New Years Deals & Events

The holidays are a hectic time for most everyone. There is so much to accomplish. Places to be, gifts to purchase & deliver, cards to send, and parties to attend.

I can tell you one thing, not having extraordinary conditions to lure me north these past few weekends has made this time a bit less taxing. Although there are two sides to every fence and unfortunately the snow is whiter on the other side. I would have gladly sufficed the extra effort and slept a few hours less to be snorkeling in hip deep powder.

The good news is I am confident we have finally put all the nonsensical weather in the rear view mirror. Conditions are rapidly improving. The mountains are making snow 24/7 and certain places have been picking up some added cheer from the heavens. New Years Weekend should be good skiing and riding in New England.
If you are like me—flat out busy—you most likely still do not have plans for New Years. Here is the Guru’s holiday gift to everyone. Later in this entry find a comprehensive list of deals and events when the ball drops. This is most everything that has hit my inbox to date, I hope you find it useful.
Q: Do you really do not what to spend another NYE in the city or burbs?
A: NO
Get moving on some snow plans. Surprise that special someone in your life or get a group of friends together and head for the mountains.
Appearing in alphabetical order…
Ascutney, VT
A lot going on for New Year’s Eve…from live music to a delicious buffet, children’s entertainment and of course fireworks!
Holiday Celebration Vacation Packages
December 26-31, 2006 with 4 night minimum
(3 night stays available for arrivals on December 26 or 29)
2 – 4 Nights Adult $189 Junior $165
5 Nights or More Adult $165 Junior $135
Rates are per person per night and includes lift tickets.
Crotched Mountain, NH
If anyone wants to stay up late for 3 nights in a row, Crotched is kicking off Midnight Madness on December 29th. 9p-3a, the ONLY regular late night ski & ride sesssion in the east. So here’s the plan… party on the slopes Friday night, party on the slopes Saturday night, and then party with your friends on Sunday night for the New Year.
Mount Snow, VT
You need to be sold on where to come for New Year’s? All you need to do is check out the dessert menu for this year’s New Year’s Eve Annual Ballroom Party.
In addition there’s the great DJ Next Generation spinning party tunes, a great atmosphere in the swanky Grand Summit Hotel Somerset ballroom and activities to keep the kids happy like face painting, magic and jugglers.
Conveniently located in southern Vermont, Mount Snow is the closest big mountain skiing available to people in the Boston metro area. We are renowned for being a family friendly destination that caters to all ability levels of skiing and riding.
Our Great Holiday Getaway Package starts at just $133.
Great Holiday Getaway
Call: 800-498-0479
Available Dec 24, 2006-Jan 1, 2007
Plan now for these special holiday packages and guarantee your favorite spot in Vermont along with 10% lift ticket savings*.
Valid:
Christmas – New Year’s: 12/24/06-1/1/07.
*2 day minimum on lift ticket for 10% savings; 2 night minimum, or more depending on the lodging facility. Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy based on a 2 night stay. Rates do not include applicable tax & service charge. Rates are subject to change and based on availability. Some restrictions apply. 48 hours advance notice is required to book a package with lift tickets.
And we’ve got some nice family-oriented activities going on during the week, including our famous Torchlight parade, ending in Fireworks, and an opportunity for kids to learn how to ski or ride freestyle terrain in our specially designed kids’ terrain park, Grommet.
Mount Sunapee, NH
At Mount Sunapee we ring in the New Year family style. We have a buffet dinner Sunday night, December 31, in Goosefeathers Pub in Spruce Lodge. The buffet opens at 7:00pm and there is no need to make reservations. Fireworks go off at 9:00pm on the slopes right outside the lodge. We have a DJ and he gets all the kids up doing line dances, YMCA and everything else under the sun. It is a great family party. The cost is $20 for teens and adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Very reasonable.
Pats Peak, NH
Called a “Party in Motion,” this year’s party will feature live bands, hors d’oeuvres, food stations, Monte Carlo gambling, dancing, and a midnight fireworks display. Guests are invited to enjoy a range of entertainment that’s suitable for families.
The party begins at 6pm, and the slopes are open until 10pm. Guest can purchase a “Party & Skiing” ticket that allows access to every activity. “Party Only” and “Skiing Only” tickets are also available. The party includes an impressive fireworks display, a champagne toast, party favors, dancing, and much more.
New Year’s Eve Schedule of Events:
Skiing/Snowboarding 3-10pm
Tubing 5-10pm
Monte Carlo 6–11pm
Light Hors d’oeuvres 6-8pm
Food Stations 8 pm–12am
Live Band 8pm-12am
Party Favors 10pm
Champagne Toast 11:45pm
Fireworks Midnight
New Year’s Eve Ticket Options:
Party and Skiing
Adult (18-64): $90
Junior (6-17)/ Senior (65+): $50
Party Only
Adult (18-64): $70
Junior (6-17)/ Senior (65+): $35
Skiing Only
Adult (18-64): $28
Junior (6-17)/ Senior (65+): $24
Children 5 & under are free. Child Care is available by the hour and advance reservations are suggested. The “Party & Skiing” ticket includes tubing from 5-10pm.
For more information, go online at patspeak.com, come in to Skier Services or call 1-888-PATS-PEAK (728-7732).
Saddleback, ME
Reservations for New Year’s Eve at the Swig N’ Smelt
