Choosing what to do or where to go for New Year's Eve has always been a difficult decision. Whether you prefer a cosy night in with family or a no-expense-spared meal at a fancy restaurant, making plans for New Year's is something which many of us struggle to decide upon.
For something totally different, why not take the stress out of deciding what to do by getting away on a luxury ski holiday for the New Year instead? It’s well known that the New Year week is one of the best weeks of the skiing calendar, with impressive fireworks displays, live music and plenty of bars and clubs entertaining until the early hours.
Skiing is the perfect solution for those looking for a fantastic New Year holiday, and what better way to see in the New Year than to watch epic fireworks over the mountains or to wake up to fresh snow on the slopes? With this in mind, we’ve put together our list of the top 10 luxury ski resorts for New Year's, which will inspire you to book that special getaway and to ring in the New Year in style.
If you’re looking to start your festive holiday even earlier, you can take a look at our portfolio of Luxury hotels for Christmas escapes.
Choosing the right luxury ski resort for New Year's Eve
There are so many luxury ski resorts to choose from in Europe and beyond, making planning a ski holiday a little overwhelming; but here at Oxford Ski Company, that’s where we come in.
Our team of experts know these resorts inside out and can tailor your luxury ski holiday to your needs. When deciding which luxury ski resort will be best suited for your New Year escape, you’ll want to consider what special events are taking place in each resort.
A New Year's trip is as much about the non-ski activities as it is about the skiing, and with many resorts putting on fireworks displays, midnight countdowns and live music, New Year's in the Alps is a magical experience.
At Oxford Ski Company, we have been booking the best New Year's Eve ski resorts for over 25 years, and we work with the highest standard of luxury chalets, apartments and hotels in each area.
So in true New Year's Eve style, let's count backwards from 10 to reveal the list of the best luxury ski resorts for New Year's Eve.
10. Cortina
If you prefer to see in the New Year from a traditional Italian village as opposed to a purpose-built party resort, Cortina makes a perfect base for your winter escape. The main square, Corsa Italia, is the place to be when the clock strikes midnight, as you’ll be treated to a fabulous fireworks display against the backdrop of the stunning Dolomite mountains.
Where to stay in Cortina for New Year's?
Book your stay at Cristallo Hotel, a grand, historic property which was once visited by Frank Sinatra. Its elevated position offers incredible views of the Dolomites, and there are four restaurants and a lounge bar with a large terrace, which offers fantastic Apres-ski.
9. St Anton
Over in Austria, New Year in St Anton is a great choice for party lovers and is one of the best luxury ski resorts in Austria for New Year's. Gather on the main street to see fireworks illuminate the sky, before heading back to the bars to enjoy DJ sets and live music until the early hours. St Anton is famous for one of its lively aprés bars, Mooserwirt, which is said to serve more beer per square metre than any other bar in Austria.
Where to stay in St Anton for New Year's?
For a group that loves to ski as much as they do party, the luxurious Chalet Tschoder is the perfect place to stay. An easy stroll into the resort centre, this traditional ski chalet sleeps up to 12 adults and two children and is conveniently has ski-in/ski-out access.
8. Chamonix
The French resort of Chamonix is always a good choice for an Alpine escape and is one of the best luxury French ski resorts for New Year's Eve. The traditional Chamonix experience will see you starting with a bar crawl on the slopes before ending up on the main streets in the town centre, with a drink in hand, to count down the seconds until the fireworks start at midnight.
Where to stay in Chamonix for New Year's?
For a multi-family group with younger children, Chalet Azurite is a great option, sleeping eight adults and eight children, with a large open terrace overlooking the village, as well as an outdoor hot tub to enjoy on a starry night. Alternatively, book the whole of Le Hameau des Plans
for a group of up to 43 for a big New Year’s celebration.
7. Alpe d’Huez
One of France’s most snow-sure resorts, Alpe d’Huez offers something a little different over the New Year period. Partygoers often celebrate in fancy dress in some of the many bars and clubs, with Underground Bar staying open until 9am on New Year’s Day for those who just don’t want to stop dancing! Plus, there’s a torch-lit descent and fireworks display to enjoy too.
Where to stay in Alpe d’Huez for New Year's?
Hotel Daria-I-Nor is an excellent choice if you’re looking to be close to the slopes. Its ski-in/ski-out location is second to none, whilst the Black Diamond Spa is over 800 sqm in size and features a fitness room, salt wall, ice fountains, experience showers, saunas and two pools.
6. Lech
One of the best luxury ski resorts in Austria for New Year's, Lech is popular with celebrities and royals alike. Famed for its musical fireworks displays in Rüfiplatz, with previous themes including ABBA and James Bond, there’s also a spectacular New Year's concert to enjoy during your stay.
