Forget Times Square, pick one of these ski towns to ring in the new year at. While the ski season is just getting underway in December, what better way to close out the year than taking in the holiday vibe of ski towns. Dust off your boots, wax your skis and boards, and enjoy the festive celebrations that mountain ski towns put on for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. These are some of the best ski towns in North America for New Year’s.
The Best Ski Towns for New Year’s Eve Weekend
Telluride, Colorado
Make sure you’re outside in Telluride around 6:25 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. You’ll hear a loud bang – dynamite, just like they used in the mining days – and then you’ll know the Torchlight Parade is about to get underway. Look to the top of the mountain for flashing red lights. Telluride’s ski patrol employees take a run down into Mountain Village for this holiday tradition, carrying blazing red torches, starting at 6:30 pm on December 31. Given the incredible views in this little mountain town, the show can be seen from just about any location in downtown Telluride. Stick around, and shortly after, you’ll be able to catch the Mountain Village firework show, best viewed from the Gondola or the plaza in the Village Core.
Colorado Avenue is the place to be at midnight on New Year’s Eve in front of the historic courthouse. Locals and guests alike flood outside to Main Street to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, Telluride style. There will also be live music all over town, including performances from dance music group NIIKO X SWAE and a live show by The Marsels at the historic Sheridan Opera House starting at 10:30 p.m.
» Check out Telluride lodging options.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is known for more than its challenging terrain and cowboy vibes — it also throws a killer party to end the year. Each year Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Teton Village Association put on Winterfest, a 10-day holiday celebration full of activities including skating, digital planetarium workshops, cookie decorating, movie nights, scavenger hunts, and more. Jackson Hole has a full day of New Year’s Eve events, including the Glow Worm Parade, when kids can enjoy their own torchlight parade, except with glow sticks rather than torchlights. Kids are invited to meet at the base of the Sweetwater Gondola at 4:30 p.m. Participation is free and parents are welcome to join. A more traditional Torchlight Parade will kick off at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks in the same spot.
» Check out Jackson Hole lodging options.
Park City, Utah
Park City Mountain celebrates New Year’s Eve in Canyons Village with a night of live music, fireworks, and family fun. Kick off the evening after a day on the slopes from 3-5 p.m. in the heart of Canyons Village with live music throughout the night. Elsewhere, the Park City Ice Arena offers public skating sessions during the day on December 30 and 31, while one of the most popular family-friendly events is the Heber Valley Railroad’s special North Pole Express train ride. Guests can enjoy carols, holiday treats, and a Santa meet and greet on this magical festive ride.
Families can enjoy more programming in the heart of Canyons Village at Pendry Park City’s New Year’s Eve Kid’s Night Out. Children are invited to participate in a dance party, crafts, karaoke, group games, painting, and much more. A kid’s buffet will be available for snacking and dinner, with a movie showing at the end of the night. The best part? Parents can drop their kids off and pick them up at any time throughout the evening. This is perfect for parents looking to have some adult fun at Pendry’s Pool House Party beginning at noon and the Apres Pendry from 6:00-12:30 a.m. Deer Valley Resort will host its annual Torchlight Parade starting at 6 p.m. on Big Stick run, while there will be complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and cider at the Snow Park Plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
On Main Street you’ll find plenty of New Year’s Eve parties and special menus at local Park City restaurants and bars. Check out Park City Area Restaurant Association’s event calendar as December 31 approaches. Park City bars will be hosting New Year’s Eve parties, such as Riverhorse On Main’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash. This party is held at one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants in Park City, and features a unique curated multi-course meal to ring in the new year in luxurious style.
» Check out Park City lodging options.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe has perfected its holiday celebrations. Arrive at the Northern Green Mountain resort early on New Year’s Eve day to kickstart festivities. Spruce Peak Village is the place to be, with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, ice dancing performances, live music, and on-mountain fireworks at 7 p.m. Then go on a pub crawl and hit up a few Stowe breweries before kicking back at the Trapp Family Lodge’s Austrian-style Bierhall with your entire party. Enjoy their hearty Austrian cuisine, paired with, of course, some tasty beer.
Live music and entertainment will also be happening all over Stowe on New Year’s Eve. Head to any number of Stowe restaurants and bars that’ll be throwing their own parties.
» Check out Stowe lodging options.
Snow Summit, California
The spectacle of the 60th annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade shimmering off of Big Bear Lake is something that Southern Californians look forward to year after year. Celebrations this year kick off at 6 p.m. with a live DJ, followed by performances from Eric Roebuck and Bad Suns. The Torchlight Parade starts at 9 p.m. with an impressive light display showing off the skills and talents of skiers and snowboarders. Winding down the Miracle Mile trail, more than 200 participants carry torches to form a path of light that can be seen around the lake from miles away. Afterward, head to any number of fun bars in Big Bear to ring in the new year.
