Why Ski Resorts Are Replacing July 4 Fireworks With Drones

Featured Image: Eric Schramm, Courtesy of Vail Resorts

When most people think of the 4th of July, they think of burgers, parades, red, white and blue, and of course, a fireworks show. But, in recent years, fireworks have begun to fade out, especially at ski resort 4th of July celebrations. With climate change increasingly impacting skiing each season, finding more environmentally friendly alternatives is now a vital part of the industry. So, instead of seeing fireworks above a mountain, spectators will still see lights but in the form of drones. 

Drones as an Alternative

Photo: Courtesy of Steve Lloyd

Even though I do love a good fireworks show, there's no denying that fireworks aren't the most environmentally friendly way to celebrate. Fireworks release toxic metals into the air, harming fragile ecosystems. The loud explosion of fireworks can be detrimental to wildlife, causing stress and dangerous reactions. These environmental concerns are a major reason why many ski resorts are switching to drone shows. Most importantly, though, many ski resorts face severe drought during the summer, so avoiding fire hazards, such as fireworks, is critical to resort and environmental safety. Many ski resorts in Colorado, such as Vail and Steamboat, have canceled their usual fireworks shows because of this summer's fire danger.

Some ski resorts have recognized these impacts and are switching to drone shows for the 4th of July. But there are positives and negatives to everything in life; drones are no exception. One of their biggest benefits is that they dramatically reduce the risk of starting a wildfire compared to fireworks. They also create far less pollution, meaning wildlife is less likely to be disturbed. Unlike fireworks, which are a one-and-done experience, drones are reusable, making them a much more sustainable choice over time. But according to a National Geographic article, critics note that drone production still generates pollution and greenhouse gases. This does depend on the type of drone and the type of battery it uses. Even then, drones generally cause significantly less environmental harm than fireworks do. 

Environmental concerns aren't the only issues in the debate surrounding drone technology, though. Cybersecurity is a prevalent issue with drones, as many are concerned that international drone manufacturers, such as DJI in China, are using them to collect information. In December, the U.S. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricted the import of new drones, specifically from DJI, into the U.S. But according to a Reuters article, the FCC announced earlier this month that it will allow new models of Chinese toy drones to be imported into the United States. So, it doesn't look like drones, or drone shows, will be going anywhere anytime soon. 

4th of July on the Mountains

Image: Eric Schramm, Courtesy of Vail Resorts

For those bummed that they won’t be seeing a traditional 4th of July fireworks show, it is important to remember why this shift is happening in the first place and how it is helping the environment you are standing in while watching. Some critics argue that drones detract from the OG 4th of July experience, but I think these drone shows can enhance it. Most drone shows are specifically designed for their location and tend to tell a story rather than feature impressive explosions. In Colorado, in honor of the state’s 150th anniversary, a spectacle of 150 drone shows will take place, featuring imagery such as Colorado’s famous snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Below you’ll find a list of resorts participating in this new way of celebrating the 4th.

Ski Resort 4th of July Drone Shows

Image: Eric Schramm, Courtesy of Vail Resorts

Park City Mountain, Utah 

In 2023, Park City officially switched to drone shows after increasingly severe fire concerns arose. A year after the inaugural drone show, the city gave Skyworkx Drone Shows, LLC a three-year contract. This year, the drone show will be at the base of Park City Mountain starting at 10 p.m. and is free to attend. The show is choreographed to music that spectators can tune into on KPCW 91.7 FM. The drones often form formations honoring the Fourth, skiing, and the mountain's history. The mountain also hosts an annual 4th of July Forum Fest with live music to continue the celebration. 

Winter Park, Colorado

Many Colorado towns have switched to drone shows for the 4th as the state suffers from drought almost every summer. Winter Park is one of the many Colorado ski resorts that have switched to drone shows and will host its own at the Rendezvous Event Center. The event will also include free performances from local DJs and artists before the drone show starts at 9:45 p.m. It is said to last approximately 15-20 minutes. 

Aspen Mountain, Colorado 

Aspen does not fall short when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, as the town holds an all-day celebration with food, parades, music, and, of course, a drone show to finish things off with a bang (but not literally because drones don't make a bang sound like fireworks). This year, the town has chosen a "1776" theme for the 4th of July festivities. Think of dressing in colonial-era costumes. It will be quite the anachronism seeing people dressed up like colonial people watching a drone show. The drone show, called Symphony of Freedom, showcases 250 drones by Sky Elements. The show is free and scheduled for 9:30 p.m., and spectators can either watch from Wagner Park or the base of Aspen Mountain. 

Breckenridge, Colorado 

This 4th marks the inaugural switch from fireworks to drones for Breckenridge's 4th of July experience. The show is part of the statewide Stories in the Sky drone show across Colorado to celebrate the state's 150th and America's 250th. The show can also be seen on the Front Range at Coors Field. Conveniently, those who want to see the show in Breckenridge don't necessarily need to watch from a single location; they have multiple options, as the show will be large-scale. Spectators can watch from the East Side of Main Street, North Side of Blue River Lawn, Riverwalk Center Parking Lot, East Sawmill Parking, Peak 9 Parking Lot and S Gondola Parking Garage Roof. The show is free and will start at 9 p.m. 

Telluride, Colorado

Originally, Telluride was going to hold a fireworks show this year but canceled it due to fire risk and is replacing it with a drone-and-laser show in Town Park. The town kicks off the festivities early with a 7:30 a.m. uphill race benefiting the Good Neighbor Fund. The rest of the day is filled with a parade, root beet floats, music and, of course, the drone and laser show. The show is set to begin at dusk, so keep an eye on the sun later in the day to find the best place to view. 

As you can see, Colorado is not holding back when it comes to celebrating the 4th with drones. I would not be surprised if other ski resorts start to see Colorado's shift and begin to follow, so the future of the 4th can be celebrated in a safe and eco-friendly way in the mountains.