Best New Year’s Eve Ski Resorts
Are you looking for the best New Year’s ski resorts? The New Year’s ski week is well-known for its popularity, and for good reason. We’ve hand-picked some of the best New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe and the rest of the world to help you find your perfect ski resort. These ski resorts put on spectacular fireworks displays, snow falls magically, and skiing, quite frankly, blows away the cobwebs the next morning. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, our ski experts have selected the best New Year’s Eve ski resorts.
St. Anton, Austria
The incredible New Year’s Eve skiing in St. Anton rivals its lively après ski. The ski area is part of the incredible Arlberg ski area and is located in the heart of Tyrol. Enjoy a stein or two after a day of skiing at the famed neighboring après bars, the Krazy Kanguruh and the MooserWirt. Purchase bar and club tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Whatever time it is in the evening, getting some fresh air and going skiing in the morning will help you feel better. If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned après party, St Anton ski resort is one of the best places to ski at New Year’s.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Historically significant Kitzbühel is an excellent choice for a ski vacation at any time of year. The Austrian ski resort puts on a spectacular fireworks show on the mountain, which can be seen from the main village. In addition, the local ski school puts on a show with torchlight skiing and music, which is a must-see as the new year approaches. You can also enjoy a drink or two at the famous Londoner pub, where Hahnenkamm downhill race winners celebrate. A fantastic choice for New Year’s Eve skiing in Europe.
Aspen, US
Aspen Snowmass, located in North America’s Rocky Mountains, exudes luxury. The fashionable town is filled with luxury spa hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and swanky bars. Meet the stars at exclusive hotels such as The Little Nell, which is well-known in the resort for its ‘Dom Perignon Party’ with bottomless champagne.
Families will enjoy the torchlight descent at Snowmass, with skiers and boarders aged eight and up invited to ski in the parade or watch from below, and fireworks at 10 p.m. If you’d rather stay in town, there are two fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., followed by dancing until the early hours at one of the many bars. The festivities continue with many hotels and restaurants offering a New Year’s Day brunch.
Tignes, France
Tignes is one of the best places to ski at the start of the year. The ski area offers some of the most diverse and snow-sure skiing in the Alps. Tignes shares its ski area with the well-known ski resort of Val d’Isere, which boasts 300km of terrain. Tignes has a fantastic atmosphere, with a variety of bars both on and off the mountain. The New Year’s Eve fireworks are among the best in the Alps. We recommend ringing in the New Year at the Loop Bar, which is open until the wee hours of the morning.
Val d’Isère, France
With plenty of après ski bars and nightclubs dotted throughout, the stylish town of Val d’Isère earns its place as one of the best resorts for New Year’s Eve. Before heading back into town for the evening, start with a vin chaud at the iconic mountain-side party, the Folie Douce. Take a stroll through the town center, which has been beautifully illuminated for the annual Festi Light. Music, ice sculptures, and light displays bring life to the pedestrianized street. This is followed by an incredible firework display on the pistes, which is accompanied by a DJ. Skiing on New Year’s Eve is also fantastic. There is plenty of variety for all ages and abilities with access to the Espace Killy ski area.
Best accommodation in Val d’Isère
Livigno, Italy
Livigno, an Italian ski resort, is quickly becoming one of the best places for après ski. This is one of the reasons it’s one of the best places to ski in the new year. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to go fine dining or hit the bars. There is a torchlight parade, DJ sets, and a large fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The Bivio Club, located within Hotel Bivio, will be a popular place to enjoy music and drinks before ringing in the New Year.
Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts. The surrounding mountain scenery is breathtaking. With three days of festivities, the Italian ski resort celebrates New Year’s to the fullest. This includes a ski instructor show, DJ sets, and a spectacular firework display. Bar La Stua is a popular place to have a drink or two while waiting to enter the new year. All of this contributes to it being one of the best places to ski in the new year.
Best accommodation in Val Gardena
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, a postcard-perfect ski town, is one of Europe’s most magical ski towns. Perfectly situated in the shadow of the world-famous Matterhorn, with some of Europe’s best New Year’s Eve skiing on offer. It is Europe’s highest ski resort, and its charming historic center is a great way to ring in the New Year. Head to Church Square for the midnight fireworks display that will illuminate the night skies above the Matterhorn.
Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen is one of Europe’s best ski resorts for New Year’s Eve skiing. Arrive by train through the snowy mountains to this car-free village. This family-friendly ski resort has plenty to keep the kids entertained. It’s one of the best places to ski at New Year’s for a family winter getaway, whether they want to try curling, ice skating, or tobogganing. Dine together before heading out to the pistes for a New Year’s Eve party complete with bell ringers and a firework display.
Verbier, Switzerland
In Verbier, New Year’s Eve is a distinguished occasion, with some of Europe’s best skiing on offer. The ski resort’s specialty, especially at New Year’s, is champagne-fueled revelry. With plenty of champers, canapes, and one of the best views in town, the Farinet is a great place to ring in the New Year. The next day, take advantage of Verbier’s excellent skiing. The ski resort is part of the incredible 4 Valleys ski area, which has over 400 kilometers of slopes. Ideal for clearing the cobwebs after a night on the town.