Which are the best ski resorts to visit at Christmas? With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, we have put together a list of some of the most fun and festive family-friendly activities to do in ski resorts around Europe this Christmas. Of course, you have the fairytale snowy scenery, but many ski resorts also put on fantastic events and activities for all wanting to be involved in the Christmas festivities. There’s nothing more special than a white Christmas spent skiing in the mountains with family and friends!
Here are the some of the best ski resorts to visit at Christmas in Europe:
Visit the Christmas Markets in Zell am See, Austria
At Christmas time, Zell am See is lit up like a nativity scene, full of fun and festivity. You will find more than 20 huts creating a perfect setting for a Christmassy stroll. Drink some delicious spiced mulled wine, try freshly baked Austrian delicacies and shop the handcrafted woodwork and toys. The Zell am See market is rounded off with musical performances including many events for children. It is the perfect place to spend your Christmas with all the family.
You also won’t want to miss the annual Christmas at Lake Zell on Christmas Day. You will be able to watch divers from the Water Rescue Association pull up a tree submerged 15m below the surface of Lake Zell. Accompanied with festive music, the divers create a ring with torches around the surface point of the tree and bring it back to shore. A very unique spectacle! Find out more about Christmas in Zell am See here.
Visit Father Christmas in Les Gets, France
Les Gets is one of the best places to ski at Christmas. It turns into a snowy winter wonderland in December, pulling out all the stops! Families can take a ride to visit Father Christmas in the Enchanted Forest where you will be able to go on a guided tour with his elves and even meet Father Christmas himself!
For one week leading up to Christmas, Les Gets hosts an array of festive family activities to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. With Christmas workshops and shows for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Father Christmas is frequently spotted skiing around Les Gets and even gets involved in a torchlit ski descent with fireworks on Christmas Eve. It is a truly magical way for the whole family to see in Christmas! Find out more about Christmas in Les Gets here.
Go Ice Skating in The Centre of Megève, France
Megève, recently featured in an episode of Emily in Paris, transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland at Christmas, with beautiful decorations lining the streets. Megève is buzzing with a merry atmosphere from the start of December when their amazing crystal-laden Christmas tree is erected in the centre of town.
One of the best activities to enjoy the lights and take in the festive surroundings is to go ice skating on Megève’s open-air ice rink. Skating on the outdoor rink at Place de la Résistance is the perfect way to release some pre-Christmas excitement! Free for under 5s and with sliding aid modules available, it is the perfect activity for adults and children alike. Find out more about Christmas in Megève here.
Visit the Christmas Village in Val Gardena, Italy
Ortesei, the picturesque capital of Val Gardena, transforms into a winter fairytale during the festive period, making it one of the best resorts to visit at Christmas. You will find cosy, comfortable wooden huts which invite guests to try artisanal products and taste local delicacies in a romantic atmosphere.
The town is covered in spectacular decorations- our personal highlight is a 350m string of lights running through the town centre with hanging mini wooden cabin lifts, allowing you to follow the course around the whole town centre. If you’re looking for a quaint, cosy Christmas atmosphere then look no further than Val Gardena! Find out more about Christmas in Val Gardena here.
Browse the Christmas Market in Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a great place to spend Christmas in the Alps. Each year Chamonix hosts an authentic Christmas craft market. It’s the perfect place to buy last-minute gifts. The streets are lined with decorative stalls selling local, regional and international crafts and specialities, including delicious vin chaud and crêpes to keep you warm and energised as you browse! Find out more about Christmas in Chamonix here.
Enjoy the Christmas Village in Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs host an array of spectacular events throughout the Christmas season across the villages. Les Arcs 1950 transforms into a festive winter wonderland and hosts a range of Christmas-themed activities. But it is also an experience in itself to wander around, take in the beautiful lights, grab some food and listen to the live music. Find out more about Christmas in Les Arcs here.
Whether you are travelling with family or friends, these are some of the best places to ski at Christmas for festive activities and celebrations! For more Christmas ski resort inspiration, check out our blog on the top 10 ski resorts to visit in December.
Try Something New This Christmas With Maison Sport
There’s something extra magical about skiing at Christmas! On Maison Sport you can book lessons in several disciplines, including; skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, off-piste skiing, off-piste snowboarding, ski touring, telemark skiing and even adaptive style lessons such as sit skiing.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year to go out with family and/or friends and try a fun winter sports activity. Have one of our instructors take your group cross-country skiing for the first time or why not go and explore some new terrain with an off-piste guide and make it a Christmas to remember!