The Best European Resorts for a Christmas Ski Holiday

We all love a white Christmas, so celebrating the festive season with a trip to the mountains is the perfect plan. From cruising down fantastic slopes to visiting Santa before firework displays, there are a number of ways to spend the big day when you’re out on the pistes. The experts over at Neilson are no strangers to Christmas skiing, so read on for a few of their favourite resorts for your festive ski holiday.

Val d’Isère, France

Let’s start as we mean to go on. Val d’Isère is a resort to visit any time of the year, but at Christmas, everything just gets better - including Neilson’s Hotel La Tovière. Fairy lights and wreaths adorn the chalets and churches of the Savoyard town centre, while trees, lights and more decorations line the streets. The high altitude of the resort means snow is almost guaranteed, so you can ski or board on epic pistes in the day, and watch on as celebrations kick off at night. From snow sculptures and skiing Santas to fireworks and Christmas parades, you’ll definitely be feeling the festive spirit in France.

Mayrhofen, Austria

Next up we’ve got Mayrhofen - the perfect place to enjoy some traditional Christmas celebrations. You’ll find delightful decorations everywhere you look, and with the charming Tyrolean Advent market selling delicious treats, hand-made crafts and traditional gifts, you’re sure to feel the festive atmosphere.

The little ones can hand their Christmas lists over to the angels who look after the Christkindl post office, and meet Santa to put the cherry on top of their winter adventure. When it comes to the snow, Mayrhofen has a massive snowsure area - which includes the epic Hintertux Glacier - as well as brilliant snow-making facilities, so everyone is in for a treat on the slopes. Runs suitable for all abilities are the perfect place to make those Christmas wishes come true, and when all’s said and done, embrace the lively après for a stylish end to the day.

El Tarter, Andorra

Another of our favourite ski resorts for a Christmas Ski Holiday has to be El Tarter, in the huge 210km Grandvalira ski area. Andorra’s virtually-tax free status means you’ll find excellent value on and off the mountain, and with under 12s getting a free lift pass with every pre-booked adult lift pass with Neilson, the peaks of Andorra are certainly calling this Christmas.

Festive lights, visits from Santa and skiing on wide, gentle slopes makes this the perfect place for that family getaway. Neilson’s Mountain Experts even provide free coaching and guiding on the big day, so you can get the perfect Christmas present - a new carve turn. You could even give the ski legs a break with a husky sleigh ride to take in the gorgeous resort, before heading back to Chalet Hotel Casale for that much-needed glass of mulled wine.

Val di Fassa, Italy

Let’s round off this list in the Dolomites and Val di Fassa, for a calmer, more tranquil take on Christmas. Some of Italy’s prettiest villages can be found here, where you can wander through markets with a cup of something warm in-hand. Find traditional wooden crafts, hand-made jewellery and delicious gourmet treats - your Christmas shopping has never been so easy!

With the Marmolada glacier nearby and 90% of Val di Fassa’s runs being covered by snowmaking, you won’t have any trouble finding the white stuff for your days on the slopes. Glide down snowsure pistes in front of the gorgeous peaks before a delicious Christmas dinner back at Neilson’s Chalet Hotel Dolomites Inn. The Italians really know how to feast at this time of year, so you don’t want to miss this.