Have you ever considered a festive ski holiday at Christmas and New Year? We believe that nothing can beat a luxury ski holiday throughout the colder months of the year, but add a little festive sparkle and celebration, and you have yourself an extra special ski holiday. Snow covered peaks, frosted alpine forests, corduroy pistes, and a roaring fire in your ultra-luxury ski chalet all help to make a festive ski trip the ultimate family vacation. While all of our ski resorts for Christmas and New Year have something special and unique to offer, here’s four of our favourites for an extra-special experience!
Courchevel is perhaps the most exclusive ski resort in the Alps and if there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s throw a party! Children will be entranced by a magical visit from Santa when he stops by the resort on the days before Christmas, while Courchevel’s infamous nightlife will keep older visitors entertained long after dark, especially at New Year.
As for the skiing in Courchevel, it’s second to none. They are justifiably proud of their immaculately groomed pistes, and further afield there’s the whole Three Valleys ski area to explore. From the high altitude pistes in Val Thorens, to the beautiful tree-lined runs weaving through Meribel, the Three Valleys has something for everyone. Keeping it local, Le Creux is a must-ski above Courchevel 1850, with stunning views at the peak, before sweeping down through the trees.
Whilst the skiing and village of Courchevel are world-class, what makes it truly unique as one of the best ski resorts for Christmas & New Year is the exceptional standard of Courchevel’s ultra-luxury ski chalets. Widely regarded as ‘palaces on the pistes’, Courchevel ski resort is the place to stay to experience the best luxury ski accommodation the Alps have to offer. Ski in/ski out chalets in Courchevel, and private chalet swimming pools are de rigueur at this point, and there is no limit to the facilities and standard of service on offer.
For a truly seamless start to a festive ski holiday in Courchevel, make use of the resort’s altiport, where private jets deliver guests directly to the mountains. Not only does this avoid the holiday bustle of the larger nearby airports, but your ski concierge can meet you there, ready to whisk away any luggage and clip you into your skis directly, for those all important first runs.
Without a doubt, Morzine in the Portes du Soleil is one of the best ski resorts for Christmas & New Year. A very pretty and lively resort, a festive ski holiday to Morzine is fun for all the family. The tourist office are very proactive at ensuring children have the time of their lives, with alpine adventures and magical moments. Discover the original Medieval village of Morzine, beautifully illuminated with festive lights, meet with Santa on Christmas Eve, and party under New Year fireworks with a glass of Champagne in hand.
Skiers of all abilities have 650km of pistes to explore across Europe’s largest ski area. Discover the heights of Avoriaz where the elevation reaches 2,500m, and skiing the Swiss Wall offers a bucket-list ski challenge to advanced skiers. Meanwhile other members of the group can enjoy to horse and sleigh taxis or party in the snow at the famous Folie Douce. For an authentic experience, ski to the farming village of Les Lindarets in the heart of the ski region. Famous for its goats in summer, this little village is the ultimate winter wonderland as it is inaccessible by car in winter, but boasts some lovely restaurants for a hearty lunch on the mountains.
Tucked into a valley on the French/Swiss border, Morzine is just an hour from Geneva Airport, and this short transfer time is another benefit for families. Alternatively, a helicopter transfer from Geneva to Morzine will whisk you over the snowy peaks in just 20 minutes.
In recent years, Morzine has seen a variety of ultra-luxury chalets come to market, each more spectacular than the last. Think indoor/outdoor chalet swimming pools, panoramic views across frosted mountain forests (perfect for a picture perfect white Christmas!), and service standards that are second to none, you will be truly spoilt by choice for ultimate luxury ski chalets in Morzine. For a ski vacation in France that combines relaxing family fun, with ultimate luxury, Morzine is one of the best ski resorts for Christmas & New Year.
Val d’Isere is a legendary party resort nearly all year round and with an abundance of après bars and nightclubs both on and off the slopes, what better place to celebrate this festive time of the year? Papa Noël will join revellers in Val d’Isere in the days before Christmas, so children can get even more excited for the big day and the Christmas village brings festive cheer to resort throughout the period. The town is pedestrianised on New Years Eve for a huge street party with popping Champagne corks, live music and DJs, and an epic firework display as the clock strikes midnight.
As for skiing in Val d’Isere, it is world-renowned for it’s incredible snow record and array of awesome pistes to explore. Bring children and adults alike down the mountain together on the green Genepy run, where the whole group can experience the magic of the mountains no matter their skiing ability. For more of a challenge, the Face piste is another one to tick off the bucket list for advanced skiers, who will undoubtedly be drawn to this famously steep descent. Stop off for a break part-way down with a delicious lunch at La Peau de Vache restaurant. After all, a ski day is not complete without rewarding yourself with a mountain lunch from one of Val d’Isere’s best restaurants.
The luxury ski chalets in Val d’Isere largely contribute to making this beautiful ski resort in the French Alps one of the best ski resorts for Christmas and New Year. From glamourous party pads to luxury family ski chalets, Val d’Isere is the ultimate ski resort for groups of all shapes and sizes. Consider a 17th Century monastery beautifully updated into an exclusive ski chalet, or contemporary design-led properties boasting chic alpine style and exquisite service – Val d’Isere is a resort where discerning travellers will find a luxury chalet that’s perfect for them.
Austria were the pioneers of “Après” and après ski in St Anton is the perfect example. Having visited the ski resort of St Anton myself over the festive period, I can say any resort has a lot to live up to in comparison! No day skiing in St Anton would be complete without a visit to at least one of six après-ski bars from Galzig to St. Anton and anyone already familiar with the resort needs to be reminded of only one name….Mooserwirt! If après-ski is a key aspect of your ski holiday experience, St Anton is without a doubt, one of the best ski resorts for Christmas and New Year.
St Anton sits within the Arlberg ski region; Austria’s pre-eminent ski area. There are numerous world-class pistes to enjoy near St Anton, but one of the most unforgettable experiences has to the be the White Ring ski circuit. Renowned for panoramic views, it’s 22km of incredible skiing that encompasses the neighbouring resorts of Zurs and Lech (home to some gorgeous mountain restaurants for lunch).
Austria is famed for its welcoming culture of ‘Gemütlichkeit’, and this is exactly what visitors can expect during a festive ski holiday to St Anton. Personal and attentive service, endless facilities, gourmet cuisine and an atmosphere of Christmas cheer make for the most memorable stay. We find many of our clients return year after year because they simply cannot imagine celebrating Christmas and New Year in any other ski resort.
If you would like more information on any of the ski resorts featured above or to help search for the perfect luxury ski chalet for Christmas or New Year weeks, please just email us or telephone us on +44 (0)1202 203653.
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Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
