New Year’s Eve is a time for celebrations, cool events, and, of course, fireworks. And some of the coolest New Year’s events, literally, are in ski towns. From torchlight parades to fireworks and family events we’ve listed some of the best ski resorts to party on.
1.) Jackson Hole
Start your New Year’s Eve off by watching mountain torchlight parades at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain or Grand Targhee, Montana. Each parade is followed by a fireworks display. Additionally, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village hosts a “Glow Worm Parade” at 5:30 p.m. for children up to age 14. Glow sticks substitute for torchlights as the kids traverse down the Eagles Nest run from the top of the new Sweetwater Gondola. Resort employees and guests participate in a traditional torchlight procession at 6 p.m. on Apres-Vous, followed by fireworks at 7 p.m. over the Village’s parking lot.
Snow King hosts the oldest torchlight parade in the valley, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Since the 1950s, Jackson Hole skiers have ridden to the top of the mountain and, with torches in hand, make their way slowly down the Town Hill. Fireworks begin at 7 p.m.
Finally, kids start their New Year’s Eve fun activities at The Grand Targhee Resort with a Glowstick Paradeat 4:30 p.m. Adults catch up with a torchlight event at 5:30.
» Check out lodging options in Montana.
2.) Smugglers’ Notch
It’s all about family-friendly 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 welcome in 2023 for all ages! An array of LED lights line and illuminate the Snow Tubing Hill lanes. No ski boots needed, but a SmuggsPass is required.
Join theFriendly Pirate Party with the 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 with the greatest hits of all time from 9:45 -11 p.m. as the whole family dances their way into 2023. Pick up party favors in the lower level of the Meeting House.
» Check out lodging options at Smugglers’ Notch.
3.) Granite Peak
New Year’s Eve at Granite Peak in Wisconsin is a fun family night beginning at 7 p.m. with a Torchlight Parade followed by a huge fireworks show. Keep the fun going at the Historic Chalet with a night of music by popular musician Max Koepke as he delights the chalet with a wide variety of music. There will be a light appetizer menu along with a full bar. Evening festivities end at 12:30 a.m.
» Check out lodging options at Granite Peak.
4.) Sun Peaks
100 kids can be a part of the glow stick parade at British Columbia’s Sun Peaks, although you must be able to ski or ride Sunbeam Run with confidence. Valid lift ticket for Dec. 31 required. Strong blue terrain skiers or riders 16 and up can participate in the torchlight parade, 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, including Cahilty Creek Kitchen & Taproom’s family-friendly prime rib dinners from 5 to midnight, $46 pp, no reservations. Or if you’re really hungry and 19+, start 2023 off with a 3-course dinner ($65 pp) at 5 p.m. or 6-course dinner($110 pp with optional $30 wine pairing). at 7:30 p.m. at Mantles Restaurant.
» Check out lodging options at Sun Peaks.
5.) Heavenly
South Lake Tahoe (smack on the California-Nevada border) starts the evening fun at 5 p.m. in Guitar Plaza in Heavenly Village and goes to 7:30. DJ CashMaster picks up from 7:30-8:40 p.m. Headliners The Gin Blossoms kick off the largest free show ever offered on the south shore from 8:30-9:30.
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.
» Check out lodging options at Heavenly Mountain.
March 06, 2021