» Check out Snow Summit lodging options.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler’s popular free outdoor show, held every Sunday in Whistler Village, is extra special on New Year’s Eve. Dress warm, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take in all the live entertainment, including ski and snowboard big air displays, fire spinners, live DJs, and fireworks. Whistler is hosting a New Year’s Eve Luminosity Parade at 7:45 p.m. complete with LED-clad dancers, stilt walkers, and jugglers accompanied by rhythmic music. The parade will run from the Whistler Conference Centre to Skier’s Plaza on the Whistler Village Stroll. Stick around for the Fire and Ice Show, beginning at 8:30 p.m., featuring an over-the-top display of pyrotechnics, music, live entertainment, and freestyle skiing and riding from the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School pros. Fireworks will follow at 9 p.m.
» Check out Whistler lodging options.
Sun Valley, Idaho
America’s first destination ski resort is a fitting place to ring in the new year. After the success of last season, Sun Valley Resort is hosting its second annual New Year’s Eve Snow Ball featuring an evening of glitz, glitter, bubbles, and bites. Guests are encouraged to get all dolled up in their most glamorous attire and celebrate at the River Run Lodge at Bald Mountain from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Complimentary champagne will be served from 9 to 10 p.m., along with appetizers and other bites in preparation for the toast at midnight. A live DJ will set the mood throughout the night, while guests will have the chance to dance, drink, enjoy the photo booth, and more right at the mountain’s base.
For a more family-friendly New Year’s Eve in Sun Valley, hit the slopes for some evening turns before enjoying music under the stars and fireworks at 9 p.m.
» Check out Sun Valley lodging options.
South Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
Fire, lights, and music fill the air on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore for New Year’s Eve. Live music typically begins around 4:30 p.m. and plays throughout the evening until the midnight Ball Drop in New York City’s Times Square. Heavenly Resort hosts ‘the world’s only Gondola Ball Drop,’ which crosses above the crowd. The night culminates with what resort officials call “the most spectacular fireworks display that has ever hit the Heavenly Village.” The party continues into the night at a number of casino nightclubs in Stateline. Additionally, check restaurant and bar websites for their own unique New Year’s Eve parties.
» Check out South Lake Tahoe lodging options.
Aspen, Colorado
There’s nothing quite like New Year’s Eve in Aspen, Colorado, where high-end après-ski is what it’s known for. Get the party started at the Sister Cities Plaza, from 12 to 3 p.m., warming up by the crackling fire, enjoying s’mores and hot chocolate, and listening to a DJ. Public ice skating takes place at the Aspen Ice Garden from 3 to 6 p.m., with free admission and rental for guests. After hitting a few activities in town, catch a fireworks show above Aspen Mountain at 8 p.m. Element 47, located inside The Little Nell, and Plato’s at Aspen Mountain, are among the Aspen restaurants hosting New Year’s Eve dinners.
If you’re looking to hit the late-night scene, plan ahead and reserve your tickets. The Dom Perignon Party at The Little Nell invites guests to get inspired by the glitz and glam of the legendary New York City nightclub experience. Come dressed in your best disco attire for a multi-level party starting at 10 p.m. Or, head to Hotel Jerome’s NYE Supper Club for an evening of food, drinks, and a performance from legendary Broadway star Lexi Lawson and her 12-piece band.
» Check out Aspen lodging options.
Sugarloaf, Maine
It’s Christmas Vacation Week at Sugarloaf for the entire last week of December leading up to New Year’s Eve. Non-stop activities and entertainment happens throughout the week, including live music, film screenings, and more. Enjoy any number of fun family-friendly events on New Year’s Eve, like the juggling show and workshop from Stephen Corning and Shane Miclon. Don’t miss the fireworks starting at 9 p.m. on the Landing. Afterward, catch live music by Waiting On Mongo at Sugarloaf’s famous bar, the Widowmaker. Tickets for the show (21+ only) include a champagne toast at midnight and complimentary hor d’oeuvres.
» Check out Sugarloaf lodging options.
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch has a whole host of activities for guests during the last week of the year. Festivities start on Monday, December 30, with a welcome bonfire and complimentary hot chocolate. Afterward, enjoy Bingo Blast and a ‘Price is Right’ spinoff game with Jammin’ Sam at the lower level of the Meeting House. The following day, Smuggs’ hosts a unique Glow Tubing experience, in which visitors can tube down lanes full of glowing LED lights on Sir Henry Hill. Next up is a Friendly Pirate Party from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., full of festive singing and dancing. It all culminates at 9 p.m. for a full fireworks display at the Gazebo followed by a Musical Time Machine party back at the Meeting House. Once the kids go to bed, there’s 21+ adult karaoke at Bootleggers’ Lounge until the ball drops at midnight.
» Check out Smugglers’ Notch lodging options.
Header image: ©Park City / Vail Resorts
December 25, 2024
