Seven ways to spend New Year’s Eve in ski country

New Year's Eve fireworks at Sugarbush Resort. (Sugarbush photo)

Each year, the days leading up to New Year’s Eve are filled with pressure to make it the most fun night to date. It’s almost as if the way we spend the night is a foreshadowing of the upcoming year. And if all goes well, we’ll have plenty of photos to post on Instagram — that way there’s no question about how hard we partied.

Luckily, as skiers who always have our eyes on the happenings (and weather) at our local ski resorts, options are plentiful. In fact, in a scene that enjoys parties almost as much as powder days, maybe too plentiful.

From all-night dance parties to a romantic night out, here are a few ways to spend New Year’s Eve in New England’s ski country this year.

Stowe | The Rusty Nail Stage at Tres Amigos in Stowe, Vt., will be ringing in the new year with an ’80s vs. ’90s-themed show, performed by the Tricksters. The festivities will begin and 9 p.m. and last until 1 a.m. Tickets, which are $25 in advance, include a champagne toast, ballroom drop, photobooth and, of course, access to the concert. And don’t be scared to dress up in your favorite ’80s and ’90s attire.

 Sugarbush  | While celebrations will conclude before the ball actually drops, Sugarbush is hosting a variety of events on New Year’s Eve. A kids’ torchlight parade will take place at 4 p.m., followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. And that leaves you plenty of time to head back home or to your friend’s house party to celebrate.

Red Parka Pub  | If you plan on being in the Mount Washington Valley on New Year’s and are looking to celebrate at a classic ski bar, there is no other place to be than the Red Parka Pub. The bar will be featuring live music from 9 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., and admission is free.

Pickle Barrel  | The Pickle Barrel Nightclub, located at Killington, is a great option for those who don’t want the night to end. Unlike many other ski town bars that start to clear out just after the clock strikes midnight, the Pickle Barrel will have live music from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. A ticket must be purchased in advance to attend this event.

 Gunstock  | Gunstock Resort, located in Gilford, N.H., will be hosting its annual Gunstock Rocks New Year’s Eve celebration. The event is family-friendly and includes night skiing, tubing, games, a DJ and on-mountain fireworks, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Wentworth  | Located in Jackson, N.H., the Wentworth Inn offers a romantic New Year’s Eve package in the Mount Washington Valley. This black-tie event includes a gala five-course dinner, a champagne toast, live music and breakfast each morning. Rates start at $414 per night for two. 

Jay Peak | Jay Peak might be known more for its deep powder and tree skiing than its aprés scene, but on New Year’s, it’s the perfect place to have it all. Jay will be celebrating 2020 with an on-mountain fireworks display that can be seen from all resort properties at 9 p.m., followed by a ’90’s-themed live music event. Tickets are $15 in advance and include one drink.