Crested Butte Nordic marathon.
The 25th annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon will take place Feb. 5 in Crested Butte. The highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States, the Alley Loop embraces all abilities and ages competing on skate or classic skis. Course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 10K, 21K and 42K are offered. The Alley Loop is a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross country ski marathon, but for less serious competitors, it’s a chance to dress up in fun costumes and enjoy the event. Prizes are awarded at the post-race ceremony for overall winners and raffle participants. or 970-349-1707
See Banff fest films in Springs.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2011, a collection of international outdoor films, will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Stargazers Theater in Colorado Springs on March 5. From action films featuring extreme sports to films featuring mountain cultures and environment, this annual event draws all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. Tickets are $15 each, and seating is first come, first served. All proceeds will benefit the Rocky Mountain Field Institute.
Fat Tuesday in Snowmass.
Snowmass celebrates Fat Tuesday with one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes in ski country March 8. This celebration starts off with the Mother of All Ascensions, a costumed, 1,741-foot vertical snowshoe race up Snowmass at dawn. The action continues all day with king-cake giveaways, a bead and prize throw, crawfish boils, live music, a “crazy costume” parade and mask-making and face-painting for kids. or 888-649-5982
Taste of Vail food and wine fest.
The 21st annual Taste of Vail food and wine festival will take place April 7-9. Featuring more than 30 guest chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers as well as more than 50 wineries, the event kicks off at 3 p.m. April 7 with the seventh annual Colorado Lamb Cook-off and Après Ski Tasting. The Taste of Vail also includes food and wine seminars. Ticket prices begin at $4 for the lamb cook-off, or attendees can purchase a $75 all-you-can-eat-and-drink wristband. or 970-926-5665
Compiled by Anya Semenoff
