New Year Ski Holidays

If you're tired of the usual New Year’s Eve do at your local and feel it’s all a bit of a flop then maybe you should consider a ski break at New Year. Most rate it as one of those things you need to do in life. Well snow beats a load of rain and dampness.

Some resorts really throw themselves into the festivities making this an extra special celebration. So where are the best resorts to target for the special night? We look at resorts that offer great entertainment along with good snow.

A French New Years

Courchevel is a good resort to look at, both 1650 and 1850. The bars and restaurants in 1650 really embrace the night and there is a good party on the piste in front of La Croisette building in 1850, complete with fireworks and live bands.

For families check out La Tania, they also do a good fireworks show. If France is your bag also check out Méribel. Here there is a torchlight descent down to the Chaudanne area followed by fireworks. Méribel has long been a favourite with the Brits and you can see why. Most restaurants and bars offer great food and partying and there also great skiing here. With 600km of slopes to choose from across the Three Valleys there is so much to keep you happy away from the bars!

Tignes & Val D'Isere

Tignes in France has a good reputation for knowing how to bring in the New Year. David Guetta has been known to get the party started here with Fire and Mix parties turning Le Lac into an open air night club. The midnight fireworks are some of the biggest and best in the Alps. The snow is also usually pretty good here set at 2100m and with 150km of local slopes you won’t get bored. You can also consider extending your lift pass to Val D’Isere if you want even more variety.

On the subject of Val D’Isere that’s also a good choice for New Year. It’s certainly one of the prettiest ski towns so it doesn’t lack that festive atmosphere. Big name DJ’s can be seen and heard in Dicks Tea Bar. The tradition is for everyone to gather in the town square at midnight and as you would expect with Val champagne is readily available on tap! But on a more serious note the skiing is also really good here. Sitting at 2500m the snow is pretty snowsure so you will also get some good skiing in.

Switzerland Suit You?

If you want even more glamour then check out Verbier where you will certainly rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Again this resort attracts big name DJ’s, fireworks and great bars and restaurants. For foodies check out Arola, a Michelin starred restaurant. But for the serious skier you also have 213km of slopes to play on and the 4 valleys offering 412km of slopes so you won’t get bored during the day.

St Moritz is also one to think about. A traditional Swiss ski village it gives you access to 5 high altitude ski areas and has an exclusive air about it. They know how to celebrate New Years and this will give you an experience you won't forget in a hurry.

Thought About Italy?

If money is a concern and you don’t want to pay the earth then check out Sauze d’Oulx. Here you will find everything cheaper from lift passes, food and drink. You can still access the great pistes of the Milky Way with 400km of slopes. The partying is good, usually at Paddy McGintys and as it’s only an hour from Turin the transfers are easy. A more down to earth resort than some of the others mentioned but still offering you a great choice for New Year.

In Summary

These resorts are just a taster of what’s available at New Year. Most resorts have now cottoned on to the Brits love of welcoming in the New Year with some snow. Do check the snow conditions though as that after all is what makes the experience so magical.

By Will Smith