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What's on in Val d'Isere for December 2018
Ski racing, seasonaire parties, and festive fun this month
With winter already underway in resort, we take a look at all the upcoming events in Val d'Isere this December.
The winter season is nearly upon us, and things are starting to to get busy. Recent snowfall has laid the groundwork for a good season, and soon the holidaymakers will start to arrive. With that in mind, here's a quick rundown off the best events you can expect over the coming month.
Criterium de la Premiere Neige
The slalom season kicks off in Val d'Isere on December 8th with a week long ski racing event. One of the biggest events of the season, the Criterium de la Premiere Neige sees the world's best slalom racers competing on the Oreiller-Killy slope. Four days of races that draw huge crowds and attract a real carnival atmosphere. Downhill and Super G slalom races take place throughout the day, while Friday and Saturday evenings turn into a street party, with the centre of Val d'Isere closed to traffic.
Snow sculptures
Larger than life snow sculptures will be built in the centre of Val d'Isere, each one over four metres high. See the seven giant snow sculptures (over four metres tall) take form during the week as well as a nativity scene and an igloo. First the snow is packed into a case, and then the outline is drawn on the snow. The creations are carved out with a chainsaw and finished off with a handsaw by five talented sculptors. Come check them out on the 10th and 17th.
Seasonaire's masked ball
Val d'Isere takes care of its seasonaires, and to show their appreciation for the winter workforce they host an annual seasonaire's welcome party. The Vie Val D'Is association welcomes this winter's resort workers with a free party at the Maison de Val. Bar and free buffet from 19:30 at the Maison de Val.
Christmas cheer
A whole host of events take place in Val d'Isere over Christmas, from Santa shredding the slopes, to firework displays, there's certainly something to entertain everyone this festive season. The Christmas village is in situ all week from the 22nd, and Mr. Claus himself will be skiing all over the resort on the 24th. Then on Christmas day comes one of the highlights of the Val d'Isere calendar; the annual torchlit descent and fireworks display. A truly magical time of year to be in resort.
Sledging
Val d'Isere loves a good slide, and this is quite evident in December wit a number of sledging and yoonering events. Snake Gliss takes place on the Savonnette piste on various evenings throughout the winter from December 26th. Children must be over four and be accompanied by an adult.
Light, manoeuvrable and very comfortable, Yooner sledges offer fun and excitement right from the very first turn.Come and play on the floodlit Savonette nursery slope from 17:45 on December 27th.
Floodlit slalom
Discover the joy of racing head to head with your rival on parallel slalom courses on the floodlit Savonettes piste on December 28th. This competition is open to all who wish to take part although places are limited (32 for both men and children, 16 for women). To sign up visit the Tourist Office from Monday onwards. Winners in each category will receive a pair of Dynastar skis.
Festi Light
Sparkles and snow go together very well and this season Val d'Isere has decided to bring the two together. On New Year's Eve and every Thursday between January 10th and March 7th, the village of Val d'Isere will be transformed into a pedestrianised zone and lit up with thousands of different colours. Hot chocolate, vin chaud, ice sculptures and sparkly lights. The event usually takes place between 18.00 - 19.30, and the main road will be closed between the two roundabouts.
More inspiration...
For more things to do and see in Val d'Isere in December, check out our events calendar here.
