All Day, All Night, All for a Cause

By Cara Williams | Photos courtesy of 24H Blue MTN

The reimagined 24H Blue MTN returns March 28–29, blending skiing, snowboarding, team challenges, live entertainment, and late-night fun — all in support of Special Olympics and local charities.

There’s a particular kind of energy that settles over Blue Mountain when the lights stay on long past last chair. It feels a bit like frosh week, a bit like a reunion, and entirely like a community rallying around a shared purpose. That’s the spirit of 24H Blue MTN.

From March 27–29, the event returns as a bigger, bolder, reimagined weekend-long fundraising festival. Yes, it’s still 24 straight hours of skiing and snowboarding, but the experience has grown into something broader: two full days of on-hill action, off-hill activities, late-night fun, and the chance to raise money for Special Olympics and local charities through the Blue Mountain Foundation.

“We know there is great potential to build on the foundation of the previous 24 hour events. Skiing is core to what we offer at Blue, and taking ownership of an event that celebrates a passion for skiing and snowboarding while raising meaningful funds for important causes aligns perfectly with our objectives at Blue,” says Dan Skelton, President and COO of Blue Mountain Resort.

The weekend kicks off with a shared breakfast — a chance for teams to connect, shake off the early start, and take in the mix of creative costumes around the room. From there, teams make their way to the start of the race, where heartfelt stories are shared about the impact their donations have had on the lives of Special Olympic athletes. A Parade will follow through the village, sharing the joy of the spirit of giving.

On the slopes, the reimagined team relay ensures everyone gets a turn on course. The emphasis is on shared effort, sharing the love of skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. Off the slopes, the Team Challenge Scorecard keeps momentum high: complete activities, earn points, and keep the friendly rivalries going. Après challenges like ski limbo, tire hops, and other light-hearted tests of balance and bravery bring out everyone’s competitive side. Fundraising drives run throughout the weekend, turning pledges into real community impact.

As afternoon shifts into evening, a festival atmosphere takes hold. Golden Hour Après becomes a draw of its own, with games, team challenges, as the sun dips behind the Escarpment. Live music and headline performances keep the Village buzzing, creating spontaneous dance parties and new friendships.

Then comes the magic of the late-night hours. Under the lights, the slopes take on a quieter, more intimate character. Latenight scavenger hunts send teams roaming through the Village and the 2AM Pizza Party is equal parts refuel and social mixer. Some participants ski straight through the night; others rotate between cheering, resting, and tackling off-hill challenges.

From there, everyone makes their way to the top of the mountain for one of the weekend’s signature moments: Watching the sunrise over the Escarpment, coffee in hand, the sky shifting from pink to gold before the real energy begins.

This year, the “more than just a race” philosophy extends across the whole resort. Entry includes access to Blue Mountain’s attractions — the Ridge Runner, Canopy Challenge, and Plunge! — giving everyone a chance to take a break from the slopes or join the action in a different way.

“We have seen our sister resort execute a fantastic event with 24H of Tremblant. We are up to the challenge of setting ambitious fundraising goals in support of our local causes while delivering an awesome spring skiing experience at Blue,” says Skelton.

A limited number of discounted, fixed-price lodging packages in the Village will be available to early registrants, turning each team’s home base into a vital part of the experience. Being steps from the lifts and events makes it easier to grab a power nap, change layers, or regroup between challenges. Over 24 hours, that cozy crash pad becomes mission control.

At its core, 24H Blue MTN is about impact. Funds raised throughout the weekend directly support Special Olympics and local charities, helping to provide programs and opportunities that extend far beyond the resort. When the final laps are tallied and the music winds down, participants leave with more than tired legs — they leave knowing a weekend of good times helped create something meaningful for others.

Whether you’re skiing for glory, cheering on your crew, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, 24H Blue MTN offers the chance to make memories and make a difference, all in one unforgettable weekend on the hill. E