December Ski Holidays
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Ski Holidays in December
- By December most ski resorts are open
- Enjoy quieter ski schools than half term
- For the best December ski deals - go early!
The end of the year heralds the start of a new ski season, with most ski resorts opening a few weeks before the Christmas school holidays.
Early December skiing offers uncrowded pistes, quieter ski school lessons, and fantastic early-season ski deals.
If you're ready to find the best skiing in December, use the search bar above and filter by 'high altitude' for the best early-season snow.
Search December
Where are the best places to ski in December?
Looking for the best skiing in December? We have some of the best December ski destinations to book this year:
- A trip to Val Thorens in France is a must in early December. At 2,300m, Val Thorens delivers the white stuff in abundance, and with the 600km Three Valleys ski area on its doorstep, it’s ideal for a short break or December ski weekend.
- A La Plagne skiing holiday in December is hard to match for epic family fun. Opening in mid-December, its lofty peaks mean snow is always top-notch. Learner areas and ski schools keep kids entertained, while the vast 425km Paradiski leaves experienced parents spoilt.
- For those searching for a winter wonderland, Ruka in Finland's Lapland offers gentle forest trails for beginners, reindeer safaris, and Santa himself riding beneath the Northern Lights.
What are the most popular ski resorts in December?
Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz skiing in December is perfect for festive family holidays and New Year celebrations. With its delightful cold temperatures and an elevation of 1,800m, Avoriaz snow in December is abundant, offering excellent skiing conditions with fewer crowds.
Where to find hidden gem ski resorts in December?
Zell am See, Austria
One of Austria’s best ski resorts to visit in December, Zell am See shares its lift pass with the towering 3,000m Kitzsteinhorn glacier, providing an abundance of high-altitude skiing. Visit for beginner runs on Schmittenhöhe, expansive red runs, and Austria’s famed Black Mamba piste.
FAQs about December ski holidays
Your questions answered by our December ski holiday expert
Where is best to go skiing in December?
Is it worth skiing in December?
Yes, absolutely! December brings a festive atmosphere to the slopes, complete with Christmas markets, fresh snow, and even visits from the big man in red, making it an excellent pick for family trips.
Is December too early to go skiing?
No at all. December marks the start of the season for many resorts, making it a great time to beat the crowds with a quick trip before the Christmas school holidays, or indulge the kids with a Christmas trip to remember!
What ski resorts have the most snow in December?
Austria’s St. Anton and France’s Val d’Isere often see the heaviest December snowfall records, while over in Scandinavia, resorts like Levi in Finland see snowfall as early as November.
Where is the least crowded ski resort in December?
Switzerland’s Arosa, Austria’s Alpbach, and France’s La Rosière tend to be quiet from early December, making them great picks to avoid the crowds. That said, Christmas is one of the busiest times to travel to the slopes, so try to avoid the festive period wherever possible for uncrowded pistes.
Where to go for cheap December ski holidays?
Bulgaria, Andorra, and Poland are among the most affordable countries to ski in during December, offering good snow conditions and lower costs compared to those in the Alps.
Is Norway good for skiing in December?
Is there enough snow to ski in Switzerland in December?
Yes, Switzerland's glacier resorts, Zermatt and Saas-Fee, see reliable snow as early as November, making them great picks for December ski trips, even early in the month.
Can I ski in France in December?
Yes, you can! High-altitude resorts like Val Thorens, Tignes, and Val d’Isere open as early as November, and by Christmas time, almost all resorts are fully up and running.
Where to ski in December in Italy?
Yes. Italy’s Cervinia and Livigno are excellent for December snow, and the Dolomites provide the perfect backdrop to some wonderfully festive Christmas ski trips. Pistes and panettones? Sign us up!
Can you ski in Austria in December?
Yes, you can. Austria’s Obergurgl and St. Anton, and glacier resorts like Hintertux provide plenty of early-season skiing thanks to their high altitudes, along with a festive atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Can you go skiing in Lapland in December?
Yes. Lapland, of course, makes a great holiday destination for families in December, thanks to its festive atmosphere, but did you know it’s a great spot for ski holidays too?
Early-season snow in resorts like Levi makes it an excellent choice for December ski holidays. Enjoy some great family ski time, then unwind with reindeer safaris and camping out to spot the Northern Lights. Magic!
See our ski holiday reviews
Why book a December ski holiday with Heidi?
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