{"id":21783,"date":"2026-10-29T12:53:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T12:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alpvisionresidences.com\/blog\/?p=21783"},"modified":"2026-10-30T09:42:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T09:42:59","slug":"new-year-mountain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpvisionresidences.com\/blog\/new-year-mountain\/","title":{"rendered":"New Year\u2019s in the mountains: how to plan and book your stay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A torchlit procession snaking down a dark slope, mulled wine in a village square, and a full day of skiing on 1 January while the rest of Europe sleeps in. That’s what New Year’s in the mountains<\/strong> looks like in the Swiss Alps, and it’s why the week between Christmas and New Year is one of the most popular of the whole season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why spend New Year’s in the mountains<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mountain villages do New Year differently from cities. Instead of crowded streets and late-night queues for taxis, you get outdoor shows, torchlight descents by the local ski schools and restaurants serving special St Sylvester menus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re still weighing up where to go to the mountains in winter<\/strong>, this week gives you the festive atmosphere and, at higher resorts, a good chance of solid snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/th>Cons<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Festive atmosphere in every village<\/td>Peak prices for accommodation and ski passes<\/td><\/tr>
Outdoor events that suit all ages<\/td>Busy lifts between 27 December and 2 January<\/td><\/tr>
Skiing on New Year’s Day while slopes are quiet in the morning<\/td>Snow can be thin at lower altitudes early in the season<\/td><\/tr>
Calmer than a city celebration<\/td>Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Swiss resorts for New Year’s in the mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many Swiss cities have quietly dropped their official fireworks in recent years, including Basel, Bern and Lausanne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mountain resorts of the Valais<\/strong>, however, still put on a proper show. These four stand out for New Year’s in the Swiss mountains<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resort<\/th>What happens on 31 December<\/th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Nendaz<\/a><\/td>A family New Year’s Show with sound, lights, lasers and flames on the Plaine des Ecluses, and in past years fireworks over the mountains at midnight<\/td>Families and groups of friends<\/td><\/tr>
Veysonnaz<\/a><\/td>A torchlight descent on the Piste des Mayens, open to skiers and walkers, with hot wine at the bottom<\/td>A traditional, village-scale evening<\/td><\/tr>
Grimentz<\/td>Fifes and drums, a torchlight descent, fireworks and mulled wine on the gondola square<\/td>Old-fashioned Valais charm<\/td><\/tr>
Zinal<\/a><\/td>A quiet base in the same valley, a short drive from Grimentz’s celebrations<\/td>Peace, nature and starry skies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All four sit in the Valais Alps<\/a>, so the food, the dialects and the traditions carry over from village to village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best French resorts for New Year’s in the mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resort<\/th>What happens on 31 December<\/th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Ch\u00e2tel<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/td>An ESF torchlight descent, complimentary mulled wine and hot chocolate in the village square, fireworks, and an open-air DJ set for the countdown.<\/td>Families and groups seeking traditional alpine charm alongside a lively festive atmosphere.<\/td><\/tr>
Orelle<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/td>A relaxed valley-floor gathering featuring hot drinks and local entertainment, serving as a direct gateway via gondola to the high-energy parties in Val Thorens.<\/td>Those prioritising peaceful surroundings, lower costs, and seamless access to the Les 3 Vall\u00e9es ski area.<\/td><\/tr>
Chamrousse<\/a><\/strong><\/td>A torchlight descent on the slopes, fireworks illuminated against views of Grenoble’s city lights below, and live music or DJ sets at Chamrousse 1750.<\/td>Young adults, couples, and skiers keen on sweeping night-time mountain panoramas.<\/td><\/tr>
Val Cenis<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/td>A light show and instructors’ torchlight descent on the snow front, accompanied by fireworks, music, and tastings of local delicacies and hot drinks.<\/td>Families with children and skiers who prefer an expansive, uncrowded, and scenic natural setting.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Year’s in the mountains with family<\/strong>: what works with children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Staying up until midnight is tough for small children, which is one reason New Year’s in the mountains with family<\/strong> works so well. Most of the big events happen early in the evening. Most villages include children-friendly activities such as a mini disco and live shows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Veysonnaz, the torchlight descent usually runs from 17:30, and in recent years the fee has been a single rate of just 10 CHF per person aged 8 and over. Registration is needed by the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n