For more than 30 years, my ‘traditional’ Christmas ski holidays consisted of packing my family’s skis and boots in the large ski box on top of my car, alongside a turkey with all the trimmings, plus presents, crackers, and even a tree and decorations, and then driving down to the Alps.
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My wife, two daughters, and I introduced a Christmas Day tradition of going to the top of a mountain with a bottle of champers – and some bacon sarnies – where we would toast this special day surrounded by beautiful views. After a day skiing together, we would then return to our self-catered accommodation for a late Christmas lunch and the opening of presents.
Skiing and snowboarding over the festive period, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, is a truly magical experience, particularly for families and groups, when the combination of skiing and snowboarding together, and yuletide celebrations, creates lasting memories.
Of course, you don’t have to pack your car up for a self-catered stay like we did. There are plenty of packages available that include flights, transfers, and accommodation in hotels and chalets that put up decorations and mistletoe to get you in the Christmas mood. They provide everything you need, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festive fun, as well as special Christmas meals – the staff also take care of the washing up!
Plus, ski areas really push the boat out over the Christmas holidays when villages are decked out with beautiful lights and decorations. Your children will also catch a glimpse of Santa Claus skiing or taking a sleigh ride. He might even have a present or two to give to them.
In the months leading up to the festive break, we’ll be featuring some of the entertainment and attractions being held in different countries. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, here is a brief run-down of what’s happening in some of the resorts in France’s famous Three Valleys area.
Val Thorens
- Santa Claus’s Stroll – Monday, 22 December: Meet Santa at local shops and stores between 10am and 5pm.
- Alaskan Games – OOK the Serum Race – Tuesday 23 December. Giant escape game across the resort
- Winter Concert – Travel in Gospel: Tuesday 23 December at 6.30pm
- Torchlight Descent – Tuesday 23 December: Ski instructors will be performing a torchlight descent in the early evening, followed by a spectacular firework display.
- Santa’s Igloo and Christmas Treasure Hunt: Tuesday 23 December.
Méribel
- Santa’s visit and torchlight descent: Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December.
- Christmas Parades and Shows: A feast of entertainment, including workshops and live performances, throughout December leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Les Menuires
- Christmas Market: – Saturday 20 December-Thursday 25 December: At La Croisette.
- Festivities on Christmas Eve, 24 December: Fun and attractions at Les Bruyères.
- Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25: Festive fun for all at La Croisette.
General Activities Across Resorts
All the above events are free entry to visitors to resorts in The Three Valleys, but there are plenty of other mountain experiences to be enjoyed.
- Ice skating and toboggan runs
- Dog sledding adventures
- Après-ski and Savoyard cuisine (fondue, raclette, hot chocolate, mulled wine)
- Wellness experiences and spa treatments
- Outdoor cinema and storytelling evenings
For more information on times of the Christmas attractions and the locations of the general activities, go to: www.les3vallees.com/en
For more information on The Three Valleys and the choice of accommodation available through Ski Line CLICK HERE.
* Look out for more Christmas attractions in other resorts and countries in future blogs. If you prefer to see the New Year surrounded by snow-covered mountains, there will also be a blog on some of the top places to welcome in 2026.
Chat with our experts
For more information on our selection of Christmas ski holidays, call our award-winning ski holiday experts on:
020 8313 3999