Hit high note at music festival

Dec. 8-9: SKI-QX Winter Music Festival, Stratton Mountain, Vt. — Stratton presents its first-ever winter alternative music festival. Stretching over two days, the event features multiple bands both indoors at classic Stratton spots like Grizzly’s, as well as on outdoor stages.

www.stratton.com

HILL HAPPENINGS Moira McCarthy

Dec. 9: Mountainside Demofest, Wachusett — Skis, snowboards, telemark gear and even backcountry gear is all available to test on snow all day at Wachusett. Better yet, lift tickets are just $29.95.

www.wachusett.com Dec. 9: Mountainfest Demo Day, Stowe Mountain, Vt. — Stowe brings in a boatload of gear — skis, snowboards, AT gear, telemark and more — for your sampling pleasure. Gear will be located at the base of the Forerunner Quad, along with reps from the companies. DJ Mashtodon will be spinning there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be giveaways. Demos available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

www.stowe.com

Dec. 9: Moonlight Hike, Okemo Mountain Resort, Vt. — Take a guided tour up the mountain by moonlight with a naturalist and learn all about the stars, the land and the surroundings at Okemo. Hike begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at the fire pit at the Jackson Gore base with roasted marshmallows. It’s free, but bring your own snowshoes. www.okemo.com

Dec. 9: Rails to Riches, Killington, Vt. — Miss your chance to get in on the World Cup action? Here’s another chance to witness greatness up close at Killington. Skiers and riders from across the globe will gather at Killington and lay it all on the line in hopes of winning a piece of the $25,000 purse at the largest and most lucrative rail jam event in the east. www.killington.com Dec. 9-10: Bob Skinner’s Ski and Sport Demo Days, Mount Sunapee, N.H. — Two full days of demo time this weekend at Sunapee, all on Flyway (also known as “The Beach). Come Sunday with five non-perishable food items to be donated to local charities, and your lift ticket is just $35.

www.mountsunapee.com