The festive season is one of the most popular times to hit the slopes, but families often wonder whether Christmas or New Year is the better time to go. Both periods offer unique experiences, from snow conditions to chalet availability, festive activities and crowd levels. Choosing the right week can make a huge difference in ensuring your ski holiday at catered chalet val thorens is enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family. Here is a guide to help families decide which holiday period suits them best.

Christmas Ski Holidays

Christmas in the mountains has a special magic. Resorts are decorated with twinkling lights, festive markets are open, and many catered chalets offer Christmas Day feasts with all the trimmings. For families with children, this period often feels particularly enchanting. Snowy landscapes, skiing and traditional celebrations combine to create a memorable experience that can become a family tradition.

Pros of Christmas Ski Holidays

• Festive atmosphere with decorations, events and themed dinners that make the holiday feel magical
• Snow conditions are usually reliable at higher altitude resorts, giving you excellent skiing opportunities
• Many chalets offer Christmas-specific activities for children, such as visits from Santa or festive crafts
• Schools are on break, making it easier to travel as a family without worrying about missing lessons
• Group ski trips are easier to organise because everyone is on holiday at the same time

Cons of Christmas Ski Holidays

• Chalets and flights sell out very quickly, so early booking is essential to secure the best options
• Resorts are busier than at other times, particularly around popular lifts, restaurants and ski schools
• Prices tend to be higher than other periods due to peak demand and festive surcharges
• Some restaurants and shops may close on Christmas Day itself, so advance planning is required

New Year Ski Holidays

New Year brings a slightly different energy. While the festive decorations remain, the focus shifts to celebrations, parties and fireworks. Many resorts host large public events and themed entertainment, offering a lively and exciting atmosphere. Families who enjoy a more festive social scene may find New Year particularly enjoyable, while older children may appreciate the celebrations more than younger ones.

Pros of New Year Ski Holidays

• Exciting celebrations and fireworks create a memorable experience for older children and teenagers
• Chalets may still have availability if booked slightly later than Christmas, giving families more flexibility
• Slightly less family-focused crowds than Christmas, depending on the resort, can make skiing and navigating the resort easier
• Many resorts offer New Year-themed events and après-ski options suitable for older kids and teenagers
• The atmosphere can feel more like a mini winter festival, providing unique experiences beyond skiing

Cons of New Year Ski Holidays

• Resorts are still busy, particularly on New Year’s Eve, which may be overwhelming for very young children
• Some childcare and ski school options may be limited due to the celebrations
• Prices remain high, although in some resorts they can be slightly lower than Christmas week
• Families with younger children may find the late-night celebrations challenging

Factors to Consider for Families

When deciding between Christmas and New Year, families should think about several factors:

• Children’s ages: Younger children often enjoy the magical atmosphere of Christmas, while older children and teenagers may appreciate New Year celebrations more
• Chalet availability: Booking early is crucial for both periods but especially for Christmas, as the most popular properties sell out fast
• Atmosphere preference: Christmas tends to be more family-oriented and relaxed, while New Year can be livelier and more festive for older kids
• Budget: Both periods are peak season, but careful planning and early booking can help manage costs
• Ski conditions: Both weeks usually have good snow at high altitude resorts, but early Christmas may have slightly less consistent coverage in lower resorts

Tips for Making the Most of Your Festive Ski Trip

• Book as early as possible to secure the best chalet and flight options
• Confirm ski school and childcare places when you book, particularly for busy periods
• Plan festive meals and activities in advance to ensure a smooth holiday
• Consider your children’s bedtime routines and preferences when choosing New Year celebrations or events
• Make a list of must-do activities for your family to balance skiing with festive fun

Final Word

There is no single answer to whether Christmas or New Year is better for families. Christmas offers a magical, family-focused experience with decorations, festive dinners and snow-filled fun. New Year provides excitement, celebrations and a slightly livelier atmosphere. By considering your children’s ages, your preferred atmosphere, chalet availability and planning well in advance, you can choose the period that will create the most memorable and enjoyable ski holiday for your family. With careful planning, either festive week can become a cherished winter tradition.