This post comes to Colorado Ski Country from Amber Johnson of Mile High Mamas. You can read more from Amber at www.milehighmamas.com.
You know good ol Santa Claus HO HO HO? Im switching it up for SNOW SNOW SNOW, which is all I want for Christmas.
For the first time in a few years, we are staying in Colorado for the holidays and hitting the slopes with our family is at the top of our list.
Three years ago, we skied Loveland on Christmas Eve day. I thought my husband was crazy for even suggesting a quick trip to the mountains the day before the biggest holiday of the year. Did he not understand last-minute shopping and general chaos?
As it turns out, it forced me to finish our Christmas preps early and have some much-needed time to just decompress and play (bonus: it wasnt crowded!) The kids were delighted to see Santa on the slopes and hang out with the Man in Red before his North Pole preps.
In fact, it was such a great experience that we declared it our tradition for whenever we were in Colorado for the holidays.
Were upping the fun ante this year and hope to also check-out some firework shows and snowcat parades during our two-week Christmas break.
Here are a few great Christmas happenings this year and these are only the beginning. Many are also offering firework and torchlight parades to celebrate New Years Eve with a bang!
Santa at Loveland
Arapahoe Basin. Christmas is coming a bit early at A-BasinDec. 22 to be exact. Santa will be making an appearance around 11 a.m. stopping by the base area before taking a few laps on the mountain (try to keep uphes fast!) Complimentary cake and refreshments will be served at the base area at 12:30 p.m.
Aspen/Snowmass. The North Pole comes to the Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village Dec. 23 and 24 with Santas magical village. For 12 days in December, downtown Aspen transforms into a fabulous winter wonderland overflowing with holiday festivities including free ice skating, visits with Santa and his reindeer, s’more making around the fire, cookies, cocoa and holiday drink specials.
Aspen/Snowmass
Copper Mountain. What could be a better way to celebrate than En Fuego, a family-friendly entertainment series featuring snowcat parades, fireworks and Woodward at Copper rail jams. On Christmas Eve, a spectacular snowcat parade will make its way down the mountain as guests enjoy bonfires, a Woodward Rail session and street performers in Center Village.
Crested Butte. Nothing celebrates winter quite like an ice carving festival and Dec. 15-22, visitors will be amazed as two of the worlds most renowned carvers create larger- than-life-sized sculptures. On Christmas Eve, guests can watch Santa come down the mountain on a sleigh pulled by a snowcat as he hands out candy canes, followed by Crested Butte Ski and Ride School performing their famous torchlight parade down the front side of the mountain.
Eldora Mountain Resort. With its close proximity to Boulder, skiers and riders can open their presents and still take a quick trip to Eldora to see Santa on Dec. 25. If you dont have your own feast planned, stay to celebrate Christmas with special holiday menus in Timbers Grill and Corona Bar.
Loveland Ski Area. Santa will be on Lovelands slopes Dec. 24 and 25. So will we see you there?
Monarch. Located on 800 acres along the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range, Monarch is a fantastically affordable ski area for families that is renowned for its affordability and powder. Bring the little ones up to Monarch on Dec. 24 to visit with Santa as he skis or snowboards around the resort spreading Christmas cheer. Photo opportunities will also be available.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort. If youre celebrating the holidays near Grand Junction, be sure to swing by the Colorados westernmost ski resort. Their 1,600 acres, five ski lifts and three terrain parks spell memorable holiday fun for the whole family. Santa will be visiting on Dec. 23 and 24. Anyone else want to see Santa catch some air?
Ski Cooper. Santa Claus will make a pre-holiday visit to the Ski Cooper Lodge near Leadville on Dec. 22. Kids will have a chance to tell Santa their holiday wishes, and he will be bringing his sled for the perfect holiday family photo. My wish? To try their Chicago Ridge Snowcat Skiing. Ski Coopers ski and stay package includes snowcat skiing, the Tennessee Pass cookhouse and luxury sleep yurts.
Sunlight Mountain Resort. Heres a little secret: Id love to someday hit Sunlight and then have an aprs-ski soak in nearby Glenwood Hot Springs for the holidays. Sunlight has some killer Ski Swim Stay Packages and on Dec. 22 and 23 will host Demo Days with Santa. In addition to getting pictures taken with Santa, various ski and snowboard equipment brands will be at the resort encouraging guests to try new skis, boards and bindings.
Wolf Creek Ski Area. Me thinks Santa would have a great time playing with the little skiers and riders in the Wolf Pups building Dec. 24 and 25. After all, Wolf Creek in southwest Colorado is renowned for having the most snow in the state and isnt our favorite North Pole-dwelling guy all about deep pow?
