New Year’s Eve is a time for celebrations, cool events, and, of course, fireworks. Some of the best New Year’s events and fireworks shows take place at ski resorts. From torchlight parades to electric light displays and family events, we’ve listed some of the best ski resorts for ringing in the new year. For more recommendations to ring in the new year, check out our other article featuring some of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in ski towns.
Best North America Ski Resorts for New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
As we mentioned in this article about the top New Year’s Eve ski town celebrations, Whistler pulls out all the stops for its fireworks display. Whistler Village is bustling on New Year’s Eve with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and more. Don’t miss the Luminosity Parade at 7:45 p.m. and a special edition of the Fire & Ice Show at 8:30 p.m. before catching the stunning fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Put the kids to bed and then come back for the midnight fireworks show. Tip: The fireworks are best viewed from Skier’s Plaza.
» Check out Whistler Lodging Options
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Start your New Year’s Eve off by watching mountain torchlight parades at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain, or further afield at Grand Targhee. Each parade is followed by a fireworks display. Additionally, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village hosts a Glow Worm Parade at 4:30 p.m., in which children up to age 14 can participate. Glow sticks substitute for torchlights as the kids traverse down the Eagle’s Nest run from the top of the Sweetwater Gondola. Resort employees and guests participate in a traditional torchlight procession at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at 7 p.m. over the Village’s parking lot.
» Check out Jackson Hole lodging options.
Sun Valley, Idaho
America’s first destination ski resort is the perfect place to ring in 2025. For the second year running, Sun Valley Resort is hosting the New Year’s Eve Snow Ball. The River Run Lodge will be decked out in glitz, glitter, bubbles, and bites. Guests are encouraged to don their most glamorous New Year’s attire and a live DJ will be spinning tunes to bring partygoers into the new year. Slopeside, there are many family-friendly events to keep kids busy until the massive fireworks display over the main mountain at 9:00 p.m.
» Check out Sun Valley lodging options.
Sunday River, Maine
Ring in 2025 at Sunday River in Maine. Hit the slopes during the day and let the fun continue late with extra lift hours. On New Year’s Eve, the lifts will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If hopping on the ski lifts is not your speed then spend the day with Eddy and Betty the Yetis at South Ridge Lodge and Betty’s Treats and Treasures. At 7:00 pm South Ridge will be illuminated by a fantastic fireworks display. The party goes on at the Foggy Goggle for a night of dancing. The event is ticketed, 21+, and sponsored by Truly.
» Check out Sunday River lodging options.
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
It’s all about family-friendly activities at Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch at New Year’s. Glow Tubing from 5-7 p.m. on Sir Henry’s Hill, is a unique and fun way to celebrate for all ages. An array of LED lights line and illuminate the Snow Tubing Hill lanes for tubers to enjoy as they speed down. No special equipment is necessary however, a SmuggsPass is required.
Join the Friendly Pirate Party with Friendly Pirate and Billy Bob Bear in the lower level of the Meeting House for singing and dancing from 7-8 p.m. Afterward, catch the New Year’s Celebration Bonfire & Fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Gazebo, hosted by Jammin’ Sam. He continues by playing the greatest hits of all time during the Musical Time Machine Party from 9:45 -11 p.m., as your whole family can dance their way out of 2024. Pick up party favors in the lower level of the Meeting House. For those 21+, head over to karaoke at Bootleggers’ Lounge.
» Check out lodging options at Smugglers’ Notch.
Sun Peaks, British Columbia
At Sun Peaks, 100 kids can be a part of the glow stick parade, although kids must be able to ski or ride Sunbeam Run with confidence. A valid lift ticket for Dec. 31 is required. Strong blue terrain skiers or riders 16 and up can participate in the torchlight parade. A live DJ will also hype up the crowd at 6:00 p.m. for the Freestyle Invitation at 6:30 p.m. New to ring in 2025, this invitational will feature local shredders showing off their skills on a custom-built and tricked-out trail. All of this will be followed by fireworks on the Sunburst side of the resort at 8:30 p.m. If all this activity has made you hungry, several restaurants are hosting special holiday dinners.
» Check out lodging options at Sun Peaks.
Heavenly, California
South Lake Tahoe (smack on the California-Nevada border) starts the evening with live music starting at 4:30 pm. At 9:00 p.m., coinciding with NYC’s midnight Ball Drop, Heavenly’s Gondola Ball Drop will cross above the crowd, with a fireworks show lighting up the night. Heavenly is home to the “world’s only gondola ball drop.” The partying continues late into the night at the casinos and nightclubs in Stateline.
» Check out lodging options at Heavenly Mountain.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Between the charming town and the bustling mountain, Breckenridge is full of activities for New Year’s Eve. Special dining opportunities, torchlight fireworks parades, and, of course, fireworks. This electric display will go off at the base of Peak 9 around 9:30 p.m. There are several recommended viewing areas including Blue River Plaza, North Gondola Parking Lot, the Base of Peaks 7, 8, or 9, Main Street Station, Ridge Street, Baldy Road, and Boreas Pass.
Grab a spot early and catch the traditional Torchlight Parade also held on Peak 9 at 6:00 p.m. Prior, the kid-centered Glow Worm Parade will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with glow sticks galore. In town, there are dozens of restaurants with cozy aprés patios and live music. Blue River Bistro has live jazz music and world-class martinis. Breckenridge Distillery is great for small bites and cocktails, while Emire Burger is a casual spot sure to please the whole family.
» Check out lodging options at Breckenridge.
December 08, 2024
