The 2009 Christmas Eve torchlight parade went down in its annual fashion on Dollar Mountain tonight. The parade caps off the ice show performance on the outdoor ice rink that lines the terrace at Sun Valley’s historic old Lodge hotel. It was cold tonight, but the nips of Jager and Schnapps kept the jovial spirit high as the ski schoolers and ski patrollers waited up top.

Once the ice show ended, at exactly 6:04pm, the torches were struck and an intense orange glow emanated from the top of the mountain. Quickly, a line of bright orange dots could be seen dancing across the snow, a neon snake winding its way down the snowy slope. Hoots and hollers could be heard before the riders were even halfway down the hill.

As the parade neared the bottom of the slope, figures could be distinguished, arms swinging the now stubby flares through the crisp night air. With each skier or snowboarder that came in, the torches were extinguished, and high fives were shared all around. The kids and families watching from the bottom, ignoring the deep chill of the night, found their loved ones before heading inside to feast on the ordouvres provided.

There’s few things that really make this festive time of year ring in better than this annual Sun Valley tradition. For my dad and I, this is our one day each year we know we’ll be in the same place. Twenty-six years into it all, I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Happy holidays to everyone, and I hope each of you enjoy your own family traditions as well.