Gaper Day 101: Skiing's Funniest Tradition Celebrates Mountain Culture

From denim to neon, the annual April 1st event embraces the kooky side of the sport

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:13pm

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A vibrant, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting a group of skiers in outrageous retro outfits, their faces and forms blending together in a dynamic, energetic scene that captures the fun and community of Gaper Day.Gaper Day's neon-clad revelers embrace the joyful, carefree essence of skiing on the mountain.Park City Today

Every April 1st, ski enthusiasts across North America don their most outrageous retro outfits to celebrate Gaper Day, a lighthearted tradition that started in the 80s and 90s as 'Ski in Jeans Day.' What began as a way for locals to poke fun at ski tourists has evolved into an annual rite of spring, where the focus shifts from technical skiing to embracing the fun and community of the sport.

Why it matters

Gaper Day is a unique celebration of mountain culture, a reminder that skiing is ultimately about the joy of sliding down a hill with friends. In an era when the sport can sometimes take itself too seriously, this annual event keeps the spirit of skiing alive through high-fives, old-school riding, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

The details

The term 'gaper' refers to the 'gaper gap' - the space between the top of your goggles and the brim of your helmet. On Gaper Day, this becomes a badge of honor, whether you're a local pro or a first-timer. The tradition started in the 80s and 90s as 'Ski in Jeans Day,' but evolved around 1996 to include full retro costumes at resorts like Jackson Hole and Park City Mountain. Today, the key to a successful Gaper Day is wearing the most neon, furry, or skin-tight outfits you can find, and embracing a 'fun over form' mentality as you hit the slopes.

  • Gaper Day is celebrated annually on April 1st.
  • The tradition started in the 80s and 90s as 'Ski in Jeans Day.'

The players

Arapahoe Basin

A ski resort in Colorado that hosts one of the most legendary Gaper Day celebrations.

Jackson Hole

A ski resort in Wyoming that helped expand the Gaper Day tradition from jeans to full retro costumes around 1996.

Park City Mountain

A ski resort in Utah that also played a role in the evolution of Gaper Day in the mid-1990s.

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The takeaway

Whether you're rocking a mullet wig or a Canadian tuxedo, Gaper Day is the ultimate spring event keeping the spirit of skiing alive. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most important thing is to just have fun on the mountain with your friends.