Are you looking for the best places to ski at New Year? It is well-known that the New Year ski week is a popular one, and rightly so. To help you choose your perfect ski resort, we’ve hand-picked some of the best New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe and the rest of the world. These ski resorts put on spectacular fireworks shows, snow magically covers your surroundings and quite frankly, skiing blows away the cobwebs the next morning. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, our ski experts have chosen the best ski resorts for New Year’s Eve.
1. Aspen, US
Set between the Colorado’s Rocky Mountains in North America, Aspen Snowmass exudes luxury. The chic town is made up of luxury spa hotels, fine-dining restaurants and swanky bars. Brush shoulders with the stars at exclusive hotels like The Little Nell, which has been well-known in resort for its ‘Dom Perignon Party’ with bottomless champagne.
Families will enjoy the torch light descent at Snowmass – skiers and boarders aged eight and up are invited to ski in the parade or spectate from below and fireworks follow at 10pm. If you’d prefer to stay in town there are two firework displays at 8pm and at midnight, followed by dancing until the early hours at one of the many bars. Celebrations don’t stop there, with many hotels and restaurants offering a New Year’s Day brunch.
2. Val d’Isère, France
The stylish town of Val d’Isère earns its place as one of the best resorts for New Year’s Eve, with plenty of après ski bars and nightclubs dotted throughout. Start with a vin chaud at the iconic mountain-side party, at the Folie Douce, before heading back into town for the evening. Walk through the town centre that is beautifully illuminated for the annual Festi Light. The pedestrianised street comes alive with music, ice sculptures and light displays. This is then followed by an amazing firework display on the pistes, accompanied by a DJ. The New Year’s Eve skiing is excellent too. With access to the Espace Killy ski area, there’s plenty of variety for all ages and abilities.
3. Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen is one of the best ski resorts for New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe. Arrive at this car-free village by train as you weave between snowy mountains. This family-friendly ski resort has plenty to amuse the younger travellers. Whether they’d like to try curling, learn how to ice skate or go tobogganing, it’s one of the best places to ski at New Year for a family winter getaway. Dine together before venturing out to the party on the pistes where bell ringers and a firework display welcome in the New Year.
4. St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton’s incredible New Year’s Eve skiing rivals its lively après ski. The ski resort is situated in the heart of the Tyrol and is part of the incredible Arlberg ski area. Celebrate a day exploring the ski area with a stein or two at the famed neighbouring après bars; the Krazy Kanguruh and the MooserWirt. Purchase tickets for the bars and clubs in advance to avoid disappointment. However late your evening, fresh air and a morning skiing will be sure to clear up any tiredness or malaise. It’s safe to say St. Anton ski resort is one of the best places to ski at New Year it you’re looking for a good old fashioned après party.
5. Tignes, France
Tignes is one of the best places to ski at New Year. The ski resort has some of the most varied and snow-sure skiing in the Alps. Tignes shares its ski area with the well-loved ski resort of Val d’Isere and between the two they boast 300km of terrain. Tignes has a brilliant atmosphere with a wide selection of bars on and off the mountain. The midnight fireworks at New Year are some of the best in the Alps. We recommend seeing in the New Year at the Loop Bar which is open until the early hours.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Picture postcard-perfect Zermatt is one of Europe’s most magical ski towns. Perfectly located in the shadow of the world-renowned Matterhorn, with some of the best New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe on offer. It’s Europe’s highest ski resort and its charming historic centre is an excellent option for seeing in the New Year. Head to the Church Square for the midnight fireworks illuminating the night skies above the Matterhorn.
7. Verbier, Switzerland
New Year’s Eve is a distinguished affair in Verbier with some of the best skiing in Europe on offer. Champagne-fuelled revels are the ski resort’s speciality especially at New Year. The Farinet is a great place to welcome in the New Year with lots of champers, canapes and one of the best views in town. The next day enjoy the excellent skiing on offer in Verbier. The ski resort is part of the fantastic 4 Valleys ski area, which holds over 400km of slopes. Perfect for blowing away the cobwebs after a night on the town.
8. Kitzbühel, Austria
Steeped in history Kitzbühel is a fantastic place for a ski holiday any time of the year. The Austrian ski resort puts on a fantastic fireworks display on the mountain, which you can watch from the main village. In addition, the local ski school puts on a show with torchlight skiing and music, a must watch as you welcome the new year. You can also enjoy a drink or many at the famous Londoner pub, an establishment that winners of the Hahnenkamm downhill race celebrate in. A great option for New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe.
9. Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is one of the most stunning ski resorts in the world. The surrounding mountain landscape is truly breathtaking. The Italian ski resort takes New Year’s to the max, with three days of celebration. This includes a ski instructor show, DJ sets and of course a fantastic firework display. Bar La Stua is a popular bar to enjoy a drink or two when you’re waiting to go into the new year. All this is why it’s one of the best places to ski in the new year.
10. Livigno, Italy
The Italian ski resort of Livigno is fast becoming one of the best places for apres skiing. This is why it’s one of the best places to ski in the new year. Whether you want a fine dining experience or hit the bars, there’s something for everyone. On New Year’s Eve, there’s a torchlight parade, DJ sets and a big fireworks display. The Bivio Club, under Hotel Bivio, will be a popular spot to enjoy music and drinks before you celebrate a New Year.
That concludes our list of the best New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe and the rest of the world. Call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700 to discuss the best ski resorts for New Year’s Eve.
