Ringing In The New Year Family Style

By Laurie Cooper,
Courtesy of BC Escapes

At the top of a snowy ridge, on the flanks of Blackcomb Mountain, a cozy little log cabin is nestled among the rocks. Looking down on the twinkling lights of Whistler village, the Crystal Hut could be one of the most unforgettable places to ring in 2003. Revellers ride up four thousand feet by snowmobile or snowcat with Canadian Snowmobile Adventures to reach the cabin. Once there, guests are treated to candlelight, fine wine, a classic fondue, live entertainment and of course, a champagne toast at midnight. And kids are a welcome addition to the event.

More and more people are choosing alternatives to traditional New Year's Eve celebrations and are including all ages. This year in BC, there are lots of exciting and unique ways to bring in the New Year - with a focus on family fun. Some are slightly more adventurous than others, but all will be remembered for years to come.

In the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, you and the kids can spend New Year's Day bundled up in a sled powered by purebred Siberian Huskies. Chantelle Ross and her husband Jamie own and operate The Wolf Den, a dogsledding operation based out of 100 Mile House. The Wolf Den's "Spirit of Iditarod" tour takes you to Moose Valley Provincial Park where you mush your own team of dogs, then stop for a hot lunch of venison stew or moose chili, complete with hot beverages and homemade goodies.

Also in the Cariboo, at The Hills Health and Guest Ranch in 108 Mile, they really know how to celebrate the elements. On New Year's Eve, Hills will host their fourth annual Snow Party. It's a family-style event with unlimited tubing, skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides and two outdoor skating rinks. Add an outdoor dance floor with a live DJ, a hot dog and marshmallow roast topped off with midnight fireworks, and you've got the perfect recipe for a night to remember.

When it comes to being kid-friendly, three British Columbia mountains receive high praise: Silver Star in Vernon, Sun Peaks (just outside of Kamloops) and Big White in Kelowna. The fairytale village of Silver Star caters to little stars with kids-only terrain, its Mini-Z Snowmobile Park, Tube Town, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice skating on Brewer's Pond. Snowboarders young and old who lust after 'big air' rave about Sun Peaks' lessons and its 1,000-metre-long snowboard park. But this resort that boasts 2000 hours of sunshine annually also offers opportunities to yell "mush" as you dogsled, enjoy a tranquil nature walk on snowshoes or take the whole family on a backcountry snowmobile excursion. Carnival nights and torchlight parades at Big White are sure to light up the kids and adults eyes alike!

Sports fans will want to catch the Vancouver Canucks taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs at General Motors Place on New Year's Eve. The puck drops at seven, so you still have lots of time to take part in some late-night celebrations after the game is over.

If the beach is more your style, head off to Tofino on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast and indulge in a storm-watching package at the Wickaninnish Inn. With soaker tubs in the rooms, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a serene Aveda spa onsite, it could be the perfect way to rejuvenate for 2003.

If you really want to get away from it all, check out the Liard River Hot Springs north of Fort Nelson, just off the Alaska Highway. While not an organized event, somehow every year people gather at the hot springs, light up the night with hundreds of candles and enjoy a remote wilderness New Year's Eve party.

Check out a few more ways to ring in the New Year in British Columbia…

Most British Columbia ski resorts will be celebrating the New Year with Torchlight Parades down the mountain and other special events. You can ski, snowboard, snowshoe and enjoy a chocolate fondue at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver. For more information, check out www.mountseymour.com or call (604) 986-2261.

Several communities are hosting family-friendly events. In Radium Hot Springs, there will be fireworks, sleigh rides, skating and tobogganing at the Village Community Park. Visit www.rhs.bc.ca for more information.

Hotels all over British Columbia are hosting gala New Year's Eve parties. In Prince Rupert, the Crest Hotel is presenting the "Crest Countdown"! The event includes a five-course dinner, live entertainment, party favours, a free bus ride home or a special room rate. Find out more about this event online at www.cresthotel.bc.ca, or call 1-800-663-8150.

For a walk on the wild side this New Year's Eve, check into one of British Columbia's many lodges and backcountry retreats. Northern Rockies Lodge on beautiful Muncho Lake has a package that includes accommodation, a buffet dinner, midnight snacks and brunch the next day. After dinner, you can skate on an outdoor rink, relax at a lakeside bonfire and then warm up in the sauna before calling it a night. For more information log onto www.northern-rockies-lodge.com.

"Tube Town" Photo: Silver Star Mountain Resort, British Columbia / Don Weixl Photography

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