Where to go Skiing this Christmas?

Where should I go skiing this Christmas?

Here at Alpenglow HQ we are used to giving advice on which resorts are best for what time of year, or which resorts suit particular levels of skiing or snowboarding. The Christmas question is always a fun one because it is a multi layered question. What the client is really asking is, where can I get good snow early in the season, with a resort that still has Alpine charm and a festive feel during Christmas. Quite a wish list but if you know where to look, those boxes can be ticked! 

Val D’Isere

 

If you go through every bit of the criteria above, Val D’Isere delivers on all fronts. Based at 1850m resort level it is widely regarded as the most snow sure destination you can visit in the early season. It still retains it’s authentic French Village charm despite the fact that there has been a huge amount of development with chalets, swimming pools and new hotels, they are always thoughtfully designed to blend in with the rustic charm. They make a big deal out of Christmas too, the enormous tree lights up the main boulevard and complements all the other festive lights on display. On Christmas evening,  why not head out and watch the torchlit descent?

Lech

Many a skier, when we suggest Lech as a Christmas destination will play the altitude card. Granted, it’s not very high however if you look at snow history, it does VERY well early season and historically gets more snow than its high altitude French counterparts. The resort is as picture perfect as they come and what could be more Christmassy than settling down for a gluhwein whilst listening to some good old Austrian Oompah music!

Courchevel

Based at 1800m (not 1850 like some would like you to believe) Courchevel still retains it’s charm. As part of the largest linked ski area in the world, skiers of all abilities are spoilt for choice. Resorts don’t come much more picturesque with a lot of the hotels oozing with Alpine charm. The chalet enclave towards Jardin Alpin area of the resort is simply stunning,  nestling between the  snow covered pine trees, what a lovely spot to spend a family Christmas. You can even head. Into town and take  horse-drawn cart ride through the town to view the Christmas tree and festive lights. 

Zermatt

If people ask what resort would give them guaranteed snow and unforgettable Christmas, Zermatt is simply a “must do”. What can be better than waking up on Christmas morning and looking up to the Matterhorn? Father Christmas parades the resort during Christmas Eve and as with Courchevel you can view the resort from the beauty of a horse drawn sleigh as the resort is traffic free. The Christmas Market in the market square also has to be seen!