Where to Ski in December

Where can you go skiing in December?

If you’re keen to get ahead of the rush and make the most of an early skiing holiday, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to ski in December.

Since January and February are preferred months to hit the slopes, early-mid December attracts fewer crowds and quieter resorts despite the festive season.

However, we advise bearing in mind that snow conditions in December vary by altitude and geography, so your options may be limited.

Read our guide below on the best places to ski in December, including where to go in Europe and North America.

Where to Ski in December in Europe

Skiing in Switzerland in December

Swiss resorts are known for their beautiful villages and stunning scenery. For those wondering where to ski in Switzerland in December, Zermatt and Verbier are great choices.

Plus, both places offer plentiful options for non-skiers or those not skiing every day. Travellers can explore beautiful towns, enjoy other winter outdoor activities, while skiers can enjoy the high altitude ski areas and world-class linked infrastructure.

December ski holidays in Zermatt, Switzerland - 1620m

For glorious vistas and reliable snowfall, Zermatt is an excellent option for your December skiing holiday. 

Zermatt offers no shortage of high-altitude slopes, with plenty of areas to access thanks to the high lift system and the Theodul Glacier providing year-round skiing options.

With the Matterhorn standing magnificently over the village, it’s an iconic setting like no other in the Alps. 

There is a good chance of reliable snowfall in December, making it a popular destination for December skiing for those desperate to get on the slopes.

The quiet, car-free resort offers something special, too. During the festive period, you can expect Christmas markets and festive events held in the centre, allowing for a truly magical stay in Zermatt.

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Average Snowfall in December in Zermatt

Average weekly snowfall: 30cm
Average monthly snowfall: 120 cm

What to consider:

• High winds can impact the skiing conditions due to the resort’s height.
• The resort of Zermatt can be more expensive than other options in the Alps.
• The fabulous festive markets throughout December.

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Verbier, Switzerland - 1500m

Verbier is one of the most luxurious ski destinations in Europe. This ski resort makes our list for skiing in December as it is also popular for early-season skiing, thanks to the resort’s high elevation and ideal location. 

Verbier often gets big snowfalls early on in the season, offering more guarantee for bluebird days and fresh powder leading up to the festive season. 

Plus, Verbier at Christmas is a must see. With world-class luxury chalets, après bars, clubs, boutique shops, and restaurants to discover, it’s the perfect place for a stunning winter getaway.

Popular with families, large groups and couples alike, Verbier is perfectly set up for those who love being on the mountain, thanks to the glorious high-altitude skiing in a renowned off-piste terrain. Mont Gelé offers plenty of off-piste routes to explore, so even the most experienced skiers can enjoy a challenging ski day before the après-ski begins.

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Average Snowfall in December in Verbier

Average monthly snowfall: 115cm
Average weekly snowfall: 38 cm

What to consider:

• With almost always guaranteed snowfall early in the season, the ski resort can get busy.
• Verbier is as well known for its après-ski, boutiques and restaurants as it is for its skiing. Make the most of it by exploring the buzzing town centre.

Skiing in France in December

The Three Valleys in France is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, with over 600m of terrain to explore, all connected by a lift system, making it an extremely popular ski destination. For those looking for the perfect festive ski holiday, we cannot recommend the Three Valleys enough.

December skiing in Val Thorens, France (2300m)

Val Thorens is another popular ski resort for December skiing, thanks to its connections to the Three Valleys and the resort’s elevation at 2300m. 

Forever a popular destination for avid skiers, Val Thorens is known for its buzzing nightlife and myriad bars and restaurants, including La Folie Douce. With options for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, early snow in December is suited to the north-facing runs of Val Thorens. 

For those not skiing, this ski resort offers great daytime outdoor activities and après-ski nightlife.

Plus, this ski resort is shadier than most, meaning fresh snow is protected from the sun’s rays. As a purpose-built resort, the slopeside accommodation makes it easier than others to access the slopes.

Val Thorens’s snow conditions in December are also so reliable that the resort has a ‘snow guarantee’ for tourists, so it’s certainly worth considering it for your early-season getaway.

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Average Snowfall in December in Val Thorens

Average weekly snowfall: 35cm
Average monthly snowfall: 126cm

What to consider for a December skiing holiday in Val Thorens:

• As one of the first to open and last to close, it can get busy earlier than other resorts.
• You may not get as much sun as other resorts in December.
• Val Thorens has plenty of festive celebrations to enjoy.

December skiing in Tignes, France 1550-2300m

Tignes in France is a popular ski resort for December skiing. The resort of Tignes is made up of five villages – Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet, Tignes Les Boisses, and Tignes-les-Brévières. Their height means you are guaranteed a better chance of heavy snowfall, and Tignes often opens earlier in the season compared to other French resorts.

You can expect average temperatures between -7 and 1 degrees in Tignes, with colder temperatures enjoyed throughout December thanks to the resort's high position. In part due to the Grande Motte glacier, Tignes is one of the most snow-sure resorts in December, offering reliable early-season skiing for holidaymakers. 

Helpfully linking to Val d'Isère via ski lifts, you can enjoy 300km of pistes, safe in the knowledge of dependable snowfall.

