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Enjoy a fun-filled winter adventure this festive season by swapping the living room tinsel for incredible slopes, “pinch-me” mountain views and high-energy après-ski. With our Christmas ski holiday packages, it really is all possible! But why book with us? Easy – we know how to make ski holidays simple. From family-friendly resorts with sleigh rides and Santa sightings to high-altitude resorts that pretty much guarantee snow surety, our expert knowledge of the Alps means we can help you find the best place for your Christmas adventure. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer!
Most resorts go the extra mile to bring the Christmas magic to life, so planning your trip with Erna Low means you’ll get to experience all the extras that make for a truly unforgettable festive break – like choosing whether to order a catered Christmas dinner to your chalet or making a reservation at a 5-star restaurant. Whatever you decide, we’re confident a French Alps skiing holiday is the perfect pick for you and your family.
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Why choose a Christmas ski holiday?
Christmas and the Alps go together like skis and ski poles (ok, we know that’s not the best analogy, but you know what we mean!). After all, nothing beats the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning in a cosy chalet surrounded by your absolute favourite people. Plus, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to feeling like you’re in a real-life feel-good festive film. Phew, if that wasn’t enough to get excited about, here are some of Erna Low’s top reasons why a Christmas ski holiday should be at the top of your wishlist:
- The festive atmosphere in the Alps is pretty much unbeatable and unlike anything you’ll find at home. Outside, the resorts shimmer and sparkle thanks to twinkly Christmas lights; the snow-covered village squares look like they’re from a picture postcard; and the markets are brimming with local treats and delicacies of the season. What could be better than that?
- If you want to maximise your slope time, you’re in luck... Late December promises fresh snow dumps and epic skiing, with the trusty piste-basher teams in perpetual action to keep the slopes in peak condition. Many of the high-altitude resorts enjoy excellent snow conditions throughout the entire ski area, giving you full access to explore 100s of km of incredible pistes on offer.
Tips on planning the ultimate Christmas ski holiday
If you’re looking to truly experience the magic of a Christmas ski holiday in the Alps, a little planning goes a long way. Here are our top tips on how to get everything you could wish for from an adventure-filled festive getaway:
- Book everything in advance
Christmas is considered peak ski season in the Alps, so make sure you’ve booked all the essentials well in advance. You won’t only get the pick of the best accommodation options – like ski-in, ski-out apartments and chalets with the festive celebrations practically on your doorstep, but you’ll also get them for the absolute best price possible. Win-win! - Pack for Christmas
While packing the ski essentials you actually need is the number one priority, make room in your luggage allowance for Christmas jumpers, decorations and maybe even fancy dress if that’s your thing! After all, you’ll undoubtedly need something fun to wear as you tuck into Christmas dinner. - Find the perfect resort
When it comes to choosing the ski resort you want to spend Christmas in, think about what you really want from your festive getaway. If you’re looking to really maximise your snow time, you can’t go wrong with snow-sure high-altitude resorts like Tignes and Val Thorens. In contrast, La Plagne, Avoriaz and Flaine are great for families looking for the perfect blend of skiing and fun “kids will love this” activities to do off the slopes. - Book Christmas dinner plans early
You won’t believe how often this one’s overlooked (or maybe you will!), but make your Christmas dinner reservation as early as you can. Honestly, the sooner the better. Unsurprisingly, restaurants get booked up for their festive menus lightning fast, and if you don’t have your plans sorted as soon as you book your Christmas ski holiday, you might end up cooking your own dinner! Not ideal if you want it done for you.
French Alps traditions: How Christmas is celebrated in the Alps
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A festive ski holiday in the French Alps offers a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a few Alpine traditions which you and your family can have fun getting involved in. Christmas in the Alps breathes a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘village charm’ and with the high-energy atmosphere being so infectious, you really don't have to be the biggest yuletide enthusiast to appreciate the magic that Christmas in the Alps brings. Here’s what you can expect on your Christmas ski holiday:
- Christmas markets attract a huge number of visitors every year and should definitely be at the top of your must-do list. Discover stalls selling beautifully handcrafted Christmas trinkets, the delicious scent of roasted chestnuts in the air and vendors offering up steaming mugs of hot chocolate (or mulled wine if that’s more your thing!).
- When the chairlifts have closed for the day, hang around until nightfall to catch the magical Christmas Eve torchlit descent. This is a popular tradition in many French resorts where skiers and ski instructors from the local ski schools descend the slopes with torches to light up Santa’s arrival. Depending on the resort, children can sometimes take part if they’re registered with their instructor or school, and you may even experience fireworks, carol singers and, of course, mulled wine!
- If you’re after family-friendly activities to do off the hill, visit an ice rink, splash about in an indoor heated pool or try more niche activities available in resort like The Snake Gliss, ice karting and more.
