The best places to ski at Christmas in the Alps 2022

November 29, 2022 pierce

There’s a certain magic in the air at Christmas. And there’s no place more magical than at a festive alpine ski resort. Think velvety white snow, festive markets and warming hot chocolates in front of the fire at the end of an invigorating day on the slopes.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Skiing at Christmas in 2022 is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

Find out what’s happening across the Alps this Christmas, which resorts plan to open and how to have the best festive season yet…

Where is the best skiing at Christmas in Europe?

Picking the right alpine holiday destination to spend Christmas depends on your needs and requirements. For example, families may be looking for something a little different to couples or large groups of friends.

Luckily, the Alps deliver when it comes to variety.

The least crowded ski resorts at Christmas in Europe

Looking for a more relaxed and laid back vibe this festive season? Look no further…

Les Menuires in France

Les Menuires in France is the quietest option in the Three Valleys area so you get all of the great slopes without the crowds. This resort is particularly suited to beginners and intermediates.

Saas Fee in Switzerland

Saas Fee is a high altitude resort for those who want to catch their thrills on the mountain, whilst enjoying a laid back resort with fewer people around.

Champuloc in Italy

Champuloc could be described as a hidden gem – making it a less busy option for skiers looking for breathtaking alpine views and a range of country trails.

Affordable ski resorts for Christmas

Christmas can be an expensive time, keep costs down with a trip to one of these more affordable resorts…

La Clusaz in France

La Clusaz offers lots of easy nursery, blue and green slopes for beginners as well as affordable accommodation options. A great choice for families and beginners.

Sauze D’Oulx in Italy

Sauze D’Oulx is home to the expansive milky way ski area – a fantastic place for intermediate skiers looking for a cheaper option. The village is charming and self catering apartments can help keep costs down.

The best place to ski in December for beginners

Families looking for quality beginner ski areas and good ski schools combined with affordable accommodation and family-friendly off-piste activities will feel right at home at these Christmas ski resorts;

Best places to ski at Christmas for couples

If you’re looking to spend a romantic Christmas with your one and only, the following ski resorts provide the ideal setting for a dreamy festive break;

Best places to ski at Christmas for groups

Christmas is a great excuse to strap on those party shoes, and what better way to spend Christmas and New Year than skiing all day and dancing all night! Here’s where to go for a Christmas group ski trip with friends;

Where to go for guaranteed snow at Christmas

What’s more magical than a white Christmas in Europe? The Alps are a great place to head to if you’re looking for great snow cover, as the ski season really gets going in December.

For guaranteed snow, choose a high-altitude resort above 12,000m like some of these snow-sure ski resorts in December:

Zermatt (1620m)
Val d’Isere (1850m)
Alpe d’Huez (1860m)
Les Menuires (1850m)
Val Thorens (2300m)
Obergurgl (1930m)

Skiing at Christmas

Exploring lofty peaks blanketed in snow, gazing at sparkly Christmas trees in town squares and following twinkling lights all the way back to your cosy ski lodge. What could be more Chrismassy than an Alpine ski resort?

We all deserve some festive comfort this year, which is why we’re doing everything we can to get you back to the slopes!

Is Christmas a good time to go skiing?

Christmas is a big deal in ski resorts across the Alps, with many activities being held for families and visitors. Here’s just some of the experiences you could have at this time of year;

Glide across the ice at your ski resort’s ice skating rink
Take part in winter sports and activities such as snowshoeing or dog sledding
Get a ride in a horse drawn sleigh
Visit Santa (Father Christmas) and his elves in his grotto
Enjoy a tipple in an ice bar
Watch a spectacular fireworks display
Visit a winter wonderland
Make merry with traditional drinks at après ski
Take day trips to nearby Christmas markets
Have Christmas dinner cooked for you in a luxury ski chalet
Spend Christmas day on the slopes in festive fancy dress!

Can you ski on Christmas day?

December is a fantastic month for skiing in the Alps. Not only is there a good chance of quality snow, but there are also many festive events planned around the holidays that make a skiing holiday at this time of year extra special.

The ski season really kicks off at Christmas. Be sure to choose a high altitude, snow sure resort to get the best chance of top skiing conditions on the big day.

Are ski resorts open over Christmas?

There are plenty of ski resorts across the Alps that are open and ready for Christmas. For example, Val Thorens in France opens on 19th November this year and there are several Swiss and Austrian resorts that open even earlier in October.

See our full list of ski resort openings for exact dates.

Ski holidays for Christmas 2022

Why not experience new festive traditions in different European resorts? Here’s what you can expect;

Swiss Alps Christmas Holidays

Meander through market stalls with a Glühwein (mulled wine) in hand picking up last-minute Christmas gifts or tasting homemade treats – the mighty Christmas market has it all. And Switzerland knows how to do it properly. Visit St. Moritz or Zermatt for some of the best markets around.

Another festive delight to be found in this region is real-life advent calendars. Keep your eye out for ornate calendars in village squares and lit up windows.

The Krampus run is a musical procession finishing on Christmas Eve in which masked creatures roam the streets in traditional costume. An enchanting delight for families with young children.

Top resorts for 2022 include:

Zermatt
St. Moritz
Verbier

A Festive French Alps Christmas

Christmas holidays in France are bursting with lavish meals and cosy log fires. Enjoy roast turkey with chestnuts, venison or oysters followed by rich French cheeses and a chocolate Yule log. This Christmas Eve feast can go on for 6 hours!

Attend midnight mass in a traditional church on Christmas eve before waking on Christmas morning for a session on the slopes – novelty Christmas outfit compulsory.

A charming tradition for children is leaving their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Father Noel will fill them with small presents and treats!

Top French ski resorts to visit in 2022:

Val d Isère
Courchevel
Megeve

Italian Alps Christmas

With the night air filled with the alluring sound of carollers, Christmas in Italy is full of music, merriment and delicious food and wine.

Spot giant nativity scenes, eat sweet panettone (a sweet bread with dried fruits) and enjoy the relatively peaceful slopes at this time of year.

If you’re visiting Cortina in Northern Italy, don’t miss the Christmas eve midnight ski session on the slopes. Grab a torch and bring in the season in style.

Top Italian ski resorts to visit this Christmas:

Cervinia
Cortina
Courmayeur

Christmas in the Austrian Alps

Each Christmas, Austrian families display an advent wreath made from green twigs, ribbons and candles. One candle is lit each Sunday during advent to the sound of carols as families gather together in celebration.

Gather round the Christmas tree at the centre of your resort as the lights are switched on to welcome Christmas eve with renditions of Silent Night and get ready to hit the slopes on Christmas morning.

Like Switzerland, markets are very popular here, with Innsbruck, Kitzbühel and the Salzburg Christmas market being some of the biggest and best.

When to Book a Christmas Skiing Holiday

Luckily, Christmas skiing is still cheaper and quieter than New Years and February half term. That being said, the festive season does attract crowds so it’s best to book early to find the cheapest ski deals and top accommodation.

Book Your Christmas in the Alps

Are you feeling the festive excitement yet? Before you don your Santa hat and start handing out the eggnog, make sure you’ve got your travel plans secured.

Here at Alps2Alps, we pride ourselves on providing affordable transfers to all the major ski resorts throughout the Alps. Our family-friendly service begins from the moment you arrive at the airport, where your experienced driver will be ready and waiting to take you and your luggage straight to your resort.

This year, we’re offering a wider choice of vehicles, including VIP options for luxurious and spacious journeys. Simply choose your vehicle when you book.

So, why wait? Book your ski transfer with us and end the year on a high with a magical Christmas holiday in the Alps.