A ski trip early in December can be a brilliant choice if you want to avoid the peak holiday crowds.
Many resorts have reliable snow conditions by then, especially when you consider that many combine their high altitude with snowmaking machines. The slopes are generally much less busy, too, giving you more space to enjoy the runs.
Early December usually receives some lovely sunny days (according to data from previous seasons) before the weather gets really cold in January and February - making for some great afternoons on the sun terraces.
Additionally, many resorts offer discounts on lift passes during the early part of the season, providing an opportunity to save money.
Lastly, there’s a special energy in the resort as the season kicks off, with excited seasonal workers filling the atmosphere with anticipation—making it a particularly enjoyable time to ski.
Keep reading to discover the best early-season ski resorts. To clarify, this guide isn’t about Christmas - have a read of our top resorts for a Christmas ski trip if you’re looking for the perfect festive getaway.
All dates below are based on the 2024-25 season, and ‘average’ statistics are based on the last 5 seasons.
READ MORE: Keen on Austria specifically? Have a look at our best early-season resorts in Austria.
Alternatively, have a look at our best early-season ski resorts in France for more inspiration.
According to our research, the top European resorts for an early-season December ski holiday are:
- Val d’Isère
- Val Thorens
- Les Deux Alpes
- Cervinia
- Obergurgl
- Alpe d’Huez
- Sölden
- Lech/Zürs
- St Anton/St Christoph
- Livigno
You can compare the stats for each resort in the table below:
| Resort | Average snow per week | Average snow days per week | 2024-25 opening date | Average sunny days per week | Early-season lift pass discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val d’Isère | 39cm | 3.2 | November 30 | 1.8 | €60 / €54 (depending on when visiting) |
| Val Thorens | 35cm | 3 | November 23 | 2 |
€34 / €39.50 |
| Les Deux Alpes | 42cm | 3 | November 30 | 1.7 | €86.40 / €70.20 / €54 |
| Cervinia | 37cm | 3.5 | November 30 | 2.3 | n/a |
| Obergurgl | 30cm | 3.6 | November 14 | 2.3 | €68 / €15 |
| Alpe d’Huez | 39cm | 3 | November 30 | 1.2 | €115 / €32 |
| Sölden | 33cm | 3.7 | November 14 | 1.9 | €30 / €8.50 |
| Lech/Zürs | 38cm | 3.4 | December 4 | 1.9 | €131/€66 |
| St Anton/St Christoph | 37cm | 3.4 | December 4 | 1.5 | €131/€66 |
| Livigno | 25cm | 3.2 | November 30 | 2.5 | Up to €118.50 |
1. Val d’Isère, France
Average amount of snow per week: 39cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.2
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 30
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.8
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €60 or €54 (explanation below)
Val d’Isère is an obvious choice for an early-season ski getaway. The resort opens its doors early for skiers and has typically got great snowfall in previous Decembers - including 40cm in 2023, and 50cm in 2024.
It’s part of the renowned Espace Killy ski area, which provides easy skiing over to the neighbouring resort, Tignes - another amazing destination with plenty of great reasons to visit. Together, they offer over 300km of skiable terrain, with 137km belonging specifically to Val d’Isère.
Another of its top attractions is the great value to be had from the lift pass discounts. From November 30th to December 20th, the “early access” period offers much lower prices for lift passes compared to the rest of the season.
For example, a 6-day adult lift pass for the Espace Killy (which also includes a 7th free day) is priced at €366 before December 20th. After that, the price rises to €426, and remains at that rate until the season ends.
However, it’s worth noting that the Tignes side of the Espace Killy doesn’t open until December 3rd, so if you plan to go before that date, you’ll be limited to the Val d’Isère side until Tignes opens its lifts.
As an added bonus, you can expect some nice sunny days during your trip, with the last few years offering nearly 2 days of sunshine on average per week in December.
