When it comes to all the magical things, the young and young at heart love about the holidays. Nothing can quite compete with spending the holidays in the mountains. What could be more festive than gently falling snow, warm lodges with roaring fireplaces, frosty pine forests, and mountain villages bedecked in twinkling lights and holly?
We may be biased because we live, work, and play here, but Aspen Snowmass is truly the best mountain destination to spend the holidays. A stacked holiday-themed events calendar and the fact that four mountains to ski and two towns to explore ensure that every stripe of merrymaker can enjoy their slice of holiday heaven. In addition, Aspen Snowmass is a bit off the beaten path from many of the other Colorado ski resorts, so long holiday-week lift lines and crowded slopes are not commonplace.
Here are a few more of our favorite things about the holidays in Aspen Snowmass:
1.Bonus Holiday Ullr Nights at Snowmass
This nighttime winter celebration, held on select Fridays at Snowmass’ Elk Camp, is getting two extra days during the holidays: December 30 and January 1. The whole clan will enjoy gathering around the bonfire to roast s’ mores after they’ve enjoyed the many on-mountain thrills, which include the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, live music, and ice bar, specialty treats, and much more.
2. 12 Days of Aspen
Aspen’s annual celebration of the season features activities like free ice skating caroling, visits from Santa and his reindeer at the Cooper Ave. Mall, caroling, and much more. See the full schedule.
3. Festive Lights at Wagner Park in Aspen
Whether you’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in downtown Aspen or just enjoying the atmosphere, the beautiful icicle drip lights that illuminate the trees around Wagner Park are a must experience.
4. Santa’s Village & Menorah Celebration at Snowmass
The new Snowmass Base Village is transformed into Santa’s Village from December 21-24, 2019. You can find Santa and his helpers at the Collective Lounge, right next to The Rink. Enjoy complimentary photos with the Jolly Old Elf, caroling, and much more. From December 22-30, 2019, the Collective will also feature daily Menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah.
5. Romantic Snowcat Dinners
For those looking for a romantic holiday experience, an on-mountain dinner at Snowmass’ Lynn Britt or Aspen Highlands’ Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is a must. You and your special someone will be whisked via snowcat to these charming mountain dining cabins, where you’ll be treated to a five-star meal and a world-class wine list. En route to or from your dinner, you can enjoy stunning mountain sunsets and starlit winter skies. Advanced reservations are required, and availability is limited.
6. New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Edge
Ring in the New Year with an outstanding dining experience that will kick off your 2020 a delicious note. The Timberline’s award-winning, the onsite restaurant offers a pre-fixe New Year’s Eve menu. You won’t want to miss, especially if you enjoy authentic Bavarian-Alpine cuisine. Reservations are required. View more information, as well as the menu here.
7. Snowmass Torchlight Parade & Two Fireworks Displays
Celebrate the beginning of the new decade at Snowmass. Gather at the base of Fanny Hill at 6 p.m. to watch skiers and snowboarders illuminate the mountain with their glow stick-lit turns. Furthermore, you can also join in the fun yourself if you’re a skier or snowboarder, ages eight and up. Parade participants will want to load up the Village Express at 5:30 p.m. Stick around until 10 p.m. to enjoy the Snowmass Fireworks. Learn more about the Snowmass New Year’s Eve celebrations.
If you’re in for a late-night of celebrations, head to Aspen to catch the 12 a.m. fireworks.
