DON'T MISS A THING

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, best spent with the people you love. From the sound of the sleigh bells to enjoying hot chocolates by a roasting log fire in a cozy chalet surrounded by snow-dusted mountaintops, there’s nothing more magical than a White Christmas in some of the world’s most incredible ski resorts. The best places to ski at Christmas offer breathtaking views, numerous snow activities, and varied terrains to hone your skiing skills. 

Below, check out our list of the best skiing destinations to visit at Christmas, guaranteed to leave you with everlasting memories.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

While Zermatt is spectacular any time of the year, visiting it on Christmas (and skiing while there!) offers a more incredible experience. Its location at the foot of the Matterhorn and in the middle of a vast skiing region makes it one of Switzerland’s most visited destinations. 

If you want to celebrate Christmas with spectacular winter-white landscapes in your surroundings, consider visiting Zermatt. Nestled over 5,000 feet, Zermatt is best known for the iconic Matterhorn looming overhead. Aside from offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor sports, it is also a fantastic place for seeing the majestic beauty of the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most iconic mountain peaks.

As a car-free village, you will not find any car traffic in Zermatt, which makes it safe enough to explore on foot. It also means less air pollution and no noisy streets, allowing for a more relaxing winter escape. You’ll most likely spend Christmas enjoying the many winter activities in Zermatt. The snow-covered Swiss Alps have something for everyone to enjoy. While skiing is the most popular, you can also go sledding, tobogganing, or snowshoeing. 

After all the fun adventures, return to your cozy chalet and cozy up with loved ones as you exchange gifts and share delicious meals! You can also take advantage of luxury spa experiences in some upscale hotels.

2. Kiroro, Japan

Although Japan is one of those countries that do not celebrate Christmas, it’s home to fantastic ski resort towns offering the perfect setting for a magical White Christmas celebration. Located on the northern island of Hokkaido, Kiroro is a popular ski destination, featuring two peaks of pristine powder snow with slopes suitable for all skiers, from beginners to advanced.

Since accommodation options in Kiroro are limited, especially during Christmas, plan your trip as early as possible. Booking all-inclusive ski holidays with an expert provider like SNO holidays, offers a more convenient way to plan your trip and saves you from the hassle of booking your accommodation separately. 

Kiroro Ski Resort is a medium-sized ski resort close to the coast and not far from Niseko. Offering an incredible selection of tree skiing and thick snow, it’s a fantastic destination for a Christmas holiday. There’s also a decent amount of blue, green, and black runs. Kiroro has nine lifts, one of which is a gondola. Five are high-speed, typical in Western ski resorts but rare in Japan. 

3. Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada

Considered one of the best ski resorts in Canada, Le Massif de Charlevoix is one of the best skiing destinations to visit at Christmas. It’s in Eastern Quebec, along the scenic St. Lawrence River. The resort boasts 39 km of slopes and has nine lifts for transporting guests. Its winter sports area sits between the elevation of 36 and 806 meters.

The slopes of Le Massif de Charlevoix for skiing and snowboarding will take you through lush forests and into the scenic Saint Lawrence River. As one of the largest rivers in North America, Saint Lawrence has breathtaking views, which look even more spectacular on Instagram. 

The resort’s modern chairlifts and gondola lifts offer access to the many challenging runs. Beginners can take advantage of the practice area along Chalet du Sommet, while the experts can test their skills along the valley with downhill slopes, accessible through four-person chairlifts. 

A winter wonderland for snow sports enthusiasts, Le Massif de Charlevoix also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, and a toboggan run. It boasts a vast playground, taking you from skiing to snowboarding towards a sledge run through a 7.5 km trail. For an even more enjoyable Christmas celebration, stay in one of the many beautiful chalets at Le Massif de Charlevoix. 

4. Val d’Isere, France

Val d’Isere is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France, perched on a valley at the foot of some of the country’s most spectacular mountains. Home to chocolate-box chalets and upscale hotels scattered around the central town and the outlying villages, Val d’Isere offers some of the best Christmas skiing in the world. Make your Christmas celebration even more memorable by renting a luxury ski chalet with all the festive spirit needed to make the ski trip, more than just a ski trip. 

Linked to the nearby Tignes, Val d’Isere boasts a massive ski area to play with. It receives heavy snowfall from the Mediterranean low pressures that dump their snow on the Italian Alps. Val d’Isere tends to have one of the best snow qualities in Europe that facilitates good skiing conditions right towards the end of the season.

Before it became a modern ski resort in the Alps, Val d’Isere was a small farming village. Nowadays, you can still enjoy its authentic village feel and experience a sense of tradition. As you stroll through the old town, you’ll come across charming chalets, upscale hotels offering luxury spa experiences, fancy bars, and high-end shops.

5. Pragelato Via Lattea, Italy

If you prefer to celebrate Christmas amidst the stunning Alpine scenery, consider a winter getaway in Pragelato Via Lattea. The small ski resort lies in the Cottian Alps, boasting spectacular views and a sense of luxury and style you won’t find in other ski resorts in the Italian Alps.

Pragelato Via Lattea is a hidden gem of Italy. Aside from being a picturesque village that’s a joy to explore, it’s an ideal base for those who want to explore Via Lattea, Italy’s spectacular milky way of linked pistes stretching towards the French border.

Since it took part in the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, Pragelato Via Lattea has been luring avid skiers seeking an exciting winter getaway in the region. Aside from the snowy slopes that are only a chair ride away, Pragelato offers luxury spa experiences, fancy bars, and high-end Instagram-able places.

We hope you enjoy this list of the best places to ski at Christmas!

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