December is the most underrated month in skiing. Fewer crowds, fresh snow, and the Alps lit up for Christmas. When most skiers think of skiing, they think of January or February, but when they are more knowledgeable, they think of the mountains in December. Snow is devoid of footprints and is fresh. It’s quiet on the pistes. There are short stands for lifting. Then, the ski villages become the most enchanting and magical Christmas scenes you have ever seen for the second half of the month.
The point is not where to ski in December, it’s where to ski in December. Not all resorts are open every day around early December. Not all slopes will have sufficient snow cover before Christmas. This guide provides you with the complete picture of the best places to ski in December in Europe, as well as what to expect each week of the month, why it’s a different experience from skiing at the peak of the season, and how to make the most of a ski vacation in December, before Christmas, during Christmas, and after Christmas or New Year.
Table of Contents
Why December is a Great Time to Go Skiing
January gets the hype. December gets the deals — and often the better snow. There are several benefits to skiing in December that you won’t get in peak season. Here are some reasons why it is a popular choice among seasoned skiers:
- Less busy slopes: See reduced visitor numbers in early December, before the Christmas School Holiday, compared to January and February half term. There’s a shorter lift queue, runs are not crowded, and the pace of the mountain is relaxed, which is not the case during peak season.
- Good value for money: Ski season is one of the cheapest in early December. Most resorts offer a discounted lift pass and rooms at the beginning of the season to get people to book in early to avoid the Christmas rush.
- Fresh snow: Often, November and early December bring the first substantial snow of the season, and high-altitude runs are often in top-notch early-season shape.
- Festive atmosphere: Skiing in winter during December really is magical; Christmas markets, twinkling lights, mulled wine, carol services, and fireworks on New Year’s Eve can’t be beat by skiing in February.
- Longer days than you think: December skiing in the Alps means around seven to eight hours of daylight, which may not be as much as it is in midsummer, but it’s plenty for a full day of skiing.
What to Look for When Choosing Where to Ski in December
The most critical consideration when choosing where to ski in December will be the altitude. January is a good month for low-altitude resorts, but early December may see thin or patchy snow. Generally, high-elevation resorts perform well, especially if they have access to the glaciers. Here are the things that you should watch for:
- Village altitude above 1,500m: (Cold enough temperature to create and maintain natural snow at slope level). Lowland areas (below 1200 m) may experience patches of brownness and restricted areas in early December.
- Ski area top altitude above 2,500m: The higher the resort’s top elevation, the more terrain will be covered and the better the early December skiing will be.
- Glacier access: resorts offering glacier skiing (Val Thorens, Tignes, Zermatt, Kitzsteinhorn) will almost certainly have snow from November to May, except for the earliest days when they are often the first to go dry.
- Snowmaking capacity: Major resorts spend considerable amounts on snowmaking equipment so that they can open up more terrain even when there is less snowfall. This is especially important in December at USA resorts when the ski season is in full swing.
- North-facing slopes: North-facing runs keep snow on them better and are important to the mid-altitude resorts early in the season.
- Confirmed opening dates: Always check the resort’s official opening date and which lifts are confirmed open before booking. Many resorts will be open by mid-December, but may only be open with limited terrain for the first two weeks.
Best Places to Ski in December
Here is the full overview before we go into detail on each resort.
| Resort | Country | Village Alt. | Top Alt. | Dec Snow | Best For |
| Val Thorens | France | 2,300m | 3,230m | ★★★★★ | Snow guarantee, largest ski area |
| Tignes | France | 2,100m | 3,456m | ★★★★★ | Glacier, early season, off-piste |
| Val d’Isère | France | 1,850m | 3,456m | ★★★★★ | Christmas atmosphere, all levels |
| Zermatt | Switzerland | 1,620m | 3,883m | ★★★★★ | Year-round glacier, iconic village |
| Verbier | Switzerland | 1,500m | 3,300m | ★★★★ | Luxury, off-piste, festive scene |
| St Anton | Austria | 1,304m | 2,811m | ★★★★ | Heavy snowfall, après-ski, Arlberg |
| Ischgl | Austria | 1,377m | 2,872m | ★★★★ | Season opener, concerts, nightlife |
| Obergurgl | Austria | 1,907m | 3,080m | ★★★★★ | Snow-sure, quiet, families |
| Kitzbühel | Austria | 762m | 2,000m | ★★★ | Christmas charm, Hahnenkamm |
| Cervinia | Italy | 2,050m | 3,480m | ★★★★★ | Value, shared glacier with Zermatt |
| Breckenridge | USA (CO) | 2,926m | 3,914m | ★★★★★ | Best early-season USA resort |
| Vail | USA (CO) | 2,457m | 3,527m | ★★★★ | Back bowls, luxury, Christmas |
| Whistler | Canada | 659m | 2,182m | ★★★★ | Largest N. America resort, Pacific storms |
| Levi / Ruka | Finland | ~200m | ~530m | ★★★★★ | Northern Lights, guaranteed snow, Lapland |
Snow reliability rated out of five stars for December specifically. Village and top altitudes are approximate.
