ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT – If you’ve ever driven around the mountain communities, you’ve probably noticed a common theme in the parking lots—Subarus. I’d wager that at least a third of the locals own one, and at Eldora Mountain Resort during Subaru WinterFest, it sure seemed like even more.
This past weekend, from March 7-9, the resort was transformed into a winter lover’s paradise, packed with live music, free hot cocoa, s’mores, games, giveaways. Subaru drivers were allowed to park front and center for those carpooling with three or more people.
The Subaru team had an impressive setup, with three models on display—the Crosstrek, Outback, and Solterra.
Visitors had the chance to sit inside and test out the premium Harmon Kardon sound system. After experiencing the immersive audio, participants reached into a bag for a chance to grab a winning key to open the Thule cargo case strapped to the back of a Subaru. And guess what? I pulled a winning key and scored a hat!
Fun, games, and s’mores galore
There was no shortage of entertainment. A massive Jenga set drew competitive crowds while warming areas provided the perfect spot to sip free coffee or hot cocoa. Marshmallows were roasted over Solo Stove bonfires all day for gooey, chocolatey s’mores.
Daily giveaways included top-tier outdoor gear like skis, snowboards, backpacks, and stoves, making each day an exciting opportunity to win something epic.
Live music was the cherry on top, with a stacked lineup featuring iZCALLi, The Sweet Lillies, Shadowgrass, and Drunken Hearts.
Subaru WinterFest knows how to throw a party, and the vibrant energy from the stage rippled through the crowd.
Subaru's commitment to community and sustainability
Beyond the festivities, Subaru used WinterFest as an opportunity to promote sustainability and support nonprofit organizations. The Leave No Trace booth, run by the Boulder-based organization, handed out reusable straws and educated visitors on reducing their environmental impact. The representative emphasized that reusing items before recycling is the best practice and noted that Eldora aligns with a similar waste management philosophy.
Subaru also encouraged guests to get involved with nonprofits. With every raffle entry, participants received a small token to drop into the donation box of their chosen charity at the “Love Promise” sign.
The three benefiting nonprofits were Operation Warm, which provides warmth, confidence, and hope through basic needs programs; She Jumps, empowering girls and women through outdoor education and adventure; and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, which aids winter mountain rescues.
For each token, Subaru donated $5, and token holders walked away with neck gaiters and stickers as thank-yous.
A celebration of women in the outdoors
Saturday also marked International Women’s Day, and Subaru WinterFest honored it in style.
Women and girls, donning sashes on their helmets, gathered at the EZ Lift for a celebratory mob run, cheering each other on as they made their way down the slopes.
Meanwhile, the nonprofit Ignite Adaptive Sports was present, showcasing its work in providing snow sports opportunities for people with disabilities in the Colorado Front Range.
The science of smooth riding
One of the standout vendors was Dynamic Wax, based out of Salt Lake City. It offered free ski and snowboard waxing using its innovative nanoparticle wax, Ghost. Unlike traditional waxes that require heating and scraping, Ghost is sprayed on, left to set for three to five minutes, and then buffed out.
The non-toxic formula, free of PFAS and fluorocarbons, delivers seven to ten days of smooth riding per application, an environmentally friendly and hassle-free option for mountain enthusiasts.
A road trip across America
WinterFest's emcee, Jake, has been with the tour for about nine years, bringing the winter stoke to resorts across the country. The 2025 tour started in Vermont in January, gradually making its way west. Next up? Tahoe, then Utah, and finally, Mount Bachelor.
Until next year…
Subaru WinterFest once again proved that it’s more than just a ski and snowboard event—it’s a full-on mountain festival, celebrating music, adventure, and community. Whether you came for the gear demos, the giveaways, or just the good vibes, it’s safe to say everyone left with a little extra winter magic in their hearts—and maybe even a new hat!
