Where to Ski in December

Where to Ski in December

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

Skiing in December often means fewer crowds, as January and February tend to be preferred months to hit the slopes. 

But before you get too excited, there are some important factors to think about before you jet off to your nearest ski resort! 

Snow conditions in December differ depending on how high a ski resort is, which means that your options can be limited.

Below, we offer some insight into the best places to ski in December and where to go in Europe and North America.

Where to Ski in December in Europe

Switzerland in December

Swiss resorts are known for their luxurious vibes and stunning scenery, with Verbier being a very popular resort for avid skiers. 

For those wondering where to ski in December in Switzerland, Zermatt and Verbier are popular hotspots. 

Both offer plenty of options for those less keen on skiing, who can explore the beautiful towns and traditional-style chalets that sit nestled amongst the mountains.

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 looming magnificently amongst the ski towns, the nightlife and restaurants are perfect to get you into the winter ski season. 

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.

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.
• Switzerland ski resorts can be more expensive than other options.
• The fabulous festive markets throughout December.

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Verbier, Switzerland - 1500m

Verbier is without a doubt, one of the most luxurious ski destinations in Europe. 

Verbier ski resort also 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. 

Verbier at Christmas is one not to miss, another reason why it has become such a popular holiday destination. With luxury ski resorts, hotels, bars, clubs, 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 a ski resort that’s perfectly set up for beginners as well as expert skiers, thanks to the glorious high-altitude skiing in a renowned Swiss ski town. Mont Gele offers plenty of off-piste routes to explore, so even the most experienced skiers can enjoy a challenging and exciting ski day before partying the night away.

Average Snowfall in December in Verbier

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

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What to consider:

• Verbier is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, so don’t expect things to be cheap.
• As a resort with almost guaranteed snowfall early in the season, it can get busy.
• Verbier is as well known for its apres-ski, boutiques and restaurants as it is for its skiing. Don’t miss out and make sure to explore the buzzing town centre.

Skiing in France in December

The Three Valleys, France is the vastest ski network in the world, with over 600m of terrain to explore, making it an extremely popular ski destination. For those looking to go away for Christmas and have a winter wonderland getaway, we’d certainly recommend the Three Valleys.

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. 

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

Val Thorens offers even the most unconfident of skiers a resort with good nightlife and plenty of options for staying at the resort during the day.

The shadier ski resort means fresh snow is protected from the sun’s rays. 

As a purpose-built resort, the slopeside accommodation makes it easier than some resorts to access the slopes. La Folie Douce is easily accessible for those keen to get the party started. 

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

Average Snowfall in December in Val Thorens

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

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What to consider:

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

Tignes, France 1550-2300m

Tignes, France is a popular ski resort for December skiing. The height of this resort 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 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’Isere 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 Espace Killy ski area. With plenty to do off the slopes, including a buzzing nightlife, glorious restaurants, bars, and clubs, it is no wonder it makes our list.

Average Snowfall in December in Tignes

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

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What to consider:

• 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’.
• The snow-sure conditions can make it both popular and expensive in December.

Where to go Skiing in December in the US

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 pistes 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-selected our favourite ski resorts to visit in December.

Breckenridge, US - 2926m

Perched at one of the highest points of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado is the ultimate luxury ski destination.

Breckenridge is an upmarket ski resort offering something for everyone, no matter how experienced you are as a skier. 

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

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

Average snowfall in Breckenridge in December

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

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Vail, US - 2484m

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

Vail village is the perfect place for festivities, with charming displays and plenty to explore and discover. 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 wherever you go. 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. 
You can even enjoy the outdoor ice rink! Nestled against the backdrop of the Rockies and the delightful Christmas lights, it’s no wonder Vail is such a popular skiing destination in December.

Average snowfall in Vail in December

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

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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 apres-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. This can make it a busier resort than some at this time of year, but that isn’t without good reason.

Prices increase later in the months as the festive season truly kicks off, but you can expect fantastic vibes throughout the village and good snow throughout your stay.

Average Snowfall in December in Whistler

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

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Banff, Canada - 1645m

With hot springs, excellent ski schools, and black diamond ski runs to explore, there’s plenty to discover in 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 with plenty on offer, 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 buzzing village, with shops, restaurants, and bars to while the days away. 

Spectacular mountain scenery meets reliable temperatures and plenty to explore, which is why Banff certainly makes our shortlist

Average Snowfall in Banff in December

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

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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. 

Skiing in December: Key Takeaways

• 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! 
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.