Top Western Ski Resorts for 4th of July Celebrations

There’s nothing that says American summer quite like a sizzling grill, a cold brew in hand, and a sky bursting with color. Every year on the 4th of July, we pause to celebrate the birth of a nation, honoring July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States officially stepped onto the world stage. And if you ask us, there’s no better place to raise a toast to freedom than in a mountain town.

We’ve seen firsthand, from wild pond skim closings to epic spring festivals, that ski towns know how to party. When Independence Day rolls around, they kick it up a notch. Across the West, ski resorts pull out all the stops with live music, street parades, family-friendly festivities, and dazzling fireworks shows. In recent years, some resorts have swapped traditional fireworks for high-tech drone shows due to wildfire risk, and let’s be honest – these choreographed aerial displays are just as magical, if not more. Just keep in mind, firework plans and event details are always subject to change based on weather and fire conditions, so check resort websites for the latest info.

Ready to celebrate the 4th of July with mountain views, live music, and star-spangled summer vibes? We’ve rounded up the top Western ski resorts where you can honor Independence Day in unforgettable alpine style.

Top U.S. Independence Day Celebrations

1. Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate alpine summer playground, where glittering blue waters meet sun-soaked shores – and the 4th of July celebrations are as epic as the views. By day, it’s all about paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside lounging. By night, the skies erupt in one of the country’s most impressive fireworks shows. Ranked by the American Pyrotechnics Association as one of the top five displays in the nation, Tahoe’s Lights on the Lake is nothing short of legendary. The fireworks light up the entire basin and can be seen from nearly every corner of town, whether you're on the beach, a boat, or enjoying the show from a mountain vista.

Tahoe’s Independence Day weekend is packed with classic summer fun – think parades, live music, family-friendly events, and endless outdoor adventure. And if the snowpack sticks around, Palisades Tahoe might just bring back its crowd-pleasing Freedom Fest, a high-altitude celebration featuring morning skiing and live music under the summer sun. Past headliners have included EDM icon Paul Oakenfold. For the latest updates and event announcements, be sure to check the resort’s website – because this is one celebration you won’t want to miss.

2. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs does the 4th of July the way only a true Western ski town can – with cowboy boots, community spirit, and a whole lot of mountain fun. This beloved holiday weekend is all about Cowboys’ Roundup Days, a multi-day celebration packed with family-friendly fun, rodeos, live music, and festive small-town energy. Over the holiday weekend, the Pro Rodeo Series takes center stage with four nights of action-packed rodeos from July 3–6. 

On the 4th itself, the schedule is stacked: start your day with a classic pancake breakfast, then cheer on athletes in the Nordic Combined 1K run and 3K roller ski race. The traditional parade rolls down Lincoln Avenue, followed by live music and a ski jumping competition at Howelsen Hill – because yes, even in July, Steamboat finds a way to ski. The action-packed day wraps up with a state-of-the-art drone show that paints the sky, set against the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort.

3. Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte goes all-out for Independence Day, delivering one of the most memorable 4th of July celebrations in the Rockies. Kick off your 4th with the 50th Annual Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Crested Butte Fire and EMS Volunteer Squad. It's a wholesome, feel-good morning complete with ladder truck rides, lawn games, and balloon art for the kids. After breakfast, grab your spot along Elk Avenue for the town’s cherished 4th of July parade, which ends in the best way possible – a giant, good-natured town water fight that’s guaranteed to cool things off and bring big laughs.

Later, the celebration shifts to the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area, where the mountain serves as a spectacular backdrop for an evening of live music, kids’ activities, and BBQ vibes. Local artist Rachel VanSlyke opens the show, followed by high-energy performances from Twenty Hands High and the Devon Worley Band. Gates open at 3:30 PM, with festivities running until 10 PM, and capping off with an exciting fireworks display illuminating the entire slopes.

While you’re in town, make sure to check out the Cattlemen’s Days Carnival, happening July 2–5, and the Ranch Rodeo, a free event that delivers an authentic taste of Colorado cowboy culture.