Best Places to Ski in December in France
Some of the best ski vacations in December are available in France, thanks to its high-altitude megaresorts in the Tarentaise Valley. The secret here is to pick altitude. The magnificent French Alps resorts located at an altitude of more than 1,800m will be consistently operating from late November; however, lower-lying resorts in the same valleys might have difficulties in early December.
Val Thorens
If you’re looking for the absolute best snow skiing in December in Europe, your choice should be Val Thorens. The highest European resort, located at an altitude of 2,300m, opens as early as late November and usually offers more terrain open in December than any other resort on the continent. The distinctive feature of the resort is its Snow Guarantee, which provides the opportunity to rebook or get a refund due to insufficient snow cover. The resort in December is especially in demand for skiing before the peak period of Christmas.
- Village altitude: 2,300m — highest in Europe
- Top altitude: 3,230m
- Opens: Late November – one of the earliest opening resorts in France
- Snow guarantee: Yes – distinctive policy of the resort in December
- Best for: Early December skiing, powder, group tours
- Nearest airport: Geneva or Chambéry (2-2.5 hours)
Tignes
Tignes is the other choice for the best spots for skiing in December in France. It works with Val d’Isère in the Espace Killy lift system (300km together). This gives a wide selection of areas to choose from for a December ski holiday. If you are a fan of skiing off-piste, then the month of December is one of the best times for your visit — there will be no crowds, everything will be fresh, and the hardcore skiers will not yet have come.
- Village altitude: 2,100m (Val Claret / Tignes le Lac)
- Top altitude: 3,456m (Grande Motte Glacier)
- Opens: Late October (glacier) – fully open in December
- Best for: Off-piste skiing, glacier skiing, early December, experienced skiers
- Nearest airport: Geneva or Chambéry (2–3 hours)
Val d’Isère
For those who desire the best skiing atmosphere at Christmas time in France, the answer is surely Val d’Isère. This ski resort is at an elevation of 1,850m. The north-facing slopes, access to the glacier (Pissaillas glacier), as well as linking to Tignes through the Espace Killy region (300km total area), make it one of the best ski resorts in December in Europe. In fact, this ski resort was recently awarded the European Resort of the Year award at the World Snow Awards. With a December program that includes the Criterium de la Première Neige World Cup race in early December, it becomes one of the best places to visit at the beginning of the ski season.
- Village altitude: 1,850m
- Top altitude: 3,456m (Espace Killy area)
- December highlight: Criterium de la Première Neige World Cup race
- Best for: Christmas skiing, all abilities, festive atmosphere, couples, and groups
Avoriaz
Avoriaz, at 1,800m in elevation, has a guaranteed opening from the beginning of December. With its car-free village, it lends an extra bit of magic to its holiday spirit through its sleigh rides, fairy lights, and ski-in, ski-out facilities, all encircled by snow. With its 650km connected terrain of the Portes du Soleil that stretches over both France and Switzerland, it has ample space to play in throughout December, along with its holiday festivities, making it one of the top places to ski in December for families.
- Village altitude: 1,800m
- Best for: Families, festive car-free spirit, guaranteed early-season snow
Megève
Megève may not have the highest altitude at only 1,113m base compared to some other favorite resorts. Still, with its superior artificial snow-making facilities and cold winters, Megève makes a great choice for a Christmas ski holiday in December. However, it is the village itself that sets it apart from other Christmas resorts, complete with cobblestone streets, fairytale lighting, carriages, and a festive feeling as if you are on a movie set. For those looking for luxury and charm for their December ski holidays, Megève will be perfect.
