For those who live in the snow-capped mountains of the Rockies, spring has a special significance. Gone are the short, dark, frigid days of winter. With longer, warmer days of spring the heart soars and all seems to be right with the world.

There's nothing like skiing or riding on a sunny day in spring and that's why so many families head to Snowmass when the kids have spring break.

To make it more fun, Aspen/Snowmass and Bud Light have teamed up to put on the 11th annual Spring Jam on the weekends of March 19 - 21 and March 26 - 28.

Flying high

“More amplitude!” is the cry of spectators at KickAspen Big Air Invitational at Aspen Mountain at 8 p.m. Friday evening of March 19. This aerial contest showcases, under the lights, the best ski and snowboard jumpers from around the state as they fly off the big jump on Little Nell.

Earlier in the day, watch the sixth competition in the eight-week series of Bud Light Big Air Fridays on Fanny Hill in Snowmass. These contests draws a big crowd each week as aerialists show off their latest tricks on the 40-foot jump. The event starts at 2 p.m. There are lots of giveaways of T-shirts and ski and snowboard gear plus a free board or skis by High Society for being the fastest to run up the hill. In case it is cold, warm up with hot chocolate.

The last two Big Air events are on March 26 and on April 2 when the series winners will be announced.

Kids under the age of 12 who are inspired by the Big Air competition are welcome to learn tricks on their own private jump under the Burlingame lift at the Aspen/Snowmass Lil' Air from 3 - 4 p.m. Look for the balloons

In the same vein, teens and adults can learn tricks on the rails and boxes built for Terrain Park Boot Camp on Fanny Hill on Saturdays and Sundays of the two weekends of Spring Jam from noon to 3 p.m. Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club coaches and athletes will teach beginners how to safely slide a rail, hit a box and throw a trick.

The half-pipe is also a place to fly high. On the weekend of April 2-4, the third annual CoverGirl Snow Angels Invitational, hosted by Aspen/Snowmass, will once again be held in Snowmass on its half-pipe. Returning from the Vancouver Olympics, hometown girl Gretchen Bleiler will compete again against other Olympians on the Superpipe on Saturday with practice runs on Friday.

Free concerts

The band Vampire Weekend will kick off the three free concerts of Spring Jam on Saturday, March 20, at the CORE Party in Aspen. With a stage on the corner of Galena Street and Cooper Avenue, this Indie-rock band will perform at 8 p.m. surrounded by a beer garden and food vendors

On Sunday, March 21, at Base Village in Snowmass, there is a free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert featuring Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at 4 p.m. and the following Friday, March 26, the Greyboy Allstars will perform at the base of Aspen Mountain at 8 p.m.

Something wild

For something new and fun, watch the Red Bull Schneetag at the Spider Sabich Race Arena on Saturday, March 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. Teams of four create a craft that will hurl down the slope toward a pond of freezing cold water. Hoping to skim across the pond for the highest points, few make it to the other side before they swim for their lives as judges award points for the best ride and the best skit at the top. Great prizes bring out some crazy and hilarious competitors.

Fallen Friends Memorial Event will be held at Aspen Highlands on Saturday March 20, where teams of two to six skiers or riders compete in an obstacle type course of jumps, bumps and park features. All the proceeds from the event will benefit the AVSC scholarship fund in honor of our “fallen friends” over the past few years. Registration will be on-line at www.aspensnowmass.com/springjam.

On Sunday, March 28, Helly Hansen Battle in the Bowls will feature 46 teams of two, who will race the many bowls of Aspen Highlands on a course designed by Aspen/Snowmass athlete Chris Davenport. Teams can take any route they desire as long as they complete every run listed on the course. Fastest team wins.

Après ski

What can be better than lounging on the deck of Sneaky's Tavern, the Office at the Cirque or Big Hoss Grill for après ski while listening to live music and soaking up the last rays of the sun? From Wednesday through Sunday, live music can be found at the above bars and the Conservatory at the Silvertree Hotel where Twirp Anderson, Cash Cashman and Randall Utterback play country, Western and pop favorites from 3 - 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

Special during Spring Jam, Tijerina, a hot, blues-rock band from Albuquerque will play at the Big Hoss Grill on St. Paddy's Day from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, March 21 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Look for Snowmass' own rocker Damian Smith, who plays regularly at the Office, Sneaky's and the new Base Camp Bar & Grill at Base Village. He's a Snowmass Village favorite.

Spring Break Camps for kids

For working parentsm and visitors, whose kids are out on Spring Break, Snowmass Village Recreation Center offers daily and weekly rates for full days of fun.

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., March 19 – 26, the Center offers gym games, sports, rock climbing, Wii gaming and swimming to keep six to 14-year-olds busy and active. Call 922-2240 for availability. Daily drop-in rates are $45 for residents and $55 for non-residents. Save on weekly rates.

Kids aged seven to 11 who like nature can spend spring break at ACES' Rock Bottom Ranch in Carbondale. Two sessions, March 22 - 26 and March 29 - April 2 , from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, gives kids the opportunity to learn about wildlife, explore, listen to stories, play games and more. Call 927-6760 to register.