Thinking about skiing in Val Thorens in December? Before the peak Christmas and New Year weeks, December can offer excellent snow, quieter pistes, shorter lift queues and better value. Combine that with the high altitude of Val Thorens and access to the vast Three Valleys ski area, and it’s easy to see the appeal of an early-season ski holiday.
Exceptional Snow Reliability
At 2,300 metres above sea level, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort. The surrounding slopes reach over 3,200 metres, allowing the resort to benefit from consistently low temperatures throughout the winter. Unlike many lower-altitude resorts that rely heavily on artificial snow early in the season, Val Thorens often enjoys excellent natural snowfall from late November onwards. Modern snowmaking complements Mother Nature where needed, helping to provide reliable skiing from the start of the season. For anyone looking for reliable early-season conditions, few resorts can compete.
Quiet Slopes and Shorter Lift Queues
One of the biggest advantages of skiing in December, particularly during the first three weeks, is the extra space. Outside the Christmas and New Year period, the pistes are noticeably quieter than during the busy school holidays. Lift queues are shorter, mountain restaurants are easier to get into and you’ll often feel like you have the slopes almost to yourself. It also makes learning to ski a far more relaxed experience for beginners.
Experience the Three Valleys Before Peak Season
Val Thorens provides direct access to the world’s largest linked ski area, with around 600km of pistes stretching across the Three Valleys. In December you can explore huge areas of the ski domain without the crowds that arrive later in the season, giving you the freedom to ski from resort to resort at your own pace. Long lunches on sunny terraces suddenly become much easier when you don’t need to book weeks in advance.
Magical Christmas Atmosphere
As Christmas approaches, Val Thorens takes on a festive atmosphere, with seasonal decorations, events and entertainment adding to the mountain setting. If you enjoy the build-up to Christmas but want to avoid travelling during the peak festive week itself, December can be a lovely time to experience the French Alps.
Better Choice of Accommodation
Booking before the main holiday rush often means greater availability and a wider choice of chalets and apartments. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation, a catered chalet or a family-friendly apartment close to the slopes, travelling in December can make it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Excellent Value
Outside the Christmas and New Year weeks, December can also offer excellent value compared with peak holiday periods. Accommodation prices are often lower, flights can be more affordable and you’ll spend less time waiting in queues and more time enjoying your holiday.
Is December Right for You?
If you’re looking for reliable snow, quieter slopes, festive atmosphere and access to one of the finest ski areas in the world, it’s difficult to beat Val Thorens in December. It offers everything you’d expect from a world-class ski resort, without some of the crowds and premium prices associated with peak holiday weeks.
Thinking about a December ski holiday? I’d love to help you find the right chalet for you. Get in touch and let me help you create a holiday that you will absolutely love.