Iglu Ski team member, Aimee, spent several days in Val d’Isère from December 2nd, 2024: “The pistes were all in really good condition, we had some fresh snow while we were out there, and they had the snow cannons topping up the base layer, too.
“The pistes were quiet, the resort still had a really nice atmosphere, bars and restaurants were open - I had a really great time!”
Hotel Ski Lodge
This popular hotel is brilliantly located on Val d'Isère's main street, with a bar, fireplace, sauna and hammam among its facilities.
2. Val Thorens, France
Average amount of snow per week: 35cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 23
Average amount of sunny days per week: 2
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €34 or €39.50
Val Thorens is another excellent option, opening even earlier than Val d'Isère, with the 2024-25 season starting as early as November 23rd.
As one of the key resorts in the 3 Valleys - the world’s largest ski area - it offers a wide variety of terrain within its local area. Courchevel and Méribel are the other two resorts in the 3 Valleys, both of which open on December 7th.
Until then, you’ll be limited to the Val Thorens area, but it still boasts an impressive 150km of slopes, all serviced by 32 efficient lifts. Once Courchevel and Méribel open, however, you'll have access to a remarkable 600km of piste to explore.
Lift passes are also significantly cheaper during this early period - from November 23rd to December 20th, a 6-day adult lift pass for Val Thorens costs €306. After this, the price increases to €340 for the remainder of the season, saving you €34 if you go early.
The 3 Valleys 6-day lift pass discount is even better, offering a €39.50 saving per adult until December 20th (€355.50 instead of €395). But as mentioned, this option is only available once Courchevel and Méribel open on December 7th.
Additionally, you can count on at least a couple of days of sunshine, based on the patterns from the past few seasons!
Iglu Ski team member, Gordon, spent some time in Val Thorens from December 3rd, 2024: “It may have been the very beginning of the season but the resort was fully up and running. Some lifts were still not open but that was fine and most - if not all - areas were accessible via other lifts including the link over to Méribel.”
Hotel Fitz Roy
This luxury hotel has brilliant spa facilities, heated swimming pool, communal fireplace area and ski-in/ski-out access.
3. Les Deux Alpes, France
Average amount of snow per week: 42cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 30
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.7
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €86.40 or €70.20 or €54
Les Deux Alpes is known for its snow reliability, ranking well among France’s most snow-sure resorts. With 96 ski runs covering an impressive 220km of slopes, it also boasts a glacier - perfect for smooth, easy skiing.
The resort receives consistent snowfall, second only to Chamonix among French destinations, and historically experiences snow on at least three days a week, if past seasons are anything to go by.
A major advantage is its early opening date of November 30th, and lift pass prices are lower during the three weeks leading up to December 21st compared to the rest of the season - with each week earlier being progressively cheaper.
For the bulk of the season, a 6-day pass will cost you €340 (with prices reaching up to €359.40 during school holidays), while the very first week offers a steep discount at just €273, saving you a substantial €86.40. The second week is priced at €289.20, and the third at €305.40.
You can also expect close to two days of sunshine during your trip!
Hotel Ibiza
This hotel has a panoramic views of the beautiful Ecrins National Park, as well as being just a short walk away from the lifts. There's also a swimming pool, sauna and games room inside.
4. Cervinia, Italy
Average amount of snow per week: 37cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.5
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 30
Average amount of sunny days per week: 2.3
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): n/a
Cervinia, one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in Europe, is a fantastic choice for an early-season ski trip. Like all the resorts on this list, it opens its slopes to skiers early, but it’s the snow record that truly makes it stand out.
With an average of about 37cm of snowfall each week, the resort consistently provides excellent skiing conditions. A great resort for powder, you can expect to have nearly 4 days of skiing in fresh snow, based on recent season records.
Cervinia is part of the impressive Matterhorn Ski Paradise, which connects skiing in Cervinia with the neighbouring Valtournenche and the glamorous Swiss resort of Zermatt - altogether offering an expansive 360km of slopes when fully open. Skiing is possible from 1,562m, all the way up to 3,899m.
