Ski Holidays at Christmas

If you are tired of the gloom then maybe a Christmas ski break could be the answer. Skiing at Xmas can be great fun so we have suggested a few resorts here that are worth looking at. Our key criteria is that the resort is picturesque and the snow is guaranteed.

Wengen, Switzerland

If you are travelling with children then check out Wengen in Switzerland. It gets a real Xmas makeover this time of year complete with a festive woodland walk on Christmas day and mass in the churches on Xmas eve. This resort is car free and for children there are great nursery slopes. In addition there are great toboggan runs, curling and ice skating. For the more serious skier you can obtain the Jungfrau ski pass which opens up the skiing in the resort next door-Murren.

+ Click here for our Wengen Review

Zermatt, Switzerland

Another great one for families and for those who want to be a in a Xmas picture postcard resort is Zermatt in Switzerland. With the Matterhorn providing the backdrop this is jaw dropingly beautiful. The high altitude means that snow is virtually guaranteed, lots of runs for intermediates, beginners and experts. The downside is the cost as this resort can be expensive but for the money you get the most amazing location, horse drawn sleighs and the whole Xmas experience.

+ Click here for our Zermatt Review

Megève, France

If it’s more fine food and glamour you are looking for then check out Megève in France. Here you will find beautiful cobbled streets, fine restaurants and hotels and the world famous Swarovski Christmas tree in the main square. There are seven 5* hotels here, one 3 mitchlen star restaurant and four that have one mitchlen star, so you see now why we recommend it for people who want great food.

There are a good range of slopes here although poor snow has often been a problem. This may be rectified by the fact that you can now access Chamonix, Courmayeur and Verbier.

+ Click here for our Megève Review

Obergurgl, Austria

If you want however to opt out of all the glitz and glamour then check out Obergurgl in Austria. Its snow sure as a glacier resort set at 1930m at the end of the Otztal Valley near Innsbruck. It offers a really traditional, small friendly resort. The skiing is best for beginners and intermediates. The nightlife is fun but not wild, so for those who want to get away from it all this could be a good choice.

+ Click here for our Obergurgl Review

Ischgl, Austria

For those who want to party all night then look at Ischgl in Austria. The pistes are pretty snowsure but it’s the partying that it’s really famous for. You’ll find Xmas carols being sung here but it really is all about the bars. Its altitude guarantees the snow and for intermediates with 238km od terrain dedicated to them it is an intermediate heaven. So maybe not a great choice for families but for a crowd that wants to party this could be the one.

+ Click here for our Ischgl Review

In Summary

This is a just a taste of what’s on offer. Most resorts, knowing that Xmas is now a popular time to ski offer the xmas trees and extra Xmas experiences. But watch prices carefully, as some operators do increase their prices this time of year but there are always bargains to be had, including last minute deals in catered chalets.

By Will Smith