Spring is right around the corner, and that means one thing at Peek’n Peak Resort: Spring Fest 2026 is back.
From March 13–15, 2026, Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, New York, will host its annual Spring Fest, delivering a full weekend of live music, end-of-season skiing, family-friendly activities, and signature mountain events. Located just 30 minutes from Erie, Pennsylvania, Spring Fest is one of the most anticipated late-season ski events in Western New York.
Guests can expect DJ parties, themed food and drinks, a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired atmosphere, and the return of two iconic mountain traditions: the Cardboard Box Derby and the legendary Pond Skim Challenge.
“We’re expecting fantastic conditions at Peek’n Peak for this year’s Spring Fest and encourage everyone to come out and enjoy these fun events,” said Nick Scott Jr., vice president and owner of Scott Enterprises.
Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, tubing, visiting from Erie, PA, or planning a family-friendly weekend getaway in Clymer, NY, Spring Fest 2026 is the perfect way to celebrate the end of ski season.
Spring Fest begins Friday night with live entertainment and a lively après-ski atmosphere.
Bistro 210 will host the official Spring Fest kickoff party, making it the place to start your St. Patrick’s Day ski weekend at Peek’n Peak. Gather your friends, wear your green, and kick off a full weekend of mountain fun.
Saturday is the highlight of Spring Fest weekend, featuring three major events that define the annual celebration.
The Cardboard Box Derby is one of the most popular and family-friendly ski events at Peek’n Peak Resort. Participants design and build their own sleds using only cardboard and tape, then race them down the slopes in a creative, high-energy competition.
The best part? Anyone can participate! Whether you’re an experienced skier, a first-time visitor, a local family from Erie, PA, or simply looking for a fun group activity, the Cardboard Box Derby is open to all.
Awards Include:
This event is a spectator favorite as well. Teams often go all-in with themed costumes and elaborate designs. It’s competitive, comedic, and one of the best photo opportunities of the entire ski season.
Register here.
Spring Fest 2026 introduces a brand-new event: the Old Man Winter Lookalike Contest at the Waffle Shack.
Old Man Winter is one of Peek’n Peak’s most recognizable characters, and this year, guests can bring their own version of the mountain legend to life.
How to Participate:
This contest is designed to be lighthearted, fun, and ideal for families, groups, and kids. Whether you go all out with a full winter beard and frosty accessories or create a playful interpretation, everyone is welcome to join.
Located at the popular Waffle Shack, it’s the perfect midday stop during your Spring Fest ski day.
If there is one event that defines Spring Fest at Peek’n Peak Resort, it is the Pond Skim Challenge.
This classic end-of-season ski tradition challenges participants to ski or snowboard down the slope and skim across an icy pond without sinking.
Event Details:
The Pond Skim is one of the biggest crowd-drawing ski events near Erie, PA, each spring. Participants frequently wear costumes and bring high energy to the slope, turning the event into a full mountain spectacle.
Some skim across successfully.
Some sink instantly.
Some wipe out in dramatic fashion.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s one of the most entertaining ski events of the season and a must-see for visitors.
Spring Fest concludes with a laid-back Sunday atmosphere.
After a full weekend of skiing, contests, and live entertainment, Sunday offers a relaxed way to wrap up your Peek’n Peak getaway.
One of the best aspects of Spring Fest at Peek’n Peak Resort is that it is free and open to families, individuals, and visitors of all ages. Whether you’re planning a ski weekend from Erie, PA, a family outing in Western New York, or a group mountain trip, Spring Fest offers activities for everyone.
Guests are encouraged to dress in green and celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day theme as the resort welcomes the arrival of spring and the final stretch of ski season.
For the full schedule of Spring Fest events, visit the Spring Fest event page.
