5 European Ski Resorts to Visit This Christmas

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then there’s no better place to catch some fresh powder than Europe’s ski resorts. Giving you the chance to bag some mountains and soak up a magical festive atmosphere we’ve rounded up five of our favourite European resorts to visit at Christmas. Each resort we’ve picked offers a good mix of  groomed pistes, backcountry, parks and family fun, to cater for a wide-range of skiing abilities.

Val D’Isere transforms into a true winter wonderland at Christmas, making it a fantastic destination whether you’re seeking serious skiing or a more relaxed family holiday.

The resort is renowned for its reliable snowfall during the festive season. The Pissaillas glacier, at 3,330m, is a prime spot for fresh powder, and with most slopes above 2,500m, you can expect good conditions throughout the area. For off-piste enthusiasts, La Daille’s Tree Trails offer adventure, while the Espace Killy provides a range of long blue and red runs perfect for stronger skiers and snowboarders.

Val D’Isere combines modern facilities with old-world charm. The old town, with its stone and wood chalets, is beautifully decorated with cascading lights, creating a magical glow that adds to the Christmas spirit. There’s a lively festive atmosphere, with plenty of celebrations once the skiing ends. 

• Giant floodlit snow sculptures
• Fairytale torchlit ski shows
• Spectacular firework displays
• Appearances by Father Christmas

For those seeking a traditional Christmas Eve, the St Bernard de Menthon church in the heart of the old town hosts a special service and carol singing throughout the Christmas period.

Val D’Isere truly offers something for everyone, from thrilling skiing to enchanting holiday festivities.

Zell Am See is renowned as a family-friendly ski resort, making it an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway with children. Beyond skiing, the resort offers a wealth of activities designed for families, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, a climbing wall, indoor ice skating, and ziplining.

During the festive season, Zell Am See truly shines with one of the most famous Christmas markets in the region. The town takes on a gingerbread-like charm, with craft stalls, toys, home-baked treats, and gluhwein helping everyone get into the holiday spirit.

Accommodation in Zell Am See is primarily hotel-based, with few self-catering options. This setup is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing break where meals and chores are taken care of. Hotels go all out for Christmas, decorating interiors and hosting festive activities to create a memorable holiday experience.

When it comes to skiing, Zell Am See boasts 138km of pistes spread across Schmitten mountain, Maiskogel by Kaprun, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Snow coverage is usually excellent, reaching down the valley, and the resort caters to all abilities with groomed pistes, freeride routes, fun slopes, and parks and pipes for added excitement.

• Perfect for families, with a variety of kid-friendly activities
• Famous Christmas market with crafts, toys, food, and gluhwein
• Predominantly hotel accommodation for a stress-free, catered holiday
• Hotels offer festive decorations and activities
• 138km of pistes across three mountains, with reliable snow coverage
• Options for all levels: groomed runs, freeride routes, fun slopes, and snow parks

Zell Am See delivers a magical Christmas atmosphere, plenty of family fun, and excellent skiing for all ages.

Zermatt promises a classic white Christmas, thanks to its status as Europe’s highest ski area. With everything from glacier skiing to forested runs, snow is virtually guaranteed. The Matterhorn Glacier rises to 3,883m, while the resort itself sits at about 1,620m, ensuring reliable early-season snow.

This picture-perfect resort is characterised by charming wood and stone buildings and is almost entirely car-free, enhancing its peaceful, alpine ambiance. Zermatt comes alive at Christmas with a variety of festive events, including music concerts and the much-loved Christmas Service at St Peter’s Church, also known as the English Church.

Skiing is easily accessible from the village center, with options to head out via cable car, funicular, or the iconic Gornergrat mountain railway. For thrill-seekers, there’s a snow park featuring kickers and a boardercross track. Adventurous skiers can even cross over to Cervinia in Italy for a change of scenery.

Off the slopes, Zermatt offers classic winter activities such as one-horse open-sleigh rides, sledging, and ice-skating on the lake. The après-ski scene is renowned as some of the best in Europe, but the resort truly stands out for its exceptional dining. Michelin-starred restaurants like Capri and After Seven are highlights, while Chez Vrony is famous for its stunning views and organic, locally-sourced cuisine.

