Wonder where to ski in December? Discover the top 5 ski resorts for the start of Winter in this guide.
Though the ski season may seem months away, we can’t help but get excited about the season ahead. For those of you who are desperately seeking snow or simply can’t wait, there are many advantages of heading to the mountains before the New Year rush.
Why Ski in December
Embrace the Serenity of Less Crowded Slopes
December is the perfect month to hit the slopes if you prefer a more tranquil skiing experience. The crowds that peak in January and February have yet to arrive, making December an ideal time for those who appreciate wide-open pistes and shorter lift lines. Imagine gliding down the mountain with plenty of space around you, taking in the crisp winter air without the hustle and bustle of peak season. This quieter period allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing adventure, where you can truly connect with the mountain.
Celebrate a Magical Christmas on the Slopes
What could be more enchanting than spending Christmas in a winter wonderland? Ski resorts during December are beautifully decorated, capturing the festive spirit with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and special holiday events. Picture yourself in a cosy luxury chalet, sipping mulled wine by the fire after a day on the slopes, surrounded by the magical ambience of the holiday season. Celebrating Christmas in a ski resort offers a unique blend of festive cheer and exhilarating outdoor activity, making it an unforgettable white Christmas experience for families and friends alike.
Enjoy Perfectly Groomed Pistes
One of the joys of skiing in December is the impeccable condition of the pistes. Early in the season, the slopes are meticulously groomed, offering pristine conditions for skiers and snowboarders. The snow is fresh and powdery, providing an excellent surface for carving turns and tackling runs. With fewer people on the mountain, the pistes remain in better shape throughout the day, allowing you to make the most of your time in the snow. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll appreciate the smooth, well-maintained slopes that December skiing offers.
Take Advantage of Early Season Deals
Another great reason to go skiing in December is the potential for early-season deals. Many resorts offer special discounts on lift passes and ski rentals to attract visitors before the peak season kicks in. These promotions can free up money to spend on fine dining and other activities.
Experience the Unique Charm of Pre-Season Events
December also hosts a variety of pre-season events that add a unique charm to your skiing holiday. From winter festivals to torchlight descents and fireworks displays, resorts often kick off the season with a bang. These events provide entertainment and excitement off the slopes, offering a glimpse into the local culture and community spirit. Participating in these festivities can enhance your ski trip, creating memories that go beyond the thrill of the descent and making your December getaway truly special.
Now that you know why skiing in December is so special, read on to find out where you should go.
The Top 5 Best Places to Ski in December
Zermatt, Switzerland
Luxury Ski Chalets in Zermatt Tile
Boasting some of the highest skiing in Europe, Zermatt is a sure bet for early-season skiing, with snow-sure slopes from the end of November to the end of April. Much of the ski area is located above 2500m meaning that the snow tends to last longer in the cooler conditions. Head up to the highest peaks on the Klein Matterhorn lift and you will be greeted with vistas of the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding peaks at 3883m before you glide back down. Or why not ski to neighbouring Cervinia on the opposite side of the mountain for a different view?
If you wish, you can ski here all year round thanks to the Theodul Glacier offering 21km of groomed pistes. At this level the snow never disappears meaning you can enjoy this lively buzzing resort at any time of the year.
Part of the fantastic Espace Killy ski area encompassing Val d’Isere and the neighbouring resort of Tignes, this alpine playground is one of the world’s top ski areas. It was recently awarded the title of ‘European Resort of the Year’ and ‘Ski Resort of the Year’ in the World Snow Awards and rightly so! With a huge ski area at your feet, there is a high altitude and varied terrain to explore.
Getting around the 300km of pistes is a breeze too with a modern and efficient lift system. The redevelopment of the Solaise Express chairlift means you can ascend in just seven minutes. The chairlift even has wifi and heated seats for ultimate comfort.
If there’s snow in the Alps you are likely to find it here. With an excellent record for snow, Val d’Isere benefits from a long season and is snow-sure from early December to early May due to its high altitude, north-facing slopes and glacier skiing on the Pisaillas in Tignes (which is also open during the summer months).
As the festive season approaches in December, Val d’Isere turns into a winter wonderland, the village atmosphere is magical and what better way to end the day than with a cup of vin chaud as you gaze at the twinkling lights? Picture perfect!
A small and exclusive village with a BIG reputation for snow, the ski resort of Lech am Arlberg in Austria claims some of the snowiest conditions in the Alps, owing to its unique microclimate. It receives on average 10.6 metres of snow each winter, more than its neighbour St.Anton and double that of many of its French Rivals, making it a very reliable choice for early birds.
Sharing its ski area with the higher resort of Zurs, pistes extend up to 2450m or if you feel like going further afield you can easily reach St.Anton in the next valley… simply hop on the Flexenbahn lift. Newly constructed, you can now reach anywhere in the Arlberg area on skis, making it one of the top 5 biggest ski resorts in the world.
If you like your winter sports a tad more adventurous, then why not try heli-skiing? Lech is the only resort in Austria to allow the sport.
Undoubtedly one of the most glamorous resorts in the Alps, you will find a fine selection of luxury ski chalets and five-star hotels dotted around Lech, and its enchanting alpine village atmosphere is hard to beat.
With its position high in the 3 valleys, Courchevel 1850 has one of the best records for early-season snow in the ski area. The slopes in the Courchevel Valley reach up to 2739m and there are many north-facing options, meaning that the snow tends to stick around. Groomed to perfection each night, there is an abundance of terrain here too, whether you choose to gently cruise down a blue or prefer steeper slopes to put your technique to the test.
The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April and as part of the Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world, you will have access to a staggering 600km of pistes and a sleek and efficient lift system. The 3 Valleys ski area extends to an altitude of 3420m with a huge amount of skiing to be found above 2300m. The range on offer means that there is always good snow somewhere.
Courchevel 1850 has a well-respected international reputation for being a highly exclusive and glamorous resort with an abundance of luxury ski-in/ski-out chalets, Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques to match. It is the ultimate glamorous alpine paradise.
This charming mountain village officially has an altitude of ‘1450m’ at resort level, and whilst you might be thinking this is fairly low, don’t rule it out. In fact, the resort extends up the west-facing slope towards the Rond-Point at around 1700m.
But that’s not all. There are several reasons why Meribel offers a fantastic choice for early-season skiing. Unlike many other resorts, you can happily cruise around the slopes above 2000m all day as there is a huge variety of varied and good quality terrain to suit all levels up here. It’s also easy to drop into the Val Thorens valley which has an abundance of pistes above 2300m. Heaven.
With 150km of largely blue and red runs in the Meribel valley alone, it is an intermediates paradise. And being in the centre of the Three Valleys it puts you in the perfect position to explore a staggering 600km of pistes.
Snowmaking here is second to none too as the area has made a huge commitment to keeping as many runs open as possible throughout the season when the new snowfall is in short supply, meaning that snow is as guaranteed as it can be.
If you are keen to ski in December and would like to be sent a tailored selection of luxury chalets based on your availability and requirements, get in touch. Our friendly team of luxury travel experts have been matching customers with their ideal chalets for over a decade. Whenever you want to ski, we can help.
Tim has been immersed in the travel industry for over 20 years. Tim is the owner and founder of Firefly Collection, a luxury holiday accommodation booking agent.
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