New Year's Eve 2011 Denver: ten best mountain celebrations

By Amber Taufen Thu., Dec. 15 2011 at 6:48 AM

Categories: New Year's Eve

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What better time to take advantage of this city's proximity to the beautiful Rocky Mountains -- and some of the best skiing in the world -- than New Year's Eve? Keep reading for our list of the ten best ways to celebrate New Year's, mountain-style.

10. Torchlight Parade in Steamboat
The annual Torchlight Parade & Fireworks at Steamboat Springs is a spectacle worth the drive from Denver; you'll see the Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School parade down the slopes lit only by torches. Afterward, there will be fireworks to help ring in the New Year. The parade starts at 7 p.m. Call 970-879-6111 or visit www.steamboat.com.

9. Torchlight Parade in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is also hosting a torchlight parade and a fireworks display -- plus concerts and a party at the Main Street Station. Call 877-864-0868 or visit www.gobreck.com.

8. Freestyle Nordic Race and Torchlight Parade in Crested Butte
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has some options for folks who want a little activity with their New Year's; the Glide into 2012 Freestyle Nordic Race & Relative Relay (visit www.crestedbuttechamber.org for details) will be held before Crested Butte's own torchlight parade. Call 800-545-4505 or visit www.crestedbuttechamber.com.

7. Party at Lakeside Village in Keystone
Looking for a mountainside champagne bar? Look no further than Keystone's New Year's Eve Celebration, which features a party at the Lakeside Village (including ice skating, a light show, a champagne bar and more); there will also be dinner options and live music at the resort. Festivities start at 5 p.m., and prices vary by activity; call 800-468-5004 or visit www.keystoneresort.com.

6. En Fuego!
Copper Mountain hosts fire-and-ice En Fuego events (one is pictured above) multiple times a year, but there's a special edition on New Year's Eve, plus a snowcat parade, fireworks display, the Burton Mountain Festival, parties throughout the village, an X Games rail-jam qualifier and more. Call 866-841-2481 or visit www.coppercolorado.com.

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