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Where to Ski in December | Europe’s Best Early Season Resorts

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There’s nothing quite like the excitement of the first turns of the winter season on freshly groomed slopes. December marks the true start of skiing in Europe, when the lifts open, villages light up with Christmas decorations, and the mountains are blanketed in fresh snow.

Not every resort gets reliable snow early on, which is why choosing a snow sure destination is key. High altitudes, glacier access and cold microclimates all play a big part in whether you’ll be carving down perfect pistes in December or waiting for more snow to arrive.

We’ve spent years skiing/snowboarding across the Alps, and these are some of our favourite resorts for December, combining reliable snow with festive atmosphere and great terrain.

Contents

How to Use This Guide

Use the contents table above to jump straight to the resort you are interested in. We have chosen these destinations because they consistently offer strong early season conditions, have reliable snow records, great atmospheres and are easy to reach from the UK.

Whether you are looking for the reliability of high altitude resorts, fresh powder, lively après ski or a classic Alpine Christmas escape, this guide will help you choose the perfect ski resort for December.

Skiing at Christmas and New Year

December is one of the most magical times to be in the mountains. Many resorts host Christmas markets, torchlit descents, live music and spectacular fireworks. It is also one of the busiest times of the year, so if you are planning to ski over Christmas or New Year, it is best to book early.

Popular resorts such as Val Thorens, Verbier and St. Anton fill up quickly, and flight prices often rise sharply closer to the holidays.

The race to be the first resort to open each winter is often contested between Val Thorens and Val d’Isère–Tignes. As the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens usually succeeds in opening first, hosting La Grande Première to mark the official start of the ski and snowboard season. This event typically takes place in late November and signals the beginning of winter in the Alps.

FAQs – Early Season Skiing in Europe

Where is the best place to ski in December?

Val Thorens and Tignes are among the most reliable for early snow, but resorts like Verbier and Ischgl also offer excellent conditions in December.

Are ski resorts open at Christmas?

Yes. Most major Alpine resorts are fully operational by mid December and offer special festive events over the holidays.

Which resorts have guaranteed snow in December?

High altitude and glacier resorts such as Val Thorens, Tignes and Ischgl are your safest bets for guaranteed snow before Christmas.

Best resorts for Christmas atmosphere

Our favourite resort for that Alpine village Christmas atmosphere is Megève. It is a more exclusive resort with designer shops lining the beautiful streets, but it has a wonderfully charming festive feel that makes it perfect for a magical winter trip.

When should I book a December ski trip?

For the Christmas and New Year period, it is best to book flights and accommodation several months in advance to secure the best prices and availability.

Val Thorens - France

Europe’s Highest Ski Resort

Base Altitude | 2,300 m  Peak Altitude | 3,230 m  Best For | All-rounders, snow certainty, big terrain

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, which makes it one of the most reliable places for early season snow. The village sits at 2,300 metres and most runs are north facing, meaning good snow conditions from late November onwards.

It is part of the Three Valleys ski area, giving access to over 600 kilometres of pistes and making it the largest skiable area in the world. There is plenty to explore even before Christmas. Early in the season, the pistes are usually in excellent shape and the atmosphere is buzzing as skiers arrive for their first turns of winter.

Val Thorens is one of our favourite resorts, with guaranteed snow, excellent high mountain pistes and fantastic places to stay, eat and unwind off the slopes. The drive up to Val Thorens can get fairly hectic during the opening weeks of the season, especially if there is fresh snow on the road causing vehicles to get stuck. Be prepared for slow traffic and the occasional impatient driver on the mountain road.

Tignes - France

Glacier Access and Consistent Early Snow

Base Altitude | 2,100 m  Peak Altitude | 3,456 m  Best For | Intermediates, glacier skiing, snow reliability

Linked with Val d’Isère to form the Espace Killy ski area, Tignes is one of the safest bets for skiing in December. Thanks to the Grande Motte Glacier, there is almost always skiing available from late autumn, and by early December most of the resort is open.

Tignes suits intermediate and advanced skiers well, with long, wide pistes and varied terrain. We have experienced fantastic conditions here that are ideal for building confidence on skis or a snowboard. With plenty of snow and a lively atmosphere, Tignes is a fantastic resort that also gives easy access to the slopes of Val d’Isère.

Les Menuires - France

Affordable Access to Snow Sure Terrain

Base Altitude | 1,850 m  Peak Altitude | 2,850 m  Best For | Families, value, reliable snow

Often overlooked in favour of nearby Val Thorens, Les Menuires is one of the best value options in the Three Valleys. Its high base and close proximity to Val Thorens mean excellent snow reliability in December, but with a lower price tag than its famous neighbour.

