Best Ski Resorts for New Year

Val d’Isère, France

Best for high-altitude skiing and a lively New Year's party

Val d’Isère would be my first recommendation for a New Year ski holiday with as much emphasis placed on skiing as on celebrating. At 1,850 metres, the village offers access to 300 km of pistes shared with neighbouring Tignes, so skiers have plenty of terrain to explore all week. The altitude also helps in late December, when lower resorts often wait for winter snow cover to build.

This year, the resort is hosting a free party at the foot of the Face de Bellevarde with a DJ set by Synapson and fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight.

The celebrations need not wait until evening, though. Cocorico’s afternoon live music and DJs get things started on the snow front, leaving time to head back to your chalet to relax and change before returning for the countdown.

Verbier, Switzerland

Best for chalet celebrations and late-night partying

Verbier's renowned nightlife is reason enough to put it on your New Year shortlist. For friends celebrating together, consider a catered chalet in Verbier, where a private chef can prepare dinner before you head out to Farinet for live music and cocktails, or to Farm Club for late-night dancing. Those who prefer a quieter celebration can relax by the fire back at the chalet.

The skiing is another reason to spend New Year in Verbier. During the day, explore the Four Valleys, with terrain rising to 3,330 metres at Mont Fort. Experienced skiers have demanding pistes and freeride routes to discover, while dedicated beginner areas give those new to skiing somewhere to build confidence.

Courchevel 1850, France

Best for luxury chalets and glamorous parties

For a private New Year’s party, Courchevel 1850 has a wide choice of luxury chalets with space to entertain. Spacious dining rooms and lounges give your group room to gather, while some properties also have private bars, sound systems and even nightclubs for dancing after dinner.

If you prefer to head out, join the celebrations on the snow front, where DJs take to the stage from 9 pm into the early hours, with fireworks at midnight.

The resort’s luxury hotels also host New Year’s Eve gala dinners and parties. L’Apogée’s Black Ice Society celebration will welcome 2027 with live performances and a special menu created by Executive Chef Romain Antoine and Pastry Chef Aurélien Wargny. Reservations should be made in advance.

St. Anton, Austria

Best for large groups and lively après-ski

St. Anton is an excellent choice for seeing in the New Year with a large group, with chalets accommodating 20 or more guests. The celebrations start on the mountain: head to MooserWirt or Krazy Kanguruh to kick off the afternoon before continuing the party back at your chalet.

If you still have energy left for skiing, the linked Ski Arlberg area gives you extensive terrain to explore across St. Anton, Lech, Zürs and St. Christoph.

Whistler, Canada

Best for family celebrations and late-night parties
New Year in Whistler comes with two mountains to ski and a village full of places to eat, drink and celebrate. Whistler Blackcomb has more than 200 marked runs, so there is plenty to occupy skiers if you're planning a longer holiday over the festive period.

Away from the slopes, spend an afternoon ice skating at Olympic Plaza, or take the children to Wintersphere for festive crafts, games and entertainment. Previous New Year’s Eve celebrations have included the Luminosity Parade, with illuminated dancers and characters making their way through the village, followed by music and live entertainment at the Fire & Ice show. An early countdown and fireworks have allowed younger guests to join the celebrations without staying up until midnight.

If you're planning a late night, head to Garfinkel's Midnight in the Mountains event or party at Buffalo Bills Red Carpet celebration.

Aspen, United States

Best for dining and ticketed New Year parties

The Little Nell’s Dom Pérignon celebration is my pick of the best New Year ski parties in Aspen. Welcoming 2027, its Through the Decades party will feature live performances followed by a late-night DJ. Make an evening of it with a multi-course dinner at Element 47 beforehand. Both events welcome non-residents, with dinner reservations and party tickets booked separately.

An Aspen New Year skiing holiday also gives you four mountains to explore. Aspen Mountain rises directly above the town, Snowmass offers extensive terrain, and Buttermilk has gentler skiing for beginners and families. The high elevations help preserve winter snow, although some steeper areas need more natural cover before they can open.

Where is the snow most reliable at New Year?

Val d’Isère would be our first suggestion if skiing is your priority, with high-altitude terrain shared with Tignes. Courchevel also offers access to extensive skiing across Les Trois Vallées, where 85% of the ski area is above 1,800 metres. Conditions vary each winter, and some steeper terrain may still need further snowfall before opening.