10 Ski Resorts That Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Mountains

(KMDL-FM) The beauty of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana is its length. It's short enough, sometimes really short, so there is always something happening. It's long enough so there's time, almost, to get all those things done. And best of all, Mardi Gras is à la carte. You are free to pick and choose how you celebrate, and for some, they're happy to trade beads for balls, snowballs that is.

Many resorts have figured out that during Mardi Gras, the folks in Louisiana get time off that other workers around the rest of the country don't.  If you don't believe me, visit Disney World in Florida during Mardi Gras. If you've been, you know. A lot of Louisiana families will "fly south" during the winter, but there are others who prefer a colder climate and something that involves two things we don't have in Louisiana, snow and elevation.

READ MORE: The 7 Mistakes Rookies Make at Mardi Gras

Many ski resorts in places you've never thought about skiing offer special packages for couples, groups, and families during Mardi Gras. Not only do they make it affordable to visit and ski, but many of the resorts hold Mardi Gras parades, events, and really embrace the spirit of the season to add to the ski experience.

Is Mardi Gras a Good Time To Go Snow Skiing?

Mardi Gras falls in mid February this year. That should be right in the heart of the snow season. This map shows the current snow depth across the country. You'll note that most of the shaded areas that indicate deep snow are in the mountains.

READ MORE: Acadiana's  2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Many of the resorts are already operating, so snow shouldn't be a problem. But then again, too much snow, as in a snowstorm, could pose a travel delay. You'll just have to check the forecast, but remember, unlike Louisiana, those locations have equipment, supplies, and people who are trained to deal with clearing snow, so yes, you could get delayed, but only if it's a massive snow event.

If you don't have ski equipment, that's easily solved; you can rent it. In fact, most of the things you'd need for a ski resort vacation you can rent or probably find more cheaply in those colder climates. I wouldn't buy  too much stuff at the resort because of "resort pricing". Just so you know, there isn't a Walmart in Aspen, Colorado, but there is one right down the road in either direction.

Which Ski Resorts Have Mardi Gras Parades, Events, And Festivities?

So, which places can give you a ski fix and make sure you're covered with Mardi Gras beads? We found ten places that specifically offer Mardi Gras themed events. There are other ski resorts that have events during Mardi Gras, but they're not marketed as specifically as having a Fat Tuesday tie-in.