Unwrap the magic of the slopes with a pre-Christmas school ski trip
While many ski enthusiasts flock to the slopes in February or Easter, the weeks leading up to Christmas are an often-overlooked time of year that offers a wealth of benefits to school ski groups. Imagine a snow-covered mountain village lit with festive decorations, quieter slopes, and incredible early-season deals; for school groups, skiing before Christmas provides an opportunity to enjoy the magic of the season combined with fresh powder and excellent value – plus more space to yourself!
In this blog, we’ll explore in full the benefits of pre-Christmas skiing and highlight some of the best resorts to consider for a memorable trip in December 2025 or 2026. Read on and discover why we think this time of year is so underrated in the ski calendar.
Benefits of taking a pre-Christmas school ski trip
Skiing before Christmas comes with a range of advantages, including:
Festive atmosphere
Several European ski resorts transform into winter wonderlands in December, with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and seasonal events creating a magical experience.
Early season deals
The period before Christmas is considered the shoulder season for many ski resorts, which tends to mean lower prices for accommodation, lift passes, and equipment rentals.
Quieter slopes
With most families, tourists and groups waiting for the peak holiday season, slopes in December tend to be less crowded. This provides more space for your students, and means you’ll benefit from both safer skiing conditions and shorter lift queues.
The freshest snow
Resorts with high altitudes or glaciers often experience excellent early-season snowfalls, providing great skiing conditions even in December. The anticipation of the new ski season ensures well-prepared pistes and enthusiastic resort staff.
Top resorts for a pre-Christmas school ski trip
Pal Arinsal, Andorra
Nestled high in the Pyrenees, Pal Arinsal (previously Vallnord) is an excellent choice for pre-Christmas skiing. Schools love the sense of freedom and calm here, with gentle and magic carpet lifts and nursery slopes providing the perfect introduction for new skiers, and challenging slopes available for those more advanced on the piste.
After a day on the mountain, groups can enjoy incredible views of the Valley of Andorra from the resort’s charming old town, bringing a touch of magic to your pre-Christmas trip. Courtesy of the thermal baths of Southern Europe’s largest spa, groups will also have plenty of opportunities for some rest and relaxation – the perfect end to a long day on the slopes.
Claviere, Italy
Possessing some of the best snow in the renowned Milky Way ski area, high-altitude Claviere is a fantastic option for a pre-Christmas school ski trip. A charming resort straddling the France-Italy border, the village boasts a rich alpine heritage that’s perfect for soaking in the festive atmosphere – plus, groups really enjoy experiencing both French and Italian cultures here.
With a range of runs from easy greens to low gradient blacks, as well as the potential opportunity to spend a day skiing in the neighbouring French resort of Montgenèvre, Claviere is the ideal resort for beginners and intermediates… No wonder it’s one of our most popular school ski destinations.
Nassfeld, Austria
A little-known gem on the Italian border, Nassfeld has a long list of credentials: the largest resort in Carinthia province, the Alps' longest cable car, and its north-facing, high altitude slopes – meaning superb snow coverage throughout the season (yes, even early December!). Known as one of the largest and most attractive resorts in Austria, Nassfeld exudes Christmassy charm, with nearby Christmas markets and festive activities making it a magical destination for December trips, while its quiet, varied slopes ensure a stress-free and enjoyable skiing experience for all abilities.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes stands out for its glacier skiing, which guarantees excellent snow conditions even in early December. A long-standing school ski favourite, this French resort is among Europe’s highest with a variety of runs set amid its staggering 4,000-metre peaks, as well as abundant decorations, festivities and activities for the holiday season.
An ‘upside-down resort’, Les Deux Alpes offers lower level skiers better accessibility from the accommodation, with more blue and green runs trailing down to the village; once they’ve mastered the nursery slopes nearer to town, they can show off their skills at altitude on the mid-level reds. Not for the faint-hearted, there’s also the ‘Super Diable’, which comprises a long steep black run, unique snow-park and a half-pipe.
Ready for your pre-Christmas ski trip?
For groups planning ahead for December 2025 or 2026, the resorts of Pal Arinsal, Claviere, Nassfeld, and Les Deux Alpes provide snow-sure slopes, welcoming atmospheres, and unbeatable early-season deals. Whether it’s the charm of a snow-dusted village, the thrill of quiet slopes, or the joy of celebrating the festive season on the mountains, pre-Christmas skiing offers a magical way to kick off the festive season for your students.
Start planning your group’s adventure now and give them the gift of an unforgettable experience on the slopes. To find out more about our school ski trips, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
