Fun is focal point of spring skiing

The Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge will be held April 5-6 on Killington's Outer Limits. (Killington Resort)

Scuttlebutt about the spring party scene in these parts doesn’t always begin at Killington, but it typically ends there, where “The Beast” has earned its reputation for consistently hosting the longest ski season in the East.

This year, however, the spring chatter kicked off early and in earnest at Killington when the resort announced it will be closing its 38-year-old Superstar Express Quad to the public at the end of the ski day on April 13 (pond skim weekend) to begin construction on a $12 million replacement — a six-passenger high-speed quad scheduled to debut in early December. A closing party will be held at the K-1 Umbrella Bar that day, featuring live music and giveaways, while the pond skimming party will be celebrated in typical fashion on April 12 in front of the K-1 Lodge patio.

Superstar has been the main thoroughfare for skiers well into May and even June, conditions permitting, so closure of the iconic trail early to pave way for construction turned some heads.

Resort management quickly assured its guests that the spring party scene they are so accustomed to at Killington will continue to thrive as usual to close out this season — with a few modifications.

While bittersweet as they harken the end of another season, spring events are among the most popular weekends to visit New England resorts. If enjoying the party atmosphere, live music, pond skims and themed events top your list of priorities to make the final weeks of the season unforgettable, here are several events worth checking out:

March 29: ’80s Day | Loon Mountain

All ’80s. All Day. That’s how Loon bills this popular all-mountain throwback party where guests step back in time in a celebration of vintage gear and ’80s beats to relive the “raddist” skiing era. This year’s event features a live outdoor performance by Rubix Kube, “the galaxy’s most original ’80s tribute band.” The show starts at 3 p.m. outside Governor Adams Lodge.

March 29: Bretton Woods Beach Party | Bretton Woods

The Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in Bretton Woods celebrates the end of the ski season by transforming the ski area into a beach party, complete with palm trees, Hawaiian-themed attire, music and more. The pond skim competition takes center stage, while guests can bid on a piece of Bretton Woods history during a live auction. Proceeds from the event benefit the Say Goodnight to Hunger campaign.

March 29-30: Spring Fest Weekend | Sunday River

The White Cap base lodge area will come alive with a weekend of live music and slopeside shenanigans from bell to bell both Saturday and Sunday. Live performances on Saturday will include Skosh (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), Rigometrics (1:30-4 p.m.) and Peaked in High School (4-7 p.m.). Sunday’s lineup includes Gina & the Red Eye Flight Crew (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Maine Dead All Stars (1:30-4 p.m.).

March 30: Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Race | Mount Sunapee

A fan favorite, Sunapee’s Cardboard Sled Race challenges participants to get creative and craft a vehicle out of cardboard, duct tape, wax and paint in a downhill race to remember. Pond skimmers will share the spotlight as they attempt to ski or snowboard across a 90-foot pond. Events begin at 9 a.m. at Spruce Lodge, where a DJ will spin live music.

April 4-6: Spring Bash Weekend | Saddleback

Après-ski parties, music, amazing outfits and fun for the long weekend is what’s in store when Saddleback celebrates Spring Bash Weekend. The Mallett Brothers Band kicks off the event on Friday from 4-6 p.m. Saturday’s festivities include the Eastern Halfpipe Jam, music by DJ Eric from Audible Events from noon to 6 p.m., Rewind and Grind x GoonJam at 4 p.m. and music by the Shizzle Band at the Pub from 5-7 p.m. Pond skimming will be held on Sunday at noon, and TJ Swan performs at The Pub from 1-4 p.m.

April 5: Wild Corn | King Pine

King Pine’s Wild Corn festival, a grassroots celebration of spring skiing, backcountry culture and music, is back this season. The event features “endless” uphill races, skim races, kids games, costume contests, dance parties, free touring demos and clinics led by backcountry experts from Granite Backcountry Alliance. Live music by Disco Shuck will accompany food, beer and more as the community comes together to support GBA’s Graniteland glade network and the sustainable management of this terrain.

April 5: Snow Melt | Okemo

Snow Melt weekend is the biggest event of the year at Okemo, and this season the Slush Cup is back. The popular pond skimming event takes place at the Clocktower Base area from noon to 2 p.m. Afterward, Spring Fling Après from 2-5 p.m. will feature live music from Total Strangers, the 802 Events photo booth, Fiddlehead beer tent and Okemo BBQ.

April 5-6: Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge | Killington

The Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge is a rite of passage for spring skiers who love bumps, beer and a rowdy crowd. The competition features only amateur bumpers who send it on the legendary Outer Limits trail. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders take on the steep mogul run with as much speed and style as possible, with the top 32 men and 16 women advancing to compete head-to-head for their names to appear on the famous Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge cup. Spectators gather at Bear Mountain’s deck to cheer on competitors, enjoy local craft beers, and soak up the sun.

April 10-13: Reggae Fest | Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf’s legendary Reggae Fest is back for the 37th season, bringing four days of island vibes to the mountains with a long lineup of live music, skiing and nonstop parties. The weekend includes two nights of music in the King Pine room, two days of outside entertainment on the Beach and three nights of music in the Widowmaker bar, Bullwinkle’s and more. Performers include Coyote Island, Boostive, Josh Heinrichs & SkillinJah with Buddahfly, Perfect Giddimani with Soul Rebel Project, Joshua David Barrett & Judah Tribe, Double Tiger, Soul Rebel Project, Green Lion Crew, Sophistafunk, Over the Bridge, Stream, Gorilla Finger Dub, Tuff Like Iron, Lee Ross and Mainely Reggae Dub Club.

Expect vibrant costumes, plenty of dancing and an electric atmosphere in the Beach area at the base of the mountain.

April 11-12: Spring Bash | Stowe

Two days of free live music and the Northeast Pond Skim World Championships highlight Stowe’s Spring Bash, held from noon to 5 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Live music kicks off Friday at 1 p.m. on the Toyota Mobile Music Den Unplugged stage outside Midway Base Lodge with Dave Keller Band. Mandolin Hank performs from 3:15-5 p.m. Saturday’s performers include the Dog Catchers (1-3 p.m.) and Shady Trees (3:15-5 p.m.). Stowe’s fabled Pond Skim returns on April 12 with prizes for best costume, crowd favorite and best splash, plus the crowning of the Pond Skim Northeast World Champion (i.e. local Stowe glory). Registration is complimentary and will be held the morning of the event with a limited number of spots.

April 19: Pond Skimming & Pump House Beach Party | Jay Peak

Jay Peak’s most popular spring bash weekend kicks off with pond skimming on April 19. Limited to 75 participants aged 18 and older, the event will be staged on the Interstate trail with plenty of pond-side viewing. Contestants will be judged on best run, best costume, best bail and best splash. The party will spill over into the Pump House Indoor Waterpark, where awards will be presented during a beach party from 4-7 p.m.

The party, which features live music by the High Breaks, is free to attend. Beach attire is encouraged but access to the Pump House’s water attractions will require admissions purchase.