Photo: Nickphotos
Spending your Christmas holidays in a European ski resort can be an unforgettable experience; just imagine the sun setting behind snowy mountains, a warm chalet with a fireplace and lit candles, a good French dinner with red wine and children waiting for Santa Claus to bring Christmas presents. Christmas vacation in a ski resort is definitely a great experience for a skiing family, but also singles, young couples and retired people can spend a lovely Christmas holiday at a ski resort.
At Homeboy Ski we have skied all the European countries and most of the well-known European ski resorts. We selected the 5 best ski resorts for Christmas travellers. The most interesting ski resorts are found in Switzerland, but France, Italy and Austria also provide unforgettable moments for Christmas skiers.
Zermatt - Lovely alpine village beneath the massive Matterhorn
Photo: Maurice Koop
The first time I entered Zermatt was a bit different, because I came over the mountains with two friends. We skied the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. As we skied down the glacier during sunset, I paused to look over the valley. I had never seen such a beautiful place! With Matterhorn on our right we continued skiing down to the carfree village of Zermatt, which is surrounded by over 30 peaks more than 4000 meters high.
In addition to breathtaking scenery, Zermatt features nearly everything one can ask for. It has 100 runs equipped with 74 lifts provide skiing for all skill levels, while a high altitude (1620 - 3820 meters) guarantees good snow conditions. Zermatt village consists of luxury hotels, shopping, fine dining and lively after-ski. Spectacular mountain scenery combined with alpine museums, stylish boutiques and horse-drawn sleigh rides guarantee a unique Christmas experience.
St. Moritz - Filled with luxury and style
Photo: Webdevil666
If you prefer luxury and style, consider skiing in the truly cosmopolitan atmosphere in St. Moritz. Located at 1856 meters above sea level, St. Moritz offers something you cannot get at average ski resorts. It features unique activities such as horse-riding on ice, ice-golf, and cricket and polo tournaments, to mention a few.
Over 200 runs and 56 ski lifts offer good skiing for beginners, intermediate and family skiers, but skiing in St. Moritz is not the main point. In St. Moritz you can easily spot a handful of your favorite celebrities and stars enjoying the lively after-ski. St. Moritz is a true winter wonderland!
Gstaad - Pure glamour, unadulterated luxury and excellent service
Photo: Speculando
There are few total luxury ski resorts in Europe, and among these Gstaad reigns. Gstaad, the glamorous ski resort in eastern Switzerland, is known for being the winter playground of international stars and celebrities. Like Zermatt, Gstaad is also completely pedestrianised. You won't see cars on the streets; only horse-drawn sleighs glide by the lovely boutiques.
The breathtaking mountains surrounding Gstaad provide more than 80 runs equipped with 66 lifts. Gstaad ski resort is best for beginners, intermediate and family skiers, but there are also a few black runs for those seeking challenges. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the wide selection of after-ski activities buzzes to life. Nightlife in Gstaad is not wild, but not sedate either. Because Gstaad is known for its luxury, visitors must be prepared for a bit higher prices than at other resorts.
St. Anton - The pearl of Austrian ski resorts
Photo: Daniel.Kelpe
St. Anton is a classic. This famous Austrian ski resort draws loads of skiers from all over the world. This is no wonder, because 134 runs equipped with 83 lifts in this snowy paradise provide skiing for all possible skill levels and tastes, from powder hunting to mogul skiing and from new school riding to relaxed family skiing. In addition to its versatile skiing opportunities, St. Anton features a cosmopolitan atmosphere with dozens of activities, such as tennis, ice skating, swimming and paragliding.
Although St. Anton is truly a family skiing paradise, it also provides the wildest after-ski in all of Europe. St. Anton's is known the world over for its after-ski, which begins at lunch time and continues through the evening and into the night. It is so legendary that every skier should experience it at least once in a lifetime.
La Clusaz - Charming and pretty old Savoyard village
Photo: Nicephore
If St. Anton is the party resort and Gstaad the celebrity paradise, La Clusaz is something entirely different. This charming little French village is one of the most beautiful places to ski at Christmas time. La Clusaz is less well-known, so it's a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful and quiet Christmas. Nonetheless, it is still quite a large ski resort, with 80 runs and 55 lifts spread over a large geographical area. In addition to good skiing, La Clusaz features parks, pipes, gaps and rails for freestyle and new school riders.
Nightlife in La Clusaz is much more peaceful than in St. Anton, for example, but it is not completely nonexistent either. La Clusaz has a few excellent restaurants serving delicious French meals, as well as a few pubs and bars in which to enjoy a drink after a long day of skiing. La Clusaz also offers other activities, such as paragliding, ice skating, a cinema and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Go further: Read Thomas Uhrskovs portrait of Sainte Foy and click here to find out more about skiing in Zermatt.