It’s that enchanting time of year again, when we dream of a White Christmas at home, even though we know it’s unlikely. So why not embrace the festive magic by heading to the mountains and celebrating in the snow? With Christmas falling midweek this year, a classic Saturday-to-Saturday ski trip gives you the perfect opportunity to settle in before the big day—and plenty of time to relax and recover before heading back 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.
“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 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.
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, Ler Village 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 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 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.
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.
Ski Holiday Deals
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