Free delivery on orders over £808 Ski Resorts You Need To Visit This Christmas
Photo credit: Alpbachtal Seenland Tourismus
Picture characterful markets draped in twinkling lights and surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks; buzzing streets, warm mulled wine and fresh gingerbread; tuneful carol singers, skilled performances and moonlit sleigh rides.
The Tirol region puts on a wonderful show every Christmas and is an ideal for a ski holiday, especially during the festive season, but with so many places to choose from, more than 3,000 kilometres of pistes and around 300 ski schools it can be hard to know where to begin. So we teamed up with tailor-made ski holiday experts Ski Solutions and the Austrian Tirol Tourist Board and picked out eight top Tirolean Christmas destinations, perfect for the festive period.
St. Anton Am Arleberg
Photo credit: Tirol
Now part of the biggest ski area in Austria, thanks to the new Flexenbahn lift between Stuben/Rauz and Zürs, St. Anton Am Arlberg is top of many skiers’ lists. Weave through the beautiful streets to make the most of the lively seasonal spirit. Explore the quirky stalls, bustling après-ski bars and first-class restaurants. Pause at the life-size nativity scene at the Mühltobel Gorge, and listen to the joyful melodies of the brass band.
Families and friends can enjoy the ‘Advent Magic in the Park’, a Christmas theme trail for all age groups. Guests can design their own greeting cards, join in with the craft workshop run by Elves, listen to festive stories and sample fresh Christmas cookies on route.
Kitzbuhel
Photo credit: Markus Mitterer
The world-renowned resort of Kitzbühel offers guests delectable food, tuneful concerts, traditional crafts and a wide range of activities. Visit the ‘Heavenly Advent’ at Rasmushof; here 40 beautifully decorated fir trees stand glistening at the finish of the famous Streif racecourse.
Solden
Photo credit: Lorenzi Ernst
One of Europe’s most renowned ski and snowboard resorts, Sölden has many attributes. Not only is it linked to snow-sure glaciers, but it played host to the Alpine World Cup and featured in the latest James Bond movie, Spectre.
There’s no shortage of Christmas cheer: explore the stalls displaying hand-crafted goods and delicious home-made food, and listen to the traditional hymns sung under fairy-lit fir trees.
Alpbach
Photo credit: Gabriele Griessenbock
Considered to be Austria’s most beautiful village, try on soft felt slippers and hand-knitted caps in Alpbach this Christmas. After a day exploring the 145 km of slopes, meander through the atmospheric streets with traditional Tyrolean buildings, and treat yourself to a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Ellmau
Photo credit: Tirol
Ellmau’s friendly accommodation, welcoming village centre and range of fun activities make it an ideal resort for families. As Christmas draws closer, the old church square is transformed into advent markets, and the Ellmauer Stubenmusi and the Going horn blowers perform many concerts in the snow-covered streets.
Hochgurgl
Photo credit: Otzal Tourismus
Neighbouring Obergurgl (1,930 m), the snow-sure resort of Hochgurgl (2,150 m) is an ideal destination for a Christmas break. The ski-in, ski-out village offers incredible cuisine, spectacular views and festive bars all celebrating the special occasion.
Niedereau & Oberau
Photo credit: Tirol
Set within the Wildschönau valley, Niedereau & Oberau are ideal resorts for a relaxed, mixed ability ski holiday. During the Christmas season, head to the atmospheric Z’Bach Farming Museum in Oberau where nativity singers, baked goods and handmade cribs can be enjoyed.
Soll
Photo credit: Tirol
Part of the SkiWelt – one of Austria’s largest linked ski areas – Söll’s ski area is wonderful for intermediate cruising and its pretty village has a lively après-ski scene. Towards the end of November, the resort’s charming central street hosts a multitude of stalls, and guests can tuck into appetising Christmas dinners, which are served in many of the restaurants and hotels.
