The festive season is here and this year the snow came with it! It’s a perfect time to head to the mountains in Vermont for a few runs with the family. When you’re done making turns, Vermont’s mountain resorts are putting on some great holiday events for the family through the new year. Here are just a few. Check out your favorite resort’s event calendar for more.
Wintershine at Jay Peak Resort
December 16, 24, 2023
Sometimes in the hustle and bustle, we forget what it is to gather around the fire and just enjoy the season. So Jay Peak is starting a new tradition, they’ve lit up the entire base area with hundreds of thousand of twinkle lights. (I’ve been fortunate to see this in person and I must say, it’s beautiful.) Every weekend you can join the Jay Peak community around the fire, enjoy free s’mores, live music, and on the 23rd, a fireworks show!
Santa Sunday at Bolton Valley Resort
December 17, 2023
Join in the annual tradition. Dress from head to toe in a Santa Claus costume and ski or ride for free at Bolton Valley on December 17. This challenge is not for the faint of heart, a red jacket won’t cut it, but if your kid loves costumes as much as mine it may be a worthwhile challenge! Take part in the Santa group photo at the base lodge and then enjoy a day of holiday turns.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Smuggler’s Notch
December 21, 2023
It’s the shortest day of the year and Smuggler’s Notch is celebrating with a bonfire, s’mores, hot chocolate, glow sticks, and more. The Drum Theater and Cirque De Fuego will be performing before a fireworks display officially kicks off the winter season.
Glow Skate Party at Stowe Mountain Resort
December 22, 2023
Skate under the stars with glow lights and a DJ at the outdoor village ice rink at Stowe. The evening wouldn’t be complete without a light show! Skates will be available for rent at the Adventure Center.
Kids Corner Holiday Activities at Killington
December 28-30, 2023
After a day on the hill, bring the family to the Snowshed Base Lodge for cookie decorating, board games, arts & crafts, and more. And for the big kids, there will be live music at the Long Trail Pub.
Grommet Jam at Mount Snow
December 29, 2023
Is your little shredder in the park all day? Let them learn a few things and then show off their skills at Mount Snow’s Grommet Jam. The first in a series, the Grommet Jam is a great way for kids ages 7-12 to get out and learn a few park skills from Mount Snow’s coaches and instructors before competing in a fun park competition.
Blizzard Boogie Sugarbush Resort
December 30, 2023
Dance mode! Get your groove on during the Blizzard Boogie in the courtyard at Sugarbush Resort. This family-friendly dance party is a great way to shake the sillies out during a winter ski day.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Okemo Mountain Resort
December 31, 2023
Celebrate the new year without staying up until midnight. Enjoy music, games, food, and more at the Jackson Gore Courtyard and Roundhouse form 5-8pm. Round out the evening with a fireworks display with enough time for a good rest before new years turns the next day.
Recovery of the Bears at Stratton Mountain
January 1, 2024
Ready to kick off the new year? Recovery of the Bears is an uphill snowshoe race from the Stratton base lodge to Mid-Mountain and back down. Snowshoe rentals are available to work off the New Year’s revelry. Register in advance for this one!
Sarah Borodaeff is a freelance writer, project manager, and tiny person wrangler. A snowsports enthusiast, Sarah has worked in the snowsports industry for over fifteen years as a ski coach, in marketing, and most recently as an associate editor for Ski Area Management. She is currently endeavoring to keep up with a toddler whose favorite phrase is “go outside!”