Christmas in the snow is the ultimate festive dream. SnowSkool resorts all come up with the twinkly goods for that dreamy white Christmas. All bearing their own hallmark character - though one thing they all have in common on Christmas Day is hitting the ski hill with Santa! But where would you choose? Perhaps all three over as many years? A little compare and contrast project to plan ...? In the meantime, here's an overview of the seasonal atmosphere and activities our three main resorts have to offer.
Magical Merry Meribel
A traditional alpine village with snow carpeted chalets and streets winding up the mountain illuminated by pretty twinkly lights. This just IS Christmas.
It’s not hard to imagine that you can expect Christmas magic in Meribel. The festive season is officially declared on the 1st December when the Xmas lights are ceremoniously switched to 'on'. There follow Christmas markets, torchlit descents organised by ski instructors in which children can participate, firework displays and lots of musical events and parades in the lead up to Christmas Day.
The lifts are open from first until last thing on Christmas Day. Greeted with a traditional welcome drink at Chaudanne Father Christmas will also be there with his festive advice about how best to enjoy your Christmas Ski Day.
Back from the slopes rosy cheeked and full of festive ski hill joy, Après at Xmas includes the grand arrival of Father Christmas by horsedrawn carriage along with his elves and a convoy of toys at 5pm in the Centre of Meribel. Vin chaud, hot chocolate, musical accompaniment – this year gospel singers and a pianist – combine to make a magical atmosphere for young and old alike.
Christmas Mass happens in the ice rink from 6.30pm. Restaurants serve up special traditional Xmas feasts and chalet dwellers enjoy Xmas fayre cosily ‘at home’ with the log fires burning and Christmas tipples flowing.
Photo Credit: See Meribel
Family Festivaling in Big White
BW are putting on a special Christmas Eve festival from 4.30pm. With Christmas booths indoor and outdoor, snaps with Santa, cosy bonfires, games, crafting, hot chocolate, cotton candy, Christmas carols, locals performers bringing musical cheer and a dazzling fireworks display at 7pm – it will be an envelopment of Christmas spirit.
On Christmas Day Santa invites one and all to join him on the slopes after his Christmas eve night odyssey!
Sleigh Rides are on offer too. You are promised ‘a magical tour around the mountainside to marvel at all its beauty, all while keeping toasty warm in snuggly blankets, hearing the gentle hooves of the Clydesdales as they trot through the snow’. Stonebridge@bigwhite give a nice overview of the Big White Xmas experience.
Photo Credit: Bigwhite.com
Buzzy in Banff
The Banff Blog is a great place to find out about all things Banff. Here’s what I found out from blog writer Natasha Alden. It’s busy as well as beautiful! Check out this buzzy and eclectic list of Xmas to- dos in Banff:
- Mr and Mrs Claus frequently to be found shredding in the days leading up to xmas – go join them
- In Search of Christmas Spirit is a walking light experience show that tells the Christmas story
- Bear Street Holiday market is where to find local artisans, retailers and food stalls
- Lake Louise is covered in a blanket of snow at xmas time – and you can ice skate there too – romantic! ‘Lake Louise has been dubbed the most beautiful ice skating rink in the world’
- Sleigh rides and snow shoeing are both fab ways to experience the wondrous scenery
- Banff Hot Springs is the place to ‘do’ hot and cold therapy
- Mountaintop Christmas Wonderland atop Sulpher Mountain is another place for a festive thrill
- If you are lucky you might catch the northern lights!
And inside for more toasty activities …
- Fairmont Ice bar sounds like it’s not to be missed
- A Christmas Carol is being performed at The Castle
- And finally the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail sounds brilliant ‘Cafes like Whitebark, Wild Flour, Stock, Park Disterilly, Good Earth, and many more all make their own signature hot chocolates to try – yes some of them are alcoholic drinks for the adults too! Try the Boozy Hot Chocolate at the Balkan Restaurant, Chimney Corner, or Bear Street Tavern!’
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Our ski and snowboard instructor courses start after Christmas ... Christmas comes and goes in resort but the magic and joy of the ski hill thrills and spills continues on and on ... Get in touch to discuss your SnowSkool options in any of these gorgeous resorts.
Christmas present option for you or anyone you know?
Merry Christmas from all of us at SnowSkool while you contemplate the possibilities ...