Big Powderhorn rings in new year

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - Even though the cold temperatures kept most people from staying outside too long, it failed to dampen the mood at Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort Sunday as the ski hill hosted its annual New Year's Eve party.

The party kicked off with the hill's ski patrol holding a torch-lit parade down one of the runs, followed by a fireworks display.

Powderhorn General Manager Bruce Noren said the parade is a long-standing part of New Year's, with Powderhorn possibly being the first local hill to do it.

"(Powderhorn's New Year festivities) started out with the torchlight parade, that was always a tradition," Noren said. "And then the fireworks were added - I would have to say the fireworks were probably added 20 years ago. It's fun."

With the outdoor part of the festivities over, revelers hit the dance floors in both of Big Powderhorn's two lodges - Caribou Lodge, where the band Xtra performed; and Gun Barrel Lodge, where DJs from Import Entertainment took requests and entertained dancers of all ages.

There was also a buffet dinner prior to Xtra's performance.

Noren was glad to see the people come out and enjoy the holiday.

"(It's) nice to see people. We're real happy to see ... younger groups," Noren said, gesturing toward a group of teenagers enjoying the evening. "The past few years it seemed like our skier crowd was getting older; and now we're seeing our younger families and that's a good sign, I think, for the ski business."

The cold weather that kept at least some inside Sunday night has been a factor for the past few weeks, according to Noren.

"Our guests are still coming and still skiing, they're just out there for shorter stints at a time," he said.

If the cold is somewhat of a negative, Noren said the accompanying snow is a benefit.

Not only can it be mixed with the man-made snow for a better product, but Noren said he hopes tourists return home and tell others about the amount of snow on the ground to get them to visit the region as well.