- Best for: Luxury, charm, Christmas feeling, non-skiing, couples
- Note: Check snow conditions at the village level before December
Best Places to Ski in December in Austria
The best Austrian ski resorts in December have a quality that many French ski resorts located at higher altitudes usually do not offer: the feeling of an authentic Alpine resort. Christmas markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, traditional Tyrolean dining establishments, along with dependable snowfall in December, especially at resorts located at higher altitudes, help Austria become the preferred skiing destination in December.
Ischgl
The town marks the start of the winter season in Austria each fall through its Top of the Mountain Opening Concert, which sees the likes of Elton John, Taylor Swift, and Kylie Minogue play to a massive crowd on the mountain top at 2,320m. For parties seeking the most exhilarating skiing in December in Austria, this might be hard to beat.
- Village altitude: 1,377m
- Top altitude: 2,872m
- Pistes: 239km connected with Samnaun, Switzerland
- Best for: Parties, vibrant après-ski scene, early season vibe, seasoned skiers
- Nearest airport: Innsbruck (1.5 hours)
St Anton am Arlberg
St Anton is also one of the highest snowfall locations across the entire Alps, thanks to its west-facing location at the Arlberg Pass, which gets affected by storms blowing in from the Atlantic, and is able to get a meter of snow within 24 hours. In terms of snow skiing in December, this implies that when it is favorable, St Anton is just awesome.
- Village altitude: 1,304m
- Top altitude: 2,811m
- Pistes: 305km via Ski Arlberg
- Best for: Snowfall, off-piste, après-ski, skiers from advanced to expert
- Nearest airport: Innsbruck or Zurich (1.5–2 hours)
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
As the resort that offers guaranteed snow skiing in December without having to think about the weather, the best place in Austria for this is Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. At an elevation of 1,907m — which is one of the highest elevations of villages in Austria — it has very little problem with low snowfall in December. With its compactness, well-managed slopes, and the fact that most of them cater to intermediate skiers, it is one of the best ski resorts in December for family trips.
- Village altitude: 1,907m — one of the highest in Austria
- Season: December to May — Austria’s longest ski season
- Best for: Guaranteed snow, family trips, beginners, and intermediates
- Nearest airport: Innsbruck (1.5 hours)
Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is one of the most popular and scenic ski towns in Austria — a fortified town with cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and a fun Christmas market which attracts visitors from all over Europe. As a Christmas ski destination, Kitzbühel is truly unique. Due to the relatively low altitude of Kitzbühel’s lower village (762m), the condition of the snow in December will be largely determined by the season. Yet, thanks to snowmaking facilities, the slopes will be prepared by mid-December and, together with the festive atmosphere of the town, it has become one of the most magical Christmas resorts in Europe.
- Village altitude: 762m (lower — check conditions before early December booking)
- Best for: Christmas magic, group bookings, Austrian culture, après-ski
- Nearest airport: Salzburg or Innsbruck (1 hour)
Best Places to Ski in December in Switzerland
December skiing in Switzerland is an elite experience as everything, including lodging, ski lifts, and restaurant expenses, is more costly compared to Austria and France. Nevertheless, the well-developed infrastructure, picturesque landscape, and assured snow in the highest resorts of Switzerland ensure that this destination remains very popular for the best ski vacation in December.
Zermatt
Without any doubt, Zermatt is the top resort to go skiing in December in Switzerland and probably one of the best in Europe as well. The car-free resort is another reason why Zermatt is an ideal place for December skiing – instead of cars, sleds, and electric cabs are used; together with the majestic view of the Matterhorn, holiday decorations, and excellent ski slopes, Zermatt becomes one of the most beautiful places to ski in December around the world. On the Italian side, Cervinia offers access to the same glacier and better value for money.
