When planning a family ski holiday over the Christmas and New Year period you have to plan ahead. There are the invites, the actual trip preparations along with everything to do with Christmas such as presents and family meals/entertainment. Here at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, we take a lot of the stress out of the preparation through our planning service and the fact we can organise, on your behalf, almost anything you wish to do whilst in Val d’Isere.
The festive time of year within the wintry Alps is definitely enchanting and each year there is a special event in the ski resort to celebrate the occasion. Christmas is much less commercial in France compared to the United Kingdom, which means that you will not find Santa in the shops or hear “It’s Christmas Time” in October – however, you can invariably be certain of a cup of mulled wine, several carols as well as some fantastic fireworks – the occasion does not go unmarked.
Staying in catered ski chalets means you can plan with our chef in advance what your party would most like to eat and drink, but if choosing to eat out, most places will put on a Christmas menu with bubbly as well as standard French meals. Le Chardon can recommend and book beforehand on your behalf if you wish to treat yourself to dinner out. Similarly, planning in advance is recommended for those who really want to see in the New Year in a specific club or bar – most of them tend to be ticket only, so it is important to enquire beforehand to prevent disappointment!
The week prior to Christmas sees Val Thorens gleaming with festive cheer. The festive lights are up throughout the entire resort, the market is under way and Santa Claus himself might even appear. Christmas mass, music concerts as well as shows for children all add to the fun of your ski trip.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve tons of drunken revellers head down to the roundabout in the middle of the resort for the big countdown – not a recognised occasion as such, more of a long-held custom. When the clock strikes 12, champagne corks are popped and fireworks are set off in celebration.
Here’s the link to our chalet availability and pricing over the Christmas and New Year period. Call or email us if you would like to be kept up to date with offers and last minute cancellations deals.