Christmas is when you spend time with those closest to you. So why not take a little more effort and make the occasion truly special? Instead of spending Christmas at home and worrying about organizing big family meals, do something different and enjoy your Christmas break at ski resorts. You can look forward to waking up on Christmas day with a log fire burning in your wooden chalet.
Skiing together is a great way to spend time with your loved ones. After a hectic day on the slopes you can unwind together and sip brandy and mulled wine in front of a fire. Some resorts have a small-town feel and a much nicer ambience than those resorts which feel like just another big-city. But no matter where you go, expect a festive atmosphere and friendly locals.
Most resort towns have a few fine dining restaurants and nightclubs for those who like to live it up at night. Cool jazz bars and live concerts also liven up the evenings. Some resorts are really posh and you will spot the jetsetters splurging at the many trendy boutiques dotting the resort town.
Christmas break at ski resorts
In recent times, some ski resorts have added night skiing on their slopes. Skiing in the moonlight under a canopy of sparkling stars can be quite an experience. The pistes are usually lit up with stadium lights and, though not for everyone, you should try skiing at night at least once.
There are loads of ski resorts to choose from in North America and Europe. Mount Snow in Vermont and Deer Valley in Utah are some of the finest. Aspen in Colorado has long been a favourite of the glam set. In Canada, Whistler-Newcomb is arguably the best and offers excellent facilities. Switzerland’s Zermatt and France’s Chamonix and Val Thorens are regularly ranked amongst the world’s best. Plus Italy and Austria too have some fabulous slopes.
As you are aware, Christmas breaks can be expensive affairs. So one way to ensure that you don’t bust your holiday budget is to bag a last minute deal. Ski resorts will offer you discounted deals if some of their guests cancel their bookings or they have unoccupied rooms. But it’s not just ski resorts, also check out last minute cruises for great holiday bargains over Christmas or during summer.