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5 of the best cheap Christmas ski holidays
Oh, Christmas. There's no doubt about it: December is a magical time to hit the slopes with your little ones. The festive markets, the snow-capped peaks, and the resort streets aglow with twinkling fairy lights... Then, waking up on the big 25th with the whole family, opening your presents, grabbing your ski gear, and hitting the pistes. It's a feeling like no other!
In addition to having plenty of white stuff, Christmas and skiing trips unfortunately have one other big thing in common: they can work out pretty pricey. But fear not; we've curated a list of the best Christmas ski holiday deals guaranteed to help you save money and still have a blast.
From the festive French Alps to the peaceful Pyrenees, here are the best cheap Christmas ski resorts we recommend exploring with your tribe:
Cheap Christmas ski holidays in Andorra
If you’re on the hunt for the cheapest place to ski at Christmas without sacrificing the quality of skiing, the snow-covered mountains of Andorra are a must-visit. We know, we know… heading to Andorra for a cheap ski holiday isn’t new, but visiting during the festive season should be at the top of your list—with the promise of inexpensive flights, accommodation, and even Christmas presents, thanks to its tax-free status.
Perfect for a trip with families or friends, Andorra provides skiers and snowboarders with a multitude of reasons to choose its snowy slopes for their Christmas ski holidays: ranging from its festive atmosphere and peaceful, crowd-free pistes to its impeccably groomed high-altitude runs and affordable, legendary après.
Here are two of the best December ski resorts in Andorra that we recommend for experiencing full, authentic winter magic alongside some excellent Christmas ski deals…
Explore cheap Andorra Christmas ski holidays
1. Pas de la Casa, Andorra
If you're after a magical family getaway on the Andorran slopes this Christmas, Pas de la Casa is a fantastic choice. Delightfully adorned with twinkling fairy lights and lush, illuminated fir trees, Pas de la Casa truly comes alive at Christmas, offering plenty to see and do.
When it comes to skiing, Pas de la Casa's Grandvalira ski area provides family fun by the (Santa) sackful. With over 40 blue runs to explore and a variety of excellent multilingual ski schools for beginners, the pistes here are among the snowiest in Andorra, being the principality's highest resort at a lofty 2,100m. And between snowfalls, over 1,000 snow cannons in the Grandvalira region are poised and ready to keep the ski runs primed and the (white) Christmas spirit high.
Once you've finished on the slopes, boost the Christmas spirit at the charming winter markets just a short drive away in La Massana, and Encamp to grab some last-minute gifts and traditional treats. Alternatively, for those seeking a more adventurous experience, immerse yourself in a true winter wonderland with a once-in-a-lifetime mushing adventure, guided by a pack of huskies through snow-capped alpine forests. A-woooo!
What’s on at Pas de la Casa at Christmas?
- 20th December: Children can visit Mon(t) Magic Family Park and the Rustic Restaurant for meet-and-greets with Santa, featuring snacks, activities, games, and his festive band of elves!
- 23rd December: Watch Santa ski across Ordino Arcalís and Jardí de Planells before stopping to collect children’s letters in preparation for the big day.
- 24th December: Meet Santa in the Snow Gardens or see him surprise children with gifts and well-wishes during their ski lessons!
- 25th December: See Santa glide down the slopes before you sit down to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings—yum!
- 26th December: Night skiing available every evening until 5th January.
- 5th January: Stay until the New Year to witness the traditional torchlight descent by the Three Wise Men, accompanied by an epic fireworks display.
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2. Soldeu
Soldeu is one of the best (and cheapest!) destinations to head to for a magical Christmas ski break. Boasting over 120km of open slopes across Grandvalira, it’s ideal for large mixed-ability groups eager to enjoy their time on festive groomers. What's more, it also offers some of Andorra's finest snow conditions. And with December marking the start of the season, the runs here are considerably quieter than those frequented later in January and February—perfect for any beginners seeking a bit of piste and quiet!
The Christmas season in Soldeu is a time for families to embrace new experiences. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, winter markets, and friendly, festive character meet-and-greets. Little ones can enjoy free snowboarding lessons, while teens can get their adrenaline pumping on Boxing Day with a MoonBiking experience.
