The idea of spending Christmas at a ski resort is one that is hard to resist. Picture walking out of your chalet to find a crisp mountain morning where snow covers the ground and trees in some of the world’s most beautiful villages are adorned with fairy lights and decorations. Then, imagine gliding down some fresh tracks that are sparkling in the sunlight and hearing Christmas carols float through the air after a day on the slopes. It’s a wintry dream come true and the perfect way to combine two of our favorite things: skiing and Christmas.
The problem is that there are just too many great ski resorts to narrow down to one for your Christmas holiday. So how do you choose the best place to spend the festive season? It can depend on a number of things, from the snow reliability of a resort, to their après-ski scene, or the types of things you can do with your family outside of skiing. In this post, we’ve put together some of the very best ski resorts to visit at Christmas, why we love them, and a few tips for each one.
Why is Skiing at Christmas so Special?
Ok, so maybe we’re a little biased. But skiing at Christmas is a truly special way to enjoy the season in the mountains and here are a few of the reasons why:
Festive Ski Resort Atmosphere
Most ski resorts have special holiday events that visitors can take part in: Christmas markets, tree lighting ceremonies, torch-lit ski descents, and even Santa grottos.
Snow Reliability at Christmas
High-altitude ski areas and glacier resorts tend to have the best snow in December because they don’t experience the effects of early-season warming.
Activities for Non-Skiers & Families
Kids will love sliding down snow-covered hills on sledges, while adults can go ice skating, take a snowshoe hike, or enjoy a sleigh ride. Festive bars and restaurants also make evenings fun when the lifts close.
Scenic Winter Wonderland
Snow-covered forests, alpine villages with sparkling lights and ice crystals on evergreen trees provide postcard-perfect holiday views.
Après-Ski and Evening Entertainment
Mountain restaurants, cozy bars and live music can be an après-ski and evening highlight during December ski trips. Some resorts have holiday events for après-ski enthusiasts.
Christmas Traditions at Ski Resorts
Unique seasonal events and traditions vary from resort to resort. You can learn about local culture, for example through alpine caroling in the village or special events such as Christmas Eve skiing.
The Best Ski Resorts for Christmas
With all of that in mind, let’s look at some of the very best ski resorts to spend Christmas. These ski areas really have it all: great snow, mountain charm, après-ski and evening entertainment, and special festive events.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the most famous and iconic ski resorts in the Alps, which is why it is a perennial favorite with skiers and snowboarders at Christmas. Zermatt also has one of the most scenic village settings in the world.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
High altitude and glacier skiing
Car-free village of traditional wooden chalets with an alpine ambiance and peaceful atmosphere
Iconic Matterhorn mountain is usually illuminated at night over Christmas for a spectacular backdrop
Festive events include Christmas concerts, a service in St. Peter’s Church, and other holiday celebrations
Activities for non-skiers include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and glacier adventure tours
Tips for Visiting:
Bring warm layers and plan for non-ski activities: relaxing and strolling around the alpine village of Zermatt is a big draw.
Photographs during the day are magical; at night, light from the village and streetlights reflects off the snow.
2. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens has the distinction of being Europe’s highest ski resort and it’s one of the snow-surest resorts for Christmas thanks to its high altitude. As part of the Three Valleys ski area, it has access to hundreds of kilometers of connected slopes, making it a great skiing-focused Christmas destination.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
At over 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) altitude, snow coverage is dependable early in the season
As part of the Three Valleys, it offers access to hundreds of kilometers of slopes, making it a skiing mecca
Festive activities: torch-lit descents, Santa grotto, fireworks, and toboggan runs are just a few
Non-skiers can enjoy spas, snowshoe hikes, and stargazing or night walks
Tips for Visiting:
Accommodation in Val Thorens is popular and busy over Christmas; book well in advance. Stay in ski-in/ski-out accommodations for convenience.
Book ski passes early if you plan to use them over the festive season.
