The Best European Ski Resorts For New Years

Welcome in the New Year at one of these snowy wonderlands. Attend a torch light procession with the local ski schools, party on the pistes or have a raucous night in the bars and clubs of these popular European ski resorts.

Tignes

Famous for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration outside the Maison de Tignes tourist centre, it is in fact the largest free outdoor party in Europe, so you’re guaranteed a great time! The party can be heard booming away through Tignes Le Lac; make sure you’ve stocked up on bubbles to welcome in the New Year in style, as the clock strikes 12, you will be given a wonderful fireworks show.

Val Thorens

1. Verbier

Spend the afternoon at Verbier’s popular après ski bar, Le Mouton Noir, before skiing back into the town to watch the torch light show. Prepare yourself for a fabulous night, as the people gather in the streets to celebrate as the fireworks sound the beginning of the New Year, before heading to Farinet.

Le Mouton Noir, Les Ruinettes, 1936 Bagnes, Switzerland

Fireworks | © Edward Simpson/flickr

Morzine

As Morzine is a very family-orientated resort, there tends to be a firework display for the kids at 6:30pm at the Stade du Pleney, once they are tucked up in bed, the adults’ party gets going. From 9pm an open-air DJ starts spinning tunes for the happy revellers.

Val D’Isere

The nightlife in Val D’Isere precedes itself, with many popular bars and clubs to choose from and you’ll want to get down early as they’ll be packed. You may also need to buy tickets in advance for the likes of Dicks Tea Bar and Doudone and they can be as steep as €30 or €40 a pop. If you’d rather see in the New Year al fresco, then head down to the tourist office to see the live music and fireworks.

St Anton

It wouldn’t be a New Years if you didn’t head to the Krazy Kanguruh or the Mooserwirt for an afternoon of beers and live music! Get your tickets in advance for your favourite bar and party the night away, just make sure you’re not too hungover for skiing or après on New Year’s Day.

Meribel

Nothing starts off the New Year celebrations than a rowdy après ski session at either the Folie Douce or the Rond Point. Later on, the local ski instructors will begin their torch light descent down the Chaudanne area, where everyone will be drinking mulled wine and come midnight, the fireworks will mark the beginning of the New Year and the party will continue in the bars in town.

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