HOLIDAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Skiing or snowboarding is an excellent way to spend your holiday vacation. Just about every ski resort goes above and beyond to make the holidays a special experience—glittering Christmas lights line village shops, families ice skate under the stars, seasonal music rings through the streets, and fireworks dazzle wide-eyed onlookers. Oh, and did we mention skiing Santas?

So no matter if you're celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali, Kwanza, or simply looking to ring in the New Year in style, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite resorts for skiing during the holiday season. Here we go...

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

When it comes to picturesque holiday destinations, Aspen, CO is about as good as it gets. Featuring plenty of Christmas concerts, on-mountain festivities, and above all: a reliable snowpack, Aspen Snowmass provides an incredible mountain setting for the holidays.

Adults will revel in exciting after-hours events at Theater Aspen while the kids will never forget activities like on-mountain scavenger hunts and Santa sleigh rides. Besides a never-ending list of things to do, Aspen is also the perfect place to unwind in peace. The spas at the Viceroy and Little Nell are some of the best in the world and Aspen's relative remoteness and 4 distinct mountains allow skiers and riders to move freely on the slopes.

Vail, Colorado

Vail’s Tyrolian-inspired villages shine brightly each night of the holiday season and everything from the skiing to the boutique shopping makes Colorado's largest ski resort also one of the best to call home for the holidays. During typical years, Vail hosts a variety of festive activities including tree lighting and the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down, and of course... fireworks.

Stowe, Vermont

Ever a quaint, quintessential New England town, Stowe is one of the most charming places to be – and ski – during the holidays. Walk around the historic town, which lies draped in Christmas lights, and peruse the local artisan market for special gifts for the folks who couldn't make it.

Some of the featured events include concerts at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center as well as the Community of Lights Contest, which allows visitors to rank local light displays using their smartphones.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, ID plays a fantastic host for holiday celebrations. Downtown Ketchum is typically adorned in breathtaking Christmas lights and nothing is quite as romantic as walking along the historic main street, arm in arm with those you love after a long day of skiing on Baldy.

The Christmas Torchlight Parade is a free, must-see event and the kids can even warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies afterward.

Palisades Tahoe, California

While a visit to this Lake Tahoe resort is always a treat, Palisades Tahoe really shines during the holiday season. With a vibrant village, ice skating rink, and more Christmas lights than you can count, this Tahoe mainstay features both great skiing and lots of off-mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Although events are still TBD for this Christmas season, expect some coming announcements regarding holiday programming throughout the coming weeks.

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