New Year Skiing Ideas For 2020
New year skiing is certainly high on the bucket lists of most snowsports enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, there’s no escaping the fact that new year skiing is just too pricey for most of us to bear. Prices can double over the Christmas and New Year’s period, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s no denying that the allure of an alpine party atmosphere and a fresh slate opportunity to ski on New Year’s Day is certainly enough to get people returning to the resorts over new year year in, year out. So, if you don’t mind paying a little extra for the privilege, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to celebrate the new year in 2020. Expect epic fireworks displays, exciting special events, and an evening atmosphere that can’t be beaten. Here are our six top picks for new year skiing in 2020.
Meribel - France
There’s tons going on in Meribel at this time of year and New Year's Eve is no exception. To warm up for the evening, (according to a long-standing tradition) the ESF instructors in Meribel make a torchlight descent down the slopes. You’ll spot them simultaneously skiing into Meribel Village, Meribel Centre, and Meribel Mottaret. After that, you’ll be able to catch the midnight firework display with a hot chocolate (or a glass of wine) in hand. Find out more about the festivities here.
Best for easy access to 600km of pistes and a lively après scene.
Stay at the 3* Hotel L'Eterlou for an outdoor pool and hot tub.
- Transfer time - 2hr 15mins
- Resort height - 1,700m
- Highest point - 3,230m
- Ski area - 600km
- 3 day lift pass - £178
Lake Louise - Canada
The Fairmont’s New Year’s Eve buffet takes place in their Victoria Ballroom and features live entertainment, a welcome drink and all-you-can-eat food. If you're not keen to splash out, they're also hosting a number of complimentary events including their ‘Peaceful New Year’s Eve’. Glide your way into the new year away from the crowds on their iconic frozen lake.
Best for a proper North American New Year's Eve celebration.
Stay at the 5* Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for some of the most impressive NYE celebrations in town.
- Transfer time - 2hrs 30mins
- Resort height - 1,645m
- Highest point - 2,730m
- Ski area - 7,748 acres
- 6 day lift pass - £347
Mayrhofen - Austria
Children and the young-at-heart will love the New Year's Eve train to Mayrhofen. Start at Jenbach in the morning and end up in Mayrhofen with plenty of time to see the fireworks in the evening. Along the way, you'll enjoy music and entertainment in each of the train stations. Get more information here.
Best for high altitude skiing and plenty of après.
Stay at the 4* Elisabeth Hotel for outstanding spa facilities.
- Transfer time - 2hrs 15mins
- Resort height - 630m
- Highest point - 3,250m
- Ski area - 489km
- 3 day lift pass - £146
Flåm - Norway
While Flåm is certainly not a ski resort - it only has an elevation of 59m so you'll struggle to find more than a toboggan slope - but we'd certainly recommend it as a New Year's Eve stop off on a trip to Norway. Perhaps the coolest NYE event we've heard of, the Flåmsbrygga Hotel is hosting a viking fjord cruise to ring in the new year. This includes an aperitif, viking feast dinner, New Year's drink, live music, fireworks, and after-party. Find out more here.
Best for a memorable New Year's Eve cruising the Norwegian fjords.
Stay at the 3* Flamsbrygga Hotel for stunning views on the water.
- Transfer time - 1hr
Val d'Isere - France
In the centre of Val d'Isere on New Year's Eve, their annual winter lights celebration, Festi Light, illuminates the town. Take a stroll along the main street (pedestrianised for the occasion) and encounter jugglers, musicians, DJs, and ice sculptors, before seeing in the New year with an impressive fireworks display.
Best for an NYE party atmosphere and plenty of challenging ski terrain.
Stay at the 3* Hotel L'Avancher for ski in access and newly refurbished rooms.
- Transfer time - 3hrs
- Resort height - 1,850m
- Highest point - 3,455m
- Ski area - 300km
- 3 day lift pass - £147
Kitzbuhel - Austria
This buzzing Austrian town becomes even more so during the festive season, attracting over 30,000 spectators to their New Year's Day fireworks spectacular. Watch the regions best skiers and snowboarders take on the ring of fire jump before taking in the fireworks. This event starts from 5.30pm on the 1st January and you can find out more here.
Best for classic alpine vibes with challenging slopes.
Stay at the quirky but cosy 4* Q! Hotel Maria Theresia.
- Transfer time - 1hr 30mins
- Resort height - 760m
- Highest point - 2,000m
- Ski area - 179km
- 3 day lift pass - £145
Our new year skiing collection
If you're looking to kick off the new year with a little ski action, it helps to know how much this might set you back. Take a look at our new year offers and guide pricing to get a decent idea of what's out there. Alternatively, you can speak directly to one of our ski specialists on 01962 587777. We'll be happy to help give you some pointers on new year skiing locations and accommodation options.