Carry a Torch for Christmas

In these parts, Christmas on the slopes always has a nice ring: the powder, the icicles, the lights and the nightlife – they’re all part of the total holiday experience that Colorado’s mountain resorts work overtime to help create. But there’s nothing more spectacular than a torchlight parade down a mountain blanketed in snow and darkness, especially when there are fireworks included for the cherry on top. At Copper Mountain (www.coppercolorado.com), tonight’s torchlight does a tango with the resort’s winterlong En Fuego celebration, which means there’ll be fire performers, bonfires and entertainment on Burning Stones Plaza, along with the classic parade-and-fireworks combo. The jolly old man himself will carve Copper’s slopes during the day, as well. You can also spot Santa on skis from noon to 3 p.m. at Gorrono Ranch in Telluride (www.visittelluride.com), where torchlight festivities follow after dark. And skiers will hold torches aloft as they snake down the mountains tonight at Crested Butte (www.crestedbuttechamber.com) and Winter Park (www.winterparkresort.com). Share the wealth.

For more information on holiday events in the Colorado mountains, visit Colorado Ski Country at www.coloradoski.com. It’s a magical portal to all the haps, now and all winter long.
Wed., Dec. 24, 2008