December is a fantastic time to hit the slopes, offering minimal lift lines, uncrowded ski runs, and a festive atmosphere. While the 2025-26 ski season may have had a slow start in some areas, several resorts are in excellent shape and ready for skiers. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to ski in December, combining reliable snow conditions with holiday cheer.
North America Ski Resorts
1. Jay Peak, Vermont
Jay Peak is a standout early-season destination. The Northern Vermont resort finished November with an astounding 119 inches of snow. This follows a ski season in which it was one of the snowiest ski resorts in North America, receiving 475 inches of snow by the end of the 2024-25 season. December is setting up to be even better thanks to consistent cold temperatures, snow in the forecast, and Jay’s reputation for pulling moisture off Lake Champlain.
2. Killington, Vermont
Killington, aka the Beast of the East, consistently opens earlier than just about any other East Coast ski resort-often in October or early November. By December, fresh snowfall and the resort’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system has typically built a dependable base for top-to-bottom skiing. Visitors can count on reliable coverage, with impeccably groomed runs on the upper mountain and signature trails like Great Northern and the Downdraft Headwall. Early-season conditions tend to be firm, with a reliance on machine-made snow rather than deep powder, but the resort still delivers a solid variety of terrain by mid-December, especially across its main peaks.
3. Wolf Creek, Colorado
While most of Colorado is off to a slow start this season, you can count on Wolf Creek, which is known as Colorado’s snowiest ski resort, receiving 430 inches of snow each year on average. Wolf Creek opened this year ahead of Thanksgiving week, on November 22, and had more than 80% of its terrain open for Thanksgiving Day. All total Wolf Creek received 43″ of snow in November and saw some good snowfall to end November and begin December. While Wolf Creek may not have the recognition of Colorado’s mega resorts, it shouldn’t be overlooked.
4. Alyeska, Alaska
Alyeska is historically one of the snowiest ski resorts in North America, so the season will only get better from here. Alyeska just recently opened, on November 29, however, the top of the mountain had already received 147″ of snow by December 1, while there was a snow depth of nearly 60″. If you truly want no lift lines and uncrowded slopes, then head to Alyeska.
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5. Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona
Arizona Snowbowl is an early-season sleeper out West. Early-season snow dumps made for an incredible opening weekend at Arizona Snowbowl over the third weekend of November, just before Thanksgiving. They opened with 3 lifts and more than 20 trails, while even more of the mountain opened by the end of November. As of December 1, nearly 80% of Arizona Snowbowl was open, while it had received nearly 60″ of snow.
6. SkiBig3, Banff, Canada
Though many North America ski resorts are only just opening in early December, Banff’s SkiBig3-Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay-have already been spinning lifts for weeks. The SkiBig3 trifecta of resorts typically open in early November, and the 2025-26 ski season was no different, with all three resorts open by November 8. While Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine are the headliners, Mt. Norquay has enjoyed the snowiest start to the season, receiving 110 inches of snow by December 1.
7. Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley often opens later than many other Utah ski resorts, typically around the first week of December (opening December 6 this year). This season in particular is a unique time to visit Deer Valley because of the debut of the Deer Valley East Village expansion, which includes expanded terrain, 80 new runs, the new 10-passenger East Village Express Gondola, a day lodge, several restaurants, and the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (and more hotels soon to come). The expansion actually doubles the resort’s skiable terrain. It’ll be like skiing a completely different resort this year if you’ve skied Deer Valley before. Just remember that Deer Valley is one of only a few skier-only resorts, so no snowboards are allowed.
Other Great Options in North America
- Alta, Utah: Known for early-season powder, thanks to its high elevation and favorable storm patterns.
- Vail, Colorado: A go-to spot with high elevation and a top-notch snowmaking system.
- Big Sky, Montana: Offers reliable conditions perfect for compact ski gear.
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: Combines a coastal climate with varied terrain.
- Breckenridge, USA: The highest ski resort in the US with reliable conditions.
