Top North America Ski Resorts to Visit for Christmas

The winter holiday season is a magical time for families to come together and create unforgettable memories on ski slopes across North America. With picturesque landscapes, festive events, and the charm of snow-covered towns, ski resorts offer an idyllic setting for Christmas celebrations.

However, to fully enjoy your holiday ski trip, it’s crucial to plan ahead. This includes booking accommodations and making dinner reservations.

Below, we highlight some of the best ski resorts in North America to spend your Christmas holidays, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Stowe, Vermont: A Quintessential New England Christmas

Stowe, Vermont, is a classic New England ski town that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Recognized by CNN as the only North American destination on its list of the best ski resorts worldwide for the holidays, Stowe goes all out with festive activities and events.

Holiday Festivities in Stowe

Visitors can enjoy:

• Parades
• Tree lightings
• Holiday bazaars
• Holiday music

Between skiing laps at Stowe Mountain Resort, take in the magic of the Village at Spruce Peak. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the ice skating rink (rentals available for a fee) or cozy up fireside for s’mores and hot chocolate. If visiting in mid-December, don’t miss the Spruce Peak Lights Festival.

Big Sky, Montana: Go Big for the Holidays

Big Sky, Montana, lives up to its name by offering a grand holiday experience. The Big Sky Christmas Stroll kicks off the festivities early, happening from December 8-10, with family-friendly events and entertainment at Meadow Village Center and Big Sky Town Center.

Christmas Eve at Big Sky

The holiday cheer continues on Christmas Eve with:

• Skiing with Santa and Ms. Claus
• Christmas Eve Dinner
• Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

These events make Big Sky a perfect destination for a festive and fun-filled holiday season.

Park City, Utah: Unique Holiday Traditions

Park City, Utah, offers a blend of traditional and unique holiday experiences. The Christmas season kicks off with a giant tree lighting ceremony at Canyons Village, followed by the annual Electric Parade on Main Street.

Family Fun in Park City

Park City is known for its distinctive holiday traditions, including:

• Heber Valley’s North Pole Express
• Santa Comes Down the Town Lift event

At Deer Valley Resort, Montage Deer Valley offers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, a reading of *’Twas the Night Before Christmas* by Santa Claus, cookie decorating, and photo opportunities with Santa.

Lake Louise, Canada: An Iconic Holiday Experience

Lake Louise in Canada offers a spectacularly decorated holiday setting with events that capture the magic of the season. The Chateau Lake Louise and Lake Louise Ski Resort provide a picturesque backdrop for a festive holiday.

Holiday Highlights at Lake Louise

Visitors can enjoy:

• Torchlight dinner and ski event
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides along the edge of Lake Louise

Banff also offers unique holiday experiences, such as the European-like Banff Christmas Market and the *In Search of Christmas Spirit* trail with illuminated sculptures and sound effects.

Lake Placid, New York: A Weekend of Festivities

Lake Placid’s annual Holiday Village Stroll is a mid-December event filled with fun activities for the whole family. The weekend includes ice skating, ugly sweater parties, and breakfast with Santa at the Grand Adirondack Hotel.

More Holiday Fun in Lake Placid

Other highlights include:

• Cookie decorating
• Tree lighting ceremonies
• The Polar Express matinee at the Palace Theatre

Don’t miss the Polar Express train ride with the Adirondack Railroad from December 15-22.

Crystal Mountain, Michigan: Midwestern Holiday Magic

Crystal Mountain in Michigan offers a variety of holiday activities, making it a great destination for a Christmas ski trip. The Snowiest Snowflake Contest at the Park at Water’s Edge is a daily event where guests create unique snowflakes for a chance to win prizes.

Family Activities at Crystal Mountain

Other family-friendly activities include:

• Sliding, swinging, and climbing at Frankly Fun Playground
• Ice skating in Barr Park

On Christmas Eve, guests can ski with Santa and enjoy a holiday buffet at the Wild Tomato, complete with horse-drawn Surrey rides.

Sun Valley, Idaho: America’s First Destination Ski Resort

Sun Valley Resort in Idaho is renowned for its festive holiday atmosphere. Throughout December, the resort features Sun Valley carolers, a European-style holiday market, and a lit Christmas tree.

Christmas Eve at Sun Valley

Highlights include:

• Torchlight parade down Dollar Mountain
• Fireworks
• Photo ops with Santa

Guests can also enjoy holiday movie nights at the Opera House and brunch with Santa on Christmas Eve.

Big Bear Lake, California: A White Christmas in Southern California

Big Bear Lake offers a unique white Christmas experience for Southern Californians. The Village at Christmas Tree Corner hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus, while the Christkindlmarkt at Big Bear Lake Convention Center celebrates German holiday traditions.

Nighttime Adventures at Big Bear

After dark, visitors can enjoy:

• Night skiing at Snow Summit
• Glow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play

The holiday season also includes the Annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration in the Village.

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec: A Festive Wonderland

Mont-Tremblant in Quebec is known for its vibrant holiday spirit. The resort offers holiday fairs, craft workshops, caroling, ice sculpting demonstrations, and visits with Santa.

Family Fun at Mont-Tremblant

Families can enjoy:

• Holiday decorations and twinkling lights
• Live restaurants and bars
• Brind O’ Aquaclub water park

The water park features four waterslides, 35 interactive water games, and a hot tub. It provides fun for children and teenagers alike.

With so many fantastic options, planning a Christmas ski trip to any of these North American resorts promises a holiday filled with joy, adventure, and cherished memories. Be sure to book early and make the necessary reservations to ensure a seamless and unforgettable holiday experience.