Lunar New Year is here, and this year at Sugarbush, we’re ready to celebrate! We’re teaming up with Ikon Pass to ring in the Year of the Snake. Across Ikon Pass destinations worldwide, the spirit of the snake is slithering into the festivities, bringing good fortune and adventure. To get in on the action, join us for an exciting scavenger hunt where you’ll be on the lookout for lucky red envelopes hidden all around the mountain! It’s the perfect way to kick off the year – spend time outdoors, test your luck on the hunt, and send your wishes for prosperity soaring as you celebrate the season with friends and family.
Lucky Red Envelope Hunt
How to Participate
On January 29th, the start of Lunar New Year, we’ll be hiding 5 lucky red envelopes around the resort. Follow along in our Instagram stories that day to learn more about the Year of the Snake and find additional clues about the hidden red envelopes. If you and your crew find the lucky red envelopes, be sure to tag @ikonpass and @sugarbush_vt! Once found, enjoy the prosperity within!
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. This festival is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries like China. Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family. A major tradition involves lighting firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster Nian.
About the Year of the Snake
The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. In 2025, we enter the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the zodiac cycle. According to Chinese mythology, the order of the zodiac animals was decided by a Great Race hosted by the Jade Emperor. The Snake, clever and strategic, coiled around the Horse’s hoof, managing to finish the race ahead of the Horse and claim sixth place.
Unlike the bold and outgoing Dragon (last year’s zodiac), the Snake represents calmness and introspection. These traits are seen as essential for guiding one’s life with wisdom and grace.
For those born in a Snake year, 2025 is their Ben Ming Nian—a year traditionally believed to bring bad luck due to a conflict with Tai Sui, the God of Age.
About People Born in the Year of the Snake
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Snakes are known in the zodiac for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators. To protect themselves from the bad luck of their Ben Ming Nian, those born in the Year of the Snake are encouraged to wear red throughout 2025. Red underwear, socks, or accessories are thought to ward off misfortune.
Though their zodiac year may bring challenges, these obstacles often lead to greater wisdom and personal growth for Snakes.
Chinese New Year Greetings
Spread the luck with these common phrases!
Gōng xǐ – 恭喜 (gong-sshee) Congratulations!
Most of the time, you will hear people say this phrase twice in a row as
“Gōng xǐ, gōng xǐ!” 恭喜 恭喜
Xīn nián kuài lè (shin-nyen kwai-luh) – 新年快樂 | 新年快乐 Happy New Year!
Xīn 新= new
nián 年= year
kuài lè 快樂|快乐= happy
Wàn shì rú yì (wahn-shuh-roo-yee) – 萬事如意 | 万事如意 May everything goes as you wish.
Wàn 萬 |万= ten thousand
shì 事= things
rú yì 如意= as you wish