A dog-friendly event: Melonheads and cat-lovers were also welcome. Eldora Mountain Resort provided VIP parking toward the front of the lot for Subaru owners, since at times it seems half the skiers and boarders there are riding in Subarus. The vehicle’s occupants had come to enjoy a day on the slopes and to partake in Subaru WinterFest. PHOTO BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

Eldora Mountain Resort provided VIP parking toward the front of the lot for Subaru owners on February 25 and 26. Since at times it seems half the skiers and boarders there are riding in Subarus, those spaces filled up quickly. The vehicle’s occupants had come to enjoy a day on the slopes and to partake in Subaru WinterFest.

A nationwide concert and mountain lifestyle tour for music fans, skiers, snowboarders, and dog-lovers, it promotes sustainable environmental practices and responsible winter recreation. National Ski Patrol members and their rescue dogs held a meet and greet, not only giving people a chance to interact with the canine heroes, but to learn how to get involved with the program. Dogs were welcome at the event on leash. Lacking the rescue dogs’ credentials, but lovable just the same, a couple dozen well-behaved and friendly pooches of every size, shape, and color were in attendance.

Nordica, Mammut, and Arbor offered free demos of their latest gear. Dynamic Wax waxed your skis or boards at no charge. Sensing a pattern, Alpine Start coffee and hot cocoa, Kate’s Real Food energy bars, Vafels and marshmallows to toast over the fire didn’t cost anything either. More than $3,000 in giveaways were awarded at the end of the afternoon.

Eight hours of the band Two Runners’ journey from Northern California the previous day was through a raging snowstorm. Taking the main stage at 1 p.m., they were relieved to be here under clear skies and warm temperatures. Performing together for two years and composed of songwriter Paige Anderson and fiddle player Emilie Rose, their original modern folk music is laced with country and bluegrass influences. Anderson’s flatpickin’ guitar work and clawhammer banjo complimented Rose’s dirt stompin’ fiddle. The duo’s voices blended beautifully, wafting through the crowd and over the mountain.

Onstage next were The Lil Smokies. Formed over a decade ago in Missoula, Montana, the quintet won the 2015 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition. Gaining national acclaim since then, they perform 160 dates a year to the delight of their many followers. Inspired by Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonies and David Grisman’s “Dawg music,” The Lil Smokies’ melody-driven sound is infused in their progressive newgrass numbers. Each known for their musicianship, the band members are: Andy Dunnigan (dobro and vocals), Matt Cornette (banjo), Scott Parker (standup bass), Matt “The Rev” Rieger (guitar and vocals), and Jake Simpson (fiddle and vocals). Comfortable jamming or covering pop rock, Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” was a crowd pleaser.

Brought to us by Eldora and Peak 2 Peak Performance, for those inclined to make the day even fuller or had missed the recreation and festivities, people headed toward the one-night-only showing of the ski and snowboard movies To the Hills & Back and The Approach 1 & 2 at Nederland’s Backdoor Theater. Admission was free. Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery supplied the food and beverages and prizes were given away at intermission.