Top ski resorts for ringing in the new year

FROM torchlight parades to fireworks and raging outdoor dance parties, here's a look at some of the best ski resorts for ringing in the new year.

Aspen, Colorado
The most glamorous ski bunnies will be ringing in the new year at Aspen's Little Nell, which will be hosting a Dom Pérignon New Year's Eve party for US$500 (RM2,242) a pop. The ticket includes bottomless glasses of Dom Pérignon champagne, cocktails, food, and entertainment. Musical entertainment this year includes electronic violinist Kat V, DJ Lexey, and the Josefina Méndez Jazz Trio. Fireworks will also light up the sky over Aspen Mountain at midnight.

Courchevel, France
Single ski bunnies at Courchevel's massive New Year's Eve dance party should have no problem finding a partner to kiss at the stroke of midnight. The giant outdoor dance party begins at 10:30pm with a concert by The Inglorious Fonkers. After a fireworks display ushers in the new year, DJ Fredxx will ignite the outdoor dance floor for thousands of revellers until the wee hours of the morning.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This Wyoming resort has something for everyone. Kids are given the honour of kicking off the festivities with a glow worm parade, which will be followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks. For less G-rated fun, adults can head over to Piste or the Rendezvous Lodge at the top of the gondola, where Whiskey Mornin' and DJ Crazy Tom have been tapped to play a live concert this year.

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
At the largest ski resort in North America, celebrations will be largely family-oriented, with arts, crafts, teen dance parties, music, live entertainment and a special kids' early countdown. A Fire & Ice Show is planned in the Village Plaza, while childless revelers can head to local pubs and nightclubs in Whistler Village where world-renowned DJs will help partiers usher in the new year.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Named the best ski resort in Austria at the World Ski Awards for multiple years in a row, Kitzbuhel's annual free fireworks display is a major attraction for both skiers and locals alike. This year marks the resort's 63rd year of hosting a New Year's show. To kick off the celebrations, ski instructors will lead a torchlight descent down the slopes. Last year, more than 30,000 people watched the sky light up. — AFP Relaxnews