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Christmas ski holidays
- Wake up to a magical White Christmas
- Spend Christmas Day on the slopes
- Explore dazzling festive markets
Believe us when we say there's nothing like waking up surrounded by snow-laden trees on Christmas Day. Christmas skiing holidays spent in the mountains are like no other, from the breathtaking views to the joy of being served a festive dinner that you didn't have to cook yourself. It's all the fun and none of the hard work.
If you're ready to start searching for your next Christmas ski trip right away, pop your preferred dates into our search. We recommend also filtering by 'family' and 'high altitude' to ensure fun for kids and the best early-season snow.
What are the best resorts for Christmas ski holidays?
- Val D'Isere Christmas ski trips turn on the festive vibe in epic proportions, with dazzling firework displays, giant ice sculptures, and appearances from the big man himself.
- Few ski resorts look as magical as Megeve at Christmas, with horse-drawn sleighs gliding through snowy meadows and ice figurines recreating nativity tales.
- A Chamonix Christmas ski holiday is one for the bucket list - explore ice caves, taste your way through Christmas markets, be dazzled by evening street parades, and enjoy a torchlit procession right on the slopes.
- Zell Am See, Austria, boasts one of Europe's finest Christmas markets and is ideal when paired with some New Year's Day après.
- Zermatt, Switzerland, is like being caught in a snow globe, with traditional Swiss chalets, horse-drawn sleighs, ice skating on the lake, and magnificent Matterhorn views. Ahhhhh.
Most Popular Christmas Ski Holidays
Avoriaz, France
Positioned within the enormous Portes du Soleil ski area, a Christmas ski holiday to Avoriaz gives you access to an incredible 266 pistes for all abilities. And with no traffic bar an occasional horse-drawn sleigh, the town is super charming and child-friendly too.
Hidden Gem Christmas Ski Holidays
Zell am See, Austria
When it comes to mountain views, few are as breathtaking as the sight on Christmas Day on top of the Schmittenhöhe mountain above Zell am See. The choice of accommodation in Zell am See is on point, with everything from 5-star luxury hotels and apartments to family-run B&Bs.
FAQs about Christmas ski holidays
Your questions answered by our Christmas ski holiday expert
Phoebe Hewitt
Where to go skiing at Christmas in Europe?
The French Alps' Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, Austrian Tirol's Ischgl, Switzerland’s Verbier, Italian Dolomites' Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Finnish Lapland's Levi all make great places to ski over Christmas in Europe thanks to their fantastic snow records and selection of festive events.
What country has the most snow at Christmas?
In Europe, Austria and Switzerland experience abundant snowfall from early November to May, thanks to their numerous lofty high-altitude peaks.
What ski resort has the best snow at Christmas?
Val Thorens, St. Anton, and Zermatt are home to some of Europe’s best snow at Christmas thanks to their lofty high altitudes, making them superb for Christmas skiing trips. Enjoy a selection of festive events, Christmas markets, lively après-ski, and some exceptional December snow totals.
When should I book Christmas ski holidays?
It’s best to book Christmas ski trips at least 6 to 12 months in advance. This is because the Christmas ski season fills up quickly, so booking early ensures you get the best choice of accommodation, ski lesson availability, and deals on flights before they are all booked up.
Is Christmas a good time to ski in the Alps?
Yes. Christmas is an excellent time to ski in the Alps. With its festive atmosphere, winter markets, and snow-sure skiing at high altitude resorts like Val Thorens, St. Anton, and Zermatt, Christmas makes an excellent time for a family ski holiday.
Where is the best place to ski in France at Christmas?
Val Thorens' high altitude and festive charm make it one of the best Christmas ski holidays in France. Suppose you're looking for ski resorts with a great Christmas atmosphere. In that case, we also recommend checking out Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, and Avoriaz, as well as other great recommendations in our 'Best Christmas Ski Resorts in France' blog here.
Where is the best place to ski in Austria at Christmas?
St. Anton’s lofty high peaks mean a white Christmas is always on the menu, along with world-famous skiing and a fantastic après atmosphere. Other great options include family-friendly Obergurgl, as well as other excellent recommendations in our blog on the ‘Best Christmas Ski Resorts in Austria’ here.
Where is the best place to ski in Italy at Christmas?
Is Lapland good for skiing at Christmas?
Yes. Vast snowy landscapes, reindeer rides, and more Santa experiences than you can shake a yule log at - Finland’s Lapland is a fantastic spot for getting in some time on the slopes while surrounded by winter wonder. We recommend staying at Levi or Ylläs for some great beginner-friendly slopes, excellent snow records, and heaps of family-friendly Christmas activities.