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole loves the 4th of July so much, they celebrate it twice. This iconic Western destination goes big with two nights of fireworks and a full slate of festive events that capture the spirit of independence, community, and cowboy spirit. The celebration starts with the 15th annual Concerts on the Commons, a free music series that lights up Teton Village on both July 3 and 4. As the sun sets behind the Tetons, the evening builds to a spectacular fireworks display at 10 PM each night – offering two chances to catch the show beneath the Wyoming sky.

On the 4th, head into downtown Jackson for the town’s Fourth of July Parade from 10 AM to noon. It’s a true celebration of the area’s heritage, with floats honoring local ranching history, Western traditions, and the close-knit Jackson Hole community. The celebration continues with more live music, a good old-fashioned shootout in Town Square (a Jackson Hole tradition), and a thrilling rodeo that brings the Wild West to life. Stay tuned for artist announcements and full event details – but one thing’s for sure: Jackson Hole knows how to do the 4th right.

5. Aspen, Colorado

Get ready for a full dose of old-fashioned, high-altitude America, as Aspen Snowmass celebrates Independence Day with a weekend packed full of family fun, mountain adventures, and classic summer vibes. The festivities begin the morning of Friday, July 4th, with a favorite among locals and visitors alike: the Kids’ Bike Parade. It’s totally free to join, and decorations are provided – just bring your wheels and your patriotic spirit. Afterward, make your way to Main Street for Aspen’s beloved Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade, a heartwarming throwback that showcases this ski town’s charm.

The party continues at Koch Park, where the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club hosts a can’t-miss community BBQ. Food comes courtesy of The Little Nell (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), and the park transforms into a festive playground with live music, a beer garden, wine and tequila bars, bouncy castles, dunk tanks, yard games, face painting, and more – fun for the whole family. At 4 PM, the Aspen Music Festival takes center stage with a free community concert, capped off by a headlining performance from Fruition at Wagner Park. 

Stick around for Aspen’s Saturday Market, a perfect way to stroll and snack your way through town, and Bluegrass Sundays, a local secret for soaking up live tunes with mountain views. For those craving some high-elevation adventure, the Silver Queen and Elk Camp Gondolas at Aspen Snowmass Resort run daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Ride up to immerse yourself in wildflower-strewn hiking trails, scenic outdoor yoga classes, or mountaintop disc golf – plus that unbeatable view from the Sundeck at 11,000 feet.

6. Park City, Utah

Park City knows how to throw a celebration, and Independence Day is no exception. The party starts bright and early with a 5K Fun Run, followed by the town’s lively 4th of July Parade, which rolls through historic Main Street starting at 11 AM. Afterward, the fun continues in City Park with games, live music, and classic summertime buzz. As the afternoon heats up, enjoy a lively beer garden and a lineup of food vendors serving up everything from street eats to local favorites.

When the sun sets, look to the skies – Park City’s showstopping drone light display is one of the most enchanting (and eco-conscious) celebrations in the West. The best place to catch it? Park City Mountain Resort, where you’ll have a front-row seat to the magic. Stay tuned for artist announcements and more event details as the holiday approaches. Whether you're running, parading, dancing, or just soaking it all in, Park City’s 4th of July celebration is pure high-altitude joy.

7. Telluride, Colorado

This Independence Day, the town of Telluride invites you to celebrate at their 3rd Annual Fourth of July Bash! Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, this high-altitude holiday event is packed with fun for all ages. The day begins with a festive 4th of July Parade winding through Telluride’s charming, historic streets, followed by an afternoon of live music, lawn games, and good times in Town Park. Whether you're three or seventy-three, there’s something for you – from classic field day races like the three-legged and potato sack sprints, to corn hole tournaments and family-friendly events that keep the laughs going all day long.

Fuel up at local food vendor stands, cool off in the beer garden, and stick around for an evening of entertainment – including laser and drone shows that set the mountains aglow, plus a fireworks display (weather permitting) to cap off the celebration in true Telluride style. Be sure to check the resort website for up-to-date artist announcements, event schedules, and any weather-related updates. When it comes to celebrating the 4th, Telluride brings small-town soul that makes summer in the mountains memorable.

Ready to celebrate the 4th in some of the most stunning mountain towns in the West? Start by building your custom trip quote today – and if you have any questions, our knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts are just a call or chat away. We’ll help you plan an unforgettable Independence Day getaway, from fireworks to festivals and everything in between.