Santa on the Slopes

Christmas music is playing somewhere and snowflakes are swirling down around us as we make our way toward the ski lift. It is a beautiful afternoon, the snow is perfect and we are excited to hit the slopes.

Suddenly Santa himself comes ripping down the mountain. He is pretty good, showing off a little, making tight cuts. My daughter laughs out loud as she sees the jolly ol' elf. From the gleam in her eyes I can tell it is going to be a magical day.

It is our first ski trip of the season and I wonder if Xan will need a refresher course. "No," she says as she confidently boards the lift. I rush to get on beside her. At the top of the mountain she glides out of the chair and starts down the run in one smooth motion. I pause, just for a moment, watching her ski, and then I race her for the bottom.

The afternoon flies by. When the sun sets we make our way over to the plaza where they are serving hot chocolate. We linger there as dusk settles in. When it is fully dark an announcer directs our attention to the top of Park City's Payday Run, where a torchlight parade is about to start.

We watch as dozens of expert skiers, each carrying a torch, streak down the mountain. It's an amazingly beautiful sight.

During the holiday season Santa appears regularly on Utah's ski slopes. Yes, it is his busy season but he still needs a little rest and relaxation, and he knows Utah resorts offer the greatest snow on earth.

Many resorts hold torchlight parades and fireworks on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. At Snowbird on Christmas Eve, Santa will rappel out of the tram to say hello to the kids. Solitude has a special Kids Glow Parade scheduled for Dec. 30. Children of all ages are invited to participate in this special parade of lights. They will start at the top of Moonbeam at dusk and ski along Main Street to Last Chance Mining Camp.

On New Years Eve, Salt Lake City hosts an extensive First Night celebration, with music and dance and family-friendly activities held at various locations around the downtown area. Meanwhile, hotels and private clubs in the city and at the resorts stage their own celebrations; revelers will have plenty of options to choose from, with parties and beverages available to tickle every fancy.

The holidays are the perfect time for a Utah ski trip.

The Sundance Film Festival runs Jan. 19-29 this year. Most events will be held in Park City and Salt Lake City, and they fill up fast so book immediately if you want to participate.

- Dave Webb

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