Reservations are still available for Saddleback’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance in the Swig N’ Smelt Pub. At 8:30pm a buffet dinner will be served, dancing to follow dinner with music from the Elmore Twist Band. At midnight, a champagne toast complete with party favors and finger foods all around. The price per person is $75.00, call for details 1-866-918-2225.
Shawnee Peak, ME
Ski and Stay the weekend New Year’s in the Shawnee Peak House at Shawnee Peak Maine! The Shawnee Peak House is located right across the street from the Main Base Area! Just $175/night gets three people set up with lodging and lift tickets each night of the New Year’s Weekend! Call 207-647-8444 for reservations!
New Year’s Eve Night – Rockin Reggae in Blizzard’s Pub with The Scott Girouard Band. $40/person gets you a sumptuous buffet feast, live entertainment from 8-midnight and champagne toast. Call 207-647-8444 for info and reservations.
Ski til 9pm on New Year’s Eve at Shawnee Peak!
Ski NH
What a great resource. They are making it easy with one stop shopping for the entire state. If there is a place that I missed in NH that you are eyeballing check this out.
That gives you a summary of ski & stay packages (all are valid for the vacation week and the Indian Head Resort package is specifically for New Year’s Eve), events and ticket deals – yes, there are many ticket deals even during the holiday week!
Stowe, VT
The Deal
Here’s how it works: Purchase your multi-day lift tickets at least 7 days in advance and you receive 15% savings off multi-day ticket rates, holidays included.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling Stowe’s toll-free phone number.
The Extras
With a 2 or 3 consecutive day adult/senior ticket purchase, choose a two-hour ski/snowboard demo from the Stowe Toys Demo Center or one free Quick-Tune.
Four or more days…kids ski free
With a 4, 5, 6, 7 or more consecutive day adult/senior ticket purchase, there are options for either adults or their children. For children, the choice is a multi-day child ticket or coupon for 25% off multi-day Children’s Adventure Program (lift included). For an adult, the choice is a multi-day adult group lesson or a multi-day ski or snowboard rental.
For tickets and program details visit www.Stowe.com or call 1.888.253.4TIX.
Then the only thing you’ll need to worry about is waking up early enough for first tracks!
Sugarbush, VT
The EVENT of the millenium up here at the ‘Bush: The Gate House Gala: ONLY 200 hundred tickets will be sold and they are actually going quickly.
The most ambitious project in Sugarbush’s history, the Lincoln Peak Village will be the epicenter of New Year’s revelery this December 31st when the festivities get underway in the new Gate House.
Following the Torchlight Parade:
8:30 – Doors Open. Heavy Appetizer Buffet Served (must be 21 years of age or older to attend).
9:00–12:30 – Live music featuring The Evan Goodrow Band
$40 pp in advance (must purchase by December 29th)
$50 pp At Door (purchase at the Season Pass office in the Gate House at Lincoln Peak)
Price includes dinner and live music. Cash bar.
Tickets available for pickup at the Lincoln Peak Season Pass office on Sunday, December 31st only.
Child care list available.
Sunday River, ME
Say goodbye to 2006 with celebrations for every age.
Summit Hotel
Legends New Years Eve Dinner Celebration
Enjoy a special 4 course meal
Choose from 7 delectable entree choices!
A family New Year’s in the Grand Ball Room
Call 207.824.5821 for reservations
Jordan Grand
Sliders New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials
Grand Avenue New Year’s Buffet Dinner
Kids’ Party Extravaganza
Call 207.824.5311 for reservations
Foggy Goggle
The Exclusive New Years Eve Party
Live band Love Whip not to be missed!
Desert table with delectable treats
Champagne toast
Call 207.824.5821 for reservations
Wachusett, MA
Ski or Ride-in-the-New-Year at Wachusett Mountain! Check out the flyer!
Join us for THE New Year’s Eve Celebration that you won’t
forget! The FUN starts at 4:00 PM so don’t miss out!
Make it an overnight- at Wachusett Village Inn
The Evening includes:
• Skiing and riding 4 p.m. ’till midnight **
• Tubing from 7:30 – 11:30pm *
• Fireworks at 10:30pm
• Live music by Bruce Jacques in the Coppertop Lounge 9 p.m.
• Magic by Eddie Raymond
• Balloon drop at midnight
• More entertainment to be announced.
$46 for Adults; $36 for Juniors
Packages:
Champagne Package – $85 per person plus tax & tip
Includes:
– All Activities listed above
– Skiing and Riding ’till Midnight
– Hor D’oeuvres
– Four Course Dinner
– Champagne Toast & Party Favors at Midnight
– Desserts & Coffee
– Adults Only
Menu:
Shrimp Cocktail
Jumbo Shrimp served on crushed ice with a traditional cocktail sauce
Waldorf Salad
Bibb and Belgium endive greens served in a Radicchio cup tossed with candid walnuts, granny smith apples and crumbled blue cheese finished with walnut vinaigrette.
Land & Sea
Together on a plate – Grilled Filet of Beef with a wild mushroom sauce topped with Enoki mushrooms & Pan seared Chilean Sea Bass with a lemon & chive butter sauce.
Accompanied with roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Broccolini Spears.
Creme Brulee
Orange and Grand Marnier Infused Creme Brulee topped with fresh raspberries
For Reservations Call 978-464-2300 x3705
** $10 1/2 night refund available for people who only ski until 10 p.m.
* Additional Fee Required
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That is what I got for now. Stayed tune for additional updates and information.
Have a question? Send it to the Mail Bag (up top, on the right side of this page).
Merry Christmas!
photo – S.G.