Tulane Alumni Ski Weekend in Colorado

Tulanians at Vail resorts on a past Tulane Ski Weekend enjoy a break on the slopes. (From left to right, Melissa Brandrup (A ’97, A ’98), Valerie Calenda (B ’01, B *07), Jon Warkentin (B ’07), Peter Brandrup (TC ’94), Brett Nathan (TC ’96), Jennifer Nathan, and Emma Nathan (SSE ’26))

88By Mary Sparacello

Whether you’re eager to hit the slopes or simply want to enjoy the mountain atmosphere with fellow Tulane alumni, mark your calendar for February 27–28, 2026.

What began as a small gathering in 2024 has quickly grown into a spirited tradition. The annual Tulane Ski Weekend in Vail, Colorado, may still be young, but it’s already drawing more Green Wave alumni and friends each year — a perfect way to combine skiing, community and connection.

Melissa Borrero Brandrup (A ’97, A *98), a Vail resident and event co-organizer, explains the event’s origin story: “I’d see people on the slopes all the time in Tulane gear or connected to New Orleans and Mardi Gras. We thought, why not turn that into an opportunity for alumni engagement?”

The event has grown quickly. What began its first year with just 12 skiers and about two dozen participants — mostly from Colorado — doubled in size the following year, attracting alumni not only from the Rockies but also from New York, Mississippi, New Orleans and across Louisiana.

This year’s ski weekend is scheduled for Feb. 27-28, 2026, and will feature a Friday night welcome reception, a full day of skiing on Saturday and an après-ski happy hour. Register today!

Tulanians gather for a group photo at Vail resorts near The Dawg Haus in Vail’s Legendary Back Bowls, where the group stopped for lunch.

Jon Warkentin (B ’07), Tulane Alumni president, is the event co-organizer. “A lot of people come for the skiing, but you don’t have to ski to join in,” Warkentin said. “You can come meet Tulanians — from Colorado and from all over the country — who like to have a good time, enjoy the outdoors and meet Tulane alums.”

This year, organizers hope to expand their reach, particularly targeting alumni from Southern states who might be interested in a ski getaway. With epic mountain views, Tulane spirit and a welcoming atmosphere, the Tulane Ski Weekend promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Warkentin encouraged those interested in the weekend to purchase an Epic Pass early, since prices rise the closer it gets to ski season. Brandrup added that early registration also helps the planning team accommodate the event’s growing popularity, allowing them to secure larger venues as attendance continues to increase.

This year’s event will take place shortly after Mardi Gras, which falls on Feb. 17, 2026. “We kind of carry over the Carnival season even after Mardi Gras is done,” Warkentin said.

Interested alumni can contact Ashley Robison at arobison@tulane.edu for more information about joining this growing tradition.