Discover Top Christmas Skiing Destinations

Skiing or snowboarding is the perfect way to spend your holiday vacation. Just about every ski resort goes above and beyond to make the holidays a special experience—glittering Christmas lights line village shops, families ice skate under the stars, seasonal music rings through the streets, and fireworks dazzle wide-eyed onlookers. Oh, and did we mention skiing Santas?

So no matter if you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, or simply looking to ring in the New Year in style, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite resorts for skiing during the holiday season.

Best Ski Resorts for the Holidays

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

When it comes to picturesque holiday destinations, Aspen, CO, is about as good as it gets. Featuring plenty of Christmas concerts, on-mountain festivities, and above all, a reliable snowpack, Aspen Snowmass provides an incredible mountain setting for the holidays.

Adults will revel in hot toddies by toasty firepits and exciting after-hours events at Theater Aspen while the kids will never forget activities like on-mountain scavenger hunts, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, snow tubing and Santa sleigh rides. Besides a never-ending list of things to do, Aspen is also the perfect place to unwind in peace. The spas at the Viceroy and Little Nell are some of the best in the world, plus Aspen's relative remoteness and 4 distinct mountains allow skiers and riders to move freely on the slopes.

Aspen Snowmass Christmas Skiing Highlights

• One lift ticket gives you access to all 4 mountains – over 5,700 acres of world-class terrain, some of the best in North America
• 4-course Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dinners at Element 47
• The Audi Ajax Cup races on December 30
• The Little Nell's Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
• New Year’s Eve fireworks

Vail, Colorado

Vail turns into a magical winter retreat during the holiday season, with its charming Tyrolean-inspired villages glowing under twinkling lights and festive décor. Everything from the stellar skiing to the boutique shopping makes Colorado's largest ski resort also one of the best to call home for the holidays. Thanks to Vail’s high altitude and consistently strong snow record, December delivers excellent conditions on the slopes. In a typical year, guests can look forward to a full lineup of seasonal festivities, including tree lighting, the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down, and of course... a spectacular fireworks show.

Vail Christmas Skiing Highlights

• Vail’s vibrant après-ski scene delights like live music, tasty bites and “Haute Chocolate” at the Remedy Bar
• Ice skating at the Dobson Arena
• 10th Mountain Legacy Parade and Ski Down
• Holiday Tree lighting in Vail Village
• New Year’s Eve fireworks 

Stowe, Vermont

With its snow-dusted steeples and quintessential main street wrapped in twinkling lights, Stowe is everything you dream a New England holiday getaway should be. This quaint mountain town is one of the most charming places to be – and ski – during the holidays. Walk around the historic village and peruse 50+ locally owned artisan markets, one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries and classic country stores for special gifts for the folks who couldn't make it.

Stowe’s culinary scene doesn’t take a holiday either – many of its beloved restaurants are open throughout the season, including on Christmas Day, serving up festive, locally inspired feasts. The town also hosts a variety of inclusive events celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah. A local favorite is the Community of Lights Contest, which allows visitors to rank local light displays using their smartphones. And don’t miss the Traditional Christmas in Stowe festival, this year taking place December 5–7, 2025. Named a Top Ten Winter Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the weekend celebration features a tree lighting, children's lantern parade, wagon rides, a holiday bazaar, ornament and cookie decorating, live music, skating and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Simply put, the holidays don’t get more enchanting than this.

Stowe Christmas Skiing Highlights

• Skate with Santa at Stowe Arena
• The Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at Spruce Peak
• The Winter Solstice Party hosted by Stowe Cider
• The New Year's Eve Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour
• The Traditional Christmas in Stowe Festival

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, ID, plays a fantastic host for holiday celebrations. Downtown Ketchum is typically adorned in breathtaking Christmas lights, and nothing is quite as romantic as walking along the historic main street, arm in arm with those you love, after a long day of skiing on Baldy. If you’re wondering where the least crowded place to ski during the holidays is, Sun Valley makes the top of the list. This hidden gem is known for its Christmas events, but is usually not as crowded as other popular ski destinations.

Sun Valley Resort calls itself a "Winter Wonderland" during the holiday season, and it more than lives up to the name. The festive spirit is unmistakable as you wander through the charming, European-style Holiday Market, surrounded by the sounds of classic carolers and twinkling lights. One of the season’s signature events is the magical Christmas Torchlight Parade, a free, can’t-miss spectacle on the mountain. Afterward, little ones (and the young at heart) can even warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Sun Valley Christmas Skiing Highlights

• Christmas Eve fireworks show
• The Christmas Torchlight Parade
• Festive movie nights at the Opera House
• Photo ops with Santa
• Local artisan holiday markets

Palisades Tahoe, California

While a visit to this Lake Tahoe resort is always a treat, Palisades Tahoe really shines during the holiday season. With a vibrant village, ice skating rink, and more Christmas lights than you can count, this Tahoe mainstay features both great skiing and lots of off-mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Grown-ups can toast the season at events like Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp, while the Kids' Club keeps little ones happily entertained with arts and crafts, games, and holiday-themed movies, giving parents the perfect window to hit the slopes or unwind après-style. Don’t forget to check the resort’s events calendar for a lineup of festive après happenings, from trivia nights with Olympians to themed ski parties that keep the holiday vibes going long after last chair.

Palisades Tahoe Christmas Skiing Highlights

• Welcome to Winter Festival and the Annual Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Photo ops with Santa at the Christmas Tree in the Village
• The Annual Christmas Eve Dinner
• Disco Tubing
• New Year’s Eve fireworks and plenty of après parties

Tips for Christmas Ski Trips

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year in the mountains, so if you're dreaming of a ski vacation during peak season, planning ahead is essential. Our Mountain Travel Experts recommend locking in your holiday getaway bookings by July to ensure the best rates and availability. That includes everything from lodging and lift tickets to ski school and dinner reservations.

If you're using an Epic or Ikon Pass, double-check for any holiday blackout dates so there are no surprises. Most season passes also come with perks like discounts on lodging, rentals, dining, and lessons – so don’t leave those savings on the table. And when it comes to lodging, book early... because yes, it will sell out.

Ready to secure your ultimate ski holiday trip? Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan and book everything for the perfect ski vacation. It takes 2 minutes. Call 800-610-8911 or fill out a brief form to receive a quote in your inbox.