The resort gets its name from the iconic Matterhorn mountain, which towers over Cervinia and dominates the skyline. This is the very same mountain that once appeared on Toblerone packaging and inspired the shape of the chocolate, and it looks absolutely breathtaking in person.
On top of that, much of the Cervinia area lies within a south-facing bowl, so when the sun shines, you’ll enjoy fantastic skiing. With its high altitude, you don’t need to worry about melting snow - it secures the top spot on our list of Italy’s most snow-sure ski resorts.
Hotel Europa
This hotel offers panoramic views in a sunny and quiet spot of town, with quick access to the slopes and lifts, as well as an indoor pool, whirlpool ands sauna.
5. Obergurgl, Austria
Average amount of snow per week: 30cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.6
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 14
Average amount of sunny days per week: 2.3
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €68/€15
Obergurgl is known for its focus on the quality of its skiing, and this is reflected in its impressive statistics. Its snowfall record is exceptional, and it ranks at the top of our list of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts.
Surrounded by glaciers, the local ski area in Obergurgl boasts more than 110km of pistes and connects to the sister resort of Hochgurgl via the TOP Express gondola.
Thanks to its strong snow conditions, the resort opens for skiing as early as mid-November, a rare achievement matched only by Sölden and Kitzbühel, which we’ll discuss shortly.
Lift passes are also more affordable the earlier you visit. If you go during the "pre-season" period (November 14th–December 6th), you’ll save a substantial €68 on a 6-day lift pass compared to the main season after December 20th. A trip from December 7th–20th will still save you a handy €15.
Obergurgl is part of the Ötztal Valley, which also includes the major resort of Sölden, as well as smaller resorts like Hochoetz and Kühtai. These connections are only by road though - Sölden is about a 25-minute bus ride away, while the other two are roughly an hour away.
Finally, Obergurgl leads Austrian resorts with the most sunny days in December on average over the past few seasons, offering just over two full days of sunshine during a week of skiing.
Austria Gourmet and Wine Hotel
Despite its name, this hotel has a completely free kids’ club for those between the ages of 2-12, as well as a large games room, indoor pool and heated outdoor pool with panoramic views.
6. Alpe d’Huez, France
Average amount of snow per week: 39cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 30
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.2
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €115 or €32
Alpe d’Huez is another top snow-sure resort, receiving an average of 39cm of snow per week. It’s a large and diverse resort with an impressive 250km of slopes to explore.
As well as the likely three days of snowfall during your trip, you might also be treated to a sunny day or two.
Alpe d’Huez has got an impressive November opening date, and it offers some substantial savings on lift passes during this time.
If you book in the first week of the season, you can save a remarkable €115 off the usual €320 price for a 6-day lift pass. The second week of the season will also offer a €32.50 discount on a 6-day pass.
Hotel Les Bergers
A great choice for families, with a nursery, kids' club and 2 separate teens' clubs - as well as a nice wellness area to escape from the children!
7. Sölden, Austria
Average amount of snow per week: 33cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.7
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 14th/December 7th
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.9
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €30.50/€8.50
A strong contender for the top Austrian spot alongside Obergurgl, Sölden is another of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts, with its early opening in mid-November reflecting its reliable snow conditions.
During the period until December 7th, the focus will be on the 34km of glacier slopes - perfect for a short getaway. Plus, with Obergurgl just half an hour away, you can easily access additional terrain.
When fully open, Sölden offers nearly 150km of pistes, with a strong appeal for intermediate and advanced skiers, though beginners are well catered for as well, with about 70km of “easy” slopes.
Sölden is also famous for being the location of chase scenes in the James Bond film Spectre, and you can visit an interactive museum that tells the story of the filming process.
In addition to its excellent snowfall, you can also expect nearly two full days of sunny skiing during your stay.
If you visit before December 7th, you’ll save €30.50 on a 6-day lift pass, and a trip between December 7th and 20th will save you €8.50.
