The 10 best ski towns for ringing in the new year

According to popular belief, how you spend New Year’s Day will dictate how you’re going to spend the next year.

We say, hedge your bets and make sure that you’re not only skiing on New Year’s Day, but you’re also ringing in 2016 ski-town style.

Ski towns know how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.

From torchlight parades to pyrotechnical displays to concerts and parties so good you might not remember them in the morning, there’s no better place to say goodbye to 2015 than in a snow-covered town.

Check out these ski towns for New Year’s Eve and say hello to 2016 in style.

Breckenridge, Colorado

There is no doubt that Breckenridge knows how to celebrate (January’s Ullr Fest is a perfect example) and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Take the kids to participate in the glowworm parade, then enjoy the grown-up torchlight version on the mountain.

For the best views of the town’s fireworks, head to Boreas Pass via snowshoes, skis or skins. To continue the festivities, head to town. The bars and restaurants along Main and Ridge streets put on their party shoes and allow guests to celebrate in style, from refined cuisine at Relish to the corner of crazy with Cecelia’s, Liquid Lounge and Brooklyn’s.

See Colorado lift tickets.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler is making New Year’s Eve family friendly with three ticketed venues, each with guaranteed “regret free” entertainment. Start with ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza, then move on to Teen Dance Party at the Whistler Conference Center. However, the main attraction (and it’s free for everyone!) is the Fire & Ice Show at Skiers Plaza. You’ll get to watch skiers and snowboarders throw down with fire. Jumping through flaming hoops. Then fireworks. It’s New Year’s Eve with a bang.

See Western Canada lift tickets.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world, North Conway, NH is already on the map. However, it’s also a stellar pick for New Year’s Eve festivities. Spend the day skiing or riding at any of the 13 ski resorts and XC Centers in Mt Washington Valley, then hop on the Conway Scenic Railroad for a holiday train ride. A special “Cranapalooza” celebration at Cranmore Ski Resort kicks off the official NYE festivities, with plenty of family friendly elements and not one, but two massive fireworks displays: one at Cranmore and one in Schouler Park in North Conway.

See New England lift tickets.