Starting this Saturday February 6th Avon and Vail indulge in one of the most festive events of the ski season, CarniVail! Come enjoy Mardi Gras Colorado style, this means on and off slopes fun and festivities for 4 fun filled days culminating in the biggest Fat Tuesday party this side of the Mississippi!

There is the legendary crawfish boil with all the spicy seasoning you would expect, held at at Eagle’s Nest from Noon-2:30pm this Saturday the 6th come join in on the worlds highest elevation Cajun cookoff. The New Orleans menu includes a ombo plate with crawfish, sausage, corn, new potatoes, gumbo, etouffee, king cake, hurricanes and beer specials. Of course no crawfish boil would be complete without entertainment, so live music from Johnny Schleper and Friends will keep the party popping.

On Sunday the party moves to Mid Vail. From Noon to 3:00 p.m. there will be live music from DJ Jon Nedza. There will be plenty of food as well including New Orleans style gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. Our Vail ski shop is not afraid to have a good time and we will definitely be out celebrating in full style!

On Monday there will be après-ski specials and nighttime celebrations in honor of the theme to keep the party rolling, pop around town to see what everyone has to offer.

The main even will be the Fat Tuesday Parade and Bud Light Street Party starting at 4pm in Vail Village. This performance is fun for the whole family and not to be missed! Locals and guests are encouraged to dress up in Mardi Gras apparel and beads and partake in all the CarniVail fun.

The parade route will start at Meadow Drive at Solaris, head up International Bridge and then east on Gore Creek Drive. It will move out from Vail Village near Gorsuch on Gore Creek Drive and will conclude with the official crowning of the CarniVail King and Queen and announcement of the Float Competition winner at the concert stage.

Immediately following the parade will be the MarchFourth Marching Band at the main Concert Stage. This full ensemble is an internationally-acclaimed, genre-breaking revolution in the world of live performance. The sound is a sonic explosion delivered by 15 musicians and entertainers who take audience members from all walks of life on a joy-inducing, booty-shaking, soul-stirring journey that defies categorization. Combining jazz, funk, rock, samba, Afro-beat, Gypsy brass and Big Band, with a visual kaleidoscope of stilt walkers, acrobats and Vaudeville-style artists, this is a show not to be missed.

You also get to vote for the CarniVail King and Queen by clicking here.

Take part in the parade for a chance to win great prizes including $1,000 cash for first place. The judging will be based on creativity, craftsmanship, originality, costumes & overall impression. Parade registration is absolutely free and open to the public so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun and win big! Click here to register.