December marks the start of the winter ski season, as across the Alps resort authorities study the snow base and start firing up the ski lifts. Fresh snow starts falling as eager skiers and snowboarders watch the forecast, and great value ski holiday deals help early-birds reach the slopes for an early-season blast. 

Of course, Christmas and New Year also fall in December – two of the winter ski season’s most atmospheric weeks in the Alps. The beginning of the festive season starts when the Christmas lights turn on in mid-December, and over Christmas and the New Year, resorts are busier with revellers soaking up the festive atmosphere. Early booking is always recommended for peak dates, when demand is higher, but smaller groups can often also do well in the last-minute ski holiday market. 

Hit high-altitude resorts for the best early-season conditions

In high-altitude and glacier resorts across the Alps, December offers the perfect opportunity to tuck in a ski holiday without the price tag – or the crowds. The December snow can be superb, and its’s a great time to escape to the slopes among friends and family. If you’re looking for an early-season or December ski holiday, our experts are on hand to help and advise. Here’s a little inspiration in the form of a few popular resorts to consider.

Verbier is a great place for December skiing, with high, snow sure slopes typically offering some of Switzerland’s best December skiing. Geneva airport sits close by, offering a swift airport transfer for those keen to fit in a weekend on the slopes, and there’s an extensive network of challenging slopes ideal for high intermediates and expert skiers. 

The highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens in France is typically among the first Alpine destinations to crank up the ski lifts. With huge swathes of piste-side accommodation and sweeping, high-altitude slopes to enjoy, VT is a wonderful early-season resort to tick off. Set within the Portes du Soleil and the Espace Killy respectively, the resorts of Avoriaz and Tignes also make for ideal December resort choices. 

Over in Austria, Ischgl is a charming and welcoming Alpine town with soaring slopes ideal for an early-season escape. Equally, Solden, Obergurgl and St Anton typically benefit from great December snowfall – and offer the ideal spot for an early-season ski holiday before the festive season kicks in. 

Celebrate Christmas or New Year in the Alps

When the festive season arrives in the Alps, ski resorts explode into life. Streets glitter under twinkling fairy lights, and resorts cram in seasonal celebrations for visitors of all ages. Christmas in the Alps sees events and activities such as torch-lit descents, ice-sculpting, and carol concerts – a most amazing time to be in the mountains. On New Year’s Eve, party-goers celebrating in the Alps hit the streets for midnight, to count down the clock and watch festive fireworks exploding across the skies. 

Below, you’ll find a selection of our superb December ski deals. We offer everything family-friendly resorts like Val d’Isere, Obergurgl and Les Gets to all-out party towns like St Anton or Meribel – and as always, our experts are always on hand to help you narrow down the search. 




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