- In some countries, the tradition is to leave stockings, fruit, biscuits and a medicinal drink out for Santa, plus some carrots for his reindeer. However, the French tradition is that kids leave their shoes by the fireplace in order for Father Christmas to leave presents in them – which might help thrifty parents economise on presents (provided children don’t have oversized feet!).
Top resorts for a Christmas ski holiday
- Val d’Isère, France
You’re guaranteed Christmas cheer in full flow with a festive winter getaway to Val d’Isère. Perched at a jaw-dropping 1850m, this incredible resort offers the perfect blend of high-altitude skiing, reliable ski conditions and festive fun in spades. With the streets, trees and buildings dotted with twinkling Christmas lights and the locals always in full festive spirit, Val d’Isère transforms into a la féerie de Noël (or winter wonderland) each year without fail. The week-long celebrations last until Boxing Day and include a torchlit piste descent, Santa’s Grotto (a big hit with the kids) and several spectacular firework displays in the buzzing resort centre. Christmas Eve is the big day in the resort when Santa (locally known as Papa Noël) and his elves ride into town to much fanfare! - Zermatt, Switzerland
With its charming Swiss chalets and high-energy festive atmosphere, Zermatt almost feels like stepping into a snowy Christmas card. The skiing here is impressive, especially with its high-altitude runs, varied terrain and skiable glacier that usually delivers snow-sure conditions in late December. The outdoor terraces with the majestic Matterhorn serving as a backdrop provide the perfect spot to enjoy a warm mulled wine (or two). There’s plenty to do off the hill, too, including ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides and Christmas concerts that you can catch throughout December. - Les Gets, France
Les Gets offers all the magic of a Christmas postcard but with actual snow to play on! You can bet the resort will go all out with twinkling lights, a magical Père Noël village and a schedule packed full of can’t-miss festive events. Beginners, first-timers and families with young children will love the wide and spacious nursery slopes, while more experienced skiers have more than enough to explore within the wider ski area. - Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel ticks all the boxes if you’re after a classic Tyrolean Christmas experience. From its medieval streets and fairy-light-covered colourful buildings to its traditional Christmas markets, there’s more than enough Christmas cheer to whet your festive appetite. With a historically impressive snow record in December and slopes that offer a fun challenge for both beginners and experienced skiers to pit their wits and skills against, Kitzbühel is a top-tier destination to enjoy the festivities from.
It's all about festive-filled après-ski
The Alps is your one-stop-shop if you’re after festive celebrations, high-energy nights out and late-night partying. Here are some of our can’t-miss Christmas après-ski highlights:
- Méribel
The après-ski in Méribel is so legendary, it’s practically an art form. Kickstart your afternoon with live music and “table-stomping” dancing at La Folie’s infamous terraces before heading back down to the resort for a night out at either Le Rond Point, Jacks Bar or Le Rambler Mottaret... the list goes on! There is also a selection of lower-key bars and pubs where the food and drinks are sure to hit the spot after a long and tiring day. - Chamonix
In Chamonix, the après-ski is just as epic as its incredible slopes. Chambre Neuf in particular draws a buzzing crowd thanks to legendary local DJs and live bands that frequently tour the French Alps. Be sure to also make a beeline for Le Vert Bar, which serves up a selection of signature cocktails against a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop. - Verbier
You can’t talk about après-ski without giving Verbier an honorary mention. The late-night parties here are as unforgettable as it gets – especially during the festive season when the crowds are at their most epic! Kickstart your afternoon at Le Mountain Noir – Verbier’s answer to La Folie – where it’s happy hour every day between 3-4 pm. When it’s time to head back down to the resort before the lifts close for the day, take advantage of the contagious festive atmosphere at any of the popular hang-out spots. Our top picks include Pub Mont Fort which is right at the bottom of the Médran cable car and the legendary Farinet, where your spirits will be kept high well into the night.
Booking Your Christmas Ski Holiday with Erna Low
A Christmas ski holiday in France brings the magic of the season to another level. Imagine waking up to snow-covered mountains and having a cosy breakfast in a charming alpine chalet before heading out for a full day of fun on the hill. France’s top resorts are beautifully set up for the holiday season thanks to the festive lights, traditional village markets and epic après-ski action that offers high-energy late-night partying. Beyond the skiing, the atmosphere is electric, with live music, mulled wine and holiday feasts providing an unforgettable adventure-filled winter experience! Many resorts offer extra holiday events and attractions to make the season special, too, including firework displays, themed nights and more low-key events like carol singing and candlelit vigils. So, whether you’re cruising the incredible selection of slopes or soaking up the winter wonderland vibes, a Christmas ski holiday in France offers unforgettable festive thrills for every skier.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.