Winter is coming and that can mean only one thing – the ski season is upon us! December is a popular time to ski as it is the first change for many skiing enthusiasts to strap their skis on after a long time away from the slopes. There is also an exceptional atmosphere in the first few weeks of December as many ski resorts celebrate their seasonal renewal with opening parties.
Most resorts will open their lifts around the middle of the month, but some (depending largely on snowfall predictions) can open as early as the first week of December. So, if you can’t wait to hit the slopes, why not take advantage of the first weeks of the snow season and head to the mountains to recharge your batteries and be one of the first down the slopes?
Spending Christmas on the slopes gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy a true white Christmas...
ski at Christmas and experience something truly magical and unforgettable that you can share with family or friends. There are usually special events during this period, including experiencing traditional alpine traditions and food. So, if you opt to ski in December you can truly celebrate Christmas with a difference!
We can’t imagine a better way to celebrate
New Year’s Eve than skiing into it! New Year's Eve is an especially lively and festive time to be in the ski resorts. Think après ski to a whole new level!
Going skiing in December often allows you to benefit from attractive prices on accommodation rentals and ski equipment, enabling you the opportunity to take advantage of lower prices. This is due to the season just kicking off, and many families preferring to travel during the February half term break, allowing you to book a more affordable ski holiday in December. The average snow cover can be inferior in the lower-altitude resorts during this time, so we advise that you book a
high-altitude resort for guaranteed snow. Here are the resorts recommended and appreciated during this period by our Travelski experts:
Val Thorens
At an altitude of 2,300m,
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe! Perched in the heart of the Tarentaise valley, high altitude and year-long snowfall allows Val Thorens to open from as early as November. Christmas and New Year events are a large affair in Val Thorens - you will witness a magical show on the Place Caron with fireworks that will delight young and old alike. With a large choice of accommodation in this resort, you will have the opportunity to find good deals and make the most of your family holidays in December.
La Plagne
La Plagne is part of Paradiski, the second largest ski area in the world. Often open from early December, this ski domain boasts a variety of activities for all the family to enjoy, and high-quality facilities to ensure you have an exceptional stay. You can benefit from a whole range of accessible budgets adapted to everyone.
Valmeiner
Valmeiner is a village resort located in the Galibier Thabor ski area in the heart of the Maurienne valley. Find reduced rates at this
family-friendly ski resort which opens its doors in December. Discover the resort’s exceptional slopes which have something for all abilities. Less of a tourist trap than some of the larger resorts, you will encounter an authentic and comfortable atmosphere and are guaranteed an unforgettable holiday. Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve at one of Valmeinier’s music concerts or fun, cosy
après ski bars.