The ski slopes of Utah provide a festive atmosphere to celebrate the holidays and a beautiful backdrop to welcome the new year. Visitors and locals alike gather among the mountains to enjoy the fresh air, snowy scenery, shimmering lights, and fireworks. There is no shortage of events across the state of Utah and snow enthusiasts, families, and romance seekers won't need to search far for the perfect way to spend this special season.
Alta Ski Area
Ski With Santa
Dec 24, 2018 - 10:00-4:00 PM
Ski Alta with Santa on Christmas Eve! Santa will be relaxing and taking a few laps at Alta before his big night to deliver all the gifts. You might just find him in the Westward Ho Ho Ho area. Snap a photo with Santa if you can find him!
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Dec 31, 2018 - 5:00-9:00 PM
The spectacle of watching Ski Patrol descend the iconic High Rustler ski run after dusk amid the boom and clap of a thunderous firework display will be a memory for the ages. Join the fun for $10 and load up on the Collins Chairlift at 5:15 pm. All skiers will unload at the angle station and join an informal parade between 5:45 and 6:00 PM. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the thrill of skiing down in the dark underneath the fireworks will be exciting! Warm up near the bonfire at the base of the ski area.
Beaver Mountain
Dress Like Santa
Dec 24, 2018
Dress up like Santa on Christmas eve and ski or shred for free with an all-day lift pass. You must be in a full santa suit and available for a photo to be eligible for the discount.
Brian Head Ski Resort
New Year’s Eve Bash
Dec 31, 2018 - 3:00 PM to wee hours
Join the fun for Brian Head’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash! Expect great food, live tunes from band, Muddy Boots, a torchlight parade and fireworks. Dinner reservations are available and the lifts will be spinning for night skiing. The Last Chair Saloon will be open till 1:00 AM.
Deer Valley Resort
Christmas Eve Celebrations
Dec 24, 2018 - 9:00-7:30 PM
Santa will be greeting guests in the Snow Park Lodge area from 9-11 AM and in the Silver Lake Lodge Area from 12-1:30 PM. Skiers are encouraged to bring their cameras and snap a picture with Santa. A torchlight parade will be held at dusk on the Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain (behind the Snow Park Lodge). Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies will be available on the Snow Park Plaza between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. The parade will begin around approximately 6 PM.
Nordic Valley
Viking Cup Rail Jam & Santa Skiing
Dec 22, 2018 - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
This signature Nordic Valley freestyle event features a series of three events: a rail jam, a slopestyle comp and the best trick. Individual podium prizes will be awarded and all registration fees will be compiled into a hefty prize purse for the day. The Rail Jam will kick off at 11 AM. Entry fees are $15 and competitors may purchase a discounted $20 lift ticket. Santa will be making the rounds between 11 AM and 2 PM in a long-standing Nordic Valley tradition. Come take pictures and join the fun.
Frost Fat Bike Series
Dec 29, 2018 - 8:00-10:00 AM
Try your hand at the extremely fun and unlikely sport of fat biking. This friendly series is a great introduction to this snowy take on cycling.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun
Dec 31, 2018 - 5:00-6:00 PM
Fireworks and low-key family fun can be found at Nordic Valley on New Year’s Eve. This family-friendly resort is a great place for young kids.
Park City Mountain
Snowfest
Daily: Dec 22, 2019 - Jan 6, 2019
Snow, lights, music, all the action is happening at Park City’s lengthy Snowfest celebration. This free festival spans 16 days and features live music, activities, ice sculptures, s’mores and more. Find plenty of diversion in both the Park City Mountain Village and the Canyons Village every day. Keep your eyes peeled for Santa sightings leading up to Christmas Day.
Powder Mountain
Live Music at the Powder Keg
Dec 31, 2018 - 3:00-6:00 PM
After a day on the slopes, soak up the lively sounds of the band Funk&Gonzo at Powder Mountain's Powder Keg bar and restaurant. This group of six gentlemen blend reggae, rock, and hip hop into a fantastic show dripping with positive vibes. Enjoy beer on tap or one of the Powder Keg’s many delicious menu options.
Snowbasin Resort
Santa Skis at Snowbasin
Daily: Dec 14-23, 2018
Santa has spent all year in his workshop, and he'll be blowing off a little steam and skiing around Snowbasin in the days leading up to Christmas. Snap a photo and grab some turns with Santa!
