Visiting Utah ski resorts during the holiday season is a holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike, and the slopes are especially magical on New Year’s Eve, when they’re illuminated by skiers carrying torches down the mountain. Across the state (and world), they mark the beginning of celebrations meant to welcome the new year.
Here are the Utah ski resorts that host New Year’s torchlight parades:
Deer Valley (December 30)
Although it’s technically on New Year’s Adam (the day before NYE), Deer Valley’s torchlight parade is still a thrilling event. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the energy of a ski resort celebration if you’ve already got dinner reservations the next night.
Deer Valley invites people to view their parade from behind the Snow Park Lodge. It’ll commence down Big Stick run at 6 p.m. For the best view, get your place as early as 5:30.
Park City Mountain Resort
Join Park City Mountain Resort for a fun-filled evening, complete with cookies, cocoa and live music. Begin the night with Aprés at the Airstream, a lively 21+ experience hosted at the Canyons Village Base. Bring your dancing shoes because live music begins at 5:30 p.m. on the nearby Canyons Stage. At 6 p.m., the resort’s ski school staff will begin to make their way down, winding from Over and Out and down Lower Doc’s run. Fireworks culminate the event.
Solitude
Keep your aprés ski celebrations at Solitude’s Last Chance Lodge so you can get a glimpse of the torchlight parade, featuring resort staff members. It’ll begin slithering down the mountain at 6:30 and culminate with a fireworks display.
Looking for entertainment beforehand? Festivities begin at 3 p.m. with live music at the Village Center and Last Chance Lodge. At 4:30, Last Chance will host a magic show, and at 4:40, there will be an avalanche dog demonstration—either are great entertainment option for children and adults alike. A lasagne dinner begins at 5:30, and karaoke runs from 4-10 p.m. at the Thirsty Squirrel.
Alta
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Alta Ski Area, a resort with a community that brings energy and excitement to every occasion. A bonfire in the Wildcat base area will kick off the festivities at 5 p.m. and a torchlight parade will begin in Collins Gulch at 6 p.m. Dress warm and make sure to bring your party hat! Fireworks will follow.
This parade is the only torchlight parade in Utah where the public is invited to participate, but note that tickets sell out fast. Lexi Dowdall, Alta’s communications manager, noted that in 2024, tickets sold out in 20 minutes. If you’d like to test your luck, arrive early at the Skier Services office, located at Wildcat Base. They open at 8 a.m.
Snowbird
Just down Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird’s torchlight parade will begin at 6 p.m. on the Plaza Deck and culminate in fireworks at approximately 6:30 p.m. Hot cocoa will be served from 6-7 p.m. and fire pits will be available.
A children’s torchlight parade will take place a few days earlier, on December 26. More information here.
Powder Mountain
Beginning at 6 p.m. and winding down Sundown run, Powder Mountain’s torchlight parade is a bright celebration of the resort’s community. Before the main event, a kid-friendly version, complete with LED torches, will be open to children between age 5 and 17, and their parents. Keep warm with hot cocoa as you savor the chilly mountain air with laughter and holiday magic.
Brian Head
Ring in the new year in southern Utah with Brian Head’s stunning torchlight parade, displayed by the resort’s talented ski patrollers. Head to the Giant Steps Base and claim a spot at 6 p.m.—the show begins at 6:15! Fireworks will follow.
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