DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS? THE SIX BEST SKI RESORTS TO CELEBRATE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

For those dreaming of a white Christmas, there are few better places to spend the festive season than on the slopes. From the traditional Alpine charm of Zell am See and Cortina to the snow-sure slopes of Val Thorens and the festive atmosphere of Whistler, Ski Solutions has rounded up some of the best resorts for a magical 2026 Christmas escape, complete with Christmas markets, twinkling lights and plenty of après ski.

Zell am See, Austria

A beautiful lakeside resort, Zell am See combines excellent skiing with an abundance of festive magic. With runs ranging from gentle blues to thrilling blacks, there’s something for every ability, alongside a lively après ski scene. Off the slopes, the Christmas market offers local crafts and Austrian treats. On Christmas Day, visitors can watch Zell am See's unique Christmas Tree Dive, where divers ceremonially retrieve an illuminated Christmas tree from the depths of Lake Zell. Between mulled wine, festive songs and snow covered scenery, it’s a magical choice for Christmas.

Where to stay: Elements Resort

Offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, Elements Resort is located opposite the Areitbahn, providing easy access to the slopes for those looking to make the most of their time skiing. The modern rooms blend contemporary style with Alpine charm, while the relaxing wellness area features a fitness room, Finnish and herbal saunas, relaxation room and year-round heated outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s fantastic restaurant, serving everything from breakfast through to an evening nightcap.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night stay on a bed and breakfast basis at Elements Resort priced from £1,895pp from the 19th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700. To find out more about Zell am See over the Christmas period, please view the Ski Solutions blog here.

Geilo, Norway

Perfect for families, Geilo combines excellent skiing with plenty of festive charm. Set between two national parks, the resort offers beautiful scenery, reliable snow and excellent ski schools, alongside activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing. Beyond the slopes, visitors can embrace Norway’s Christmas spirit with the spectacular fireworks that light up Geilo, while a trip to Bergen offers the chance to experience its Christmas Market and spectacular Gingerbread City, which features an enchanting collection of edible buildings.

Where to stay: Vestlia Resort

Situated on the quieter side of the resort, Vestlia Resort combines modern comfort with traditional Alpine charm, beautifully designed rooms and balconies overlooking the valley and slopes. After a day of skiing, families can enjoy the indoor child-friendly pools and outdoor waterslide, while adults can unwind in the award-winning spa, featuring a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and a range of treatments.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night stay on a half board basis at Vestlia Resort priced from £1,745pp from the 20th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and shared transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Known for its spectacular glacier backdrop, Saas-Fee is a charming car-free village with 100km of ski runs for all abilities. With skiing reaching 3,500m, its high-altitude setting offers excellent snow conditions throughout the season. Famously the filming location for Wham!’s Last Christmas video, the village comes alive over the festive period with decorations, events and lively après ski. Live music, carol singing and a traditional brass band add to the atmosphere, making Saas-Fee a magical choice for a Christmas ski break.

Where to stay: Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa

A personal favourite of the Ski Solutions team, Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa is one of Saas-Fee’s leading luxury hotels. With welcoming staff and a range of spacious rooms, the hotel is also home to the Grand Spa, offering an extensive selection of treatments. Guests can choose from three fantastic restaurants, including the traditional Cäsar Ritz before ending the evening with a nightcap in the cigar bar.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night stay on a bed and breakfast basis at Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa priced from £4,045pp from the 19th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and rail transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700. To find out more about Saas-Fee over the Christmas period, please view the Ski Solutions blog here.

Val Thorens, France

Renowned for being the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, Val Thorens offers excellent snow conditions and a reliable ski season through to early May. Located within the prestigious Three Valleys ski area, it provides easy access to Méribel and Courchevel and some of the finest slopes in the Alps. From gentle runs for beginners to more challenging terrain for experienced skiers, Val Thorens combines exceptional skiing, breathtaking scenery and Alpine luxury, making it a fantastic destination for a Christmas getaway.

Where to stay: Hotel Koh-I Nor

Offering convenient ski-in, ski-out access, Hotel Koh-I Nor is a luxurious five-star hotel located at the top of Val Thorens, with spectacular views across the surrounding mountains. The hotel features 63 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each combining spacious interiors with a warm Alpine feel. The property is also home to three wonderful restaurants, offering elegant and inviting settings where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine after a day on the slopes.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night stay on a bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Koh-I Nor priced from £3,295pp from the 19th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700. To find out more about Val Thorens over the Christmas period, please view the Ski Solutions blog here.

Cortina, Italy

Recognised as one of the best places to ski in December, Cortina offers a traditional Alpine festive experience, from the sparkling Christmas tree in the main square to horse-drawn carriages and fairy-lit bars. Sitting at an altitude of 1,225m, Cortina is often considered Italy’s answer to St Moritz and Aspen, known for its stylish atmosphere and luxurious appeal. With 120km of ski area and a variety of blue, red and black runs, it combines fantastic skiing with an unforgettable festive setting.

Where to stay: Hotel Faloria Spa

A stylish five-star hotel, Hotel Faloria Spa provides the perfect home away from home for all travellers. Just a seven minute drive from Cortina town, it offers easy access to the festive celebrations, alongside an impressive spa and pool for relaxing after a day on the slopes. The hotel is also home to Mulsanne, an elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and local dishes, making Hotel Faloria Spa a fantastic choice for a memorable festive stay.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night stay on a bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Faloria Spa priced from £3,495pp from the 19th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700. To find out more about Cortina over the Christmas period, please view the Ski Solutions blog here.

Christmas Beyond Europe:

Whistler, Canada

One of the world’s leading ski destinations, Whistler offers more than 8,000 acres of varied terrain, exceptional powder and spectacular mountain scenery. A favourite of Ski Solutions Managing Director Ian McIlrath, Whistler is praised for its "great powder skiing, vast terrain and legendary après ski scene", offering the perfect blend of exceptional skiing and vibrant mountain culture. Experienced skiers can also try exhilarating heli-skiing beyond the lift network, while a stopover in Vancouver offers even more festive cheer at its twinkling Christmas Market.

Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Opened in 1989, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is one of the most sought after properties in the ski resort. Providing a truly luxurious and relaxing stay, guests can enjoy a glass of mulled wine in front of the roaring open fires before unwinding in the in-house spa which houses a eucalyptus steam room and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The interiors provide a sophisticated and timeless feel alongside the range of comfortable double rooms, making it the perfect base for explorers.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven night room only stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler priced from £4,095pp from the 19th December. This price includes flights, accommodation and shared transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700.

Ski Solutions is Britain's original specialist ski travel agency and tailor-made tour operator and has been arranging ski holidays for more than 40 years to Europe and North America. Ski Solutions works with the finest chalets, hotels and apartments in the mountains and with access to the full ski market, they can tailor-make the perfect holiday. Offering total flexibility, their ski experts can find the best solution for their clients, whether that’s a luxury seven-night escape, a ski weekend or a long-haul, multi-destination trip.