Christmas Eve Celebration
Dec 24, 2018
Join the traditions of Snowbasin Resort and attend their annual Christmas Eve Celebration on the 24th. Santa will stop by for a quick hello before heading out for a long night with his team of loyal reindeer. Snap pictures with Santa before he departs and witness a Christmas Eve torchlight parade and fireworks show on City Hill. Kiddos will enjoy free hot cocoa, gingerbread cookie decorating, s’mores, and the burning of the yule log. A sumptuous meal will also be available at Earl’s lodge and no reservations are required.
Snowbird
Full Moon Dinner
Dec 22, 2018 - 7:30-10:00 PM
Celebrate the second day of winter and the passing of the Winter Solstice at 11,000 feet atop Snowbird’s Hidden Peak with fine dining and live music. Slow-roasted brisket, seared salmon, chocolate fondue, and more will be available for adventurous diners at The Summit restaurant under a luminous full moon. Space is limited, so book now!
Santa Skis Free
Dec 23, 2018 - 7:30-10:00 PM
Join the ‘Santa Squad’ for a free ride on the Santa Express (aka aerial tramway). The first 75 people dressed in a complete Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or Elf suit will ski or shred for free. Register at Snowbird’s Activity Center between 9-10 AM and join a group photo before riding the Santa Tram to the top of Hidden Peak at 10 AM.
Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade & Fireworks
Dec 24, 2018 - 6:00-7:45 PM
Snowbird is a special place to celebrate the holidays! Head to the Tram Plaza around dusk on Christmas Eve for bonfires, a torchlit parade, and fireworks. Following the action, Santa will rappel out of the aerial tram to greet the kids before his long night of sleighing across the skies. Wrap up a memorable evening with a serene candle lighting, a short non-denominational service and live music.
Santa & Mrs. Claus Ride The Bird
Dec 25, 2018 - 6:00-7:45 PM
After pulling an all-nighter, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take the day to relax and enjoy the fresh air at Snowbird. These denizens of the North Pole will be riding around the mountain to hand out high fives and share some smiles.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Avalanche Dog Demonstration
Dec 22 & 28, 2018 - 4:45-5:45 PM
A special treat, the Solitude Avalanche Dog Demo is a unique opportunity to meet these highly-trained pooches that specialize in search and rescue efforts. Witness their training drills at the base of the Apex Express Chairlift and volunteer to participate in their life-saving training. You may even be lucky enough to meet Joni, Solitude's newest and youngest avy dog. A young German Wirehaired Pointer Lab mix, she's full of vim and vigor and cute enough to make you squeal.
Meet & Greet With Santa
Dec 24, 2018 - 5:00-7:00 PM
Capture the memories of a Merry Christmas at Solitude and get your photo taken with Santa at the Village Green fire pits between 5 and 7 PM.
Ride With Santa
Dec 25, 2018 - 9:00-11:00 AM
After a big night, Santa Claus will be heading to the slopes of Solitude to unwind. Find yourself on a Santa hunt and see if you can find him on the lower mountain above the Moonbeam Center. Santa will have lots of leftover candy to hand out to children, naughty or nice!
Glow Parade
Dec 30, 2018 - 4:45-7:00 PM
Kiddos under 12 are all invited to join Utah’s best glow parade. Check-in will be at the Last Chance Lodge at 4:45 PM to enjoy the sunset and complimentary hot beverages and treats. When dusk falls, kids will gear up and ride to the top of the Moonbeam Express Chairlift where Solitude’s fun-loving ski school instructors will guide children down the Main Street blue square run. Children must be comfortable in intermediate terrain and low light conditions.
Torchlight Parade & Magic Show
Dec 31, 2018 - 5:00-7:00 PM
Join Solitude for New Year’s Eve at the Last Chance Lodge for a sixty-minute magic show. The magician will end the show with a flourish by handing out sparklers and lights to greet the staff members of Solitude as they descend the mountain in a synchronized spectacle. If you just want to view the parade, it will begin around 6:00 PM. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase at this free event.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Live Music at the Owl Bar
Dec 31, 2018 - 9:30 PM
Seek the cozy warmth and rollicking atmosphere of the Owl Bar at Sundance to enjoy a live performance by The Hardy Brothers. Take time to sample the impressive cocktail menu!
Looking for more events? Check out our events calendar. And, we have a guide on spending the holidays in Utah you'll want to check out as well.
