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Vail Snow Daze 2012

By now you’ve probably heard that Vail turns 50 this season. And to kick off a whole season’s worth of celebrations, we’re bringing in the biggest Snow Daze concert lineup ever: The Shins, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Wilco.

What is Vail Snow Daze?

Snow Daze runs the week of December 10th-16th, 2012. It’s about skiing and riding all day, après parties with great giveaways from our sponsors and stellar concerts at night. You never know what will happen during this week – from early December powder days to unannounced special après performances (fans of Barenaked Ladies were going nuts at last year’s surprise guest performer at the Red Lion).

Add to that, this year’s Snow Daze just so happens to coincide with our birthday December 15th. With a free public celebration, birthday treats and fireworks followed by the Wilco concert, we’re excited to offer a chance for everyone to join in on the party. Here’s a video teaser of the riding/concerts at Snow Daze past to give you a taste of what’s to come:

Video: SNOW DAZE 2012 commercial

Why is this year different?

This year we’re bringing the best Snow Daze lineup ever with world-famous bands The Shins, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Wilco. These concerts play at Ford Park, an outdoor venue a few minutes walk from Vail Village. With tickets options that range from individual nights, a concert pass and VIP options, you can choose how big you want to go at Snow Daze. Buy tickets before December 11th, prices go up the week of the events!

And of course the 50th Anniversary celebrations make this our biggest Snow Daze ever. Thursday night’s premiere of the documentary about Vail’s last 50 years and Friday’s community celebration are all about celebrating Vail and the culture of skiing and snowboarding in the past, present and future. Stick around until Sunday of Snow Daze and you’ll see the Tree Lighting of Vail’s Christmas tree by the Covered Bridge in Slifer Plaza that rings in HoliDaze.

The Shins with opener Divine Fits
Thursday, December 13th

The Shins are an indie-rock band from Albuquerque, NM who are now based in Portland, OR. With glowing reviews from music sites like Pitchfork since their first album release in 2001, a strong presence in the Garden State soundtrack in 2004 and a Grammy nomination in 2008, this group has a massive national and international fan base. Don’t think you know them? Here’s a video playlist courtesy their Vevo account.

Michael Franti & Spearhead with opener Nic Cowan & The Remedy 
Friday, December 14th

A Colorado favorite, Michael Franti & Spearhead blends hip hop with jazz, funk, reggae, folk and rock. Their live-concerts are known for becoming dance parties as attendees pick up the infectious beat Spearhead’s rhythms. The band has also made a name for itself with Franti’s lyrics. They range from uplifting to politically charged but are always moving.

Their music has appeared both on television and in film, most notably in the critically acclaimed HBO show The Wire.

Wilco* with opener Nathaniel Rateliff   
Saturday, December 15th

*WILCO TICKET UPDATE: Private reserve tickets to Wilco are now sold out.

Grammy-award-winning Wilco is led by singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt. The alternative rock group has been playing under the name Wilco since 1994, have released a total of 10 cds and are known for mining their widely varied catalogue of songs at their live shows. While you may never know what songs they’re going to play, you can count on an incredible performance from this critically acclaimed band.