Ringing In The New Year

As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, getting in the party mood in a ski resort is an unforgettable experience.

Memories that will last a lifetime are created by a variety of special, and sometimes unique, events. Here are some of the sights and sounds that skiers and snowboarders of all ages can enjoy.

Torchlight Descents

Many ski areas organise torchlight descents, when instructors and guides from the local ski schools create a spectacular river of fire as they snake their way down the mountain to the centre of the resort, often accompanied by music. Some allow visiting skiers and snowboarders to join them.

Firework Displays

Fireworks are a common feature of New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the snow-covered mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the pyrotechnic displays.

Extended Operating Hours

Some resorts extend their operating hours on New Year’s Eve, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of night skiing and snowboarding under the moonlight or on floodlit slopes.

Music, Entertainment, and Parties

Music and entertainment are key components of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Skiers and snowboarders can dance the night away to live music performances, DJs spinning tunes, and outdoor concerts. Après ski also tends to be livelier than normal!

Themed Parties and Fancy Dress

Bars, hotels, and restaurants often host themed parties and encourage guests to attend in fancy dress which adds a playful and social aspect to the celebration.

Special Dining Experiences

The end of the year is also an opportunity for mountain huts and resort restaurants to offer special New Year’s Eve dining experiences. Skiers and snowboarders can indulge in gourmet meals, enjoy festive drinks, and celebrate the countdown to the new year in a cosy alpine atmosphere.

Unique Experiences

Some resorts offer special experiences such as night skiing and snowboarding leading up to the New Year’s midnight countdown, or first tracks for an early start on New Year’s Day. This allows skiers and snowboarders to start the New Year with the exhilaration of fresh powder and pristine slopes.

Family Activities

Ski resorts recognise that New Year’s Eve is a time for families to celebrate together and there are special activities for them to take part in.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

Every ski resort will offer its own New Year’s Eve programme of entertainment and to give you an idea of what you can expect, here is a snapshot of activities from some well-known ski areas.

Courchevel, France

Four DJs and 25 performers will be providing musical entertainment from 4pm onwards. There will be other special events including a special show provided by La Folie Douce. At midnight the sky will be lit up by a firework display. The party will then continue into the early hours.

Kitzbühel, Austria

The town is being lit up by special illuminations and on New Year’s Eve, street artists will be performing in the alleys of Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt.

The festivities get underway from 3pm with Kitzbühel Stadtmusik, and at 4pm there will be a varied music program and a DJ Set on a specially constructed stage in the Vorderstadt. This will be followed by a light and fire show.

St Moritz, Switzerland

As well as all the usual New Year’s Eve attractions, the Viva Restaurant is offering a special gala dinner which will include a six-course menu and live music and dancing.

Ortisei, Italy

The resort, which together with Santa Cristina and Selva, makes up the Val Gardena ski area in the Dolomites, will start its New Year’s Eve festivities with a torchlight descent at 6.15pm on the Palmer Slope. From 7pm bars and cafes will be offering a New Year’s Eve aperitif, and at 10pm a party organised by the local hockey club gets underway in St Antonio Square. After seeing in the New Year at midnight, the party continues until 2am.

Lake Louise, Canada

Skiers and snowboarders can ring in the New Year Rocky Mountain style by enjoying a buffet supper and night snow tubing, followed by a dance party with a champagne toast at midnight.

The party is taking place in the base area and guests can come in mountain casual gear or are encouraged to ‘dress to impress’. All ages are welcome.

Ringing In The New Year: A Summary

New Year’s Eve in ski resorts offers an unforgettable celebration with various unique events. Torchlight descents, fireworks against snow-capped mountains, extended night skiing, live music, and vibrant après-ski scenes are part of the festivities. Themed parties, gourmet dining, and special experiences like night skiing before the countdown are available. Ski resorts cater to families with dedicated activities. Each resort hosts its own entertainment, exemplified by well-known areas like torchlight descents and gala dinners.