It’s that magical time of the year again, when we all hope for a White Christmas at home but know in our hearts that it’s probably not going to happen. So that’s the perfect reason to head to the mountains and enjoy the festive magic in the snow. Christmas falls midweek this year, which means if you’re on the classic Saturday change-over ski week, you have plenty of time to settle in ahead of the big day … and to recover afterwards before the trip home.
If you love Christmas and you love snow, the main problem is deciding where to go! Perhaps a traditional resort in the Alps where there are festive Advent markets and carol singers, or up to Finland to meet Santa and enjoy a reindeer safari, as well as the uncrowded slopes. Wherever you choose, though, you can be sure that twinkling lights, a festive feeling and probably a skiing Santa will all be waiting for you. It’s a great time of year to hit the slopes.
Christmas
“Is Christmas a good time to ski? It depends on your priorities and preferences. It is not exactly a good time for uncrowded resorts and super cheap prices, but it’s hard to beat a snowy ski resort for festive magic, especially if you’re taking children,” says Marcus Blunt, Co-Founder of ski holiday travel agency Heidi, who say they’ve seen a 73% jump in Christmas ski holiday bookings this year.
“Christmas comes quite early in the ski season, so if snow is your top priority, the two main things to consider are altitude and latitude. Resorts with slopes at high altitudes are your best bet. Alternatively, head north to colder, snow-sure Scandinavia, where you also have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights as a special Christmas present,” Markus adds.
There are too many resorts with special Christmas celebrations to detail here, but some of the best include…
Christmas in France
La Clusaz in France where their “Pestacles de Père Noël” festivities from 23 December to 3 January are among the biggest Christmas celebrations in the Haute Savoie with the build-up to Father Christmas appearing on 24 December, Christmas parades, light shows, partying elves and Christmas-themed rides for children. Picture below credit (La Clusaz J Mugniery).
At nearby Le Grand Bornand, from 24 December, the centre of the authentic mountain resort of Le Grand Bornand is transformed into a festive wonderland. With a traditional merry-go-round, shows, wooden games, an artisan market, visits from Father Christmas and other surprises it’s a taste of Christmas of old. You can also visit Santa Claus’ Castle – Château de Menthon Saint Bernard down by Lake Annecy. Reputedly the château that inspired Walt Disney when Sleeping Beauty’s castle was created, it transforms into a magical festive discovery for all the family in winter. Taking place from 15 November 2024 until 4 January 2025, there’s a wealth of entertainments, activities, shopping and food to enjoy.
In Megève, the village comes alive with the traditional giant Christmas Tree Lighting festival in the village square, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to see the large conifer light up, signalling the festive season ahead. Following the lighting, a variety of activities and events take place throughout the village, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Santa’s village, parades and sparkling decorations fill the streets, and the scents of cinnamon, gingerbread and hot chocolate add to the festive feel, bringing a touch of nostalgia.
In Arc 1950, Le Village (pictured above, credit Andy Parant) visitors can meet Santa for a photo, join the Christmas parade through the village and toast some marshmallows over the fire. In the car-free, snow-clad centre of Le Village, Christmas is brought to life with live music and a full week of free activities for all.
In La Plagne the resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. From 23–25 December, the resort becomes an enchanting haven for families, with surprise elf parades popping up throughout the villages. Children can visit Santa’s grotto, where they can hand-deliver their Christmas letters to the elves, who make special mail deliveries straight to Father Christmas. Adding to the magic, Father Christmas himself, along with his cheerful elves, can be seen gliding through the snowy streets on his sled fitted with skis. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, cosy up by a roaring fire in a traditional chalet, savouring hearty Savoyard dishes and sipping mulled wine.
Christmas in Italy
In Italy’s Courmayeur on Christmas Eve, children can join in the traditions that pay homage to local festive figure “Rhémy de Noël”. He’s the protagonist of a legend whose roots lie in the link between the town and Mont Blanc and provides the area with its snow. On Xmas Eve, there’ll be children’s workshops, theatrical performances, special guest appearances with gifts and the lighting of lanterns to direct Rhémy de Noël down from the mountain to Courmayeur.
Or another beautiful Italian resort, Val Gardena in the Dolomites (pictured above and top) has a Christmas market in Selva that runs from 6 December to 5 January. Here you’ll find pretty stalls and chalets selling traditionally made gifts, especially the local wood carvings that line the streets and create a magical atmosphere over this Christmas period. At the other end of the valley, in Ortisei, celebrating its 10th year of the Christmas markets from 30 November to 5 January, stroll through the pretty village lit by fairy lights and enjoy even more wooden huts selling treats and sweets.
Austria
Kitzbuhel CREDIT Michael Werlberger
Advent markets are very popular in Austria too, from 20 November to 26 December 2024, a magical Christmas market fills the historic city centre of Kitzbühel for the annual Advent Market. The centre will be transformed with festively decorated stalls inviting visitors to stroll, try local produce and purchase artisan gifts for their loved ones. There will be live performances from local bands to create a festive atmosphere. Those who want to warm themselves from the inside will find something at the numerous mulled wine stands, which offer the ever-popular classics as well as specialties such as mulled gin. Of course, hungry people are also catered for – from doughnuts to crêpes and Tyrolean delicacies, there is something for every taste. The advent market will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 8pm and is free to visit.
The natural beauty of Zell am See takes on a whole new level at Christmas. It’s also home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The bustling village centre is full to the brim with wooden trinkets, handmade toys, baked Austrian sweets and Gluhwein by the gallon. On Christmas Day, head down to the water’s edge to watch the annual Christmas tree dive, when locals immerse a sparkling Christmas tree in Lake Zell before retrieving it again. Symbolic of lives saved on the lake, festive music and a circle of torchlight beckon the tree back to shore.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, Zermatt at Christmas time is like a picture-perfect Christmas card scene – traditional Swiss chalets, horse-drawn sleighs, lake ice-skating, and magnificent views of the mighty Matterhorn. Zermatt is also a popular foodie destination. Take a long lunch break on the mountain to share a steaming pot of cheesy fondue. Or pop to a cosy cafe for coffee and traditional Swiss Christmas cookies. On Christmas Day, the legendary English service at St Peter’s church is divine – it’s been held there every year since 1870. And a Michelin-Starred banquet at Capri or After Seven will blow every Christmas dinner you’ve ever had out of the water.
How To Christmas Holiday
Of course, you should also consider the type of accommodation you’ll book. Alpine hotels typically lay on multi-course gourmet dinners to mark the occasion, but the traditional British chalet holiday also comes into its own.
“One of the joys of the unique ski chalet holiday is sharing a hosted chalet with like-minded skiers, on a per-room basis, with a private chalet host to cook, clean and cater. Better still at Christmas, when no one needs to roast the turkey, wash up, put up the tree and decorations, or organise real snow and miles of skiing on the doorstep. What could be better?” asks Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell.
Peak Season
“Christmas is peak timing for ski resorts – mainly due to school holidays – so it is more expensive than most other periods during the season, although usually cheaper than February half term. But while the festive period is famously one of the busiest times of the year to go skiing, it’s also one of the most magical. If you’re trying to decide on whether to go skiing over Christmas or New Year’s, Christmas is usually cheaper and less crowded,” says Marcus Blunt.
“There are ways to save money though, even over Christmas and New Year. For example, check if avoiding Saturday flights makes it cheaper, as it’s often the most expensive day to travel. If you can be flexible on your dates, use the flexible date search on the Heidi website to see the cheapest ski holidays in that date range.”
(Image top credit Val Gardena & Werner)
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