Xmas is Coming Ski Folks!

17th November 2024

How better to celebrate than out in the mountains? Here at PlanetSKI we offer a few festive ideas in this new rolling blog… NEW

Xmas in the Mountains:

Many of us will have made our Xmas arrangements already, but some skiers and snowboarders are still making plans, or at a loose end.

How about Xmas in the mountains?

Here is a selection of some of the best Xmas holidays still on offer, and what the resorts have to offer over the festive season:

Norefjell, Norway

Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Situated just under two hours from Oslo, Norefjell is a family-friendly ski resort that features a variety of slopes for all skill levels.

The resort is equipped with fantastic facilities, including a snow park and cross-country trails, making it a great destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.

At Christmas, Norefjell exudes a peaceful charm, ideal for unwinding.

Families can partake in festive events and gatherings at local bars and restaurants, allowing guests to relax and soak in the festive spirit amid the beautiful winter wonderland.

Where to stay

Norefjell Ski & Spa, with 244 rooms and family-friendly suites, offers ski-in ski-out convenience and stunning mountain views.

Designed with minimalist Nordic decor, the rooms provide a peaceful base for visitors.

The hotel’s extensive spa features a sauna, hot tub and indoor pool, as well as a private adults only area for added tranquillity.

For those visiting during the festive season, the hotel hosts lively Christmas parties on select dates, complete with pre-drinks, dinner with entertainment, a piano bar in the lobby, and a nightclub in Matbaren until 3am, great for guests looking to join the holiday festivities.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Norefjell Ski and Spa, Norefjell, on a half board basis, priced from £1,145pp, including accommodation, flights and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700.

Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Arc 1950, France

Arc 1950. Image © PlanetSKI

Part of the expansive Paradiski ski area, Les Arcs is celebrated for its high-altitude slopes and varied terrain.

The efficient lift system provides easy access to a diverse skiing experience, including dedicated areas for snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

Christmas at Les Arcs is magical, with the Christmas Village offering a wealth of family-friendly activities, including visits from Santa.

A highlight of the season is the Christmas Eve torchlight descent culminating in a fireworks display, alongside holiday concerts and themed events that foster a warm atmosphere.

Where to stay

Ski Solutions offers an exclusive flight-inclusive package to Bear Lodge, a luxurious retreat with 30 beautifully designed rooms, including doubles, twins, interconnecting family rooms and family rooms with bunks, many with balcony views over the slopes.

Situated in a prime spot next to the Baptiste Giabiconi blue piste and opposite the Marmottes and Bois de L’Ours chairlifts, Bear Lodge provides ski-in ski-out access, ideal for maximising ski time.

Guests can unwind with ease after a day outdoors, as Bear Lodge features a spa with a heated swimming pool and even a cinema room for family or group movie nights.

Dining is a highlight with a range of delicious options and carefully selected wines in the on site restaurant.

For a relaxed après experience, the hotel’s bar is a perfect spot to gather before dinner.

A unique perk for guests is the complimentary ski guiding available for the first two mornings, allowing them to easily get oriented with the area. Bear Lodge also has a convenient in-house ski shop, making it simple to collect equipment upon arrival.

Bear Lodge is run by VIP SKI and PlanetSKI is a past guest:

What makes an award-winning ski hotel?

HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Bear Lodge, Les Arcs, on a chalet board basis, priced from £1,200pp, including accommodation and transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Arc 1950. France. Image © PlanetSKI

La Clusaz & Le Grand Bornand in the Aravis

The festival ‘Pestacles de Pere Noel’ from 23rd December to 3rd January is one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the Haute Savoie.

It builds up to Father Christmas appearing on 24th December:

Christmas parades
Light shows
Partying elves
Christmas-themed rides for children

Image © David Machet

From 25th December, the centre of the authentic mountain resort of Le Grand Bornand is transformed into a festive wonderland.

With a traditional merry-go-round, shows, wooden games, an artisan market, visits from Father Christmas and other surprises it’s a taste of Christmas of old.

See more: La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand.

HOW: OVO Network have 7 nights at Chalet Aravista in Le Grand Bornand from €5,890 [sleeps 10], from 22-29th December.

Image c/o OT-La-Clusaz–Thierry-Milherou

Saint Martin de Belleville, France

Image c/o Les Menuires Tourist Office/Vincent_LOTTENBERG

Saint Martin launches its Christmas season with a new pop up festival on 15th December with a craft market, Christmas stories and a concert in the village church in the evening.

Christmas week is full of ice sculptures, torch lit descents and firework displays and New Year sees the champagne and oyster bars pop up as well as more festive fun.

See more here:

HOW: White Mountain Chalets have the luxury Chalet Aralia available for Christmas week for £19,000, sleeps up to 10 people, self catered 22-29th December.

Image c/o Les Menuires Tourist Office/ Thibault_Forcet

Val Gardena, Italy

Image c/o Val Gardena Tourist Office

The Christmas market in Selva runs from 6th December to 5th January.

Pretty stalls and chalets selling traditionally made gifts, especially the local wood carvings line the streets and create a magical atmosphere over this Christmas period.

At the other end of the valley, in Ortisei, celebrating its 10th year of the Christmas markets from 30th November to 5th January, stroll thru the pretty fairy lights lit village and enjoy even more wooden huts selling treats and sweets.

See more here

HOW: Inghams have Chalet Soldenella for £1268pp including flights, transfers and chalet board in Selva, Val Gardena from 21-28th December 2024

Image c/o Val Gardena Tourist Office

Mountain Experiences:

There can hardly be anything that captures the spirit of Xmas than a Panto or a visit to an Xmas market.

Xmas Panto in the Alps

The world’s only Alpine pantomime is back, bringing a dose of festive magic to Verbier in Switzerland.

Sleeping Beauty is presented by the Verbier Amateur Dramatics Association.

Image c/o Verbier Amateur Dramatics Association.

Set in the whimsical land of Bagnaland, the pantomime follows a delightful cast of characters: a beautiful princess, a charming prince, a hilariously outrageous King and Queen, talking pussycats, glamorous fairies, and even a gaggle of dancing zombies — all with an unexpected Swedish twist.

Audiences can expect a lively show packed with pantomime traditions: slapstick comedy, corny jokes, sing-a-longs, and, of course, lots of audience participation.

And in true Alpine style, cheese takes centre stage in the story, adding a dash of local flavour to the plot.

Rehearsals are in full flow and one of the co-producers, Steve Sparks, told PlanetSKI that “it’s coming together nicely!”

Image c/o Verbier Amateur Dramatics Association.