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December Ski Holidays

By December most ski resorts are open
Enjoy quieter ski schools than half term
For the best December ski deals - go early!

The end of the year heralds the beginning of a new skiing season. This is because most ski resorts open in December, a few weeks before the Christmas school holidays, ready for another fantastic season.

Early December skiing offers uncrowded pistes, quieter ski school lessons, and fantastic early-season ski deals.

Late December provides families with their first crucial school holiday to enjoy the slopes: Christmas! With festive markets, twinkling fairy lights, and even the chance to glimpse Santa skiing down the piste, it's a magical experience for kids and adults alike.

If you're ready to find the best skiing in December, pop your dates in the search bar and filter by 'high altitude' for the best early season snow.

Kid-and-parent-skiing-across-piste-on-ski-holiday

Best Ski Resorts in December

Looking for the best skiing in December? We have some of the best December ski destinations to book this year.

When it comes to the best skiing in early December, a trip to Val Thorens, France, is a must. At 2,300m, Val Thorens in early December still delivers the white stuff in abundance, and with the 600km Three Valleys ski area on its doorstep, it’s ideal for a short break or December ski weekend.

A La Plagne skiing holiday in December is hard to match for epic family fun. Opening in mid-December, this resort's lofty peaks mean La Plagne snow is always top-notch. Learner areas near the village and a fantastic ski school keep the kids entertained, while the expansive 425km Paradiski ski area leaves experienced parents spoilt for choice.

For those searching for a winter wonderland, Ruka in Finland's Lapland offers gentle forest trails for beginners, reindeer safaris, and even an opportunity to glimpse Santa himself riding beneath the Northern Lights.

Most Popular Ski Resorts in December

Family taking ride on Horse drawn cart through snowy ski resort Avoriaz

Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz skiing in December is perfect for festive family holidays and New Year celebrations. With its delightful cold temperatures and an elevation of 1,800m, Avoriaz snow in December is abundant, offering excellent skiing conditions with fewer crowds.

Birds Eye view of Chamonix ski resort from Aiguille du midi

Chamonix, France

Traditional church and town of Zermatt ski resort in winter at sunset with Matterhorn in the background

Zermatt, Switzerland

Family of skiiers overlooking Tignes Ski Resort

Tignes, France

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Groups of families enjoying ice skating in Morzine ski resort

Morzine, France

Skiier skiing down off piste slope between rocky mountain faces

Cervinia, Italy

Hidden Gem Ski Resorts in December

Zell am See, Austria

One of Austria’s best ski resorts to visit in December, Zell am See shares its lift pass with the towering 3,000m Kitzsteinhorn glacier, providing an abundance of high-altitude skiing. Visit for beginner runs on Schmittenhöhe, expansive red runs, and Austria’s famed Black Mamba piste.