This year, the odds of having a White Christmas are minimal, as indicated by the Met Office, with less than 5% of the UK expected to experience snow on Christmas Day. As the prospects of a snowy holiday are not favorable for Brits, ski tour operator Ski Solutions undertook a study to determine where festive enthusiasts can relish this enchanting experience elsewhere. The findings indicated an increase in festive skiing, with bookings soaring over a quarter compared to the previous year. Examining 150 of the most coveted ski resorts globally, the research uncovered an average 43% likelihood of fresh snowfall on Christmas Day.

By evaluating the average snowy days for ski resorts during Christmas week over the last 17 years, skiing experts have pinpointed the top 10 destinations likely to be graced with a White Christmas. Leading the list is Canada, where Fernie and Whistler, both located in British Columbia, enjoy an average of five snowy days during the fourth week of December, equating to a 73% probability of snowfall on Christmas Day. Close behind are lesser-known ski spots in Norway, with Myrkdalen and Voss having a 70% and 69% chance of snow on Christmas Day, respectively. The research further investigated Europe’s ski resorts that stand the best chance of a snowy Christmas Day.

Norway emerged prominently in the analysis, appearing in all of the top eight skiing locales. It is no surprise that Norway is a favored destination among British skiers, given its substantial number of snowy days during the fourth week of December, which led to Ski Solutions observing a 64% annual rise in December bookings for 2024. Other resorts making the top 10 include the Swedish location Sälen, which has a 50% chance of snowfall on Christmas Day. Additionally, St Martin De Belleville in France experiences just over three snowy days during Christmas week, translating to a 49% probability of a White Christmas.

Booking data revealed that one of the most favored ski resorts during Christmas is the charming French village of Courchevel, frequented by royals like William and Kate, as well as celebrities such as the Beckhams and Robbie Williams. This French gem still boasts a solid likelihood of snow on Christmas Day, with a 36% chance—much higher than the prospects for a White Christmas in the UK. Additional popular skiing destinations this festive season include Val d’Isère, Tignes, Val Thorens, and Les Arcs in France. All are offering activities that foster a joyful, festive atmosphere and maintain over a 30% chance of snowfall on the special day.

Ian McIlrath, the managing director of Ski Solutions remarked: “Skiing during the festive season is enchanting. While the likelihood of a White Christmas is assured at these resorts, as snow is typically already on the ground, nothing compares to witnessing fresh snowfall on the holiday itself. You can dedicate your morning to skiing before snuggling up beside a roaring fire with a glass of red wine or a hot chocolate. The resorts are adorned with twinkling lights, children can often meet Santa, and you can sing along at après-ski events in the towns. It’s genuinely very special and sure to evoke the festive spirit in anyone.”