Deck the halls on a mountaintop with our comprehensive guide to free Santa skiing, torchlight parades, Kris Kringle visits, and New Year’s celebrations at Utah’s fantastic ski resorts. Visit skiutah.com for more information on all resorts.
ALTA
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Ring in 2014 at Alta’s annual New Year’s Eve torchlight parade. The parade follows the main cat track from Watson Shelter to the base of the mountain. To participate you must wear goggles and be an intermediate skier or above. Lifts load at 5:15 p.m. The parade and fireworks begin at 6:00 p.m. Bring non-perishable items to donate to the Utah Food Bank. alta.com
BEAVER MOUNTAIN
Beaver Mountain is closed Christmas Day, but open on New Year’s Day. skithebeav.com
BRIAN HEAD
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Ring in the New Year in Southern Utah with an evening torchlight parade on the slopes. brianhead.com
BRIGHTON RESORT
Quad Wednesdays
Ski or ride for just $20 on December 2, 9, and 16 with your donations. Bring toys for Utah Foster Care Foundation (Dec. 2), winter clothing for the Road Home (Dec. 9), and a bag of canned food for the Utah Food Bank (Dec. 16).
Free Kids Learn to Ski Day
It’s not a holiday event, but it’s worth mentioning that your kids who’ve never skied before can learn for FREE on December 12 or 13! With pre-registration, kids 10 and under receive a free lesson, lift ticket, and rental.
Santa Skis Free Day
Dress as Santa and ski for free on Christmas Day! Partial costumes don’t count, so come dressed head to toe as St. Nick to ensure you get a lift ticket! No limit on number of Santas! brightonresort.com
DEER VALLEY
Santa Claus Visits Deer Valley
Ski on Christmas Eve and visit Santa in the Snow Park Lodge area from 9:00–11:00 a.m. or from noon–1:30 p.m. in the Silver Lake Lodge area.
Torchlight Parade
Begins at about 6 p.m. (dusk) on December 30 on Bald Eagle Mountain’s Big Stick ski run. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served on the Snow Park Plaza. Snow Park Restaurant will also be open for dinner. For more information, call 435-649-1000. deervalley.com
EAGLE POINT
The resort is open daily from December 19–January 3, 2016 for the holidays. eaglepointresort.com
PARK CITY
Santa Comes Down the Town Lift
Welcome Santa, Rudolph, and the other reindeer to Park City on December 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Lift Plaza. Free hot chocolate and cookies while you wait for Santa to fly in on the Town Lift.
DecemberFest
Returning this season, visit from December 19–January 3, 2016 for a 16-day festival that includes morning and après musical acts, village entertainers, a tree lighting ceremony.
53rd Annual Torchlight Parade and Christmas Eve Celebration
Get in the holiday spirit on Christmas Eve by listening to festive music while enjoying free hot cocoa and cookies on the Resort Plaza beginning at 5:30 p.m. after skiing. Then the ski and snowboard school will ski down the PayDay trail in a traditional torchlight parade.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Participate in family-friendly activities on New Year’s Eve at the Canyons Village along with a concert, DJ, sleigh rides, and a massive fireworks display. parkcitymountain.com
SNOWBASIN RESORT
Christmas Eve Celebration
Ski with Santa during the day, then enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner at Earl’s Lodge from 4:30–8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. for photographs. Dinner followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. No reservations accepted, so come early to get your spot. snowbasin.com
SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Holiday Happenings
Take a skication from December 26–January 2, 2016 and enjoy free seasonal activities on resort property, including: holiday films, s’mores, cookie decorating, arts and crafts for smaller kids, and games. Available to all lodging guests. sundanceresort.com
SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT
Highly Decorated Tree Lighting Ceremony
This tree-lighting ceremony and musical program is held on December 19 from 4:00–5:30 p.m. and honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans, active military, and their families.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on the slopes from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Then stick around for caroling and fire pits on the Plaza Deck from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Followed by the Torchlight Parade, fireworks, and Santa rappelling from the Tram at approximately 6:00 p.m. Candelight Christmas Eve Service held at 7:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Enjoy fire pits, hot cocoa, and waffles from 3:00–5:00 p.m. on the Plaza Deck on December 31. Stay for the Torchlight Parade at approximately 6:00 p.m. followed by fireworks display and New Year’s parties in the Wildflower Lounge and Tram Club. snowbird.com
