5 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas in the Alps

Are you thinking of going away for Christmas? Get your skis ready and leave the Christmas stress at home. Christmas in the Alps is like something out of a fairytale: absolutely magical. Experience powder-white slopes, cosy villages lit up with Christmas lights, and an atmosphere you’ll never forget. Does that sound like something for you? We have no less than 5 great reasons to celebrate Christmas in the Alps, and suggestions for the best places to ski at Christmas.

1. Enjoy a white Christmas

Make your Christmas dreams come true and celebrate a white Christmas in the Alps. Nothing is as cosy as watching snowflakes fall, creating the perfect setting for your Christmas holiday.

When you book a ski holiday in December, you’ll be guaranteed fresh powder from the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed in the evening. In fact, the best snow for skiing falls in the coldest months, usually December and January. No more slushy snow. In the Alps, freshly fallen snow lies like a blanket, crisp and soft: perfect for practicing your skiing. It’s also easy for the kids to build a snowman out of it, if you’re going on a family ski holiday!

For a guaranteed white Christmas, choose a ski resort such as Val Thorens, or the snow-sure Obergurgl in Austria.

2. Enjoy a stress-free Christmas Eve

Dreaming of a Christmas where you don’t have to be in the kitchen for days? When you book a ski holiday with Sunweb, you can leave the stress at home. The vast majority of our ski destinations have strong Christmas traditions. Whether you choose to spend Christmas in France, Austria, or perhaps Italy, you can be sure that there will be decorations in the villages, on the slopes, in the restaurants, and along the streets – and the festive food is sure to be delicious!

For most people, Christmas dinner is a hugely important tradition, and many ski resorts offer one. Travelling with the family, a group of friends, or just as a couple this Christmas? Then you’ll love our half-board ski holidays, which offer culinary delights and traditional festivities over the holiday period, including delicious festive dishes, 3- to 5-course menus, and lively music and dancing.

3. Christmas activities and fun for all ages

Anyone who has spent Christmas in the Alps knows what we’re talking about. It really has something to offer all ages. Not only is the beautiful snowy landscape decorated from head to toe, but you might also be lucky enough to have Santa Claus himself visit your ski resort.

For the vast majority of resorts, Christmas is a big celebration. In the days leading up to Christmas and throughout the festive season, several child-friendly ski resorts such as Les Arcs or Les Orres will plan Christmas parades through the streets and fun Christmas workshops. You’ll be sure to get that true festive feeling!

Would you prefer to spend your Christmas in the French Alps? In Les Arcs, you can enjoy the holiday atmosphere at the Christmas markets and watch the Christmas lights be turned on. On Christmas Eve, you can even meet Santa Claus as he takes time out of his busy schedule to greet all the children in the area. On a winter escape to Les Portes du Soleil, you can experience even more bustling Christmas markets, and in Vaujany, animal-lovers can even say hello to Santa’s reindeer!

4. Same options on a ski holiday – but more affordable

It’s amazing that it’s even possible, but it’s true: there are an incredible number of great deals on skiing holidays over Christmas. After all, the majority of people always spend Christmas at home. So, travelling just before or after the Christmas period can often be more expensive than travelling during the festive season itself.

Taking the whole family? Choose the beautiful ski resort Le Massif du Dévoluy, where you can ski for an entire week during Christmas from just €400 per person. Even popular ski resorts in France that are normally on the expensive side, such as Paradiski, Les Deux Alpes, or Les Portes du Soleil, are usually quite reasonably priced over Christmas. Need accommodation recommendations for Christmas that won’t break the bank?

Apartments Fliana – Austria, Silvretta Ski Region, Ischgl.
Résidence W2050 – La Plagne, Paradiski, France.
Hôtel L’Ecrin des Neiges – La Joue du Loup, Le Massif du Dévoluy, France.

5. Christmas in the Alps is better when skiing

We’ve mentioned the promise of a white Christmas, we’ve ticked off Christmas dinner, we’ve thought of fun and entertainment for the whole family, and we’ve secured a great price… but Christmas is still more than all that. For a truly merry Christmas, you simply must go skiing. A skiing holiday can be full of surprises. Just as gliding down the powder-white slopes is perfect for relaxing your mind, the camaraderie of the alpine atmosphere is always so heart-warming. Plus, all the fresh air and good exercise will be great for your body too!

But if you’re not much of a skier, there’s also the option of booking a hotel with a luxurious spa, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air in the jacuzzi, with a glass of bubbles in hand. At the end of the day, company is probably the most important thing about Christmas, and nothing brings people closer together like a skiing holiday in a relaxed setting.

Hoping all your ski dreams will come true this festive season? Take a look at some of the best skiing accommodations for a Christmas escape:

VAYA Fieberbrunn Hotel – Austria, Skicurcus, Fieberbrunn.
Résidence MGM Anitea (New) – France, Le Grand Domaine, Valmorel.
Résidence Arc 1950 Le Village – France, Paradiski, Les Arcs.
Chalet Grizzly – France, Les Deux Alpes.

See you at Christmas!