3. St. Anton / Arlberg, Austria
The Arlberg ski region in Austria is a legendary skiing destination that includes St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph, and more. The resort of St. Anton in particular is a favorite for expert and advanced skiers.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
300 km (186 miles) of on-piste terrain plus significant off-piste and freeride terrain
A lively après-ski scene with cozy bars and drinks, and the Austrian alpine hospitality
Holiday events include Christmas markets, torch-lit ski descents, festive concerts and dining
Tips for Visiting:
Expect a mix of active ski days and more relaxing evenings: you will earn your après-ski in St. Anton!
Bring good ski equipment for varied terrain and book guiding if you want to explore off-piste.
4. Megève, France
Megève is often described as a ski resort that doubles as a Christmas postcard. It’s a resort with an elegant, historic village that oozes holiday magic and transports you into the pages of a children’s storybook.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
Village is decorated with Christmas lights and has beautiful wooden chalets for a cozy, festive ambiance
Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered scenery are a classic way to take in the village atmosphere
A giant Christmas tree decorated with Swarovski crystals is in the central square of the village
Ice skating, spa treatments, and boutique shopping are among activities for non-skiers
Tips for Visiting:
Restaurants book up fast, especially over Christmas Eve dinner. Make reservations in advance.
Dress warmly for evenings: it can be cold at alpine night-time temperatures, even in December.
5. Saas‑Fee, Switzerland
Saas‑Fee is a high-altitude, glacier-fed village that is one of the most picturesque resorts in Switzerland. It has earned the nickname the “Pearl of the Alps,” and remains picture-postcard pretty even when dusted with snow and sparkling fairy lights.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
Saas-Fee has its own glacier, so skiing will be available even early in the season and snow is preserved
The village is car-free, with winding streets and traditional chalets that give it a charming alpine ambiance
Festive traditions include carol singing in the village, brass bands and of course the joy of Christmas in the Alps
Tips for Visiting:
Take advantage of high-altitude terrain for an early-season ski holiday
Look for après-ski activities such as an audio-visual event or simply a leisurely stroll through illuminated chalets.
6. Val d’Isère / Tignes (Espace Killy), France
Val d’Isère and neighboring Tignes combine to create a huge, high-altitude ski area that is one of our favorite resorts for skiing at Christmas. As well as boasting some of the most reliable snow conditions, it offers plenty of variety across all skill levels.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
High-altitude terrain (up to 3,456 m or 11,318 feet) means better snow cover
“Enchanted Christmas” is hosted around late December and includes impressive snow sculptures, live shows, visits from Santa, and torchlit ski descents
Variety for all skill levels: beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers will all find terrain they enjoy
The village itself is charming, with traditional alpine architecture, good dining and festive markets
Tips for Visiting:
Plan your week carefully as Christmas week is very popular. Book lift tickets, accommodation and restaurants well in advance.
Try to ski off-piste during your visit to experience some of the most awe-inspiring views and hidden gems.
7. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz offers a more high-end, luxury Christmas ski experience. The resort combines luxury, tradition, and winter glamour.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
Famous first-class slopes, high altitude, and reliable snowfall
Hosts a classic Swiss Christmas market, with an ice rink and mulled wine, along with craft markets and festive dining
Activities include elegant dinners and menus, upscale shopping and winter wellness for a high-end holiday
Horse-drawn sleigh rides and winter walks for non-skiers
Tips for Visiting:
A luxury, high-end resort: if you book here, prepare for premium prices (luxury chalets, high-end dining). Book in advance.
8. Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil), France
Avoriaz is a high-altitude resort with snow-sure terrain in the Portes du Soleil ski area. This is a great option for Christmas as it offers plenty of choice for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
Elevations range from 1,800 m to nearly 2,500 m (5,910 ft to 8,202 ft), and high elevation provides good snow cover early in the season
Connected to the giant Portes du Soleil ski area (600 km of runs) with a ski pass, so there’s variety and choice galore
Christmas markets, children’s torchlit descents and family-friendly entertainment
A car-free village designed with ski-in ski-out accommodation in mind is ideal for families with young children
Tips for Visiting:
Look for family packages that bundle kids into the holiday offer.