Tignes is also renowned as a popular destination for experts, thanks to its positioning and undulating terrain that forms part of the Val d'Isère-Tignes ski area. As well as this, there is plenty to do whether you’re a beginner or an avid skier, including nightlife full of restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s no wonder Tignes makes our list.

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Average Snowfall in December in Tignes

Average monthly snowfall: 125cm
Average weekly snowfall: 37 cm

What to consider for a December skiing holiday in Tignes:

• Tignes is popular with families thanks to the resort’s extensive facilities, including leisure facilities and a bowling alley.
• Tignes is one of the world’s most reliable resorts in terms of snow conditions. This means there isn’t an established ‘off-season’.

Where to Ski in December in the United States

The best places to ski in December aren’t limited to Europe. The US has plenty of options for luxury ski holidays, where you can enjoy guaranteed sunny weather, fresh powder, and glorious terrain to explore.

Thanks to the geography of the US, ski resorts in America offer high altitudes and glorious views of the Rocky Mountains. Below, we’ve hand-picked our favourite ski resorts to visit in December.

Breckenridge, US - 2926m

Perched at one of the highest points of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge in Colorado is the ultimate luxury ski destination, which offers something for all, regardless of your skiing ability.

Situated amongst the Rocky Mountains, you can expect staggering views and a multitude of ski runs to discover and enjoy. Expect a mixture of gentler slopes as well as tricky and challenging routes for even the most expert of skiers.

With thick powder appearing as early as mid-November, Breckenridge certainly makes our list of the best places to go skiing in December.

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Average snowfall in Breckenridge in December

Average monthly snowfall: 152cm
Average weekly snowfall: 15cm

Vail, US - 2484m

Vail is also situated in Colorado, with ski schools and fantastic amenities for families, including a zipline and climbing ropes. 

The village of Vail is the perfect place for festivities, with charming Christmas displays and plenty to explore and discover.

Plus, snow conditions in December are very reliable in Vail. This high-altitude resort has an excellent snow record, which is reason enough to add this resort to our list. With 234km of pistes to explore, you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery.

With plenty of designer boutiques, luxury restaurants and bars to explore, there’s something for everyone if you fancy a day away from the slopes. There’s even an outdoor ice rink to enjoy. Nestled against the backdrop of the Rockies and the delightful Christmas lights, Vail is a skiing paradise in December.

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Average snowfall in Vail in December

Average monthly snowfall: 141cm
Average weekly snowfall: 21 cm

Where to go Skiing in December in Canada

Whistler, Canada - 2181m

Whistler in Canada stands out with its impressive snowfall, offering fantastic luxury skiing for families and younger groups. With a lively après-ski scene, guests can enjoy its many pubs, restaurants, and clubs. 

From regular Christmas festivities to the Festival of Trees, Whistler is an incredibly popular destination for skiers in December. 

As well as a generous number of pistes to explore, skiers can expect spectacular views of the resort when it is lit up with Christmas lights.

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Average Snowfall in December in Whistler

Average monthly snowfall: 217cm
Average weekly snowfall: 59cm

Banff, Canada - 1645m

With hot springs, excellent ski schools, and black diamond ski runs to explore, there’s plenty to discover in Canada’s Banff. 

The 1645m elevation ensures good snowfall in December, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers keen to make the most of the early-season snow.

A high-altitude resort, the colder and drier climate of Banff means that skiers benefit from powdery snow and minimal slush. With plenty on offer for advanced skiers and thrill seekers, it’s important to note that Banff is less beginner-friendly. However, there’s plenty to explore in the village, with shops, restaurants, and bars to while away the days.

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Average Snowfall in Banff in December

Average monthly snowfall: 44cm
Average weekly snowfall: 10cm

Skiing in December FAQs

What can impact skiing conditions in December?

• Sun Exposure: Early-season skiing in December sees weaker sun, preserving snow quality, while stronger sun later in the season can cause slush and ice.
• Resort Elevation: High-altitude resorts (above 1800m) offer more reliable snow, making them better options for early-season skiing. But other factors affect snow surety and skiing conditions other than elevation. 
• Resort Size: Larger resorts can offer more varied terrain, especially those with connections to other ski areas.
• Piste Grooming: In many exclusive resorts, the pistes will be expertly maintained for the optimum skiing experience. Snow canons and piste groomers will work through the night to ensure the slopes are ready for the next day.

What should you consider for a December skiing holiday?

• Head for high-altitude resorts: These offer better snow guarantees and more early-season skiing opportunities.
• Seek snow-sure resorts: Choose destinations with strong snow records to ensure good conditions.
• Consider resort size: Larger resorts provide better variety and more snow coverage.
• Timing matters: Late December increases the likelihood of snowfall, making it an ideal time for an early-season getaway.

 

You can also check out our guide to skiing in January if you'd prefer to hit the slopes in the New Year! For more information and advice on planning your next luxury ski holiday, get in touch with the Oxford Ski Company team here.

Our experts will help you find your perfect match. Otherwise, explore our luxury chalets, discover our collection of luxury ski hotels or explore our blog to get inspired for your next ski holiday.