Where is the best place to ski for cheap at Christmas?
Andorra’s Pas de la Casa and Soldeu make great cheap Christmas ski holidays thanks to their tax-free savings, mixed-ability pistes, and fab snow records. With fantastic winter markets and a range of family-friendly activities on offer between the Christmas and New Year period, it’s a great place to take a family or group ski trip while saving some pennies away from the more popular resorts. For more cheap Christmas ski holiday recommendations, check out our blog here.
What are the best beginner’s ski resorts for Christmas?
La Plagne, Avoriaz, and Alpe d’Huez in France make great beginner Christmas ski holiday picks, thanks to their wide, gentle slopes, excellent ski schools, and faff-free accommodation options. Learn to ski on some of Europe’s best beginner-friendly slopes, then soak up the festive atmosphere with plenty of festive events, twinkling lights, and legendary French cuisine. What’s not to love?
What are the best family ski resorts for Christmas?
Avoriaz and Les Gets in France, along with Obergurgl and Lech in Austria, are firm favourites for family Christmas ski holidays. With their fantastic range of faff-free ski-in/ski-out accommodations, Christmas kids activities, and twinkling fairy lights and decorations, there's plenty of little ones to get stuck into while you soak up some much-needed time on the slopes! Read more about our best Christmas ski resorts here.
Where is the least crowded ski resort for Christmas?
France’s La Rosière, Switzerland’s Arosa, and Austria’s Obergurgl are all great ski destinations to soak up some great festive cheer and excellent skiing away from the Christmas crowds. Choosing lesser-known resorts or opting for a smaller resort in larger ski areas means you can still make the most of the grand Christmas celebrations and top-tier skiing at other, more popular resorts, just without the long lift and restaurant lines.
What are the advantages of skiing at Christmas?
Some of Europe's best Christmas markets, festive decorations, and a wealth of activities for kids and adults on and off the slopes make Christmas, without a doubt, one of the most magical times for families to visit the slopes.
What are the disadvantages of skiing at Christmas?
Resorts can get busy and more expensive during the Christmas season due to a surge in accommodation and flight demand. This is because Christmas is one of the few times families can visit the slopes during the school holidays.
However, there are plenty of ways to escape the crowds and save the pennies during a Christmas ski trip, such as opting for a lesser-known resort and booking early. For great, cheap Christmas ski holiday recommendations, please read our blog here.
Is Christmas too early to go skiing?
No. Christmas can be a great time to go skiing, especially with young children. If you’re unsure, we recommend choosing a resort at high altitude to ensure good snow totals, such as St. Anton or Val Thorens.
Should I book in advance for Christmas?
Yes. Christmas is one of the peak times for ski holidays, so booking flights, accommodation, lift passes, ski hire, and ski lessons early is essential. Last-minute deals at this time of year can be rare, so booking well in advance is often your best bet for cheap Christmas ski deals.
Should I pre-book ski lessons for Christmas?
Can you ski on Christmas Day?
Yes. You can ski on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day with most ski resorts and ski lifts operating as usual throughout the Christmas period.
What to wear skiing at Christmas?
Layer up with thermal base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and a good waterproof ski jacket and ski pants, along with your ski gloves, ski socks, neck gaiter, goggles, and, of course, your helmet. December can be one of the chilliest times to hit the slopes, especially if you’re venturing up to higher altitudes, so ensure you’re prepared to combat the cold. Read more about what to pack for your ski holiday by reading our blog here.
See our ski holiday reviews
Why book a Christmas ski holiday with Heidi?
Blogs about Christmas ski resorts
5 of the best Christmas ski resorts in Italy
Whether you’re seeking family fun or a hint of Xmas extravagance, we have the perfect Christmas ski trip in Italy for you! Here are Heidi’s best Italy Christmas ski holidays.
Phoebe Hewitt
15 May, 2025
1 min read
Best places for a Christmas ski holiday
Fancy getting away from it all and treating the family to a super special Xmas ski holiday? We gather round the fireplace to discuss some of Heidi's best ski resorts for Christmas.
Sarah Cramer
8 May, 2025
1 min read
5 of the best Christmas ski resorts in Austria
France Christmas ski holidays are a no-brainer for those wanting to enjoy some of Europe's best December ski resorts alongside fantastically fun festivities.
Phoebe Hewitt
2 May, 2025
1 min read
All flight-inclusive holidays sold on Heidi are fully financially protected under the ATOL scheme (ATOL 11456)