Torchlight Parade at Big Sky Resort

The holiday season is magical at Big Sky, starting with the torchlight parade which includes Santa Claus and his elves skiing down the slopes tonight to the delight of children and adults alike, ending with a dramatic fireworks display.

It has been 25 years since I was an elf and skied down Andesite Mountain on Christmas Eve for the annual torchlight parade, but I remember the joy  of the many kids like it was yesterday!  Twenty four of Big Sky ski instructors and other mountain workers ski single file behind Santa while holding flares as they snake down Ambush. Hundreds turn out to watch at the base of the Ramcharger Chairlift where they can greet Santa.

At 7 p.m., Santa will read aloud the holiday classic “T’was the Night Before Christmas” in the Huntley Lodge’s sunken lobby. The torchlight parade follows at 8 p.m., and Santa Claus may show up to give treats to the crowd. Don’t leave too early as tonight’s clear sky will enhance the fireworks display following the parade.

Santa continues delighting kids on Christmas Day at 1:30 p.m. in the Mountain Village.