Torches and fireworks to welcome new year
By Kelsey Dayton, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Date: December 31, 2012
Before the fireworks at three ski mountains in Teton County, torchlight parades will light the night on New Year’s Eve.
At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, kids can meet at the Kids Ranch at the base of the mountain at 4:50 p.m. to participate in a glowworm parade that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Mountain staff will follow the kids’ parade at 6 p.m., skiing down along Apres Vous lift, said Anna Cole, communications manager at the resort.
Across the Tetons at Grand Targhee, kids 5 to 14 who want to ski with glow sticks should sign up before 4 p.m. at the activity center.
The route comes off the Shoshone lift. Kids must be able to turn and stop while carrying a glow stick, said Ken Rider, director of marketing and sales at Grand Targhee.
A parade that features adults starts afterward. Any adult wanting to ski in the parade should sign up at the activity center by 4 p.m.
Anyone wanting to participate is advised to wear an old jacket and old gloves in case sparks from the flares land on your clothing, said Andy Williams, director of special events.
Snow King Resort’s parade is perhaps the most dramatic.
Expert skiers carry flares and ski from the summit of the Town Hill. There’s room for 100 participants. To sign up, call 734-3188. Meet at the base of the summit lift at 5:45 p.m. to sign a liability waiver.
The parade down Snow King Mountain starts at 6:30 p.m.
The torchlight parades will be followed by fireworks at all three resorts.