Skiing Into The New Year

Skiing and snowboarding over the New Year period has become extremely popular, and resorts have reacted to this by providing a feast of free entertainment, including torchlight descents, firework displays, music and dancing.

Large crowds create a celebratory party atmosphere in the village centres where people say farewell to one year while welcoming in the next after a mass countdown to midnight.

The popularity of these celebrations in the snow-covered mountains means accommodation is often booked up months in advance, but there are still places available, and Ski Line can help you find them.

There is the added attraction of skiing and snowboarding on the very first day of the year, surrounded by the natural beauty of snow and panoramic views that stretch into the distance.

Rather than sobbing on the sofa after the late-night parties, New Year’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to start 2026 being physically active and healthy, and may even encourage you to make some New Year’s resolutions.

Skiing and snowboarding can generate a symbolic fresh start – a way of resetting for the year ahead. Some have even described the snow and fresh air as being like a metaphor for beginning a new year with energy and optimism.

Whether you are planning a romantic trip for two, or a group trip with friends and family, skiing and snowboarding, together with the New Year party atmosphere, is a perfect way to create lasting memories.

Firework displays, torchlight descents and dancing to music in the resort centres are among the favourite events organised by ski areas. Below are some events you can expect to find around Europe, but remember, these are just a few examples, and every resort will have its own special New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Bormio, Italy

Torchlight parade on the Stelvio slope, fireworks, music, mulled wine, and hot tea will all be available to help you welcome in the New Year.

Meribel, France

A torchlit descent will be followed by fireworks, music from DJs, and an après-ski dance party in the Chaudanne area.

Val Thorens, France

A torchlight parade, live music, freestyle shows, children’s entertainment, and fireworks are among the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Val d’Isère, France

Street parades, fire shows, music from DJs, giant snow sculptures, a live concert, hot chocolate, vin chaud, and fireworks. What more could you want from a New Year’s Eve party?

Ischgl, Austria

A spectacular fireworks display synchronised with music in the Silvretta Arena will welcome in the new year, but if you want to ski and snowboard from 2025 into 2026 under the stars, a cable car is operating from 7pm on New Year’s Eve until 1pm on New Year’s Day in the Kappl ski area.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Special light installations will illuminate the town centre on the nights leading up to New Year’s Eve when street performers, music from DJs, and fireworks will help create the party atmosphere.

Les Arcs, France

There will be a special Ice Night event, family-oriented fun, torchlight descents, and fireworks.

Les Gets, France

Children can attend their own early New Year’s Eve party. There will also be fireworks, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and more.

Corvara, Italy

A Torchlight parade, live DJ music, plus a laser and light show are among the New Year attractions.

Val d’Aosta region, Italy

Resorts, including Cervinia and La Thuile, are hosting torchlight processions, music, and fireworks.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

There will be a traditional village parade along with music to dance away the night to, before a spectacular drone show at midnight.

St Moritz, Switzerland

As well as the usual New Year’s Eve entertainment in the resort, all the major hotels are holding special gala nights. Some are exclusive for hotel guests, while others can be booked by any visitor to the resort. For example, the Steak & More, Hotel Europa is putting on a special event which includes a welcome drink, a four-course meal and entertainment before everyone welcomes in the New Year.

Zermatt, Switzerland

It’s party time in the resort on New Year’s Eve, and the hotels are also offering special events. For example, the Hotel Post is putting on a ‘Shine Like A Diamond’ Gala Dinner and Party which includes a champagne reception and 4-course dinner, followed by a party with five dancefloors and other live entertainment. Or you can choose to attend the party only.

To find out more about these ski areas and the accommodation available through Ski Line, click on the resort names above. Or contact Ski Line by phone or through the chat facility on the website and speak to one of the experts.