Snowmass Village, Colo., (November 30, 2017) – No time of year is more magical than a holiday season spent in Snowmass, surrounded by the stunning snowcapped mountains and vibrant town spirit. An idyllic holiday destination, Snowmass transports guests to a winter wonderland, making it the ultimate destination for celebration this holiday season.

Starting in December and lasting through the New Year, guests can celebrate the holidays with a variety of festive events including the traditional tree lighting ceremony at the Snowmass Chapel, complimentary photos with Santa in Santa’s Village, holiday carolers, and more, all set against the vibrant backdrop Colorado’s top ski destination. 

New for adults and kids alike, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores, free s’mores with a unique Snowmass spin every day from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Guests can find branded s’mores carts at the fire pits in Base Village and the Snowmass Mall, where they can choose from a menu of out-of-the-ordinary s’mores fixings to roast and build their perfect s’more. Holiday flavors include The Candy Cane (chocolate thin, marshmallow, and white chocolate peppermint bark) and Oh Snap! (gingerbread cookie, marshmallow, and milk chocolate).

Snowmass Village lights up for the holiday season on Saturday, December 2^nd at 5:30 p.m. with the annual Light Up The Night at the Snowmass Chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to celebrate the kick off to the holiday season with cookies, hot chocolate, and carols.

Starting December 6^th-24^th children with a Christmas wish can write their own personal letter to Santa and drop it off in Santa’s Mailbox, located on the Snowmass Mall. The Snowmass Sun features select letters in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Celebrate Hanukkah with a large Menorah in the window of the Ice Age Discovery Center, December 12^th-20^th.

The holiday cheer continues Sunday, December 14^th with Handel’s “Messiah”, presented by the Aspen Choral Society at the Snowmass Chapel at 7:00 p.m. The yearly holiday tradition, directed by Paul Dankers, features Julian Hallmark as concertmaster, and community members in the chorus and orchestra. Tickets are $20 at the door; $15 in advance at AspenShowTix.com.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers guests a magical winter experience during their Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 19^th. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. and includes an art sale with art by artists-in-residence and staff, studio tours, the debut of a new exhibit, children’s art activities, and a holiday dinner at 7:00 p.m. in the Ranch Café. The evening also features a book signing by Daniel Shaw, who has written a new book on Anderson Ranch, 50 Years in the Making.

The Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village come alive as Santa’s Village from December 21^st-24^th.  Between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on December 21^st and 23^rd in Snowmass Mall, and December 22^nd and 24^th in Base Village, boys and girls can take complimentary photos with Santa.  Holiday carolers will also be on hand to sing favorites such as “T’was the Night Before Christmas”, “Little Drummer Boy”, and “Oh Holy Night”.

On Christmas Eve, guests can attend one of three Christmas Eve Ceremonies at Snowmass Chapel. Ceremonies occur on December 24^th at 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Each ceremony includes a chamber orchestra, choir, Christmas carols, seasonal readings, and more. Guests with children are welcome to attend the 5:00 p.m. service, designed specifically for families.

Ullr Nights at Elk Camp return on Friday’s throughout the season, starting December 22^nd. Ullr Nights see Elk Camp transformed into a winter playground, offering family activities from tubing to snowbiking, and fireside s’mores. New for the winter season is the Breathtaker Coaster, featuring a 5,700 foot track that winds through the trees outside the restaurant. Guests can purchase an Activities Pass, good for two hour sessions from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., which includes unlimited rides on the Breathtaker Coaster and on the tubing hill. A special Ullr Night occurs on Tuesday, December 26^th.

On Saturday, December 30^th, starting at 5:30 p.m. take a walk under the night sky on a Moonlit Trek, a 1.2-mile walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski around the Snowmass Club golf course, with a stop for cookies and hot chocolate and a guided tour at 6:00 p.m. by an ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) naturalist. Moonlit and Starlit Treks are the only time guests are able to walk on the Nordic Trails without the aid of snowshoes or Nordic skis, a truly unique experience. End with a family-style pasta dinner at Black Saddle Bar and Grille with live music by local musician Tom Paxton and s’mores.

On New Year’s Eve, guests and locals alike are invited to experience the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. The Torchlight Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and all are welcome to participate (loading for participation begins at 5:30 p.m.) or enjoy from the base of the mountain. Fireworks over Snowmass Village begin at 10:00 p.m. Additional New Year’s Eve dining specials, parties, and much more can be found around the village.

For more information, please visit www.gosnowmass.com/events.

About Snowmass Village, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant mountain community just 9 miles from downtown Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best ski areas in the world and was listed as the #4 resort in the west by SKI Magazine in 2018. Celebrating 50 years of operations during the 2017/2018 ski season and part of Aspen Snowmass, Snowmass Ski Area offers guests 3,332 acres of multi-level terrain and boasts the second largest vertical drop in the United States. 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging, over 35 restaurants, numerous shops and boutiques, a bounty of off-piste activities, and a friendly, small town feel beckon visitors year-round. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit: www.gosnowmass.com.

Snowmass Tourism Media Contact: Sara Stookey, Public Relations Coordinator, Snowmass Tourism, 970-922-2285 or sstookey@SnowmassTourism.com.

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