Meanwhile, Soldeu becomes the epicentre of Andorra's largest parties for groups, with numerous bars, eateries, and watering holes offering festive happy hours, lively DJ nights, and abundant live music. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Santa himself taking charge of the decks!
What’s on at Soldeu at Christmas?
- 21st December: Soldeu offers a free introductory snowboarding session for children aged 4-10, which includes free snowboard and boot hire.
- 26th December: Teenagers aged 14 and above can experience MoonBiking, available at Pla de Espiolets from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- 27th December: Visit El Tarter's L'Abarset for the finest après-ski in the Pyrenees, featuring their 'Bresh party', renowned as "the most beautiful party in the world". These events run right through to New Year's Eve.
- 31st December: A light and fire show welcomes in the New Year! Complete with a mesmerising torchlight descent down the Ós, Bosc Fosc, and Avet slopes.
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Cheap Christmas ski holidays in Bulgaria
Long-hailed as the king of cheap ski holidays, Bulgaria's slopes know how to bring the Christmas cheer in full, offering plenty of traditional celebrations alongside fantastic budget-friendly accommodation, tasty festive eats, and ample family-friendly skiing.
Perfect for children or beginners embarking on their first ski lessons, Bulgaria’s affordable prices and plentiful nursery slopes offer a haven for those just starting out, especially at Christmas when the crowds lessen and the festive spirit becomes infectious. Furthermore, Christmas ski deals to Bulgaria are readily available, boasting an excellent variety of self-catering, bed & breakfast, and full-board accommodation options suitable for the whole family.
Sold on a family Christmas ski holiday in the Pirin and Rila mountains? We don’t blame you! And lucky for you, we have the perfect place in mind…
Explore cheap Bulgaria Christmas ski holidays
3. Bansko, Bulgaria
One of the best value ski resorts in Europe, Bansko offers not only excellent Christmas family ski deals, but also a fantastic selection of festive fun sure to bring huge smiles to little faces.
Bansko is renowned as one of Bulgaria's top resorts for beginners and families, thanks to its state-of-the-art lift systems, impeccably groomed pistes, and highly-rated English-speaking ski schools. Children and novices can explore numerous green and blue runs nestled within the resort’s 70km of pistes, while adventurous parents and teens can find plenty of challenging red and black runs to test their skills. Moreover, Bansko is Bulgaria's most snow-sure resort, featuring 2,560m-high pistes, north-facing slopes, and an excellent supply of snow cannons to assist Santa with his White Christmas magic.
December festivities here centre around winter market stalls, the lilting voices of ‘Koledari’ carol singers, and mountains upon mountains of food. That's right, Bulgarian Christmas is one for the foodies. After a morning on the slopes, secure a table at one of Bulgaria's traditional mehanas for various mouth-watering festive specialities to bring the whole family together. Christmas Eve focuses on vegetables, featuring bean soups, succulent stuffed vine leaves, and pumpkin pastries. In contrast, Christmas Day is all about the meat - with Kapama stews, moussakas, legs of lamb, roast pork, and heaps of BBQ favourites. Mmmm.
What’s on at Bansko at Christmas?
- 24th December: ‘Koledari’ carol singers traverse the neighbourhood, blessing homes and receiving gifts in return. In the evening, sit down for the traditional Christmas Eve meal of “Lenten”.
- 25th December: Savour a traditional Bulgarian Christmas dinner and head to the main square to admire the twinkling fairy lights and decorations while listening to traditional bands.
- 31st December: Witness bands of “Survachki” children adorned with decorated dogwood branches wish people good health and fortune by tapping their backs. Later, men dressed as “Kukeri” in elaborate and fearsome costumes clang bells and dance to ward off evil, welcoming the New Year with hope and strength.
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Cheap Christmas ski holidays in France
If you’re seeking quick flights, swift transfers, or just a short Christmas ski break with the fam, the beautiful French Alps are the perfect destination!
With fantastic high-altitude slopes, the world’s largest ski areas, and more cheese and chocolate than you could shake a Yule log at, France knows more than a thing about hosting a brilliant Christmas ski holiday. Moreover, you’ll be delighted to know that many of its resorts offer incredible Xmas ski deals...
