Christmas Ski Resorts
Can there be a more majestic way to spend Christmas than on a snow-covered ski resort with your loved ones, with the sort of comforts and entertainment on hand that no Christmas at home could ever offer? Forget slaving over Christmas dinner and the chore of cleaning away the dishes, as you relax in fully catered lodgings to a wonderful Christmas dinner after you have opened your presents. After eating your dinner, work it all off by hitting the glistening slopes for an unforgettable way to spend your 25th of December. Away from the lodgings and slopes, you will find an unrivalled festive ambience that truly invigorates the spirit in the sort of serene settings you will only find on a postcard.
Here’s a guide to some of the best ski resorts to head for this Christmas:
Val D'Isere - France
On arrival you will be greeted by the perfect Yuletide setting of pretty Savoyard buildings and magnificent fir trees illuminated by fairy lights as the snow falls steadily all around you. From December 21st to January 4th, the resort has a multitude of family-friendly events planned including a traditional Christmas market and special live entertainments for children.
The ‘Espace Killy’ ski area is famous for its diverse range of slopes for all abilities. However, should you wish to partake in a spot of advanced skiing but have children with you, there is a crèche on-hand to keep young ones entertained with Christmas-themed activities such as card making and snowploughing on the nursery slopes.
Children will be further enthused by the arrival of Santa Claus on a traditional one-horse open sleigh, who annually leads a procession down the mountain towards the church in Val D’Isere. On the day itself, expect to find yourselves out on the slopes after opening your presents, exchanging ‘joyeux Noel’ with other ebullient families truly getting into the festive spirit.
Flaine - France
The ski season on the ‘Grand Massif’ begins in the middle of December coinciding nicely with Christmas celebrations (19th December to 2nd January) on this ever-popular resort. Since the 1960s families from across Europe have opted for Flaine due to its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and the wide array of festive-related activities on offer. The ‘Grand Massif’ ski area ranks as the fourth largest in France, with Flaine regarded as it’s most eye-catching and modern resort. A huge 264km of skiable terrain is at your disposal, with runs designed to suit all skill sets.
Off the snow, the resort boasts comfortable lodgings and a fine spread of restaurants and bars to soak up the festive ambience when not on the slopes. Children are kept occupied by the cinema, indoor adventure playgrounds, swimming pools, indoor climbing centre and other distractions; however it is the arrival of Father Christmas that is the main event of the festive calendar.
By night, expect carol singing, torchlight parades and live concerts to stoke the spirits as well as spectacular fireworks displays that illuminate both the sky and the senses for an unforgettable seasonal experience.
Morzine - France
Set in a small, deep valley, the village of Morzine boasts a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, alpine forestry and restored 18th-century lodgings making this a postcard-perfect Christmas setting.
Forming part of the immense Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine provides the gateway to seemingly limitless ski terrain, where snowboarding, telemark skiing, snowshoeing and snowblading are all high on the agenda. The enjoyment on the slopes is equally matched by that off it, where you will find a warm hospitality right across the resort, not least at Christmas.
Expect fireworks displays, stalls offering mulled wine and traditional French pastries, carol singing, lantern walks and the annually loved elf parade capped off by the arrival of Santa Claus himself.
- On the 20th, swap your skis for dancing shoes as live jazz takes to the streets, providing some colourful and lively evening entertainment(from 17h30).
- From the 21st to the 25th Morzine will be full of festive spirit and visitors can expect a full programme of seasonal events.
- Make sure you’re at the Office du Tourisme between 16h and 18h on the 21st for a full run down of the week’s entertainment – as well as some delicious hot chocolate and cheese tasting!
- Expect fireworks displays, stalls offering mulled wine and traditional French pastries, carol singing, children’s activities, lantern walks and the annually loved elf parade capped off by the arrival of Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve.
- And at 16h on Christmas Day, join in the fun at the Palais des Sports for a family friendly Christmas puppet show.
| Next |
