Experts Only Vail ski weekender delivers another high-energy alpine escape

John Summit’s Experts Only Ski Weekender has returned to Vail for 2026, proving that the beloved label never misses.

Fans traveled in from across the country to join John Summit and the Experts Only crew in Vail this past weekend, following the ski weekender’s Whistler debut. For Experts Only’s third year in Vail, John Summit had artists like Odd Mob, Devault, and Sidepiece, and a handful of other house artist’s join him on the mountain.

Colorado’s ski season hasn’t been the strongest this year, with warmer temperatures and a lighter snowpack than usual. But the weather worked in Summit’s favor. Instead of powder days, the weekend delivered bluebird skies and true spring skiing conditions, setting the tone for a sun-drenched, high-energy takeover that created the ideal music festival and ski trip crossover.

This year’s programming was packed with music and additional opportunities to connect within the Experts Only community. The two-day pop-up run at Avanti stood out as highlight, offering incredible food, drinks, vibes, and tunes. The space became a post-skiing daytime hub where fans could prepare for the bigger events later in the evenings.

After the après-ski Avanti sets, crowds moved into the main venues for the official nighttime lineups. The production was solid all night, and John Summit even had dancers on stage to keep the energy high.

Beyond the scheduled events, it was the unexpected moments that defined the weekend. A surprise mountaintop pop-up on Friday afternoon with Levity set the tone early, catching fans mid-ski day and pulling them into an impromptu dancefloor on the slopes.

Vail blends European-style charm with high-end amenities and a striking mountain backdrop, making it an ideal setting for the Experts Only crew to return to each winter. The 2026 ski weekender programming undoubedtly topped year’s past, and is a testament to the growth of Summit’s label. The event series is no longer a novelty—it’s become a staple that marries dance music and ski culture.

Featured image courtesy Facebook / John Summit

About The Author

author

I've been a part of the dance music scene for nearly a decade and with Exron for more than half of that time. My first event was Diplo's Mad Decent but these days you'll find me at Club Space or the Brooklyn Mirage. Some of my top artists are G Jones, Tipper, Of The Trees, and CharlestheFirst. My favorite genres are techno, experimental bass, and ambient but I'll get down to anything with a beat!

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