Best Resorts for a Christmas Ski Holiday

Best Christmas Ski Resorts - Switzerland

When looking for some of the best ski resorts at Christmas, Switzerland has more than enough incredible destinations to choose from. Home to some of the top skiing spots in the Alps, this beautiful country has an array of fantastic options for skiers and non-skiers alike.

With its charming resorts, spectacular scenery and unmatched slopes, Swiss ski holidays are hard to beat. Discover an array of luxury chalets in Switzerland, each of which has something to offer a plethora of holiday itineraries. Whether you’re planning to visit Andermatt, Crans Montana, Davos, Saas-Fee, Zermatt, plus many more, there are plenty of incredible places to choose from in this outstanding destination.

Zermatt - For a Fairytale Christmas

With sparkling Christmas lights dotted along the car-free streets, a warm glow from the many shops, bars and restaurants, the occasional clip-clop of hooves from a passing horse and carriage and the magnificent Matterhorn looming overhead, you can’t fail to feel festive in the enchanting village of Zermatt. Not only does this make it one of the best places to ski at Christmas, but also provides visitors with a variety of activities and attractions to explore.

Keen skiers can enjoy snow-sure slopes at over 3,000m and with a brand new lift system linking Trockener Steg to the Klein Matterhorn, queues will be a thing of the past. Zermatt is renowned for its wonderful mountain restaurants so you certainly won’t miss out on festive feasting and there are several great bars where you can enjoy an apres-ski tipple or two.

Our luxury chalets in Zermatt make the ideal base for a Christmas to remember. The perfect spot to spend Christmas, the wonderful Chalet Grace is a luxurious five-bedroom mountain retreat with unbeatable views of the Matterhorn, an enviable outdoor Jacuzzi and incredible service.

Best Christmas Ski Resorts - Austria

Another of the best Christmas ski resorts in Europe is undoubtedly the stunning country of Austria. The birthplace of modern Alpine skiing combines world-class lift systems, outstanding snowmaking and lively apres ski, allowing visitors to experience an excellent skiing holiday.

Spend your time in Austria scouring picturesque villages, unwinding in luxurious chalets and of course embarking on exceptional skiing adventures. However you aim to spend your holiday, a trip to the many ski resorts in Austria provides an excellent choice for a Christmas ski trip.

Lech - For Traditional Alpine Charm

With the scent of biscuits and mulled wine wafting through the air, choirs singing Christmas carols, and wooden chalet-style stalls selling local goods, few places are as atmospheric during the festive season as Lech and its wonderful Christmas markets in the church square. While the destination is associated with Royal visitors, Lech remains true to its farming origins and has plenty of alpine charm.

Despite its modest altitude of 1,450m, Lech often receives twice as much snow as some of its French rivals, making it one of the best ski resorts for Christmas. Linked to the Arlberg ski area, Lech combines well-groomed pistes with excellent backcountry skiing and 305 km of marked slopes. Off the slopes you can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the local forests, ice skating and rejuvenating spa days.

The stunning Nidus Penthouse is perfectly positioned in the heart of Lech. The apartment sleeps up to ten people and has a sophisticated living and dining area—perfect for relaxing and entertaining friends and family.

Best Christmas Ski Resorts - France

If you’re pursuing some of the best Christmas skiing in Europe then look no further than France. This impressive destination boasts the biggest lift and piste networks in the world alongside historic ski villages, extensive slopes and much more. Catering to both beginners and advanced skiers, you’ll find something for the whole family when choosing France for your next ski holiday.

Visitors will also find a ton of things to do off the slopes in France. Choose from an array of luxury chalets to relax and unwind, lively apres-ski and an excellent selection of ski schools. Whether you’re planning a Christmas holiday with the whole family or would prefer a vibrant getaway with friends, you’ll find something for all types of travel itineraries at the ski resorts in France.

Val d'Isere - For Party Goers

Developed around a 17th-century church, the town of Val d’Isere combines traditional Savoyard architecture with a fun party atmosphere, perfect for Christmas ski holidays. During the festive period, the resort hosts a variety of seasonal events to get you into the Christmas spirit. Ice-carving elves will be working away creating a series of icy masterpieces and several snow sculptures will be dotted around the village. Expect giant Christmas baubles and even a visit from Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.

This world-class resort sits at an impressive altitude of 1,850m, making it one of the most snow-sure destinations in the Alps. Famous for its après options, make sure you stop by the infamous Folie Douce, located at the top of the La Daille gondola, for top DJs, dancing and entertainment. Cocorico with live music on the terrace is another popular choice and there are plenty of great spots in the village with a more sophisticated ambience.

Stay at Chalet Lhotse, a unique six-bedroom chalet in Val d'Isere with a fabulous open-plan living area and superb spa, plus there's a full team of staff meaning you won’t need to lift a finger during your stay.

Megeve - For Style & Sophistication

Founded in 1916 by Baroness Noemie de Rothschild, Megeve is like a French version of St. Moritz. Gleaming boutiques, bars, and restaurants line the ancient cobbled streets and the giant Christmas tree towers above the village square. The lighting of the Christmas tree on 8 December is a main event. Each year, there is a different theme. Previously, the tree was adorned with special Swarovski crystal ornaments and exquisite hand-painted baubles. We wait in anticipation for this year's theme to be revealed.

Megeve is home to several Michelin-star restaurants, many five-star hotels and some of the finest luxury chalets in the Alps. Try the three-Michelin star Flocons de Sel, located just outside the village, for something special. There are three main ski areas - Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois and the quieter Le Jaillet - which are all reached by cable cars from town. Families will find plenty of gentler slopes to satisfy the younger skiers and off-piste skiers can take their pick of some wonderful ungroomed runs if the snow has fallen.

Living up to the resort’s reputation for sophisticated and stylish accommodation is Chalet des Sens, a seriously impressive five-bedroom property with the plushest of furnishings. A whole floor is dedicated to relaxation and entertainment - enjoy a dip in the indoor swimming pool complete with adjustable floor, counter-current and mirror TV, get competitive in the games room or put your feet up in the cinema room whilst enjoying a glass of wine from the chalet’s own cellar. This chalet really does have everything you could ever wish for.

Les Gets - For Family Fun

Les Gets, in the expansive Portes du Soleil ski region, is a great choice for families. Aside from visiting Father Christmas and his grotto in the enchanted forest, children can get creative at a chocolate workshop and visit the mechanical music museum for a ride on the wooden horse carousel, making it one of the best places to ski in December. The picture-postcard village is also draped in fairy lights and on the 24th of December a spectacular firework display announces the arrival of Santa and his elves in the village.

As part of one of the largest ski areas in the world, keen skiers have an unbelievable 650 km of runs across 12 interconnected resorts at their fingertips. With gentle nursery slopes and more challenging terrain including the infamous Swiss Wall, one of the toughest mogul fields in Europe, there is plenty of skiing to amuse the whole family whatever your level.

Ferme de Moudon is an ideal retreat for a cosy family Christmas. A private chalet just three minutes drive from the centre of Les Gets, this luxurious retreat has a stylish interior with a stunning spa terrace featuring a hot tub, heated outdoor pool and sauna.

Summary

With so many incredible places to ski in Europe at Christmas, it comes as no surprise that visitors continue to visit the many impressive resorts here. From the stunning scenery in Switzerland to the variety of activities and attractions in Austria or the outstanding lift and piste networks in France, you’re sure to find something for all types of festive holidays.