Balance ski days with non-ski activities like snowshoeing or sledding.
9. Lech / Zürs / Zürs‑Arlberg, Austria
Lech and Zürs, part of the famous Arlberg ski region, are ideal for a classic, picturesque Christmas ski holiday. Zürs offers a high-altitude, village-like alpine setting with everything Lech has to offer within skiing distance.
Why It’s Great for Christmas:
Expansive terrain and high-quality slopes in the Arlberg ski area
Car-free village is quiet, peaceful and offers a refined alpine atmosphere
Elegant après-ski and traditional Austrian hospitality make it feel special and exclusive
Snow sure: at high altitudes, the terrain tends to preserve snow better in December
Tips for Visiting:
Book early: look for luxury chalet availability, especially during the holiday Christmas week.
Book guided ski tours and trips to see the full Arlberg region.
10. G̈ürgl / High-Altitude Glacier Resorts
For the most snow security for Christmas skiing, book a high-altitude glacier resort. Hintertux in Austria is a good example, but there are many other glacier resorts with similarly excellent conditions. These resorts will usually offer year-round skiing thanks to the presence of glaciers.
Why They’re Great for Christmas:
Year-round skiing is possible here because of the glacier: this makes an early December ski trip feasible
Quieter, remote feeling than more well-known resorts in other areas
Terrain for all levels: from groomed glacier pistes to challenging off-piste and freeride zones
Special alpine experiences are available like ice caves, glacier huts, and glacier tours
Tips for Visiting:
Bring proper gear for glacier skiing and make sure to dress in warm, layered clothing. Prepare for altitude.
Plan for acclimatization and train at lower altitude if skiing at very high elevations.
Tips for Planning a Ski Trip in December
Skiing at Christmas is a lot of fun, but it does require some planning ahead. Here are some things to keep in mind so you can make sure your holiday is not only memorable, but runs smoothly:
Book Early: Hotels, lift tickets, and even equipment rentals are high-demand during the December holiday season. Aim to book as far in advance as you can.
Choose Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts: Especially if you are booking with kids or want to make things as convenient as possible.
Pick Snow-Sure Resorts: High-altitude or glacier resorts are best for early-season snow in December. Check out recent reviews or historical snow data for a resort’s snow reliability.
Research Festive Events: Find out what’s happening at your resort during Christmas: special markets, concerts, torchlit descents, Santa visits, etc.
Mix Skiing and Relaxation: Balance skiing with spa treatments, sleigh rides, mountain walks, or dining.
Book Non-Ski Activities: Especially in busy December weeks. Combine ski runs with non-skiing like ice skating or snowshoeing.
Set a Realistic Budget: Christmas season is peak ski season in Europe and North America, so expect premium prices. Packages can help include lift tickets, lodging, and dining.
Dress Appropriately for Skiing: Layers are essential. Thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, goggles, and helmets are a must.
Travel Insurance and Safety: Make sure it covers winter sports, and be aware of altitude issues at very high resorts.
Christmas in the Mountains
Christmas at a ski resort is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re sliding down the slopes of a glacier in Zermatt, enjoying all three valleys at Val Thorens, or sipping mulled wine in the charming village of Megève, you’ll enjoy a festive, memorable ski trip with family and friends. In most resorts, there’s the added allure of après-ski and evenings to balance out the active days on the mountain.
The best resort for Christmas skiing depends on what you want most from a ski holiday: early-season snow reliability, nightlife, luxury, family-friendliness, or just a full-on winter wonderland. But it’s also certain that each of these ski resorts will give you more than just great skiing, but also an unforgettable holiday.
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