Explore cheap France Christmas ski holidays
4. Tignes, France
Tignes's high-altitude slopes are a good bet if you want to ensure epic snow totals on your December ski trip. Nestled 2,100m above sea level in the Isère Valley, it’s one of France's most snow-sure resorts, allowing you to ski all the way up to the Grande Motte Glacier, which reaches nearly 3,500m!
Tignes is a welcoming haven for families that won't break the bank. With ample ski-in/ski-out accommodation and easy lift access to over 300km of runs—primarily greens and reds—there are even connections to the neighbouring town of Val d'Isère. Ranking among France's most family-friendly and affordable resorts, we recommend choosing self-catering accommodation for the best value for your money, allowing you to create that special Christmas morning magic while keeping meal costs down.
When it comes to the Xmas celebrations, Tignes is all about escaping the hustle and bustle for a bit of mountain magic and fantastic skiing. Twinkling lights, illuminated shopfronts, and a blanket of glittering snow transform the resort into a lavish winter wonderland, all set for a grand celebration to commence on December 24th with parades, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and festivities on the slopes for all ages!
What’s on at Tignes at Christmas?
Run up to Christmas:
- Deliver a letter to Father Christmas's letterbox
- Explore the winter markets for gifts whilst sipping on mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate.
- Watch the Tignes Val Claret freestyle contest - the only time you’ll catch Santa jibbing the rails!
24th December:
- Enchanting Christmas character meet-and-greets on the slopes.
- Torch and lantern-lit descent down the slopes led by the ESF du Val Claret instructors and the ESF du Lac ski school.
- Watch Santa glide down the slopes!
- The ‘Astro Diva’ fireworks and light show, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
25th December:
- The ‘Gourmet Parade’ at Tignes 1800, featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, and dancers.
- Outdoor ice hockey matches in Tignes le Lac.
- A lantern-lit descent by the ESF du Lac ski school.
- The ‘Sweet Finale’ musical floats bonbonnière, featuring acrobatic and magic shows.
- End of Christmas fireworks display.
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5. Méribel, France
For families seeking a memorable Christmas ski break that's gentle on the wallet, Méribel is the perfect pick. With its majestic snow-capped peaks, fir trees twinkling with fairy lights, and reliable snowy slopes - all set against the charming backdrop of a classic French ski village - this resort spreads holiday cheer loud for all to hear!
With the awe-inspiring 3 Vallées (the largest interconnected ski area in the world) right at its doorstep, every skier and snowboarder is sure to be beaming on a Méribel Christmas ski holiday. From beginners and children to intermediate and advanced, the 3 Vallées offers plenty for everyone to see and do, featuring 600km of pistes and eight snow parks at elevations of up to 3,230m!
A place where the magic of Christmas truly comes alive, Méribel transforms into a winter wonderland in December, bedecked with dazzling decorations, from shimmering lights to grand, illuminated trees. The glittering Christmas markets are a treasure trove for last-minute gifts and those wishing to indulge in delicious, traditional treats (chocolate-filled crêpes? Mmm...). And for the little ones, a ride on Méribel's renowned Belle Époque carousel is a must. Giddy up!
As Christmas Eve draws to a close, wrap the children up warmly for the torchlit parades down the mountain before the enchanting fireworks illuminate the night sky (was that Santa's sleigh I just saw?).
What’s on at Méribel at Christmas?
Run-up to Christmas:
- Christmas carol singers and elf parades at the resort centre and in Mottaret.
- “Parade of the Dancing Elves”
24th December:
- Elves and giant, illuminated fairytale characters wander the streets to the sound of Christmas carols.
- Santa enters the 3 Vallées to distribute chocolates and sweet treats before crossing resort rooftops with his elves, hauling a sackful of golden presents.
- Meet-and-greet with Santa in Méribel Centre.
- Torchlit procession followed by a fireworks display.
- Christmas Mass at the ice rink.
25th December:
- Meet Santa at the bottom of La Chaudanne pistes
- Dazzling light show.
- Torchlit descent down the slopes.
- End of the evening fireworks display.
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New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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