:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-innsbruck-lead-image-FESTIVESKI1024-c31033e4aa124557a8c1ed5affbf5182.jpg "11 Most Festive Ski Resorts Around the World for the Holiday Season")
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The snow is already falling at some of the top mountain destinations around the world, blanketing the peaks in a soft, fluffy layer, laying the foundation for all the epic turns to come. And while the entire winter season is ideal for skiing, there’s something extra special about visiting a mountain town during the festive season.
From late November to early January — and sometimes beyond — skiers and boarders will find plenty of seasonal charm at resorts all over the globe (think: village markets, torchlight parades, and Santa visits).
Whether you’re seeking community events to celebrate with your fellow revelers, quieter moments to reflect on the year gone by or what’s to come, or Christmas markets to get you in the holiday spirit — or some combination of all three — there’s a mountain out there for you.
Here are 11 destinations where the holiday season meets pristine powder, making for one perfect ski getaway.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
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“It really doesn’t get any better than Aspen,” Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer of Ski.com, shared with Travel + Leisure. “One of my favorite things to do in Aspen over the holidays is just walk around. The mall is full of lights in every nook and cranny, and the vibe is as festive as it gets.” As Sherman explained, the town also puts on plenty of concerts and on-mountain celebrations like the torchlight parade, multiple tree-lighting ceremonies, and perhaps best of all, “great snow.” There’s also the annual 12 Days of Aspen celebration, so be sure to check the events calendar before your visit.
Zell am See, Austria
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Zell am See gets a little less attention than nearby Kitzbühel, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it for a European ski getaway — especially during the holiday season. The town is pure magic throughout the winter, and during the festive season, it hosts its own Christmas market, where visitors can buy locally made crafts, sip mulled wine, enjoy the carolers, and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride for the ultimate Hallmark effect.
Chamonix, France
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According to Sherman, “Chamonix is a fabulous place to spend the holidays. Juxtaposed against Mont Blanc, the village is home to a Christmas market offering unique gifts, holiday foods, music, and a variety of events.” He added, one of his favorite things about spending the holiday season in Chamonix is the ability to “easily hop over to Switzerland or Italy for the day to get a totally different cultural experience. Or, you can stay put and enjoy how each unique culture blends into the quaint French town of Chamonix.”
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
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Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up to host the 2026 Winter Olympics — and that’s precisely why now is the ideal time to go before the rest of the world descends on this spectacular place. During the holiday season, travelers will find Christmas markets featuring Italian artisans, foods, and festive decor. And, because the community is well-known for its upscale atmosphere, there’s plenty of high-end shopping here, too.
Megève, France
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If the town of Megève sounds familiar, that’s because it was featured in the latest season of Emily in Paris. The charming community, located in southeastern France, goes all out for the holidays, with a tree lighting festival, Christmas market, and even Santa encounters.
Vail, Colorado
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Find a little more festive fun in Colorado at Vail Ski Resort. “The Tyrolean-inspired villages are decorated perfectly each holiday season, and everything from the skiing to the boutique shopping makes Colorado’s largest ski resort one of the best to call home for the holidays,” said Sherman. “Typically, Vail hosts a variety of festive activities, including a tree lighting, the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down, and, of course, fireworks.”
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
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Saas-Fee offers a quintessential Swiss holiday experience with a charming Christmas market and those all-important fondue dinners. The car-free village is ideal for those wanting to walk around and enjoy the twinkling lights and decorated chalet-style lodges in between attending Christmas events like ice-skating shows and holiday concerts.
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
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Pas de la Casa in Andorra may not be as big or glitzy as other mountain getaways on this list, but it more than makes up for it with its fun holiday events. Just a short drive away, guests can visit the Christmas Village market in Andorra la Vella. Don’t miss the on-mountain events, too, including the arrival of Father Christmas, the switching on of the lights, and a special midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Innsbruck and Igls, Austria
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As Sherman explained, Innsbruck isn’t just great places to ski; it’s also notable because “the Innsbruck Christmas markets offer a variety of options, each with their own personality. Visitors can enjoy brass bands, sparkling lights, glass-walled stalls, and unique gifts.” Make your way to the city for those markets, then take the short drive over to Igls for quieter slopes ideal for those traveling with kids. And be sure to attend the Saint Nicholas Parade and Krampus Run in Igls — those on the nice list get a small gift, while those who have been naughty can expect a little fright.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
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Whistler Blackcomb’s cold weather and snowy conditions make for an ideal holiday season getaway. At the resort, visitors can watch (or participate in) the ice skating at Olympic Plaza, shop the Arts Whistler market, and take part in the annual Dress Like Santa Day, where skiers and snowboarders are invited to — as the name suggests — dress up as Santa for a chance to win prizes on the slopes.
Stowe, Vermont
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Stowe, Vermont, as Sherman said, “is one of the most charming places on earth, not just here in the U.S.” The town is completely lit up in twinkling lights by the end of November, while the mountain hosts a number of festive events, including tobogganing and a Christmas market. Sherman added, “If you were to make a snow globe modeled after the perfect holiday ski town, it would look like Stowe.”
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