By Steve Graham

Apparently Santa Claus warms up for that epic global traverse on Christmas by skiing and sledding. He’s hitting the slopes as part of a solid weekend of fun in Colorado ski country.

Christmas Eve in Purgatory

Even though it sounds like a place to wait and find out if you made the naughty or nice lists, Purgatory Resort hosts a wreath-making class and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus on a horse-drawn sleigh on Saturday, Dec. 23.

On Christmas Eve, you can build your own gingerbread house and enjoy free holiday s’mores on the beach, before a Christmas Eve buffet feast at the Slopeside Restaurant.

From Purgatory, it’s always tempting to hit Ska Brewing Co. and the other Durango breweries, but don’t neglect Avalanche Brewing Co. and Golden Block Brewery in nearby Silverton.

Santa in Loveland

Santa will ski, hand out candy and take pictures with tykes at Loveland Ski Area Dec. 23-25. And Guanella Pass Brewery in nearby Georgetown is looking out for the adults, offering the Christmas Gift Belgian Strong Ale for a limited time.

Copper fireworks

Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco hosts a one-year anniversary party on Saturday, Dec. 23, with five new beer releases, including a birthday cake IPA.

Christmas Eve at nearby Copper starts with a Santa visit and a glowstick pageant, and ends with a torchlight parade and a fireworks show.

Carols and Claus at A-Basin

Just up the highway, Arapahoe Basin hosts Santa starting at 11 a.m. Christmas Eve at the base area. Check out the kids’ ski school and upslope at the Black Mountain Lodge. Also, the Summit County Choral Society will carol in the base area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Don’t forget to stop on the way at Pug Ryan’s in Dillon to get some Azanox Olde Ale, the perfect Christmas treat.

*Photo courtesy of Chris Segal and Ski Crested Butte*

Parade in Crested Butte

A Snowcat will pull Santa’s sleigh down the mountain on Christmas Eve in Crested Butte, followed by a 5:30 p.m. torchlight parade and photo opportunities with Santa.

While in town, check out Irwin Brewing Co. It has been open less than a year, but has already won awards at local competitions.

Not-so-Eldora-ble sweater contest

It will be hard to lose your ski buddies if they are competing in the ugly sweater contest and skiing down the mountain with Santa in their ugliest knits at Eldora on Christmas Eve. The event also includes a dance contest, and it’s an excuse to check out the very nice folks at Very Nice Brewing Co. in Nedeland.

Winter Park winter fun

Santa hits Winter Park at 1 p.m. Christmas Eve for a visit with the kids, then he skis down the slopes for the torchlight parade at 5:30 p.m. Winter Park also hosts carolers at 3:15 p.m., as well as a fireworks show and Snowcats decorated with Christmas lights. If you need help staying awake for the late festivities, get some Totally Wired Coffee Stout at the Peak Bistro and Brewery in Winter Park.