhurst will be performing at the Parka all night.

On Jan. 18 from 7:30-10 p.m., Boston-based Jesse Dee will be kicking off Tuckerman Brewing Company’s winter concert series. Once a month through March, the brewery will be hosting talent from around New England while serving up a selection of its home-brewed beer.

Sugarloaf | Located at Sugarloaf’s base lodge, the Widowmaker is a hot spot for aprés and late-night in Carrabassett Valley. The restaurant features a full bar with 20 Maine-brewed beers on tap and has live music every weekend through ski season.

From Jan. 10-12, in partnership with Equality Maine, the resort will be celebrating the LGBQT community with the second annual Sugarloaf Together Weekend. In addition to various events and celebrations, DJ Foxy and DJ Psyclone will be playing the hits through the night.