11 Classic Ski Resorts That Hit Their Prime in December
If you’re looking for the perfect December getaway, hitting the slopes at some of the best ski resorts can offer the ideal start to your winter season. From reliable snow conditions to quieter trails before the holiday crowds, these top destinations are known for their exceptional early-season skiing. Whether you’re chasing powder or seeking a festive atmosphere, these resorts offer a mix of stunning landscapes, excellent terrain, and solid snow coverage that make them prime spots for a December ski vacation.
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Alta Ski Area (USA)
Alta Ski Area, located in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, is known for its heavy snowfall and early openings. With a base elevation of 8,530 feet and a summit that reaches 11,068 feet, the resort benefits from its altitude, capturing and retaining snow early in the season. By December, Alta is often one of the first resorts in the U.S. to offer significant terrain coverage, with over 500 inches of snow falling annually. Skiers can enjoy powder-filled runs and uncrowded slopes, making it an ideal destination for early-season skiing.
In addition to its snow reliability, Alta is dedicated to maintaining a traditional skiing experience, as snowboarding is not allowed on its slopes. This gives the resort a quieter, more focused atmosphere, particularly in December before the holiday rush. For skiers who want to enjoy solid snow conditions and fewer crowds, Alta is a great choice. The combination of its strong snow base and commitment to preserving a classic ski environment makes Alta a standout destination for early-season skiing.
Val Thorens (France)
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, sitting at an altitude of 2,300 meters, with its slopes reaching over 3,200 meters. This elevation ensures that the resort experiences reliable snowfall and excellent conditions for skiing in December. Due to its altitude, Val Thorens is often one of the first resorts in the French Alps to open its lifts, offering skiers access to expansive terrain. Early-season visitors can expect strong snow coverage and well-maintained runs, making it an ideal spot for a December ski holiday.
Additionally, Val Thorens is part of the Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, offering access to over 600 kilometers of slopes. This vast terrain ensures that there is always something for every skier, from beginners to experts. December at Val Thorens provides a chance to enjoy not only excellent skiing but also the resort’s vibrant alpine atmosphere, which includes cozy après-ski spots and festive activities. For skiers looking for reliable snow and expansive terrain, Val Thorens is an excellent choice.
Zermatt (Switzerland)
Zermatt, located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, offers reliable snow conditions due to its high altitude and glacier skiing. With lifts that reach up to 3,883 meters and a village sitting at 1,620 meters, Zermatt offers some of the most snow-sure conditions in Europe. In December, visitors can enjoy snow-covered slopes, and the glacier ensures that skiing is possible even when lower resorts may still be struggling with minimal coverage. The combination of excellent snow conditions and breathtaking views makes Zermatt a perfect destination for early-season skiing.
Beyond its snow reliability, Zermatt is known for its car-free village and charming alpine ambiance. The picturesque setting of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains creates a magical winter atmosphere. For skiers who enjoy a quieter, more serene environment, Zermatt is a great option in December. With solid snow coverage and a beautiful setting, this Swiss resort offers a top-notch skiing experience, especially for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful winter retreat.
Breckenridge Ski Resort (USA)
Breckenridge, located in Colorado, offers a high base elevation of 9,600 feet and peaks that reach 12,998 feet, making it one of the most reliable resorts in the U.S. for early-season skiing. The combination of elevation and snow-making capabilities allows Breckenridge to open a significant portion of its terrain in December, often ahead of many other resorts in the region. Skiers can enjoy a variety of runs, from beginner slopes to more advanced terrain, ensuring there is something for everyone. The reliable snow conditions and excellent terrain make it a great destination for a December ski trip.
In addition to its impressive terrain, Breckenridge’s historic town adds to the resort’s charm. The town is known for its Victorian-style architecture, lively après-ski scene, and range of accommodations. December at Breckenridge offers skiers a chance to enjoy quality skiing and a cozy, festive mountain village. The combination of excellent snow conditions, varied terrain, and charming atmosphere makes Breckenridge a standout choice for early-season skiing.
Aspen Snowmass (USA)
Aspen Snowmass, located in Colorado, is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, known for its luxurious atmosphere and extensive terrain. The resort consists of four mountains, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, offering over 5,500 acres of terrain. With a base elevation of 8,100 feet and a peak reaching over 12,000 feet, Aspen Snowmass is snow-sure and typically ready for skiing by early December. The resort’s varied terrain ensures that there is something for everyone, from beginners to experts, and the early season often provides powder-filled runs and quieter slopes.
In addition to its excellent skiing, Aspen Snowmass is renowned for its après-ski scene, upscale accommodations, and vibrant town atmosphere. December visitors can enjoy a festive, luxury experience with access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. The resort’s combination of reliable snow, diverse terrain, and upscale amenities makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both excellent skiing and a luxurious mountain retreat.
