December in Verbier: What's on and weather

Whilst there will be snow up the mountains, a white Christmas is never a guarantee in the resort itself. However, it's definitely cold with temperatures averaging from -6°C to 2°C, with around 11 days of snowfall. Make sure thermals are on your Christmas list.

The opening of the ski areas is usually around the middle of the month, with full opening by Christmas. Of course, this absolutely depends on the snow conditions, so keep an eye on our news page and social media as we'll le t you know as soon as there's any new information.

Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families, so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the 4 Vallees 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. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the families take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to town, especially at the beginning and end of the day.
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. 

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. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find a range of eateries and 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 town is full of revellers popping Champagne corks. 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

Christmas is synonymous with school holidays. As hundreds of children and their families descend on the pistes, the town puts on a show for them. There are lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained on and off the mountain. 

There is so much to do in Verbier in December with or without children, from walks through the forest at night on snowshoes, to sledging behind dogs or horses… for a look at what else there is to do at this busy time of year, take a look at our pages below.

Christmas in Verbier

With so many families visiting Verbier for the festive season, there is a real child-like excitement as the big day draws ever closer, and when the streets lights are turned on, it's hard to ignore that Christmas is nearly here.

You'll also witness torchlit descents, parades and parties galore as the big day and New Year approaches.

December is a magical time to come to Verbier. Book your holiday now and enjoy Christmas in the snowy Alps.