- Village altitude: 1,620m
- Top altitude: 3,883m (Klein Matterhorn)
- Opens: Year-round on the glacier
- Best for: Glacier skiing, iconic scenery, guaranteed snow, luxury, car-free resort
- Nearest airport: Geneva (3 hours by train) or Zurich (3.5 hours)
Verbier
Verbier sits at 1,500m and is known for its elevation, north-facing aspects, and the high point at Mont Fort at 3,330m – all of which ensure that it receives heavy snowfall early in the season. The resort is renowned for being one of the first in the Alps to get snow in the autumn months and thus an ideal destination for December skiing. Verbier at Christmas is truly unique – not only is it incredibly festive, but it also boasts some of the most luxurious chalets in the Alps, and the combination of challenging off-piste skiing and lavish après-ski attracts many wealthy guests.
- Village altitude: 1,500m
- Top altitude: 3,330m
- Best for: Luxury, off-piste, festive atmosphere, high-end groups and couples
- Nearest airport: Geneva (2 hours)
Best Places to Ski in December in Italy
Italy’s best December resort is one of Europe’s most underrated early-season secrets.
Cervinia
Cervinia is located at 2,050m on the Italian side of the Matterhorn mountain and shares the same glacier with Zermatt, having access to the same terrain at 3,480m using the same lift pass. Thus, Cervinia is one of the best ski resorts in Europe in December that will provide you with Zermatt conditions at a much lower cost. All accommodations, lifts and restaurants in Cervinia will be much less expensive than in neighboring Zermatt, yet the quality of snow will be exactly the same.
- Village altitude: 2,050m
- Top altitude: 3,480m (shared glacier with Zermatt)
- Best for: Value, intermediates, early December, families
- Nearest airport: Turin (2h) or Milan (2.5h)
December Skiing in Scandinavia
Where guaranteed snow in December is concerned, Scandinavia provides the surest bet in Europe. Resorts in Norway and Finland get regular snow from October onwards, and come December, the resorts are up and running with one big edge over the Alps – the snow is almost guaranteed.
Levi and Ruka, Finland — Best December Skiing Outside the Alps
In Finland’s Lapland, Levi and Ruka are among the most attractive resorts in December for families seeking a real alternative to other places. The slopes are gentle (suitable for family and beginners) but offer a completely unique experience which you will not find in the Alps. You can count on snow from November to April. On cold nights, the Northern Lights shine above your head. You can go on a reindeer safari, ride a sled driven by huskies, or even meet Santa Claus (Rovaniemi is just an hour away from Levi).
Terrain is less extensive than in the Alps (about 45 ski lifts in each resort). Still, for families with kids who prefer a skiing magic Christmas experience rather than lots of vertical metres, Lapland is the perfect choice. Evening ski-lifts allow skiing at night, in the dark Arctic evening.
- Snow guarantee: 100% — snow from October to April
- Best for: Families, beginners, Northern Lights, magic Christmas, unique experience
- Nearest airport: Kittilä (Levi) or Kuusamo (Ruka) — direct flights from the UK and Europe
Early December vs Late December
The first two weeks and the last two weeks of December are completely different experiences. Know which one suits you.
| Factor | Early December (1–20) | Late December — Christmas & New Year (21–31) |
| Snow coverage | Variable at low altitude; excellent at 1,800m+ | Usually fully open across most resorts |
| Crowd levels | Low to moderate — quiet slopes, short queues | Highest of the entire season — busiest period |
| Prices | Lowest of the season — significant discounts available | Most expensive week of the year |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, local crowd, early-season buzz | Magical, festive, fireworks, Christmas markets |
| Lift queues | Minimal — best piste access of the season | Long — expect 20–40 minute queues at peak resorts |
| Accommodation | Wide availability, good last-minute deals | Books out months in advance — plan early |
| Who it suits | Flexible adults, experienced skiers, budget-conscious | Families with school-age children, those who want festivity |
Final Thoughts
December is a time for those who plan and prioritize altitude over convenience while going skiing. The resorts that are covered by this guide have been picked out because they deliver during December, not only during February, which is the best month to visit these places. From the guaranteed snow of Val Thorens and Tignes to the magical Christmas spirit of Kitzbühel and Val d’Isère, from the early snow of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to Lapland’s Arctic world, there is a perfect ski holiday in December for everyone.
Book early for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Be flexible in early December. Always go with altitude above anything else. And do not forget about the great opportunities to ski in winter in December.
