Published October 30, 2019
Deck the halls and deepen the slopes with snow. Every destination on the Ikon Pass celebrates its unique character all year round, and many mountains bring this charm to festive events throughout the holiday season. Whether it’s skiing with Santa or taking in a torchlight parade that lights up a snowy night, these destinations have special holiday events in store for the Ikon Pass community.
Feast with the Beast of the East at Killington
Follow Turkey Day with The Homelight Killington Cup / AUDI FIS Ski Women’s World Cup, from November 29th – December 1st. The HomeLight Killington Cup celebrates the history and passion for alpine ski racing here in the northeast.
Cheer on the fastest female ski racers in Slalom and Giant Slalom while they battle for the top prize on Killington’s signature Superstar trail. Beyond the race boundaries, the weekend is packed full of entertainment. Enjoy live music, fireworks, parades, movie screenings, and more.
Moonlight Dinners at Arapahoe Basin
Get glammed up for Arapahoe Basin’s Moonlight Dinner Series, happening on select dates December through April. Each dinner highlights cuisine from mountain regions around the world. Dine and enjoy a four-course, buffet-style meal and live entertainment.
All dinner reservations must be booked online in advance. Sales begin at 8:00 am MST on Monday one month prior to the dinner. We recommend booking in advance, as all Moonlight Dinners sell out quickly.
Get Illuminated at Blue Mountain
Beginning Saturday, November 30th, Blue Mountain’s Blumination Dream Trail is a free one kilometer, illuminated stroll through an otherworldly holiday light experience. Wander with wonder through the village and around the Mill Pond, where you’ll encounter interactive 3D art installations and a kaleidoscope of twinkling holiday lights. Weekends at this holiday event bring fireworks, horse and wagon rides, and visits with Santa.
Shred for Red with Deer Valley
Shred for a cause at Deer Valley this winter on December 7th. While riding The Greatest Snow on Earth®, do your part to spread awareness and raise funds to help eradicate blood cancers. All participants who raise more than $300 will enjoy a day on the slopes with a full-day lift ticket to Deer Valley Resort. Other perks include on-mountain activities, a Shred for Red participant bib, the opportunity to ski and take photos with past and current Winter Olympians, and access to their exclusive après-ski reception. All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Surround Yourself with Special Scenes at Palisades Tahoe formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Merry Days & Holly Nights: December 14th – January 4th
A series of holiday festivities, Merry Days & Holly Nights captures the holiday season. Take in orchestra performances, farm-to-table dinners, ice gardens, live music, and more. For a full list of events, head on over to Palisades Tahoe’s holiday event schedule.
World’s Largest Torchlight Parade: December 31st
Join the mountain community in ringing in the New Year with a one-of-a-kind holiday event. Over 3,000 skiers and riders of all ages will join together on New Year’s Eve with a final lap down the hill. Each participant will join in the procession while lighting up the night sky with colorful LED torches.
Get Magical at Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain’s Night of Lights on December 14th sets the stage for family festivities this holiday season. Join the revelers at Canyon Lodge to kick off the holidays with a free, fun-filled night for all ages. Magic shows, face painting, letters to Santa, snowmobile rides, fireworks, and live music make this a holiday event to remember.
Winter Wonders at Winter Park Resort
Catch up with Santa’s sleigh as he takes a whopping four days out of his busy holiday schedule to ski through Winter Park Resort on December 15th, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Enjoy carols and hot chocolate while posing with Santa for photos. Snap your selfie with Santa and then join the procession of torch-bearing skiers and riders as they light up the slopes in the Winter Park Torchlight Parade. The event concludes with a spectacular firework display and snowcats roaming the slopes while adorned with gleaming holiday lights.
Sleigh It at Steamboat Resort
Steamboat embraces holiday events with its own unique western twist. On On December 23rd, experience the Holiday Festival in Gondola Square. Spur on Santa while he frolics down the snowy slopes atop horseback, then indulge your sweet tooth with cookie decorating and holiday treats. In the evening, take in the much-beloved stocking scramble followed by a free concert.
The party doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Continue the celebration after dark with a torchlight parade, fireworks, and night skiing.
Celebrate Holiday Events at Copper
Copper Mountain wraps itself in holiday lights and festive cheer during December. On the 24th, see Santa shred the hill before being whisked away to deliver gifts in his sleigh. Kids can enjoy a glow stick parade and festive fireworks, all set to a DJ spinning classic holiday tunes.
Copper Mountain will also host a Moonlight Dine & Ski holiday event on New Year’s Eve. Celebrate 2020 with a chairlift ride to a champagne toast and buffet dinner at Solitude Station. With the stars shining, ski down on a freshly groomed trail under the light of the night sky. For kids, the New Year will be ushered in with a children’s glowstick pageant, a torchlight parade, and a mountainside fireworks display.
From west coast to east coast, every Ikon Pass destination is ready to make your holiday adventure one for the books. Whether set upon the snowy slopes or under a sky alight with fireworks, seek out the Ikon Pass destinations that are near to your heart and ensure that this holiday season sets the stage for celebration.
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