Best Places To Ski In December

When it comes to choosing where to ski in December, picking the right destination is essential for ensuring great snow, slopes to suit your level and a memorable start to the winter. Whether you're looking for an early-season ski fix, a festive getaway with the family or atmospheric New Year’s Eve celebrations with friends, there are several ski resorts that stand out as ideal choices for early winter adventures.

We've compiled some of the best places to ski in December, offering a mix of high-altitude resorts, reliable snow coverage and quintessential mountain charm.

While we can't predict exactly how much snow will fall in December, it's important to select a high-altitude ski resort with a strong track record of good snowfall. To help you choose, we've referred to data from snowforecast.com*, ensuring you pick a destination that’s likely to deliver excellent early-season skiing conditions.  

It’s easy to see why the iconic chocolate-box resort of Zermatt is such a popular destination for a ski holiday. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, guests travel around the pretty car-free village via electric vehicles and horse-drawn taxis. The town is packed full of charming traditional wooden chalets and winding streets with stunning views of the majestic Matterhorn.

Although not as high as some of the other ski resorts on this list, Zermatt is famous for its reliable snow conditions, with year-round skiing available on its glacier, so there is no shortage of skiing to be had in December. In fact, this Swiss resort is where many of the BASI ski instructor training courses take place each year. Add to this the vibrant nightlife, fabulous mountain restaurants and links to the Cervinia ski area, Zermatt offers something for everyone.

• Resort Altitude: 1620m
• Skiing Altitude: 1620-3820m
• Pistes: 360km
• Transfer time: around 2.5 hours from Geneva airport
• Nearest train station: Zermatt
• Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders
• Average weekly snowfall in December: 44cm
• Independent snow sure rating*: 4.6/5
• Season opens: 30th November 2024. Glacier is open 365 days a year!

The 2nd largest linked ski area in the world after the Three Valleys, Les Arcs boasts three ski resorts linked by the largest (double-decker) cable car in the world: the Vanoise Express. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs and off-piste areas, the resort offers a wide range of terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels looking to ski in December.

Les Arcs is easily accessible without a car, with a train station (Bourg Saint Maurice) providing convenient access from major cities like Paris. In less than 7 minutes, the funicular from the train station takes you to the foot of the slopes in Arc 1600. Free and frequent shuttle buses will then take you to Arc 1800, Arc 1950 or Arc 2000.

With pedestrianised streets, Arc 1950 is the prettiest of the 3 villages. You can even ski right through the centre! It provides the perfect location for our award-winning ski in, ski out hotel, Bear Lodge. An ideal destination for families, you won’t be short of activities to enjoy in Les Arcs.

• Resort Altitude: 1600m – 2000m
• Skiing Altitude: 1200m - 3226m
• Pistes: 425km (Paradiski ski area = Les Arcs – Peisey Vallandry - La Plagne)
• Transfer time: Around 3 hrs from Geneva airport
• Nearest train station: Bourg Saint Maurice
• Best for: Beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders
• Average weekly snowfall in December: 39cm
• Independent snow sure rating*: 4.7/5
• Season opens: 14th December 2024

One of the highest ski resorts in Europe, Obergurgl experiences some of the best snow conditions in the Alps due to its elevation and its location in a high mountain valley.  

Coupled with a variety of wide-open pistes and quiet tree-lined slopes, the resort’s snow reliability is a major draw for those looking to ski in December and also late-season skiers

Compared to some of the larger resorts in the Alps, Obergurgl maintains a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, making it another family-friendly destination. Little skiers will love the mini jumps in the family snow park!

• Resort Altitude: 1930m
• Skiing Altitude: 1800m - 3030m
• Pistes: 112km
• Transfer time: around 90 minutes from Innsbruck airport
• Nearest train station: Otztal
• Best for: Beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders
• Average weekly snowfall in December: 30cm
• Independent snow sure rating*: 4.8/5
• Season opens: 14th November 2024

One of the most famous ski resorts in the French Alps, this world-renowned high-altitude resort located in the Tarentaise Valley boasts an extensive ski area, impressive off-piste skiing and a wealth of luxury dining experiences.

Famous for its après-ski bars and nightlife, Val d’Isere is a great choice for families with older teenagers who are looking for some post-dinner evening entertainment! It would also be one of our top picks for lively New Year’s Eve celebrations with friends and family.

Like many of the resorts in this guide, there is no shortage of activities for non-skiers in Val d’Isere such as ice diving, paragliding, snow shoeing and snowmobiling making it a firm favourite with our guests.

Our luxury catered ski chalets in Val d’Isere are all located within walking distance of one of the most advanced ski lift systems in the Alps. Read more about some of our favourite ski runs in Val d’Isere.

• Resort Altitude: 1850m
• Skiing Altitude: 1550m -3465m
• Pistes: 300km (Tignes – Val d’Isere ski area)
• Transfer time: around 3.5 hrs transfer from Geneva airport
• Nearest train station: Bourg Saint Maurice
• Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders
• Average weekly snowfall in December: 37cm
• Independent snow sure rating*: 4.7/5
• Season opens: 30th November 2024

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VIP SKI (@vip_ski_official)

Located in the Italian Alps, Cervinia is a high-altitude ski resort known for its reliable snow conditions and extensive ski terrain. Positioned at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Cervinia offers breathtaking mountain views and a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced skiers. The resort is linked with Zermatt in Switzerland, providing access to one of the largest ski areas in the world.

A popular resort with families, Cervinia is much cheaper than neighbouring Zermatt though with the international Cervinia – Zermatt ski pass, you can enjoy the same terrain and a Swiss fondue for lunch whilst you’re at it!

• Resort Altitude: 2050m
• Skiing Altitude: 2050m - 3500m
• Pistes: 150km (350km including Zermatt)
• Transfer time: Around 2 hrs from Turin airport
• Nearest train station: Châtillon/Saint-Vincent
• Best for: Beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders (though more advanced skiers will enjoy the more challenging runs over in Zermatt)
• Average weekly snowfall in December: 37cm
• Independent snow sure rating*: 4.7/5
• Season opens: 29th November 2024

We love skiing in December