'Tis the season for skiing powder! Oh, and the holidays are upon us as well. I'd rather bury my head in the snow than deal with shopping and, luckily, there are some festive events taking place at ski resorts across the U.S. and the Canadian Rockies.
Below is a small selection of events, but there are plenty more. To find events in your favorite ski area, search the web for "ski resort Christmas events" or "...New Years Events" (using the term "holiday" will deliver a cluttered mess).
Grab your Santa suit, guzzle some eggnog, and hang a sprig of mistletoe on your helmet--it's time to celebrate the holidays with some pow!
PHOTO: Kicking Horse Resort
U.S. Events
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Teton Village Holiday Block Party, Dec 18, 2014
Teton Village businesses will spread holiday cheer with shopping specials and other treats.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Night of Lights, Dec 20, 2014
"A fun-filled night for all ages with live music, a firework show, torchlight parade, kids activities and snowmobiles rides and more." The full event schedule is posted on their site.
Woolly's Saturday Parade, Dec 27, 2014
This fun kid's event is a must-do if you're at Mammoth.
"Join Woolly and his Ski and Snowboard School friends for music, dancing, face-painting and a parade through The Village at Mammoth."
PHOTO: Snowbird Resort
Snowbird, Utah
Santa Sunday, Dec 21, 2014
Been waiting to bust out the ol' red suit? Here's your chance!
"First 100 people dressed in a complete Santa Claus suit ski free and access a special Tram at 10:15 a.m. Register at the Activity Center from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. and meet outside the Activity Center at 10:15 a.m. to be escorted to a special Santa Express Tram. Full outfits must include a white beard or wig, traditional red jacket with white trim and belt, and red pants."
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, Dec 24, 2014
Snow, bonfires and Santa on rappel. Sounds like a fun way to spend Christmas Eve to me. I'm in!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec 24, 2014
A short sermon and caroling begins at 7:00pm following the parade and fireworks.
Summit Gala, Dec 27, 2014
Feel like dressing up and supporting charity? This is the party for you.
"Snowbird's grand party of the year features fabulous food, drink, a guest speaker, live music, silent auction and live auction. Please join us for a celebratory evening of dining, dancing and fundraising. All proceeds support the Wasatch Adaptive Sports Program, the Snowbird Sports Education Foundation and the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation."
Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows, California
Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner, Begins Dec 26, 2014
"After the mountain closes and the winter moon rises, experience a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows. Enjoy an intimate seated dinner where you'll be served an Alps-inspired menu with dishes like potato cheese soup, chicken cordon bleu and apple strudel." The tours are offered on six dates scattered from December to March. Visit their site for details.
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Christmas Eve & Torchlight Parade, Dec 24, 2014
"Watch as skiers and boarders meander down Coonskin and Telluride Trail with blazing red torchlights." Sounds beautiful!
Events in the Canadian Rockies
PHOTO: Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia
Holiday Night Skiing, Dec 26, 2014 - Jan 4, 2015
"Special Holiday Schedule: Dec 26 to Jan 4 - every day 4pm to 9pm.
After Jan 5 - every Saturday 4pm to 9pm.
Tickets - Adults - $17 + guest, youth and children are FREE
Lift tickets from that day are valid for night skiing as well."
Ski with Santa and Photos with Santa, Dec. 23 & 24
"Come out and ski with Santa! Santa will be on the slopes from 10am to 12pm. Then come down to the base area and get your picture taken with Santa from 12pm to 2pm. Don't worry about brining a camera, Santa's helpers will take the photo and email it to you! PHOTOS ARE FREE!! All Ages Welcome!"
Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia
Ski with Santa, Dec 20, 2014
"Santa and his crew will be hitting the slopes in the morning, making their way down to his throne, which will be set-up in the Gondola Plaza. Get your picture taken with Santa and prove to your friends that you've spent Christmas at KHMR!"
PHOTO: Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort, British Columbia
Photos with Santa in Trickle Creek Lodge, Dec 24th
"Join us at 10am for photos with Santa at Trickle Creek Lodge cafe. Santa will be leaving at noon so come early!"
Kids Korner Après Activities and Family Holiday Events
Daily over the holidays, watch their site or call for details.
Ho, ho, ho! See you on the slopes!
