It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so why not spend it in the most spectacular place – the mountains?! Christmas on the slopes is a truly magical time, which all skiers should experience at least once in their lives. Need more convincing? We’ve put together our top 5 reasons that Christmas ski holidays are the best type of holiday you can have.
1. Avoid the Chaos of Christmas at Home
‘All is calm, all is bright’ – at least that’s how the hymn goes, right? However, as much as we all like to think we’ll be unleashing our inner Nigella Lawson each Christmas day, the reality at home can be much different.
Young children unboxing new presents, relatives from across the country descending on houses slightly too small for them, a military operation beginning to make sure Christmas dinner is on the table in time.. As joyful as Christmas is, we can’t deny it can be quite stressful!
The joy of a Christmas ski holiday is that all this stress is simply taken right out of your hands. Instead, you can spend your day soaring down the slopes, drinking in incredible views and enjoying that fresh mountain air.
No longer will children spend Christmas morning glued to freshly unpacked screens or arguing over the TV remote. Here, you can enjoy quality outdoor family time, sharing the joy of skiing with your little ones. There’s no better feeling than seeing a child’s face light up as they link their first turns, especially when it comes as an early Christmas present!
Then, after a day on the slopes, you can return to the comfort of a cosy alpine retreat, where after a freshen up you can put on your glad rags and enjoy a Christmas dinner ‘à la française’ with a professional kitchen taking care of the proceedings, maybe take in a firework show or a torchlight descent on the way – either way, you’re sure to have the most peaceful, stress-free Christmas of your life.
2. Be The First To Explore
Travelling to the mountains over Christmas will often make you one of the first guests to a resort for the winter season. Many resorts only open a week or two before the festive period, so not many skiers will have had the opportunity to explore a ski area’s new developments.
You can be the first to take on a resort’s new runs, new ski areas or new activities, making the first tracks on some of the season’s first snowfalls.
3. Enjoy Reliable Snow
It’s often assumed that snow conditions might not be as reliable as later in the season, however if you choose a high altitude resort, you can ensure you’ll get the best possible snow conditions for all those fresh tracks you’ll be making! Resorts such as Avoriaz are perfect for Christmas skiing, with the connected Portes du Soleil area providing some of Europe’s best high altitude skiing, as well as 900 snow cannons covering much of the ski area.
Avoriaz also has a hugely varied ski area – especially important if you are travelling with a family or with a mixed ability group of skiers. From the many gentle beginner’s runs and large children’s village at the centre of the resort, to challenging black runs and famous freeriding terrain, you’re sure to never get bored here!
3. Resorts at Their Festive Best – The True Magic of Christmas
Not just will you have the best Christmas day, but the entire week is sure to be unlike any ski holiday you’ve experienced. Of course, great ski areas, fantastic mountain food and lively après-ski are a given all year-round, but over Christmas, ski resorts really do come alive.
Whether it’s Christmas markets, light shows, musical performances or workshops, there are events and activities for the whole family to experience. Sip on a hot chocolate or a vin chaud whilst browsing locally made Christmas gifts at stalls in the centre of town, under twinkling lights and snow-capped Christmas trees.
You’ll even have the chance to meet the man in red himself, as Santa Claus and his elves often make an appearance in many resorts. In Arc 1950, for example, the whole of Santa’s village comes to town – a magical world with a large parade and surprises for the whole family. You will even find deer and stags wandering through the streets, accompanying Santa Claus to his throne.
5. Impressive Deals
Many people are put off skiing at Christmas by the assumption that a festive holiday can break the bank. Admittedly, a Christmas ski holiday can be more pricey than, say, a mid-Jan ski getaway, but it is still considerably cheaper than during February half term. And, think about the money (and sanity!) you will save on trips to extended family and traffic-filled motorway journeys.
Many companies offer fantastic Christmas deals, meaning that the festive period can be a great time to travel as a family, particularly when compared to New Year and Half Term holidays.
Tour operators such as Pierre & Vacances are offering deals of up to 20% off Christmas ski holidays in the Alps and Pyrenees.
With a wide variety of residences, flexible arrivals and a range of packages and ‘a la carte’ services to create your perfect holiday, this may be the year to enjoy your ideal Christmas in the mountains. In Pierre & Vacances residences, Santa Claus will even stop by to make sure your festive holiday is unforgettable!
So, what are you waiting for?! Book now at: pierreetvacances.com
