With an influx of skiers and boarders on vacation for the holidays, ski resorts are typically quite lively on New Year’s Eve. Torchlight parades and fireworks seem to be almost required spectacles at larger ski areas. Many resorts also make sure to provide party options for revelers of all ages.
Stratton Mountain Resort will have food and fireworks on New Year’s Eve with a few kids’ craft projects in the mix. From 6 to 8 p.m. in the East wing of the base lodge, kids can work on a variety of craft projects. Families can also take advantage of an unusual opportunity to snowshoe halfway up southern Vermont’s highest peak to Mid-Mountain Lodge anytime from 6 to 10 p.m. The fireworks show in the main base area will start at 8:30 p.m. The 21-and-up crowd can ring in the New Year at a party held at Grizzly’s. Reservations for the party can be made online.
All the age groups are accounted for at Jay Peak. Along with fireworks at 9 p.m., the Vermont resort is planning three different parties for adults (ages 18 and up), teens (ages 13-17) and children (ages 4-12). The teen and kids parties run from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The adult party in the Foeger Ballroom in the Hotel Jay will feature live music from the Vermont-based band, Shake.
Not to be confused with Shake from Vermont, the Maine-based band, The Shakes, will perform at Sugarloaf on New Year’s Eve. Featuring the band’s rock and reggae live music, the party will be at the Widowmaker in the Maine resort’s Base Lodge. Tickets for $25 per person may purchased online. A family-friendly party for kids will also be held in the King Pine Room of the Base Lodge. Young and old will want to check out the fireworks set to go off at 9:15 p.m.
Still just barely in the Eastern time zone, Michigan’s Crystal Mountain will celebrate the strike of midnight with fireworks over the mountain. Anyone with a season pass or lift ticket can participate in the torchlight parade starting at the top of Cheers at 11:45 p.m. However, skiers or boarders must be at least 16 to actually carry a torch.
Featuring the band Strobelite Honey, an adult party will be held in Northwest Territories at the Crystal Center. A buffet and party for families will be in Hudson Bay in the upper level of the Crystal Center. Party reservations may be made by calling 855-998-5359.
Michigan’s Boyne Mountain is planning its own torchlight parade and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. In addition to a celebration and pizza party for children up to 12 in the Helga Haus Children’s Center, the resort will host a free family dance party in the Civic Center. The 21-and-over party will be in the Snowflake Lounge.
For visitors to Ski Santa Fe, the town of Santa Fe, N.M., features a smaller Southwestern take on the Times Square experience. The city’s fourth annual New Year’s Eve celebration will be held in the historic Plaza. Instead of a ball dropping, a sculpture of a Zia— New Mexico’s official symbol seen on its state flag— will be raised at midnight with a backdrop of fireworks launched from the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel.
Not surprisingly given its reputation for nightlife, the town of Aspen, Colo., has long been a happening place on New Year’s Eve. The fireworks over Aspen Mountain are so legendary that they’ll have them twice on New Year’s Eve, both at 8 p.m. and midnight. Locals and tourists alike can gather in Wagner Park for a free party with a DJ and bonfire. The event wraps up the town’s annual 12 Days of Aspen holiday festivities. Big spenders can opt for The Dom Perignon Party in the Little Nell hotel. Reserved seating for up to eight guests with private butler service goes for $12,000 per group.
Following a torchlight parade and fireworks show at 6 p.m., Purgatory will host a night rail jam for all ages with prizes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the DC Terrain Park. The entry fee is just $10. Registration is earlier in the day in the Burton store in the plaze. The ski beach will serve as a good viewing spot for spectators. A New Year’s Eve party at Purgy’s will feature live music from the bluegrass band, People We Know.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho will host a tubing party from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. The Hermit’s Hollow yurt at the top of the tubing hill will be serving hot chocolate and snacks. The cost is $40 per person for the tubing. After the tubing, visitors can make their way over to the clock tower for an official New Year’s celebration toast when the clock hits midnight.
Starting at 6 p.m., a torchlight parade and fireworks will kick off Snowbird’s New Year’s Eve activities. Midnight party options at the Utah resort include The Wildflower with DJ Richie Boom and the Tram Club with DJ Rocks.
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