The festive period is a great time to visit the French Alps. Whether it’s for a Christmas stay in a beautiful chalet with a log fire or a New Year’s celebration in a charming French ski village, there's a resort for every winter whim! Are you thinking about spending the holidays in the mountains? We have some fantastic festive deals on at the moment but if you need some inspiration here are our top picks for the best resorts for a wonderful Christmas in the Alps...
La Rosière, Tarentaise
On the Italian border, the beautiful resort of La Rosière is an amazing choice for beginners discovering the joy of skiing and families who want to spend precious time together at this special time of the year.
Christmas in La Rosière often sees... the transformation of the magical forest (part of the resort, a beautiful short walk that separates the two villages). There's plenty of festive-themed, family-friendly activities such as story-telling with Christmas candies, chocolates, and other local and traditional sweets! The resort also welcomes Santa Claus every Christmas Eve.
We'd recommend staying in Les Cimes Blanches. It's close to all the main amenities (ski school, ski lifts, shops etc) this recently built luxury residence is perfect for your family holiday. What better way to make the most of it than relaxing after a long day of skiing in the amazing spa with heated pool, hot tub and steam room.
Valmorel, Tarentaise
This pretty village in the Tarentaise valley is the ideal location for a family Christmas on the slopes. Valmorel has a car-free centre and the majority of its residences are built next to the return runs, thus taking full advantage of the ski-in/ski-out potential. On top of that, the resort has plenty of entertainment and activities arranged for Christmas time.
Christmas in Valmorel often sees... a Christmas Parade! There's a huge daily circus-themed shows complete with accrobatic Santa’s elves! The holidays have also seen a yule log tasteing event with a huge traditional yule log, home baked by the local artisan of Valmorel village.
We'd recommend staying in La Grange aux Fées. It's ideally located in a quiet, elevated and sunny position in the Hameau des Lanchettes, this splendid residence offers ski-in/ski-out and all the conveniences only five minutes’ walk away.
Les Saisies, Mont Blanc & Chamonix Valley
Enjoy a magical and festive week in the mountains of Les Saisies. The enchantingly-set resort offer shows, games, entertainment for everybody in a fairytale village of Christmas - and there's plenty of opportunities for a photo with Santa for lifelong memories!
Christmas in Les Saisies often sees... a big family-style resort welcome meal! For the opening of the Christmas Village, taste and enjoy a traditional meal of raclette followed by a gingerbread workshop!
We'd recommend staying in the brand new apartments at Amaya. Built for the 2019/20 winter season these luxury apartments have a ski-in/ski-out position on the Carrets piste and just a 15 minute walk from the centre. The luxurious facilities include a 1000m2 leisure centre perfect to relax after a long day skiing and seeing Santa!
Les Gets, Portes du Soleil
This charming village nestling in the Portes du Soleil area has a delightfully traditional character. One of the most easily accessed resorts from the UK by car, Les Gets is an amazing destination for families and non-skiers and has plenty of entertainment at the end of the year.
Christmas in Les Gets often sees... the enchantment of the local forest! In December the forest is enchanted by Santa's visit - definitely one to visit with little ones.
We'd recommend staying in the Annapurna residence. The property enjoys one of the best positions in Les Gets, just 150m from the Mont Chéry gondola. In addition to the lovely spacious apartments, facilities include free WiFi as well as access to the indoor pool and a wellness area.
Tignes, Tarentaise
No need to introduce one of the best-known European resorts, famous for its huge ski area and the superb pistes! Tignes is an amazing destination for a family ski holiday, with a wide range of amenities, activities and with the pedestrianised village.
The holidays in Tignes often sees... the biggest New Years Eve party in France! This high-altitude ski resort celebrates the new year in style with a huge fireworks display and plenty of après-ski partying!
We'd recommend to stay in Le Lodge des Neiges - This prestigious 'boutique' residence is ideally located in a ski-in/ski-out position near the foot of the 8-seater Boisses gondola in Tignes 1800. There are 46 luxurious apartments that combine traditional Savoyard architecture with excellent modern facilities, that include, a leisure area with a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and fitness room and you can relax in the lounge area by the open fire.
Don’t forget all the traditional and local activities that will make your winter holiday unforgettable...
Dog sledding in Paradiski © Vincent Piccerelle
Ski-Joering in La Clusaz
Mountain coaster in Chamonix
- Some resorts, such as Les 2 Alpes and Megève offer horse-drawn sleigh rides which are perfect for taking in those idyllic mountain views, especially during Christmas time. Ski-joering is another horse-led activity, but this time whilst on skis! La Clusaz offers this unusual activity
- For the dog-loving families, many resorts offer the chance to discover the amazing landscape whilst on a husky sled ride. And for those who want more, they can even teach you to mush a team of dogs!
- If you're looking for something truly unique, why not go for a walk with the friendly llamas in Valloire? An unforgettable moment for the whole family and one you’re unlikely to forget!
- Looking for a thrill? Resorts such as Les Carroz d'Araches, Chamonix, and La Rosière have added another attraction to their choice of activities this winter - the mountain coaster! A luge ride on rails, these exhilarating coasters take you on a speedy descent down the mountain-side and offer fantastic views! They are often available all-year-round too!
Are ski lifts open on Christmas Day in France?
Yes! Ski lifts are open, and you'll usually find it can be the quietest morning of the whole week, so we recommend getting out for first lifts!
When should I book my Christmas ski holiday?
You can get some great offers closer to the time, but we would advise booking quite a few months in advance to ensure you get the best availability! We even start getting enquiries for the next season whilst clients are still on the slopes!
Is Christmas skiing busy?
Short answer, it can be. Bare in mind it will be peak school holiday dates for both the UK and France, but if you're willing to get out early you can enjoy relatively quiet slopes (especially on Christmas day!)
Why do people go skiing at Christmas?
Ski resorts are a great place to be at Christmas, often running festive events like firework shows, Christmas markets, torchlight descent, you might even get to meet Santa! It's a great time of year to soak in the atmosphere!
