Christmas is a special time, especially for families with young children. What better way to enhance this feeling than experiencing a white Christmas and skiing in France?
Christmas in the French Alps is a big deal. The fantastic pistes, stunning views, charming chalets, apartments, and hotels are just a tiny part of a memorable trip. Ski resorts do their best to make Christmas magical by transforming them into enchanting villages overflowing with festive cheer. They do this by providing family-friendly entertainment and activities to entertain the whole family. And to top it off, you’re guaranteed a white Christmas.
What to Expect At Christmas In A French Ski Resort
Christmas in Val d’Isère features many ice sculptures, music, entertainment and a beautiful traditional village
The Top 7 Ski Resorts To Spend Christmas In The French Alps
1. Val d’Isere
Val D’Isere is one of the best French ski resorts for a memorable Christmas getaway. With a vibrant atmosphere and a host of festivities, this resort promises to provide an unforgettable experience throughout the Christmas week. The resort turns into a Christmas Village, which usually continues until Boxing Day and features a range of festive events. You can expect giant snow and ice sculptures, concerts, torchlit descents, and, of course, Papa Noel’s arrival on Christmas Eve.
Val d’Isère is full of the finest après-ski spots; the most popular is La Folie Douce, which will undoubtedly throw as crazy an opening night as ever. Their signature après-ski parties, complete with Champagne spraying, live DJs and performers will draw the crowds to their terraces this Christmas and throughout winter.
2. Arc 1950
Les Arcs is one of the most popular ski resorts in the French Alps, comprising a collection of villages. Arc 1950 is one of the newest villages, combining convenience with an authentic winter wonderland ambience. This car-free ski resort has some lovely, high-end accommodations, most of which are ski-in-ski-out.
With its snow-covered streets and friendly atmosphere, Arc 1950 is the perfect backdrop for a White Christmas and skiing in France. During the festive period, you can expect daily entertainment and activities under the sparkling illuminations and decorations. Christmas Eve is celebrated with Christmas music performed by a brass band and a parade through the village before Santa arrives.
Arc 1950 is a family-friendly ski resort within the Paradiski ski domain that caters to all skiers and snowboarders. This means you can explore neighbouring La Plagne and the more traditional villages of Plan Peisey, Vallandry, and Peisey Nancroix. In total, you have access to 425km of pistes to explore on Christmas day.
Arc 1950 Le Village in Les Arcs has a beautiful magical family white christmas atmosphere type of village with colourful buildings and lights.
3. Meribel
Meribel is one of the most famous ski resorts in France. This high-end Alpine destination has access to fantastic slopes, stunning scenery, and a program of special events, making it a premier destination for a white Christmas and skiing in France. It is part of the Trois Vallees, which includes Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, and Orelle. Together, the Trois Vallees resorts provide 600km of well-groomed slopes.
Meribel is regarded as one of France’s best ski resorts thanks to its modern amenities, fantastic bars and restaurants, and alpine charm. Christmas in Meribel is a wonderful experience thanks to the festive ambience of the Christmas markets.
On Christmas Eve, expect to see Father Christmas arriving in a horse-drawn carriage with his elves in the centre of Méribel, accompanied by a convoy of toys. Gospel singers and a pianist enhance the magical atmosphere with Christmas Carols. You can then sip a traditional welcome drink on the Chaudanne snowfront, where the big man shares gifts and his intimate knowledge of the ski area so you can make the most of your white Christmas and skiing in France.
4. Valmorel
Valmorel is an ideal setting for a family-friendly Christmas ski holiday. Its car-free snowy streets are decorated with twinkling lights, making it look like a scene from a Christmas card. One way Valmorel is an ideal family destination is that much of the accommodation has easy access to the slopes; some are even ski-in-ski-out.
The resort always puts on plenty of activities and entertainment over Christmas. For example, you can expect a Christmas parade, circus-themed shows, magicians, snow sculpture competitions and more. In the past, we’ve seen a yule log tasting event, where we sampled the huge yule log baked by a local artisan.
Valmorel’s slopes are also family-friendly. There are some perfect runs for beginners and kids getting to grips with their first turns. Additionally, the ESF have a dedicated area for small kids to learn how to ski.
Courchevel is home to arguably the best luxury chalets in the world and what a better way then to spend a white Christmas with the family inside an exceptional cosy luxurious chalet.
5. Courchevel
Courchevel is set in the 3 Valleys ski area, one of the largest in the world. Staying in Courchevel provides seemingly limitless slopes suitable for all levels. It’s also regarded as one of France’s most premium ski resorts, so expect luxury accommodation and excellent pistes serviced by a fantastic lift system.
On top of this, Courchevel’s treelined slopes make an idyllic backdrop for a white Christmas and skiing in France. Typically on Christmas Eve, everyone visiting Courchevel waits patiently for the arrival of Father Christmas. He usually arrives at about 6pm, either on skis, sledge, or snowcat. However, there’s plenty of festive fun throughout the Christmas week. The streets are lined with Christmas lights and decorations, adding to the magical atmosphere. At the same time, music and entertainers come together to make the experience extra special. And, of course, you can indulge in a luxurious Christmas dinner at one of Courchevel’s renowned restaurants; just remember to book a table.
Courchevel also has a lively après ski scene. You can expect DJs and live music in a number of bars around the resort, ensuring that you get into the festive spirit.
6. Val Thorens
One of the best parts of Christmas Day is undeniably the Christmas dinner. Chalet de la Marine is the perfect spot for a Christmas Day treat, and it was awarded a Michelin fork in 2013. Here, you can enjoy delicious food and wine on the terrace overlooking the valley. Alternatively, ski down to Les Menuires to enjoy Christmas Lunch at La Ferme de Reberty before enjoying the evening Christmas fun in Val Thorens.
7. Avoriaz 1800
Avoriaz is in the Portes du Soleil. At 1800m, it is a high-altitude ski resort that ensures excellent snow cover. In fact, Avoriaz is consistently the snowiest ski resort in the Alps. This, combined with ski-in-ski-out accommodation, makes Avoriaz a superb choice for families and groups who want the ultimate convenience and variety.
Avoriaz stands out with its distinctive architecture and pedestrianised streets, creating a Christmas ambience like no other. During the holiday weeks, visitors can enjoy snowman-making workshops, explore a bustling Christmas market, and be wowed by the traditional torchlight descent. The resort’s quirky charm and range of festive activities ensure a Christmas to remember.
Another bonus of staying in Avoriaz over Christmas is that you can visit other resorts. For example, you can check out Morzine, Chatel, or Les Gets. Alternatively, head to Switzerland to ski Champoussin and Morgins. All of these are accessible on a single full-area lift pass and provide a variety of terrain.
Avoriaz ski resort is pedestrianised, and the only ways to get around are on skis, snow-cat or horse-drawn sleighs. This adds to the Christmas winter wonderland atmosphere
Final Thoughts
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