• Europe’s highest ski area with glacier and forest runs for a guaranteed white Christmas
• Reliable early-season snow thanks to high altitude (3,883m glacier, 1,620m village)
• Car-free, picturesque resort with traditional wood and stone architecture
• Festive events: music concerts and Christmas Service at St Peter’s Church
• Direct ski access via cable car, funicular, or Gornergrat railway
• Snow park with kickers and boardercross for adrenaline seekers
• Easy ski connection to Cervinia, Italy
• Off-slope activities: sleigh rides, sledging, ice-skating on the lake
• Vibrant après-ski scene and world-class dining, including Michelin-starred options and scenic mountain restaurants

Known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites,’ Cortina offers everything you need for a memorable Christmas on the slopes. While the transfer time from major airports may be longer than some other resorts, the stunning scenery and festive atmosphere make the extra journey worthwhile.

The local lift pass gives you access to 120km of scenic pistes, but for those wanting even more variety, the Dolomiti Superski pass unlocks over 1,200km of slopes across the region. Cortina caters to all skill levels, though it’s especially well-suited to piste skiers—off-piste exploration is limited due to the dramatic, jagged landscape of the Dolomites.

Accommodation in Cortina is generally half-board, making it easy to relax and enjoy your holiday without worrying about meals. Many hotels offer special festive menus on December 25th, so you can celebrate Christmas in style. For food lovers, the Michelin-starred Tivoli restaurant is a must-visit.

Cortina’s festive ambience is unmistakable. A grand Christmas tree dominates the main square, which also serves as the starting point for horse-drawn sleigh rides. The town is beautifully decorated with fairy lights, and the traditional Christmas market features food, handmade goods, and wooden toys alongside the designer boutiques that attract celebrities each winter.

• Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’ for its stunning setting and festive atmosphere
• 120km of local pistes, with access to over 1,200km via the Dolomiti Superski pass
• Best for piste skiers; off-piste is challenging due to the terrain
• Predominantly half-board accommodation, with festive menus on Christmas Day
• Michelin-starred Tivoli restaurant for gourmet dining
• Grand Christmas tree and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the main square
• Traditional Christmas market with food, crafts, and toys
• Designer boutiques and celebrity-spotting opportunities

Cortina combines world-class skiing with Italian flair, festive charm, and gourmet experiences, making it a top pick for a magical Christmas in the mountains.

For a truly magical Christmas, why not visit the hometown of Santa himself? Levi, located in the Arctic Circle, offers a festive experience like no other.

The resort boasts excellent snow conditions throughout the season, though visitors should be prepared for cold Arctic temperatures. Levi caters to all abilities, with a well-balanced mix of blue, red, and black slopes, a kilometre-long park for freeskiers and snowboarders, and dedicated children’s skiing areas—making it an ideal destination for families and groups alike.

When you’re ready for a break from skiing, Levi offers a wealth of unique Arctic activities. You can visit Santa at Rovaniemi’s Santa Park or let the elves guide you to his woodland grotto. Other adventures include husky-sled rides, snowmobiling, reindeer farm visits, and traditional sleigh rides. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Recent upgrades have enhanced Levi’s accommodation options, with a wide variety of hotels, chalets, and apartments, as well as a diverse selection of restaurants and bars. The resort’s centre often hosts a charming Christmas market, perfect for picking up unique, last-minute gifts.

• Located in the Arctic Circle with consistently excellent snow
• Wide range of slopes: blue, red, black, plus a kilometre-long freestyle park
• Dedicated children’s areas for family-friendly skiing
• Meet Santa at Rovaniemi’s Santa Park or his grotto in the woods
• Arctic activities: husky-sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer farms, sleigh rides
• Chance to see the Northern Lights
• Upgraded accommodation and diverse dining options
• Festive Christmas market in the resort centre

Levi delivers a magical, activity-packed Christmas experience for all ages, set in a true winter wonderland.