The resort even has a paid aire for campervans, which includes water and electricity. We spent the best part of a week here in our campervan, parked close to the slopes, and loved the convenience of being able to ski straight from our base.

We like Les Menuires for its cheaper, family friendly atmosphere, great access to the wider Three Valleys ski area and reliable early snow on its local runs. It is a brilliant choice if you want snow sure skiing but prefer a quieter and more affordable base.

St. Anton - Austria

Legendary Terrain and Festive Atmosphere

Base Altitude | 1,300 m  Peak Altitude | 2,811 m  Best For | Advanced skiers, après-ski, powder

St. Anton is a world famous ski destination and a December favourite for powder lovers. Even though its base sits lower than some French resorts, St. Anton benefits from abundant early snowfall, excellent snowmaking and high lifts that reach well above 2,800 metres.

The town comes alive in December with twinkling lights, Christmas markets and a lively après ski scene. For experienced skiers looking to kick off the season with a mix of challenging runs and atmosphere, St. Anton delivers.

We really enjoyed our time here. The resort has a lot to offer, including plenty of shops, great restaurants, comfortable hotels and a world class après ski scene that makes it a brilliant place to start the winter season.

Ischgl - Austria

High Altitude and Early Opening

Base Altitude | 1,377 m  Peak Altitude | 2,872 m  Best For | Intermediates, lively après, early starts

Ischgl is one of Austria’s most snow reliable resorts, opening as early as late November in most seasons. The ski area stretches high into the mountains, with a great network of intermediate runs and modern lifts.

The resort is famous for its Top of the Mountain concerts, which feature big name acts to celebrate the opening and closing of the season. After a day on the slopes, the Silvretta Therme Ischgl is ideal for relaxing and recharging, with extensive wellness facilities.

Ischgl is also known for its vibrant après ski scene, making it a lively and exciting place to kick off the winter. Early December often brings excellent piste conditions, and its high altitude makes it one of the most reliable options for pre Christmas skiing.

Verbier - Switzerland

Iconic Swiss Skiing with Reliable Early Snow

Base Altitude | 1,500 m  Peak Altitude | 3,330 m  Best For | Off-piste, advanced skiers, early powder

Verbier might not have the absolute highest base in Europe, but its north facing slopes and high lifts make it one of Switzerland’s most snow reliable resorts in December. Early season conditions are often excellent, especially higher up towards Mont Fort at 3,330 metres.

It is a dream destination for confident skiers, with legendary off piste terrain and sweeping alpine views. We have skied Verbier early in the season and found both the snow and the atmosphere outstanding.

One of our highlights was the lively après ski scene where we spent time with legends of the sport. Another was taking a snowcat up to a hidden mountain restaurant after dark, a memorable experience that perfectly captured Verbier’s adventurous spirit.

Megève - France

Classic Alpine Charm for Festive Ski Trips

Base Altitude | 1,100 m  Peak Altitude | 2,350 m  Best For | Scenic skiing, Christmas markets, beginners

Megève offers a completely different experience to the high altitude mega resorts. While its base altitude is lower, it benefits from excellent snowmaking, a cold early winter climate and beautifully maintained pistes.

The village is stunning in December, with cobbled streets, twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere that feels straight out of a Christmas card. It is a brilliant choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a charming Alpine Christmas getaway with reliable skiing nearby.

Megève is famous for being an exclusive luxury resort with five star hotels and designer boutiques. It may not be the cheapest destination, but the elegant atmosphere and festive feel make it a special place to spend time during the Christmas season.

Valmorel - France

A Picture-Perfect Alpine Village

Base Altitude: 1,400 m | Peak Altitude: 2,550 m | Best For: Scenic charm, families, relaxed atmosphere

Tucked away in the Tarentaise Valley, Valmorel is one of the most picturesque ski villages in the French Alps. Built in traditional Savoyard style, the resort has a timeless alpine charm with wood and stone chalets, car-free cobbled streets, and snow-covered rooftops that look as though they’ve been lifted straight from a postcard.

The heart of the village centres around a beautiful pedestrian street, lined with cosy cafés, independent boutiques and inviting restaurants. In December, twinkling lights and festive decorations transform the village into a warm, storybook winter scene that feels authentically alpine.

Valmorel almost resembles a medieval village, with its winding lanes and intimate scale. One of the highlights for us was watching the skiers’ torchlit descent down the main piste into the village at night. It is a magical display that perfectly captures the festive spirit.

Unlike many purpose built high altitude resorts, Valmorel has retained a true village character. It is the kind of place where you can wander through snowy streets after skiing, stop for a vin chaud by a crackling fire, and soak up the beauty of the surrounding mountains at a slower pace.

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