December in Courchevel: What's on and weather

Whilst there will be snow up the mountains, a white Christmas is never a guarantee in the lower villages of Courchevel. However, it's definitely cold with temperatures averaging from -6°C to 1°C, with around 10 to 11 days of snowfall. Make sure thermals are on your Christmas list.

Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the Three Valleys ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.  
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Courchevel Moriond is often a quieter area to ski as the main resort of Courchevel can often dominate, so head over to enjoy the long red Chapelets run, the most western point of the Three Valleys. Jumping on the Pyramides drag lift will take you to the top of some exceptional long blue pistes.
6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry. 

Whilst Courchevel is full of great après-ski spots, the mother of all that is après-ski is La Folie Douce. Their signature après-ski parties, complete with champagne spraying, live DJs and performers, will draw the crowds to their terraces this winter. If, like a lot of people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, especially during the festive season, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions where you'll find bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours. For late night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.

New Year's Eve

Always a big night, the resort is full of revellers. The restaurants will be busy, so it would be best to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table, and many of the bars and clubs are ticket only, so if there's somewhere you plan to see the New Year in, make sure you've planned ahead.

Family fun

December is a very family friendly month on the events calendar. On the opening day, there is usually live music, entertainment, freebies for children and child friendly activities in Courchevel 1850. The finale of the day will be the Christmas tree lighting event. If you're staying in any of the other villages, you can easily catch the regular free ski bus back to your accommodation if the lifts have closed. 

Christmas in Courchevel

With so many families visiting the resort for the festive season, there is a real child-like excitement as the big day draws ever closer, and usually there's an opportunity to spot the main man himself meeting and greeting people around the resort. When the streets lights are turned on, it's hard to ignore that Christmas is nearly here. Father Christmas traditionally visits the resorts in the following order: Le Praz, Courchevel Village, then Courchevel Moriond. There's usually a party where children can meet Papa Noël and free gifts are given out.

December is a magical time of year to come to Courchevel. Book your holiday now and enjoy Christmas in the snow.