Happy New Year, ski families!
I hope you all managed to get some turns in to ring in 2026. For us, there is nothing quite like the magic of a torchlight parade on New Year's Eve. Watching those glowing lights snake down the mountain while clutching a warm cup of hot cocoa is a tradition my kids absolutely love. It’s usually a peaceful, mesmerizing way to cap off the year, but over at Showdown Montana, things got a little too lit this holiday.
A Fiery Festivity
Showdown Montana hosted their annual New Year’s Eve Celebration to close out 2025, complete with the classic torchlight parade and fireworks display. It sounds picture-perfect, right? Well, during the festivities, one of the pyrotechnics (or perhaps a torch—details are a bit smoky) accidentally ignited a pine tree.
As a parent, my first thought goes to safety—fire on a mountain is no joke. Fortunately, the team at Showdown handled it like pros. It appears they were able to extinguish the tree quickly, and the incident didn't put a damper on the actual skiing. The resort resumed normal operations right on schedule for New Year’s Day.
Why We Still Love the Parade
Despite this hiccup, I always encourage families to attend these events. They are usually very safe, and seeing the ski patrol and instructors (the people who keep us safe all season) show off is a great way to build mountain community spirit. Just remember to keep the little ones at a safe distance during fireworks displays—mostly to protect their ears, but apparently, also to stay clear of rogue sparks!
Conditions Check
If you are planning a trip to that neck of the woods, Showdown is actually looking fantastic. They have about 95 inches of natural snowfall so far this season, which is a memorable start for 2025-26. Currently, they have 39 trails and 3 out of 4 lifts spinning. That is plenty of terrain for the kiddos to explore.
In Other Mountain News...
While we are talking about mountain operations, it's worth noting that Telluride is currently navigating a ski patrol strike and seeking temporary workers. It’s always good to check local news before booking big trips to ensure all services are running smoothly. Telluride is still a world-class destination—scoring a solid 72.9/100 on ShredIndex—but labor disputes can impact which terrain is open.
If you are heading that way to support the town or catch some runs, you can find accommodation nearby, but definitely check the latest operational updates first.
Here is to a safe, snowy, and fire-free 2026 on the slopes! Stay safe out there, parents.
Source: Unofficial Networks
