Last year’s festive celebrations were very different for many people all over the world, and this year there’s a definite air of wanting to make the most of what chance we have to enjoy our memorable moments.
Many resorts are optimistic about being able to deliver some form of festive offering and, with precautions around Covid still in place, some semblance of celebration seems possible.
Of course, there may not be time to go through the entire purchase process in time for Christmas but there’s certainly no better time to get a glimpse of what a ski town is all about, and what your future festive season could hold. With that in mind, here are five of our favourite festive resorts.
Christmas in Val d’Isere
Pissaillas glacier means Val d’Isere enjoys superb snow surety – most slopes sit above 2500m and the resort is fully open by November. There’s a real excitement about Christmas here, and years gone by have seen streets lined with snow sculptures, firework shows and torch lit retelling of fairy tales, all set against the backdrop of a traditional alpine village. Special entertainment such as the Enchanted Christmas shows add even more sparkle to this perfect spot for celebration.
Some of our ski properties in Val d’Isere
We’ve some beautiful homes for sale in Val d’Isere. This prestige apartment is spectacular inside and out, with sumptuous interiors and majestic views - you’ll find every comfort on hand as well as masses of alpine charm. If you prefer something a little more simple, take a look at this charming family apartment with a beautiful living area, complete with fireplace, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and alpine inspired interiors, it's a perfect place to enjoy sharing a special celebration. Looking to escape the season with your significant other ? How about this gorgeous one bed apartment, complete with superb quality interior and beautiful valley views.
Christmas in Samoens
Samoens seem to be made for Christmas. This pretty working town is a year round resort, and you’ll find yourself celebrating alongside locals as well as other visitors. It’s a great place to base yourself all year round and a wondrous place to celebrate the festive season. A typical year sees the creation of a Christmas village in the town square for the last two weekends before the big day, plus you’ll enjoy all sorts of spectacles from ice sculptures to Father Christmas’ parade. Outside of the organised events, Samoens is a beautiful place to just wander and enjoy, so even if events are a little more low key this year, you can be sure you’ll capture that Christmas spirit.
Some of our ski properties in Samoens
Ferme les Drugeres is a magnificent setting for a grand celebration - ideal for family Christmases and with lots of investor potential too. It’s just 350m from Samoens too. For something altogether more modern feel, how about this 3 bedroom villa in the pretty hamlet of Etelly, just three minutes from Samoens centre? As well as well appointed interiors, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of the basement and living areas, which give maximum potential for hosting memorable gatherings.
Christmas in Meribel
Three Valleys ski area is both majestic and fabulously festive as well as being a family favourite and Meribel, is in the centre of it all. There’s oodles of old world alpine charm, and access to some 600km of slopes including Courchevel and pretty St Martin de Belleville. A typical Meribel Christmas is full of festive activities – think firework displays, carols in the square and fine festive fare as well as the simple pleasure of being in a beautiful setting at such a special time of year.
Some of our ski properties in Meribel
Set in the sought after Rond Point des Pistes area, this five bedroom apartment in Meribel is a rare treat. Fully renovated, it enjoys stunning interiors, masses of natural light, the all important ski-ski ski out location as well as views across the village and valleys. To add to it’s appeal, buyers can also benefit from a 20% reduction in VAT thanks to the property’s status as a new build.
For something more traditional in style, how about Chalet Cybele? It has five bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a cathedral style living area that is flooded with natural light. A south facing terrace completes this piece of alpine perfection.
Christmas in Zermatt
Zermatt enjoys some of the most snow sure skiing in Europe so if you want to be certain of enjoying a white Christmas this is the place to be. It’s a wonderful place for families, with events like a visit from St.Nicholas on 6th December, and a special celebration with Wolli, the charming woolly mascot on December 24th which sees a visit from an angel and presents for the little ones .
Zermatt is also renowned for spectacular food, and Christmas usually brings splendid gala dinners and tasting menus to showcase the best of the season. Add in the impossibly beautiful alpine town, and the majesty of the Matterhorn and you have a place that’s perfect for the festive season and beyond.
Some of our ski properties in Zermatt
Elegance and refinement are part of the very fabric of this beautiful eight bedroom home in Zermatt. Interiors inspired by the beauty of nature combine with superb facilities to create a perfect retreat, while a frameless window offers a perfect view of the Matterhorn. As an alternative, this 4 bedroom Zermatt apartment offers a homely style, complete with terrace, and those all important alpine views.
Christmas in Chamonix
Chamonix offers a wealth of Savoyard chalets that become even more picture perfect when dressed in snow and fairy lights – plus you’ve the breathtaking backdrop of the King of the Alps to bring majesty to the whole scenario. As well as exceptional skiing, you could expect gloriously traditional festive celebrations with carol concerts and street parades, all topped off with the arrival of Le Train du Pere Noel on Christmas eve. Bars and restaurants offer beautifully crafted festive food, and the atmosphere is one of utter delight.
Some of our ski properties in Chamonix
Les Flocons de Neige is a collection of 4 individual chalets. Each one enjoys magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and the whole development is in a peaceful, nature rich location, within ten minutes drive of picturesque Chamonix. The chalets have four bedrooms, spacious living areas as well as practical features like a ski locker, garage and cellar.
This magnificent house in Chamonix enjoys a near perfect setting, with unspoilt views of Mont Blanc, and has a wonderful 6104m² of land to enjoy. A wealth of additions enhance this beautiful residence, including a hammam, cinema room, wine cellar and petanque court.
At SnowOnly we love helping you find the perfect property. Whether you’re seeking the ideal space for gathering family and friends, or somewhere that is a superb opportunity to make the most of the rental market, our property portal gives you access to mountains of property, and saves you the time spent trawling through agents’ websites.Tools, like our property alert system make it easy to stay on top of the market, and our helpful articles and buying guides make the purchase process easy to navigate.