Last updated: Oct 17th, 2024
As the snow begins to blanket the mountains, you might be wondering, “Where can I ski in December?” Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to hit the slopes this frosty month! December is a magical time for skiing, with fresh powder, festive atmospheres, and a variety of advantages that make early season skiing an unforgettable experience.
Generally, December can see up to a month of fresh snow in ski areas – especially if you choose a north facing space with good elevation.
Also, as the twelfth month is the start of most ski seasons, you’re likely to see an untouched surface of packed powder. On the other hand, if there’s an unexpected year of less than average fall, ski resorts in Andorra like Grandvalira use up to 1300 snow cannons to give that ground a good dusting.
Therefore, when you hit the slopes for your Christmas ski, you can start with loads of blank canvas trails.
Early season skiing can mean quieter slopes, cheaper options, and smaller queues when using your lift pass. As you’re skiing early and outside of school holidays, your group may also benefit from a cheaper overall cost (more on that later).
This means that your group get early access to a serene ski adventure in a Winter Wonderland-like resort, perfect for school groups of all skill levels—whether your skiers are beginners, intermediates, or advanced. Some of the top resorts catering to a range of abilities include Santa Caterina in Italy and Les Arcs in France. Enjoy the peace of less crowded slopes!
As the winter season starts to kick into gear, there’ll be fewer people on the slopes.
Enhance your ski skills and monitor your students’ skiing progress with greater opportunities and less distractions!
With fewer people around, you’ll find it easier to focus on your group.
Additionally, a quieter environment increases your chances of securing top-quality accommodations like Chalet La Tarine in Les Arcs, Hotel Capitani in Bormio and 3 Signori in Santa Caterina.
Choosing to ski in the early weeks of December means you’ll potentially experience the benefit of cheaper rates!
As the early season tends to be quieter at many ski destinations, planning your trip for the calm period before the popular half-term holiday in February could help manage costs.
Scheduling a school ski trip before or outside the Christmas holidays may increase your chances of securing a lower overall price.
And what could be more festive than a ski area bustling with families?
With affordable holidays, calmer ski resorts, and a merry pre-Christmas spirit, December is abuzz with fun for families!
Your group will encounter fewer lone, hardcore skiers and more opportunities for feel-good family interactions – adding just that extra sparkle to your school ski trip!
And whilst your group might not want to be there during Christmas Day, the lead up to the holiday is a great way to get you into that festive spirit!
Your group will see ski resorts like Bormio and Santa Caterina deck the halls with lights, tinsel, wreaths, and – of course – the iconic Christmas tree. Or it may be skiing instructors draped in elves and Santa costumes.
Whichever it is, most ski areas tend to have:
Travelling in December also allows your group to participate in the International Mountain Day (which takes places on 11th December), a UN-designated celebration that highlights the importance of mountain environments—perfect for skiers eager to appreciate the stunning landscapes and ecosystems they enjoy on the slopes!
Which means your tour will always be known as the ultimate festive ski trip!
A once in a lifetime ski trip for pupils!
“This trip was very well organised from start to finish. The pupils had a trip of a lifetime as well as the skiing, the après options kept them busy in the evening. The journey to and from Bardonecchia was well planned and was comfortable. We had three days of snow, which made the conditions brilliant for all skiing abilities.” – Ms. Emily Webster, St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School
And there you have it – 6 advantages of skiing in December!
Plus, we’ve been planning your winter ski trips throughout December for over 55 years, with stunning skiing places like Italy, Austria, and Andorra amongst our favourites.
So, if you’re feeling festive for a school ski trip this Christmas time, call or email us and we can start planning your next merry ski experience!
Discover the ski and snowboard gear essentials to keep you on piste! We know it can be daunting hitting the slopes without the proper kit,…
The culture is the juicy middle of every ski destination and Italy, Canada, and France have it in abundance!
Get ready for your school trip with these 5 skiing exercises that are perfect for prepping your body for the slopes!