Where to stay in Lech for New Year's?
If you’re looking for something different, an apartment is a great choice compared to a chalet or hotel. We love Brunnenhof 3, a stylish three-bedroom apartment located in the prestigious Brunnenhof Residence. Sleeping up to six guests, the apartment is just a six-minute walk from the nearest chairlift and only 10 minutes from the centre of Lech itself, and has access to shared pool and spa facilities.
5. Méribel
Méribel is one of the best New Year's Eve ski resorts and is perfect for families and groups of friends. Festivities begin with an open-air disco as the Chaudanne area turns into a nightclub/dance floor on the piste, whilst the epic firework display at midnight is a must-see. Afterwards, head to one of Méribel’s many bars and clubs, with table-top dancing and champagne showers, to continue partying into the early hours.
Where to stay in Meribel for New Year's?
For a spectacular place to stay, Chalet Le Grenier is laid out over two floors and has six bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests. With first-class facilities including a gym, sauna, wine cellar and vast terrace with views over the valley, this luxury ski chalet is perfect for those looking to make their stay in the Alps extra special.
4. Zermatt
The stunning mountain resort of Zermatt is as popular with non-skiers as it is with those who love spending time on the slopes. The iconic Matterhorn provides the perfect backdrop for a New Year's party, and it is tradition in the resort to gather by the church with a drink in hand whilst you count down to midnight. Although there are no fireworks put on by the resort itself, many of the hotels do their own displays instead, but we think a luxury chalet makes a great choice for a winter escape to Zermatt.
Where to stay in Zermatt for New Year's?
For ultimate indulgence whilst staying in Zermatt, why not stay in Chalet Grace - a beautifully elegant chalet with stunning elevated views of the resort and mountains surrounding it. With plenty of space to relax as a family with a games room, spa and cinema room, Families can
3. Courchevel 1850
Up there as being one of the best luxury ski resorts in France for New Year's Eve, Courchevel 1850 is unlike anywhere else in the world. With a host of lively aprés bars offering fun-filled New Year’s Eve programmes, the Courchevel tourism board does a brilliant job of organising events and parties that will keep you on your feet all night long. Enjoy concerts, fireworks and DJ sets or head up in the lift to La Folie Douce to enjoy a spectacular dinner show and aprés-ski party into the early hours.
Where to stay in Courchevel for New Year's?
The beautiful Grandes Alpes Hotel is one of our favourite places to stay in Courchevel 1850 and boasts an enviable location with ski-in/ski-out access. There’s also a spa with a swimming pool, fitness room and hair salon, as well as a restaurant and a lounge bar with an open terrace overlooking the slopes.
2. Verbier
New Year's Eve in Verbier is certainly an experience to remember. A party-lover’s paradise, Verbier plays host to a legendary New Year’s celebration by throwing one of the best street parties in Europe. Half an hour before midnight, follow the crowds and make your way towards Place Centrale, where you can enjoy a live DJ and dance music set high above Farinet aprés. Pre-booking a table in a club after midnight is essential; you can dance until the small hours, but be prepared to pay extortionate prices for a ticket
Where to stay in Verbier for New Year's?
Choose Chalet Calima as your base and you will have an unforgettable holiday in Verbier. This luxury ski chalet is spread across four floors and sleeps up to eight guests comfortably. Stand out features include an indoor swimming pool, cinema room, outdoor hot tub and south-facing terrace with breathtaking mountain views.
1. Val d’Isère
Voted top of our list of luxury ski resorts for New Year's, Val d’Isere is a place that never disappoints. It is THE place to be when the clock strikes 12 and is the best luxury ski resort in France for New Year’s Eve. Previous celebrations have seen the centre of the village transformed into a pedestrianised zone as crowds gather on the main street to watch spectacular fireworks displays and colourful light shows whilst enjoying DJ sets and live music too.
Where to stay in Val d’Isère for New Year's?
Located at the top of a secluded road, Chalet Inoko offers sumptuous accommodation for up to 12 adults and two children. The five-metre-high cathedral ceiling in the living area makes the chalet feel even larger than it already is, and you can make the most of its fantastic facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, outdoor hot tub, massage room and terrace with fire pit.
Ready to book a New Year's Ski Holiday?
If you’re looking for a snow-sure New Year’s Eve, then we can help you to plan every detail of your luxury festive ski escape.
From organising accommodation with the best hot tub views, stocking up on champagne, organising childcare, to ensuring that everyone in the family has an activity on New Year's Eve that they can enjoy.
There’s no ski holiday booking challenge that we can’t help you with.
