We are on a rapid countdown to 2018! Although there is only just over a week to go, you still have time to book a last-minute trip to a top ski resort… not only do many resorts play host to the best New Year's Eve parties around, giving you the chance to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in style, but what could be better than spending the first day of 2018 out on the slopes with the sun and crisp, cool air doing wonders to refresh you after a late night?
If you have yet to decide where you want to spend New Year then take a look at our selection of five of the best ski resorts for New Year’s Eve and then pick up the phone and call us on +44 1993 899 420 - we will be happy to arrange everything you need for a last-minute getaway.
Photo courtesy of Instagram @airstar_hq
Val d’Isere never disappoints at New Year (or at any other time come to think of it). Rated by many as one of the best resorts for New Year’s Eve, things kick off in the evening with ‘Airstar Night Light’. This is when the main street is closed to traffic and magically converted into a pedestrian zone, lit up with thousands of colourful lights and decorated with ice sculptures, ready for a lively street party. Jugglers and magicians mix with the crowd whilst DJ’s provide the soundtrack. Complimentary hot chocolate and mulled wine is on offer. Afterwards head to one of the many bars or restaurants where the party really gets started.
Party Venues:
- La Folie Douce (for après ski on the mountain) – An eclectic mix of cabaret, live music and DJ sets make this a truly exciting venue… the only way to really understand what La Foulie Douce is all about is to go and experience it for yourself.
- Dicks Tea Bar – ‘A Roaring 20's Cabaret’ is this year’s theme and is shaping up to be the biggest NYE party they have ever thrown. Tickets available here.
Photo courtesy of Paul Keppel Photography
Offering a huge variety of bars, clubs and restaurants, Verbier is a popular destination for NYE for good reason. Whether you would rather enjoy a fine dining menu at a glamorous restaurant, or dance the night away at one of several clubs, it is sure to be a New Year's party to remember. Bars tend to stay open until 6am or later meaning you can make it a very late one if you wish. Whilst you will be able to welcome in the New Year at a bar or restaurant, many people choose to take a bottle of champagne and head to Place Centrale where there will be a live DJ and fireworks at midnight. But we would advise you to duck at midnight to avoid flying champagne corks, fireworks and snowballs.
Party Venues:
- The Farm Club – located next to the Nevai Hotel, this legendary club is hosting what promises to be an amazing NYE party and is THE place to be seen in Verbier.
- L'Étoile – With resident DJ’s and the very best sound and lighting, this is a fun club to experience. Entry tickets on NYE should include a bottle of bubbly.
Photo courtesy of stantonamarlberg.com
Want a fireworks free New Year’s party? Then head to St. Anton! Fear not however, this isn’t because St. Anton is shunning the celebrations this year… quite the opposite. Instead of fireworks they are laying on a massive laser and sound show right in the resort centre, with free entry for everyone. The DJ kicks off at 11.15pm before the laser show bursts into life at 11.45pm to see in the New Year. It promises to be a spectacular display. More information is available here. There are plenty of places to enjoy a meal beforehand and clubs to celebrate in until the early hours after the laser show.
Party Venues:
- Postkeller & Piccadilly – This legendary club is also offering a New Year’s Eve buffet which starts at 6.30pm.
- Murrmel – This decidedly cool little club with friendly staff is a popular favourite with St. Anton regulars.
Photo courtesy of ischgl.com
Although Ischgl has an excellent reputation for knowing how to party, it's their firework display that takes centre stage on New Year's Eve. Instead of a DJ, you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display with fireworks being launched from 5 separate locations around the village. The fireworks are accompanied by the Danube Waltz, and the pealing of the Pummerin Bells are broadcast at midnight, making this a very special way to say hello to 2018.
Photo courtesy of aspenchamber.org
If you’d like to head further afield this year then why not try celebrating the arrival of 2018 in Aspen. And with the time difference, if you are travelling from Europe, you get to enjoy another 8 hours of 2017! There is an impressive array of parties and activities to enjoy and, with something for everyone, it’s the perfect family-friendly New Year destination. The Aspen Art Museum are hosting an early New Year’s Eve party which includes food and wine along with art activities for the children. Then head to the rooftop deck to watch the first batch of fireworks at 8pm. The Little Nell, Aspen's five-star, five-diamond hotel, is hosting a Dom Perignon Party which includes bottomless Dom Perignon and a range of musical acts, as well as food served throughout the night.
Our team know these resorts inside out and are here to help you plan the perfect New Year's celebrations. Give us a call on +44 1993 899 420 and we will help you plan a New Year’s getaway to remember.