Can you believe it’s that time of the year already? It feels like just yesterday we were writing up our New Year resolutions, prepping the calendars for all our events and stirring up all the adventures 2022 had in store. With the year closing out and summer hitting the shores of Australia, we’re already dreaming up ways to chase the chill and find that much-needed winter wonderland for a Christmas getaway.

If you’re like us and are desperate to know where to go for a white Christmas, we have compiled a list of the best Christmas holiday destinations that will get you out of the heat and onto the slopes! 

1. Andermatt, Switzerland

Andermatt is the largest and most expansive ski area located in the absolute centre of Switzerland. If that sentence alone doesn’t get you excited, we don’t know what will. With over 70 km worth of slopes available and often a great amount of snowfall in late December, it will win over avid Winter Christmas skiers instantly. 

Away from the slopes, Andermatt hosts a number of Christmas markets and also provides a Christmas Music festival that runs well into the build-up of New Year’s Eve – just in case you are still craving some holiday festivity. If you’re looking to go all out on your stay, we can’t not recommend The Chedi as the place to stay. Well and truly one of the great chalets in the Swiss Alps, The Chedi transforms in the festive season with Christmas-themed decor, specialist Christmas menus and even a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.

For those wanting that Winter wonderland escape without the sacrifice of a good snow session, Andermatt could be the very best place to pick.

2. Hunter Mountain, New York

Source: Hunter Mountain Resort

There is no denying that the city of New York brings the Christmas spirit when it comes to walking in a winter wonderland. Famously renowned for being the city that never sleeps, this sentiment is applied tenfold during the Christmas period when snow-doused buildings are lined with the glow of Christmas lights and ornaments.

However you’re up for travelling the state of New York, Hunter Mountain is your best bet to get the best of the city and slopes. Roughly 2 and half hours out from Manhattan, you’ve got one of the best mountains for beginners or snow lovers who want to give skiing a proper go. Accommodation is available at the Hunter Mountain Resort, or if you’re hoping to make a multi-day trip up on the slopes prior to heading back down to NYC for Christmas then you’re certainly not without stay options in the city.

3. Hakuba Valley, Japan

Source: Ski Japan

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas, the Hakuba Valley could be one of the best spots to choose this festive season. You’re not short of options with a vast array of mountains across the valley all boasting their own set of stay options, activities and ski runs that make for a diverse skiing experience. If we could have our pick of mountains to check out it would be Hakuba 47 and Happo One, both mountains get good snow coverage in the December months and have amazing stay options on-mountain.

Japan doesn’t formally celebrate Christmas like other western countries, but this doesn’t stop the Hakuba Valley from putting on a festival of lights, Christmas dinners and of course showing off their stylish Christmas trees. Echoland is one of the most prominent spots in the middle of the Valley that puts on a great celebration in the lead-up to Christmas, providing a once-in-a-lifetime White Christmas experience.

When it comes to planning a quality snow trip with the addition of the Christmas spirit, the Hakuba Valley is a great place to start.

4. Telluride, Colorado

White Christmas’ don’t get as special as they do in Telluride, Colorado. If you’re looking for that small-town feel with a big heart and even bigger character, this is the destination to lock in your Christmas Holiday escape. Telluride’s main town strip is something to behold at night, as the snow-laden street sparkles with wreaths, lights and Christmas trees galore.

As well as a massive amount of snow coverage and runs to lose yourself in during the day, the events running throughout December are all centred around Christmas! Noel night has all the local shops and stores open with discounts across all gifts and goodies to get your last-minute shopping done. Not too far from the town centre is Schmid Ranch which puts on a Christmas feast and celebration in the lead-up to the 25th, and there is even a torchlight parade the township takes part in on Christmas Eve to get the excitement boiling over.

5. Whistler, Canada

Source: Tourism Whistler

Whistler in December is the combination of world-class slopes and a joyous Christmas atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable Christmas stay. Each year, the Whistler Conference Centre puts on a treat for guests with the goal to get attendees to experience a true Canadian Christmas. Traditional festive dining at Whistler lodges and plenty of snowmobiling, sledding and outdoor activities come alive when the sun sets and the lights turn on.

If you’re not already convinced, Whistler is OPEN on Christmas Day, because nothing says Merry Christmas like a few rides down a mountain on the 25th of December. Obviously, for those that are more inclined to use the mountain in the winter months, Whistler is an absolute treat. It is the ultimate place to check out for those wanting to merge the festive season and a few good runs down some of the best slopes the world can offer.

With Christmas just around the corner, there is no time like now to get booking an impromptu white Christmas, or maybe even start drawing up next year’s festive celebration abroad!

If you’re booking your next winter wonderland ski trip to any of these locations, why not buy your Epic pass for access to some of the world’s best ski resorts including Perisher?