European Ski Resorts
1. Val Thorens, France
If your priority for where to ski in December is plenty of fresh powder, then look no further than Val Thorens ski resort - the highest in Europe. Standing tall at an impressive 2,300m, the highest slopes reach all the way up to 3,230m. These high-altitude slopes are typically covered in snow from late November until May making skiing in early December a prime time to take a ski holiday to France. The ski resort is so confident in its snow record, that it even offers a unique ‘Snow Guarantee’, which assures skiers can book without worrying about snow cover. Skiers will be spoiled for choice when they head up the mountain. The whole Three Valleys ski area spans a massive 600km of terrain.
2. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is one of the best places to go skiing in December if you are looking for a resort that has high-altitude skiing in one of the most renowned Swiss ski towns in the world. Its gourmet dining scene and infamous parties guarantee to bring in the New Year in style. As the clock counts down to midnight, Place Centrale comes to life with DJs, fireworks and champagne showers. These can be enjoyed from either the streets or the comfort of your chalet or hotel on a skiing holiday in Switzerland. December is undoubtedly one of Verbier’s most popular months of the season.
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3. Saas Fee, Switzerland
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Alps’, Saas Fee is one of the places to ski in December. This means there are reliable conditions in the early part of the season. The resort itself has a traditional alpine look with a modern twist. In December especially, it feels like a winter wonderland with the decorations and mountain town chalets. The views are breathtaking with a stunning backdrop of blue glaciers in the area. We highly recommend eating at the Mittelallalin restaurant for lunch.
4. Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl regularly has long ski seasons because of its reliable snow record. This means the Austrian ski resort is one of the best places to ski in December. It’s one of the higher ski resorts in the country at 1,380m-2,900m and is perfectly located for snow. Known as a lively après ski resort, Ischgl has many restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy on and off the mountain. The town itself is virtually car-free and is beautifully decorated in December. In addition, there’s a natural ice rink you can try, that’s perfect for families during the festive period.
5. Tignes, France
Part of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, Tignes is an ideal ski resort for December skiing. The Grande Motte glacier always offers early season skiing, making it a reliable ski destination. The lift links to Val d’Isère start to open in late November, so you can explore 300km of pistes. This is one of the best French ski resorts in December, but it’s not only the skiing which is superb in Tignes. Off the slopes, there is much to do. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy during your stay.
Other European Ski Resorts
- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy: Offers a traditional Alpine festive experience with high-altitude skiing.
- Morzine, France: A family-friendly resort with a short transfer time and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area.
- Val d'Isère, France: Known for reliable early-season snow and high-altitude slopes.
Picking the right destination for early-season skiing can make or break your trip. Here are some factors to consider:
- Altitude: Resorts above 8,000 feet tend to get snow earlier and keep it longer.
- Snowmaking: Advanced snowmaking systems ensure reliable coverage.
- Glacier Access: Resorts with glaciers offer dependable early-season conditions.
- Variety of Terrain: Having access to diverse terrain is a big plus, as early-season skiing often means limited runs.
- Weather and Microclimates: Some mountains naturally get more snow due to their location along storm tracks.
- Opening Schedules: Research each resort’s history of early openings and how much terrain they typically have available in November and December.
- Travel Logistics: Early-season weather can complicate flights and road trips.
Whether you’re after powder or perfectly groomed runs, these resorts offer some of the best early-season skiing experiences. Remember to check the latest snow reports and resort conditions before planning your trip!
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Consider the following factors when planning your December ski trip:
- Budget: Early-season prices can be lower than peak holiday periods.
- Travel: Book flights and accommodations in advance.
- Gear: Ensure your ski gear is in good condition.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather conditions.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic early-season ski trip and make the most of the slopes before the holiday rush.
Table: Top Ski Resorts for December
| Resort | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jay Peak | Vermont, USA | High snowfall, consistent cold temperatures |
| Killington | Vermont, USA | Early opening, advanced snowmaking |
| Wolf Creek | Colorado, USA | Snowiest resort in Colorado |
| Alyeska | Alaska, USA | High snowfall, uncrowded slopes |
| SkiBig3 | Banff, Canada | Early opening, three resorts in one |
| Val Thorens | France | Highest resort in Europe, snow guarantee |
| Verbier | Switzerland | High-altitude skiing, gourmet dining |
| Saas Fee | Switzerland | Reliable snow conditions, traditional alpine look |
| Ischgl | Austria | Reliable snow record, lively après ski |
| Tignes | France | Early season glacier skiing |