Val d’Isère (France)
Val d’Isère, located in the French Alps, is known for its excellent snow conditions and early-season skiing, thanks to its high altitude and reliable snowfalls. The resort is part of the expansive Espace Killy ski area, which offers access to over 300 kilometers of slopes. With a base elevation of 1,850 meters and peaks reaching 3,400 meters, Val d’Isère is typically one of the first resorts in the Alps to open its lifts for the season. By December, visitors can expect solid snow coverage and a wide range of terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Beyond the skiing, Val d’Isère offers a traditional alpine village atmosphere, with charming architecture, cozy cafés, and lively après-ski. The resort’s combination of snow reliability, extensive terrain, and charming setting makes it a top destination for December skiing. Whether you’re looking for powder runs or relaxed slopes, Val d’Isère offers a great balance of everything you need for a perfect early-season ski holiday.
Hochkönig (Austria)
Hochkönig, located in Austria’s Salzburgerland region, is a quieter alternative to some of the larger resorts, but it offers exceptional skiing conditions in December. The ski area spans a network of villages, including Maria Alm, Hinterthal, and Mühlbach, with a base elevation of around 1,000 meters and peaks reaching nearly 2,000 meters. December skiing here is often guaranteed with good snow coverage, and the region benefits from a micro-climate that provides regular snowfall early in the season. Skiers can expect to enjoy uncrowded slopes and excellent snow conditions during this time.
The resort’s laid-back atmosphere adds to the appeal, providing a more relaxed experience compared to larger, more crowded resorts. With its stunning mountain views and traditional Austrian charm, Hochkönig offers both excellent skiing and a peaceful alpine retreat. For skiers looking to start their season with reliable snow and a more tranquil environment, Hochkönig is a fantastic December option.
Whistler Blackcomb (Canada)
Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in North America. The resort’s massive terrain spans over 8,000 acres and includes both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offering skiers an incredible range of runs. With a base elevation of 2,214 feet and a summit reaching 7,494 feet, Whistler Blackcomb’s snow coverage is reliable, and December typically sees the resort open large portions of its terrain, thanks to its snow-making capabilities and favorable weather patterns. Skiers can enjoy a full season experience, complete with powder days and fewer crowds early in the month.
The village at Whistler is vibrant and offers an excellent après-ski scene, making it a top destination not only for skiing but also for dining, shopping, and entertainment. December visitors can experience the festive mountain atmosphere while skiing some of the best terrain in North America. Whether you’re an expert skier or a beginner, Whistler Blackcomb has something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for early-season skiing.
Lake Louise / Banff Region (Canada)
Lake Louise, located in the heart of Banff National Park, offers some of the best skiing conditions in Canada by December. The resort sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters, with the highest peaks reaching over 2,500 meters. December typically brings excellent snow coverage, and the area’s cold temperatures help preserve the snow throughout the month. The resort also enjoys a northern latitude, which contributes to reliable early-season snowfall, allowing skiers to enjoy a solid ski experience before the holiday rush.
In addition to the terrain, the Banff region’s stunning natural beauty makes it a top December destination. The backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the frozen Lake Louise, and the charming alpine village add to the allure. For visitors seeking both reliable snow conditions and breathtaking scenery, Lake Louise provides a magical atmosphere. The resort’s combination of solid terrain, scenic views, and tranquil winter environment makes it perfect for a December ski getaway.
Jackson Hole (USA)
Jackson Hole, located in Wyoming, is known for its rugged terrain, steep slopes, and consistent early-season snow. The resort sits at a base elevation of 6,311 feet and reaches 10,450 feet at the summit, providing high-altitude conditions that help guarantee good snow cover throughout December. Jackson Hole’s snow-making capabilities, combined with frequent early snowfalls, make it a dependable choice for skiing during the early winter months. By December, skiers can enjoy extensive terrain, with plenty of runs open and ready for action.
Beyond skiing, Jackson Hole offers a charming western ski town atmosphere. The town’s Old West vibe, complete with saloons, shops, and cowboy charm, provides a unique après-ski experience. December visitors can enjoy great snow conditions while also experiencing the cultural and festive side of the region. Whether you’re an advanced skier seeking challenging runs or someone who enjoys a laid-back mountain experience, Jackson Hole has something for everyone.
Steamboat (USA)
Steamboat, located in Colorado, is renowned for its Champagne Powder™ snow, which is light, dry, and ideal for skiing. The resort sits at a base elevation of 6,900 feet and reaches 10,568 feet at the summit, providing ample altitude to ensure reliable snow cover by December. Steamboat is often one of the first resorts in Colorado to open its lifts, and by December, most of the terrain is ready for skiing. The resort’s consistent snowfalls and snow-making capabilities help ensure that skiers will find a solid base even during early-season conditions.
Steamboat also offers a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere with a charming Western-style town. Known for its relaxing après-ski scene and family-friendly atmosphere, Steamboat is a great destination for those looking for a balance of skiing and leisure. In December, visitors can enjoy fewer crowds and great skiing conditions, making it a perfect choice for early-season skiing. Whether you’re coming for the snow or the laid-back vibe, Steamboat offers a memorable experience.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.