The Best Places to Ski in December

Early season skiing breaks are a must for any devoted skiing or snowboarding fan. You will be the envy of all your friends as you book a skiing holiday at the start of December or over the Christmas holiday. However, booking at the start of the season does have its risks so we've compiled a list of five of the best places to ski in December.

Where to ski in December: the best ski areas and resorts

1. Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbuhel is a great place to go for Austria fun in the snow for the whole family.

It is a resort that caters for skiers of all abilities and is famous for its panoramic views and nearly 200 km of pistes. Non-skiers in your party will have plenty to do with mountain hikes, trips to the nearby towns and villages or any of the numerous activities on offer. Visiting the Water World Aquarena is a must.

2. Courchevel, France

Get the festive the season started in style in one of the most picturesque resorts in France. With chocolate-box chalets, pistes lined with fir trees and general alpine beauty, a ski break to Courchevel is always a good choice for December. And it has an excellent reputation for providing plenty of snow early in the season.

3. Saariselkä, Lapland

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What could be more Christmassy than a skiing holiday in Lapland in the Arctic Circle? An enchanting holiday in Lapland has to be one of the best ways of spending the festive season. With reindeer, Santa Claus, and guaranteed snow, Lapland abounds with interesting and memorable activities from sleigh rides to tasting warm berry juice to maybe even catching a glimpse of the northern lights, a skiing holiday in Lapland is highly recommended.

4. Val D'Isere, France

For the ultimate in winter luxury, the French resort of Val d'Isere is hard to beat. Treat yourself and your family to the best this winter with a spectacular winter sports holiday in Val d'Isere. The high altitude means that skiing is possible December and the town is filled with bars and restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, a convivial atmosphere and great service.

5. Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs is a great destination for a ski holiday in December, as it has an excellent reputation for getting good early coverage, and has also hosted the Les Arcs Film Festival in recent years. You'll have the time of your life exploring the 425km of piste that traverses the Paradiski area. From 16th December, you can take the Vanoise Express cable car to the slopes of La Plagne.

Ski accommodation and hotel rental offers in December

Hotel Taj-I-Mah 5*

The Hotel Taj-I-Mah is located in the centre of Les Arcs in the Rhone-Savoie Region. There is a myriad of quaint Alpine villages which are connected by a maze of varied pistes that traverse several mountains. This unique situation means that it is virtually possible to ski from the hotel itself! Stunning views, charming decor and excellent services are the hallmarks of the Taj-I-Mah with its unapologetically Alpine touches.

Hotel La Sivoliere 5*

La Sivolière is a 5-star boutique hotel that oozes fairytale charm, hidden away in the heart of the alpine forest. The ski resort is ideally situated in the 3 Valleys area and its 600km of skiing slopes. The Three Valleys is the world's largest ski area and is the perfect destination for a French Alps holiday in December.

Northern Lights Village 3*

Located 300 km north of the Arctic Circle in Finland, the Northern Lights Village offers three-star Scandinavian style accommodation amid endless snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Its the perfect venue for celebrating Christmas and the New Year as it is particularly suitable for the sighting of the northern lights.

Q Resort Health and Spa 4*

Unwind, relax and take the opportunity to invigorate your mind and body at the four-star Q Resort Health and Spa, a very special Austrian spa retreat. The scenery alone is more than sufficient to recharge your batteries as you are surrounded by the majestic mountain panoramas of Kitzbühel. However, when you take a break from skiing, you can soothe tired muscles by chilling out at the spa with its extensive range of treatments, exploring the picturesque local villages and lakes, or sampling the delicious cuisine.

Club Med Val d'Isere 4*

The four-star Club Med Val d'Isere Resort, in France, offers top-level skiing, fine dining and great après ski in the best skiing region in the world. This resort is located high in the mountains at a lofty altitude of over 6,000 feet and so has glorious views. The Club med Resort provides an elegant and gracious setting for guests with an extensive range of sporting activities and well-being amenities.

Snow conditions in December

December is early in the season for snow. Look for destinations at a high altitude as they will be more likely to have a good snow cover. Austria, France, Colorado and Norway are all countries that offer skiing in December, although it is always wise to check long-term weather forecast in advance.

Practical information for a snow holiday in December

Pack:

• Sun cream, hat, gloves and scarf, and plenty of thermal base layers
• A good quality skiing jacket and trousers
• Don't forget to pack a swimming costume if your hotel has a pool

Budget:
It is often possible to snap up a bargain ski holiday in December as it is early in the season. Many people are under the impression that skiing holidays are only for the rich and famous, but they can be surprisingly affordable. the average price of a skiing holiday in December can range from £2,000 to £15,000 per person. Obviously, luxurious five-star accommodation will cost more than a budget three-star break.