Skiing at Christmas – what’s it really like?

Outside in the crisp, cold mountain air amongst endless peaks of white snow and a million Christmas trees… Could anything be more magical?

If you’re hooked on the idea and trying to convince your family, let us help conjure up the image of Christmas on the ski slopes to persuade any non-believers…

Surrounded by snowy mountains

Snowflakes, frosted pine trees, rooftops laden with fluffy white snow… All these Christmas card pictures actually come to life if you head to the mountains in December! Here in Courchevel, late Autumn is when we start getting snowy days which drape our villages in a beautiful white blanket and also, very importantly, on the ski slopes, forming a base that will last the season.

The ski resort opens on the first weekend of December and stays open until the second half of April so you are sure to see plenty of the white stuff if you come to visit us at Christmas time.

The best kind of family time

Playing in the snow isn’t just for little kids… Christmas in the Alps is big on fun – the simple pleasure of being outside, rosy-cheeked in the fresh mountain air, what could be a better Christmas present?! Plenty of time outdoors, not stuck inside on screens. Sharing a love of skiing with your youngsters from an early age is a sure way to get them hooked on all the good things in life: mountains, activity and the feeling of accomplishment as they learn to make their first turns (and then overtake you!)

Many of our guests also take the opportunity to bring along aunties, uncles and grandparents for some quality family time. More about Three Generation ski holidays.

• Looking for details on the events happening in Meribel and Courchevel during the festive season? Click here.

Eyeing up the snowpark jumps in the Three Valleys

Cosy and magical

With twinkling fairy lights, roaring log fires, steaming mugs of vin chaud or hot chocolate, it is impossible not to feel the joy of feeling warm and snuggly, nestled among the cushions of your sofa in the evenings. Imagine that feeling in your own house…. and now quadruple that feeling, when you imagine settling into chalet life after a glorious day exploring the snowy mountains… The Danes may have hygge, but the French have pinched the English one: cosy!

Image: Hanna Balan, Unsplash

More relaxing, less chopping veg!

Talking of flopping on the chalet sofa… You’ll find that with our catered service, you’ll be able to actually relax on your holiday without having to shop, prepare, cook, serve and clear up the evening meal. How would you spend that time – a game with the kids? Listening to music? Reading a book? Nattering about who had the best fall of the day..? Soaking in the chalet hot tub?

Give yourself a break from peeling sprouts this year, and let our hosts take over!

Relaxing in Chalet Loup Blanc in Courchevel le Praz

Quiet slopes

We realise it’s not always easy to get away at Christmas time. And that means that the slopes are actually pretty quiet that week! If your ski dates are limited to school holidays, then Christmas week is one of the quietest options, which is a bonus for lift queues and finding a seat in a mountain restaurant at lunchtime. And if you like an excuse to get the fancy dress out, then you won’t be alone…. It’s very common to see Reindeer, Minions, Unicorns, Elves and even Père Noël himself enjoying a quick ski break at Christmas time!

Christmas deals Courchevel and Meribel

2023-2024

Have we tempted you? Contact us with your dates and group size – and don’t forget to ask us about child discounts for under-12s!

Chalet Matisse Bas: €8500 for whole chalet (approx. £925 pp)

• Food provided on 6 nights, including traditional Christmas Dinner
• Warm and welcoming with log fire
• Easy access to ski lifts and village
• Sleeps eight people in three twin bedrooms and one twin/double, each with own bathroom

Chalet Loden: €14,750 per chalet (approx. £1070 pp)

• Food provided on 6 nights, including traditional Christmas Dinner
• Huge log fireplace and stunning views
• 200m to blue ski slope
• Sleeps twelve people in six bedrooms
• Table tennis

Magical moments in cosy Chalet Loden, Meribel

Images: Ski Magic unless otherwise indicated