Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
It’s hard to believe that 2013 is almost over. Why stay at home on New Year’s Eve when you can head to the mountains, ski on great snow, and stick around for the festivities? Colorado Ski Country USA resorts will be ringing in the new year with fireworks, torchlight parades galore, and other fun family activities. Here’s a summary of what’s happening in the high country:
Head to Aspen for a free annual Torchlight Parade on Fanny Hill at 5:30pm, followed by fireworks at 6:30pm, on Saturday, December 28. Moms, dads and kids ages eight and older are invited to be part of the trail of light down the mountain. Stick around as fireworks illuminate the night sky immediately afterward. Sign up at the Aspen/Snowmass Guest Services Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion on the Snowmass Mall or call 970-923-0560. For more information the Torchlight Parade, visitwww.gosnowmass.com.
During the Twelve Days of Copper from December 20-31, there will be enough holiday cheer to go around with activity, aprs and dining specials, and discounts at Coppers retail establishments. On Dec 21 22, top freeskiers and snowboarders from around the globe will compete to qualify for the 2014 Olympics at the Sprint Grand Prix Finals. On Dec 24, bring the family out for the torchlight parade and fireworks. Then on Friday, watch athletes hitting Coppers progressive rails to qualify for the X-Games at the Rocky Mountain Series Rail Jam on Dec 27. Lastly, ring in 2014 at Copper with a bevy of New Years Eve festivities. Grab your hot cocoa and hot toddies for the New Years Eve Rail Jam or grab a good seat by the bonfire for the torchlight parade, fire dancers and fireworks shows. More details to come; see http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/events_and_activities/calendar/ for more information about Coppers winter events.
Join Crested Butte staff at Butte 66 for live music, drink specials and a torchlight parade put on by Crested Butte’s finest ski and snowboard instructors. Watch as they wind their way down the mountain carrying orange flames to lift up their path. Following the torchlight parade, there will be a fireworks show, best seen from the base area of the mountain on the Butte 66 deck.
Check out Monarch Mountain’s annual Torchlight Parade & Fireworks. Festivities kick off around 5pm. Those wishing to participate in the parade must register the day of at the Guest Service desk. Participation is free, but only a limited number of torch holders are allowed, (first come, first serve).
Join the Torchlight Parade tradition at Powderhorn. On Tuesday December 31st, guests at Powderhorn will take one of the most popular runs of the season. At 4 pm the crowd will gather to take to the top with torches and do the Torchlight Parade New Years Eve Run that can be seen from all across the Mesa. It’s a tradition of fun.
Ski Granby Ranch welcomes guests for their annual New Years Eve celebration. A family glow stick walking parade kicks off the evening at 6 pm, followed by a torch light procession of our best Ski and Ride School instructors. The instructors will thrill guests as they wind their way down Easy Money. Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The New Years Eve celebration is FREE for all to enjoy. We do recommend that you arrive early to ensure you dont miss a single moment. Immediately following the Torchlight and Fireworks show, everyone is invited to stay for our New Years Eve party!
The Steamboat SnowSports School treats tourists and locals to spectacular on-snow parades down the mountain lit only by torches. In conjunction with the torchlight parades, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky providing a perfect ending to the evening. The best viewing for these free, all ages events is from the Bear River Deck or from Gondola Square, both at the base of the ski area.
On New Years Eve, enjoy the torch light parade and fireworks along with the countdown in front of the court house in downtown Telluride. Telluride Ski and Snowboard School instructors ride down both sides of the mountain carrying lit flares illuminating the ski runs on their way into town and the Mountain Village creating a beautiful scene. A spectacular display of holiday fireworks follows the torchlight parade, and then Main Street is blocked off the annual New Years Eve Countdown. For more information, visit http://www.tellurideskiresort.com/.
This special New Year’s Eve experience is the only dining experience of its kind in Winter Park, offering fine dining on-mountain at an elevation of 10,700 feet above sea level. The Lodge at Sunspot specializes in authentic Colorado cuisine paired with an extensive wine list.Dinners at The Lodge at Sunspot are sell-out events, and reservations are required. Make your reservation early by calling 970.726.1446