Hotel Sunny Solden
This spacious hotel is a bus ride from the slopes, but more than makes up for it with its long list of facilities, including an indoor pool, sun terrace, 2 saunas and a steam room, and kids' play area - and more.
8. Lech/Zürs, Austria
Average amount of snow per week: 38cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.4
Opening date for 2024-25 season: December 4th
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.9
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €131/€66
In the renowned Ski Arlberg area, the iconic resorts of Lech and its more tranquil neighbour, Zürs, are also excellent choices for an early-season ski trip.
The Ski Arlberg region offers an impressive 305km of slopes, catering to skiers of all abilities. Lech and Zürs are known for having the best December snowfall in Austria, making them incredibly reliable destinations for skiing.
One of the biggest draws of Lech and Zürs is the substantial savings on lift passes if you visit at the start of the season, compared to the peak period.
From December 4th to 8th, you can save an incredible €131 on a Ski Arlberg lift pass, while a trip between December 9th and 20th will still save you €66.
The Ski Arlberg area is one of Austria’s most popular and is also home to the famous party town of St Anton...
Hotel Omesburg
This lovely hotel is a 3-minute walk from the ski lifts and has a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, relaxation room and fitness room - as well as more facilities.
9. St Anton/St Christoph, Austria
Average amount of snow per week: 37cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.4
Opening date for 2024-25 season: December 4th
Average amount of sunny days per week: 1.5
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): €131/€66
While Lech and Zürs are the more upscale resorts in the Arlberg area, St Anton is known for its après-ski scene - its most famous spots being Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh.
For a quieter experience, neighbouring St Christoph offers a peaceful alternative, and both resorts boast excellent snowfall records. Additionally, if the past few seasons are any indication, you can expect several days of sunny weather during your stay. There are also regular buses to and from St Anton, taking just 20 minutes.
As mentioned earlier, the Arlberg ski area offers significant lift pass discounts: you’ll save €131 if you visit between December 4th and 8th, and €66 if you go between December 9th and 20th.
Hotel Rendlhof
With a perfect location just off the high street, this hotel is a cheaper way to enjoy St Anton.
10. Livigno, Italy
Average amount of snow per week: 25cm
Average number of snow days per week: 3.2
Opening date for 2024-25 season: November 30th
Average amount of sunny days per week: 2.5
Early lift pass discount (adult 6-day pass): Up to €118.50
Another high-altitude resort, Livigno offers skiing from 1,800m up to around 3,000m and is a fantastic Italian option for snow-sure skiing in early December.
A partial host of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, Livigno has a solid 115km of slopes to explore, including 29 blue, 37 red, and 12 black runs. The resort also enjoys consistent snowfall, with around 25cm per week based on previous years.
One of its biggest draws for budget-conscious skiers is the significant savings on lift passes during the first week of the season. You can save a remarkable €118.50, with a 6-day lift pass costing €216 instead of €334.50 during peak dates. (There are various prices for other weeks in the season, which can be a bit complex, but our sales team is happy to help you navigate them!)
With an early opening and plenty of sunshine expected, Livigno is a top choice - especially for those who enjoy après-ski, as it topped our list of Italy’s best après-ski resorts.
Hotel Margherita
This lovely hotel is situated in a quiet part of town, 10 minutes from the slopes on the bus. It has a wellness area with sauna, fitness room, bar with lounge and pool table, a sun terrace and a kids' play area.
Discover the joys of early-season skiing with Iglu Ski
If you like the sound of being among the first on the slopes this season, we’re here to make it happen.
As the UK’s largest ski travel agency, we’ve been helping people find their ideal ski holidays for over 26 years. We’re true ski experts - every one of us has spent time working seasons in the mountains.
Check out our top December ski holiday deals, submit an enquiry, or give us a call at 020 3993 9302. Please ask us anything that’s on your mind - nothing is too silly!
You might also find our group holiday booking guide useful, especially if you’ve been put in charge of booking the group holiday!